Mueller Industries (MLI) 10-Q 19 Oct 22 2022 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Cover

Cover - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2022	Oct. 14, 2022
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Sep. 24, 2022
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-6770
Entity Registrant Name	MUELLER INDUSTRIES INC
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	25-0790410
Entity Address, Address Line One	150 Schilling Boulevard
Entity Address, Address Line Two	Suite 100
Entity Address, City or Town	Collierville
Entity Address, State or Province	TN
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	38017
City Area Code	901
Local Phone Number	753-3200
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock
Trading Symbol	MLI
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		56,864,688
Entity Central Index Key	0000089439
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2022
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2022	Sep. 25, 2021	Sep. 24, 2022	Sep. 25, 2021
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 944,830	$ 982,248	$ 3,104,874	$ 2,812,988
Cost of goods sold	678,637	744,265	2,244,062	2,212,395
Depreciation and amortization	10,850	10,868	32,993	33,757
Selling, general, and administrative expense	50,178	48,524	146,590	137,891
Gain on sale of assets	0	0	(5,507)	0
Gain on sale of businesses	0	(54,759)	0	(54,759)
Operating income	205,165	233,350	686,736	483,704
Interest expense	(361)	(1,116)	(666)	(7,451)
Redemption premium	0	0	0	(5,674)
Other income (expense), net	1,030	(2,548)	4,013	(1,288)
Income before income taxes	205,834	229,686	690,083	469,291
Income tax expense	(51,035)	(60,229)	(173,524)	(120,996)
Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net of foreign tax	1,014	2,799	6,026	131
Consolidated net income	155,813	172,256	522,585	348,426
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,271)	(1,276)	(3,175)	(5,507)
Net income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$ 154,542	$ 170,980	$ 519,410	$ 342,919
Weighted average shares for basic earnings per share (in shares)	55,589	56,077	55,825	55,979
Effect of dilutive stock-based awards (in shares)	835	731	796	784
Adjusted weighted average shares for diluted earnings per share (in shares)	56,424	56,808	56,621	56,763
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 2.78	$ 3.05	$ 9.30	$ 6.13
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	2.74	3.01	9.17	6.04
Dividends per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.25	$ 0.13	$ 0.75	$ 0.39

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2022	Sep. 25, 2021	Sep. 24, 2022	Sep. 25, 2021
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Consolidated net income	$ 155,813	$ 172,256	$ 522,585	$ 348,426
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	(28,179)	(8,569)	(44,086)	(667)
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities, net of tax of $352, $(610), $3,198, and $204	(1,179)	2,122	(10,974)	(722)
Net change in pension and postretirement obligation adjustments, net of tax of $(573), $(137), $(676), and $(80)	1,608	493	1,729	476
Attributable to unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax of $56, $(284), $(1,224), and $(642)	(191)	977	4,218	2,211
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net	(27,941)	(4,977)	(49,113)	1,298
Consolidated comprehensive income	127,872	167,279	473,472	349,724
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	148	(192)	(167)	(4,077)
Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$ 128,020	$ 167,087	$ 473,305	$ 345,647

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) - (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2022	Sep. 25, 2021	Sep. 24, 2022	Sep. 25, 2021
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities, net of tax of $352, $(610), $3,198, and $204	$ 352	$ (610)	$ 3,198	$ 204
Net change in pension and postretirement obligation adjustments, net of tax of $(573), $(137), $(676), and $(80)	(573)	(137)	(676)	(80)
Attributable to unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax of $56, $(284), $(1,224), and $(642)	$ 56	$ (284)	$ (1,224)	$ (642)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 24, 2022	Dec. 25, 2021
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 483,496	$ 87,924
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,691 in 2022 and $2,590 in 2021	441,287	471,859
Inventories	454,511	430,244
Other current assets	41,630	28,976
Total current assets	1,420,924	1,019,003
Property, plant, and equipment, net	374,160	385,562
Operating lease right-of-use assets	24,297	23,510
Goodwill, net	156,938	171,330
Intangible assets, net	55,540	61,714
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	70,439	61,133
Other assets	7,453	6,684
Total assets	2,109,751	1,728,936
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt	1,123	811
Accounts payable	166,978	180,793
Accrued wages and other employee costs	54,252	49,629
Current portion of operating lease liabilities	5,271	6,015
Other current liabilities	147,323	145,191
Total current liabilities	374,947	382,439
Long-term debt, less current portion	1,184	1,064
Pension liabilities	5,419	5,572
Postretirement benefits other than pensions	11,786	11,961
Environmental reserves	15,612	17,678
Deferred income taxes	11,428	14,347
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities	18,431	17,099
Other noncurrent liabilities	16,295	21,813
Total liabilities	455,102	471,973
Mueller Industries, Inc. stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock - $1.00 par value; shares authorized 5,000,000; none outstanding	0	0
Common stock - $.01 par value; shares authorized 100,000,000; issued 80,183,004; outstanding 56,863,688 in 2022 and 57,295,961 in 2021	802	802
Additional paid-in capital	294,402	286,208
Retained earnings	1,935,137	1,458,489
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(99,452)	(53,347)
Treasury common stock, at cost	(505,647)	(470,034)
Total Mueller Industries, Inc. stockholders' equity	1,625,242	1,222,118
Noncontrolling interests	29,407	34,845
Total equity	1,654,649	1,256,963
Commitments and contingencies	0	0
Total liabilities and equity	$ 2,109,751	$ 1,728,936

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANC_2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 24, 2022	Dec. 25, 2021
Current assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 2,691	$ 2,590
Mueller Industries, Inc. stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	80,183,004	80,183,004
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	56,863,688	57,295,961

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2022	Sep. 25, 2021
Cash flows from operating activities
Consolidated net income	$ 522,585	$ 348,426
Reconciliation of consolidated net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	33,261	33,932
Stock-based compensation expense	12,254	7,228
Provision for doubtful accounts receivable	327	1,310
Income from unconsolidated affiliates	(6,026)	(131)
Redemption premium	0	5,674
Gain on disposals of properties	(7,107)	(1,135)
Gain on sale of businesses	0	(54,759)
Impairment charges	0	2,568
Insurance proceeds - non-capital related	1,646	0
Deferred income tax expense	226	6,304
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of businesses acquired and sold:
Receivables	15,741	(155,103)
Inventories	(33,768)	(96,505)
Other assets	(8,574)	(9,335)
Current liabilities	(5,331)	85,523
Other liabilities	(7,399)	8,335
Other, net	(923)	(851)
Net cash provided by operating activities	516,912	181,481
Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures	(29,555)	(25,547)
Insurance proceeds - capital related	3,354	0
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	0	(13,935)
Proceeds from sale of businesses, net of cash sold	0	74,250
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	0	(1,613)
Payment received for notes receivable	0	8,539
Proceeds from sales of assets	7,841	2,124
Dividends from unconsolidated affiliates	2,091	0
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(16,269)	43,818
Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends paid to stockholders of Mueller Industries, Inc.	(41,876)	(21,846)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	0	(9,722)
Repurchase of common stock	(38,054)	0
Payment of contingent consideration	0	(1,250)
Issuance of debt	0	475,000
Repayments of debt	(148)	(680,572)
Issuance (repayment) of debt by consolidated joint ventures, net	406	(4,865)
Net cash (used) received to settle stock-based awards	(1,619)	219
Debt issuance costs	0	(1,111)
Net cash used in financing activities	(81,291)	(244,147)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(10,310)	(377)
Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	409,042	(19,225)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at the beginning of the period	90,376	127,376
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at the end of the period	$ 499,418	$ 108,151

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	Treasury Stock	Noncontrolling Interest
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 26, 2020		$ 802	$ 280,051	$ 1,019,694	$ (54,883)	$ (468,919)	$ 24,315
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Acquisition (issuance) of shares under incentive stock option plans			728			(484)
Stock-based compensation expense			7,228
Issuance of restricted stock			(4,722)			4,722
Net income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$ 342,919			342,919
Dividends paid or payable to stockholders of Mueller Industries, Inc.				(22,276)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	1,298				2,728
Repurchase of common stock						(26)
Purchase of Mueller Middle East							0
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests							(9,722)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(5,507)						5,507
Foreign currency translation	(667)						(1,430)
Balance at end of period at Sep. 25, 2021		802	283,285	1,340,337	(52,155)	(464,707)	18,670
Balance at beginning of period at Jun. 26, 2021		802	285,148	1,176,812	(48,262)	(468,784)	28,200
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Acquisition (issuance) of shares under incentive stock option plans			163			(360)
Stock-based compensation expense			2,411
Issuance of restricted stock			(4,437)			4,437
Net income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	170,980			170,980
Dividends paid or payable to stockholders of Mueller Industries, Inc.				(7,455)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	(4,977)				(3,893)
Repurchase of common stock						0
Purchase of Mueller Middle East							0
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests							(9,722)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,276)						1,276
Foreign currency translation	(8,569)						(1,084)
Balance at end of period at Sep. 25, 2021		802	283,285	1,340,337	(52,155)	(464,707)	18,670
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 25, 2021	1,256,963	802	286,208	1,458,489	(53,347)	(470,034)	34,845
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Acquisition (issuance) of shares under incentive stock option plans			853			(2,472)
Stock-based compensation expense			12,254
Issuance of restricted stock			(4,913)			4,913
Net income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	519,410			519,410
Dividends paid or payable to stockholders of Mueller Industries, Inc.				(42,762)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	(49,113)				(46,105)
Repurchase of common stock						(38,054)
Purchase of Mueller Middle East							(5,605)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests							0
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(3,175)						3,175
Foreign currency translation	(44,086)						(3,008)
Balance at end of period at Sep. 24, 2022	1,654,649	802	294,402	1,935,137	(99,452)	(505,647)	29,407
Balance at beginning of period at Jun. 25, 2022		802	291,228	1,794,811	(72,930)	(503,448)	35,160
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Acquisition (issuance) of shares under incentive stock option plans			560			(2,083)
Stock-based compensation expense			7,083
Issuance of restricted stock			(4,469)			4,469
Net income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	154,542			154,542
Dividends paid or payable to stockholders of Mueller Industries, Inc.				(14,216)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	(27,941)				(26,522)
Repurchase of common stock						(4,585)
Purchase of Mueller Middle East							(5,605)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests							0
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,271)						1,271
Foreign currency translation	(28,179)						(1,419)
Balance at end of period at Sep. 24, 2022	$ 1,654,649	$ 802	$ 294,402	$ 1,935,137	$ (99,452)	$ (505,647)	$ 29,407

Recent Accounting Standards

Recent Accounting Standards	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2022
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Standards	Recent Accounting Standards Adopted In January 2021, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): An Amendment of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. The new guidance was issued in response to concerns about structural risks of interbank offered rates, and, particularly, the risk of cessation of the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). Regulators in numerous jurisdictions around the world have undertaken reference rate reform initiatives to identify alternative reference rates that are more observable or transaction based and less susceptible to manipulation. The Company adopted the ASU during the first quarter of 2022. The adoption of the ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Issued In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-03, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions. The new guidance was issued to clarify existing guidance measuring the fair value of an equity security subject to contractual restrictions that prohibit the sale of an equity security and introduce new disclosure requirements for applicable equity securities. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 for public entities. The updated guidance requires prospective adoption, and early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of the ASU to have a material impact on its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): An Amendment of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification . The new guidance was issued to improve accounting for acquired revenue contracts with customers in a business combination by addressing diversity in practice and inconsistency related to the (i) recognition of an acquired contract liability, and (ii) payment terms and their effect on subsequent revenue recognized by the acquirer. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 5, 2022 for public entities. The updated guidance requires prospective adoption, and early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of the ASU to have a material impact on its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Earnings per Common Share

Earnings per Common Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2022
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per Common Share	Earnings per Common Share Basic per share amounts have been computed based on the average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted per share amounts reflect the increase in average common shares outstanding that would re sult from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards, computed using the treasury stock method. There were no stock-based awards excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the quarter ended September 24, 2022 because they were antidilutive. Approximately thirty thousand stock-based awards were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the quarter ended September 25, 2021 because they were antidilutive.

Acquisitions and Dispositions

Acquisitions and Dispositions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2022
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]
Acquisitions and Dispositions	Acquisitions and Dispositions Acquisitions Mueller Middle East On December 7, 2021 the Company entered into an agreement providing for the purchase of an additional 15 percent equity interest in Mueller Middle East for a total of 55 percent, for approximately $20.1 million. The total purchase price consisted of $15.8 million in cash paid at closing (net of cash acquired), a gain recognized on the settlement of preexisting relationships of $2.6 million, a contingent consideration arrangement of $1.0 million, and the fair value of the Company’s existing investment in the joint venture of $0.7 million. Mueller Middle East, which manufactures copper tube, is headquartered in Bahrain. This business complements the company’s existing copper tube business in the Piping Systems segment. Prior to entering into this agreement, the Company was the technical and marketing lead with a 40 percent ownership in a joint venture with Cayan Ventures and Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company and accounted for this investment under the equity method of accounting. The Company began consolidating this business for financial reporting purposes in December 2021. Mueller Middle East manufactures and sells copper coils to certain Mueller subsidiaries. The provisional fair value of the assets acquired totaled $44.8 million, consisting primarily of property, plant, and equipment of $26.7 million, accounts receivable of $10.7 million, inventories of $4.7 million, and other assets of $2.7 million. The provisional fair value of the liabilities assumed totaled $16.2 million, consisting primarily of other liabilities of $11.6 million and accounts payable of $4.6 million. Of the remaining purchase price, $1.3 million was allocated to non-deductible goodwill and intangible assets. The noncontrolling interest in Mueller Middle East is $9.8 million. The purchase price allocation is provisional as of September 24, 2022 and subject to change upon completion of the final valuation of the long-lived assets and noncontrolling interest during the measurement period. Changes to the purchase price allocation from the amounts presented in the Company’s Q2 2022 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q included the valuation of the intangible assets and noncontrolling interest. These changes resulted in a net decrease to goodwill of $3.2 million. H&C Flex On December 20, 2020, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement with Hart & Cooley LLC. The transaction closed on January 29, 2021, whereby the Company purchased the Hart & Cooley flexible duct business, which included inventory, manufacturing equipment, and related assets for approximately $15.3 million . The total purchase price consisted of $14.0 million in cash paid at closing and a contingent consideration arrangement of $1.3 million. The Company treated this as a business combination. The acquired business, H&C Flex, is a manufacturer and distributor of insulated HVAC flexible duct systems. It is reported within and complements the Company’s existing businesses in the Climate segment. The fair value of tangible assets acquired totaled $15.3 million, consisting primarily of property, plant, and equipment of $10.8 million and inventories of $4.5 million. The valuation of the business has been finalized. There were no material changes to the purchase price allocation from the amounts presented in the Company’s 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Dispositions Copper Bar On October 25, 2021, the Company sold its Copper Bar business for approximately $10.1 million. This business manufactured copper bar products used primarily by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the U.S. and was included in the Industrial Metals segment. The carrying value of the assets disposed totaled $3.6 million, consisting primarily of inventories and long-lived assets. Copper Bar reported net sales of $14.8 million and operating income of $0.1 million in the third quarter of 2021 and net sales of $39.6 million and an operating loss of $0.1 million in the first nine months of 2021. Die-Mold On September 2, 2021, the Company entered into a contribution agreement with a limited liability company in the retail distribution business, pursuant to which the Company exchanged the outstanding common stock of Die-Mold for a 17 percent equity interest in the limited liability company. Die-Mold manufactures PEX and other plumbing-related fittings and plastic injection tooling in Canada and sells these products in Canada and the U.S. and was included in the Piping Systems Segment. Die-Mold reported net sales of $3.0 million and operating income of $0.8 million in the third quarter of 2021 and net sales of $10.9 million and operating income of $2.2 million in the first nine months of 2021. As a result of the transaction, the Company recognized a gain of $4.7 million in the third quarter of 2021 based on the excess of the fair value of the consideration received (the 17 percent equity interest) over the carrying value of Die-Mold. The Company utilized a market comparable companies approach using an EBITDA multiple to determine the fair value of the consideration received of $22.8 million, which is recognized within the Investments in unconsolidated affiliates line of the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The excess of the fair value of the deconsolidated subsidiary over its carrying value resulted in the gain. Fabricated Tube Products and Shoals Tubular, Inc. On July 28, 2021, the Company entered into a purchase agreement with J.W. Harris Co., Inc. and Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc., pursuant to which the Company sold the assets of Fabricated Tube Products (FTP) and all of the outstanding stock of Shoals Tubular, Inc. (STI) for approximately $75.7 million. These businesses manufacture and fabricate valves and assemblies, brazed manifolds, headers, and distributor assemblies used primarily by manufacturers of residential heating and air conditioning units in the U.S. and were included in the Climate segment. They reported combined net sales of $5.1 million and operating income of $0.5 million in the third quarter of 2021 and net sales of $37.0 million and operating income of $5.4 million in the first nine months of 2021. The carrying value of the assets disposed totaled $32.7 million, consisting primarily of accounts receivable, inventories, and long-lived assets. The carrying value of the liabilities disposed totaled $3.6 million, consisting primarily of accounts payable. As a result of the transaction, the Company recognized a pre-tax gain of $46.6 million during the third quarter of 2021 on the sale of these businesses in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2022
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information Each of the Company’s reportable segments is composed of certain operating segments that are aggregated primarily by the nature of products offered as follows: Piping Systems Piping Systems is composed of the following operating segments: Domestic Piping Systems Group, Great Lakes Copper, Heatlink Group, European Operations, Trading Group, Jungwoo-Mueller (the Company’s South Korean joint venture), and Mueller Middle East (the Company’s Bahraini joint venture). The Domestic Piping Systems Group manufactures and distributes copper tube, fittings, and line sets. These products are manufactured in the U.S., sold in the U.S., and exported to markets worldwide. Outside the U.S., Great Lakes Copper manufactures copper tube and line sets in Canada and sells the products primarily in the U.S. and Canada. Heatlink Group produces a complete line of products for PEX plumbing and radiant systems in Canada and sells these products in Canada and the U.S. European Operations manufactures copper tube in the U.K. which is sold primarily in Europe. The Trading Group manufactures pipe nipples and resells brass and plastic plumbing valves, malleable iron fittings, faucets, and plumbing specialty products in the U.S. and Mexico. Jungwoo-Mueller manufactures copper-based joining products that are sold worldwide. Mueller Middle East manufactures copper tube and serves markets in the Middle East and Northern Africa. The Piping Systems segment’s products are sold primarily to plumbing, refrigeration, and air-conditioning wholesalers, hardware wholesalers and co-ops, building product retailers, and air-conditioning OEMs. Beginning in fiscal year 2022, the results of Precision Tube are included in the Industrial Metals segment prospectively as the impact to prior periods was not material. The business was previously reported in the Piping Systems segment. This change was made to reflect the Company’s internal management reporting structure. Industrial Metals Industrial Metals is composed of the following operating segments: Brass Rod, Impacts & Micro Gauge, Brass Value-Added Products, and Precision Tube. These businesses manufacture brass rod, impact extrusions, and forgings, specialty copper, copper alloy, and aluminum tube, as well as a wide variety of end products including plumbing brass, automotive components, valves, fittings, and gas assemblies. These products are manufactured in the U.S. and sold primarily to OEMs in the U.S., many of which are in the industrial, transportation, construction, heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning, plumbing, refrigeration, and energy markets. Climate Climate is composed of the following operating segments: Refrigeration Products, Westermeyer, Turbotec, Flex Duct , and Linesets, Inc. These domestic businesses manufacture refrigeration valves and fittings, high pressure components, coaxial heat exchangers, insulated HVAC flexible duct systems, and line sets primarily for the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration markets in the U.S. Summarized segment information is as follows: For the Quarter Ended September 24, 2022 (In thousands) Piping Systems Industrial Metals Climate Corporate and Eliminations Total Net sales $ 634,808 $ 144,880 $ 174,650 $ (9,508) $ 944,830 Cost of goods sold 440,216 128,152 114,850 (4,581) 678,637 Depreciation and amortization 5,516 1,846 2,289 1,199 10,850 Selling, general, and administrative expense 21,137 2,805 10,049 16,187 50,178 Operating income 167,939 12,077 47,462 (22,313) 205,165 Interest expense (361) Other income (expense), net 1,030 Income before income taxes $ 205,834 For the Quarter Ended September 25, 2021 (In thousands) Piping Systems Industrial Metals Climate Corporate and Eliminations Total Net sales $ 688,200 $ 182,245 $ 122,252 $ (10,449) $ 982,248 Cost of goods sold 506,703 158,822 89,175 (10,435) 744,265 Depreciation and amortization 5,547 1,661 2,484 1,176 10,868 Selling, general, and administrative expense 23,751 2,710 9,521 12,542 48,524 Gain on sale of businesses — — — (54,759) (54,759) Operating income 152,199 19,052 21,072 41,027 233,350 Interest expense (1,116) Other loss, net (2,548) Income before income taxes $ 229,686 Segment information (continued): For the Nine Months Ended September 24, 2022 (In thousands) Piping Systems Industrial Metals Climate Corporate and Eliminations Total Net sales $ 2,163,045 $ 498,367 $ 479,756 $ (36,294) $ 3,104,874 Cost of goods sold 1,539,493 424,802 311,917 (32,150) 2,244,062 Depreciation and amortization 16,846 5,636 6,989 3,522 32,993 Selling, general, and administrative expense 66,700 8,425 25,941 45,524 146,590 Gain on sale of assets — — (5,507) (5,507) Operating income 540,006 59,504 134,909 (47,683) 686,736 Interest expense (666) Other income, net 4,013 Income before income taxes $ 690,083 For the Nine Months Ended September 25, 2021 (In thousands) Piping Systems Industrial Metals Climate Corporate and Eliminations Total Net sales $ 1,947,564 $ 527,137 $ 364,986 $ (26,699) $ 2,812,988 Cost of goods sold 1,515,335 455,112 269,560 (27,612) 2,212,395 Depreciation and amortization 17,272 5,098 7,866 3,521 33,757 Selling, general, and administrative expense 71,152 8,529 23,781 34,429 137,891 Gain on sale of businesses — — — (54,759) (54,759) Operating income 343,805 58,398 63,779 17,722 483,704 Interest expense (7,451) Redemption premium (5,674) Other loss, net (1,288) Income before income taxes $ 469,291 The following table presents total assets attributable to each segment: (In thousands) September 24, 2022 December 25, 2021 Segment assets: Piping Systems $ 1,169,693 $ 1,160,272 Industrial Metals 169,385 173,290 Climate 287,387 250,107 General Corporate 483,286 145,267 $ 2,109,751 $ 1,728,936 The following tables represent a disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers, along with the reportable segment for each category: For the Quarter Ended September 24, 2022 (In thousands) Piping Systems Industrial Metals Climate Total Tube and fittings $ 520,842 $ — $ — $ 520,842 Brass rod and forgings — 114,956 — 114,956 OEM components, tube & assemblies — 16,819 30,180 46,999 Valves and plumbing specialties 113,966 — — 113,966 Flex duct and other HVAC components — — 144,470 144,470 Other — 13,105 — 13,105 634,808 144,880 174,650 954,338 Intersegment sales (9,508) Net sales $ 944,830 For the Quarter Ended September 25, 2021 (In thousands) Piping Systems Industrial Metals Climate Total Tube and fittings $ 555,161 $ — $ — $ 555,161 Brass rod and forgings — 143,788 — 143,788 OEM components, tube & assemblies 6,943 12,076 29,627 48,646 Valves and plumbing specialties 126,096 — — 126,096 Flex duct and other HVAC components — — 92,625 92,625 Other — 26,381 — 26,381 688,200 182,245 122,252 992,697 Intersegment sales (10,449) Net sales $ 982,248 Disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers (continued): For the Nine Months Ended September 24, 2022 (In thousands) Piping Systems Industrial Metals Climate Total Tube and fittings $ 1,766,931 $ — $ — $ 1,766,931 Brass rod and forgings — 394,277 — 394,277 OEM components, tube & assemblies — 57,169 91,798 148,967 Valves and plumbing specialties 396,114 — — 396,114 Flex duct and other HVAC components — — 387,958 387,958 Other — 46,921 — 46,921 2,163,045 498,367 479,756 3,141,168 Intersegment sales (36,294) Net sales $ 3,104,874 For the Nine Months Ended September 25, 2021 (In thousands) Piping Systems Industrial Metals Climate Total Tube and fittings $ 1,548,392 $ — $ — $ 1,548,392 Brass rod and forgings — 418,024 — 418,024 OEM components, tube & assemblies 23,954 35,819 111,143 170,916 Valves and plumbing specialties 375,218 — — 375,218 Flex duct and other HVAC components — — 253,843 253,843 Other — 73,294 — 73,294 1,947,564 527,137 364,986 2,839,687 Intersegment sales (26,699) Net sales $ 2,812,988

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Res

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2022
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash	Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash (In thousands) September 24, December 25, Cash & cash equivalents $ 483,496 $ 87,924 Restricted cash included within other current assets 15,820 2,349 Restricted cash included within other assets 102 103 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 499,418 $ 90,376 Amounts included in restricted cash relate to required deposits in brokerage accounts that facilitate the Company’s hedging activities as well as imprest funds for the Company’s self-insured workers’ compensation program.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2022
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories (In thousands) September 24, December 25, Raw materials and supplies $ 157,497 $ 130,133 Work-in-process 61,080 64,989 Finished goods 246,220 245,226 Valuation reserves (10,286) (10,104) Inventories $ 454,511 $ 430,244

Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2022
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments 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 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair value. On the date the derivative contract is entered into, it is either a) designated as a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flow to be paid (cash flow hedge) or b) not designated in a hedge accounting relationship, even though the derivative contract was executed to mitigate an economic exposure (economic hedge), as the Company does not enter into derivative contracts for trading purposes. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is qualified, designated, and highly effective as a cash flow hedge are recorded in stockholders’ equity within 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 undesignated derivatives executed as economic hedges are reported in current earnings. The Company documents all relationships between derivative instruments and hedged items, as well as the risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. This process includes linking all derivative instruments that are designated as fair value hedges to specific assets and liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and linking cash flow hedges to specific forecasted transactions or variability of cash flow. The Company also assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the designated derivative instruments that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows or fair values of hedged items. When a derivative instrument is determined not to be highly effective as a hedge or the underlying hedged transaction is no longer probable of occurring, hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively in accordance with the derecognition criteria for hedge accounting. Commodity Futures Contracts Copper and brass represent the largest component of the Company’s variable costs of production. The cost of these materials is subject to global market fluctuations caused by factors beyond the Company’s control. The Company occasionally enters into forward fixed-price arrangements with certain customers; the risk of these arrangements is generally managed with commodity futures contracts. These futures contracts have been designated as cash flow hedges. At September 24, 2022, the Company held open futures contracts to purchase approximately $80.8 million of copper over the next 12 months related to fixed price sales orders. The fair value of those futures contracts was a $13.5 million net loss position, which was determined by obtaining quoted market prices (level 1 within the fair value hierarchy). In the next 12 months, the Company will reclassify into earnings realized gains or losses relating to cash flow hedges. At September 24, 2022, this amount was approximately $10.4 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 September 24, 2022, the Company held open futures contracts to sell approximately $11.1 million of copper over the next nine months related to copper inventory. The fair value of those futures contracts was a $1.7 million net gain position, which was determined by obtaining quoted market prices (level 1 within the fair value hierarchy). The Company presents its derivative assets and liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets on a net basis by counterparty. The following table summarizes the location and fair value of the derivative instruments and disaggregates 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 September 24, December 25, Balance Sheet Location September 24, December 25, Commodity contracts - gains Other current assets $ 1,774 $ 1,150 Other current liabilities $ 31 $ — Commodity contracts - losses Other current assets — (46) Other current liabilities (13,529) (353) Total derivatives (1) $ 1,774 $ 1,104 $ (13,498) $ (353) (1) Does not include the impact of cash collateral provided to counterparties. The following tables summarize the effects of derivative instruments on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income: For the Quarter Ended For the Nine Months Ended (In thousands) Location September 24, 2022 September 25, 2021 September 24, 2022 September 25, 2021 Undesignated derivatives: Gain (loss) on commodity contracts (nonqualifying) Cost of goods sold 5,125 7,282 21,007 (3,141) The following tables summarize amounts recognized in and reclassified from AOCI during the period: For the Quarter Ended September 24, 2022 (In thousands) (Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax Classification Gains (Losses) Loss Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax Cash flow hedges: Commodity contracts $ (5,984) Cost of goods sold $ 4,767 Other 38 Other — Total $ (5,946) Total $ 4,767 Amounts recognized in and reclassified from AOCI (continued): For the Quarter Ended September 25, 2021 (In thousands) 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 $ 845 Cost of goods sold $ 1,265 Other 13 Other (1) Total $ 858 Total $ 1,264 For the Nine Months Ended September 24, 2022 (In thousands) (Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax Classification Gains (Losses) Loss Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax Cash flow hedges: Commodity contracts $ (13,310) Cost of goods sold $ 2,253 Other 83 Other — Total $ (13,227) Total $ 2,253 For the Nine Months Ended September 25, 2021 (In thousands) Gain Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax Classification Gains (Losses) Gain Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax Cash flow hedges: Commodity contracts $ 861 Cost of goods sold $ (1,584) Other 1 Other — Total $ 862 Total $ (1,584) 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 a counterparty in the case of an event of default or a termination event. The Company does not offset fair value amounts for derivative instruments and fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral. At September 24, 2022 and December 25, 2021, the Company had recorded restricted cash in other current assets of $15.6 million and $2.0 million, respectively, as collateral related to open derivative contracts under the master netting arrangements.

Investments in Unconsolidated A

Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2022
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates	Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates Tecumseh The Company owns a 50 percent interest in an unconsolidated affiliate that acquired Tecumseh Products Company LLC (Tecumseh). The Company also owns a 50 percent interest in a second unconsolidated affiliate that provides financing to Tecumseh. These investments are recorded 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 respective entities. Under the equity method of accounting, these investments are stated at initial cost and are adjusted for subsequent additional investments and the Company’s proportionate share of earnings or losses and distributions. The Company records its proportionate share of the investees’ net income or loss, net of foreign taxes, one quarter in arrears as income (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates, net of foreign tax, in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and its proportionate share of the investees’ other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes, in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity. The U.S. tax effect of the Company’s proportionate share of Tecumseh’s income or loss is recorded in income tax expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. In general, the equity investment in unconsolidated affiliates is equal to the current equity investment plus the investees’ net accumulated losses. The following tables present summarized financial information derived from the Company’s equity method investees’ combined consolidated financial statements, which are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. (In thousands) September 24, December 25, Current assets $ 257,468 $ 214,550 Noncurrent assets 78,402 76,406 Current liabilities 198,557 169,155 Noncurrent liabilities 45,894 46,059 For the Quarter Ended For the Nine Months Ended (In thousands) September 24, 2022 September 25, 2021 September 24, 2022 September 25, 2021 Net sales $ 135,720 $ 125,581 $ 388,024 $ 326,744 Gross profit 25,767 15,693 70,799 40,715 Net (loss) income (593) 5,599 5,576 262 The Company’s income from unconsolidated affiliates, net of foreign tax, for the quarter and nine months ended September 24, 2022 included net losses of $0.3 million and net income of $2.8 million, respectively, for Tecumseh. The Company’s loss from unconsolidated affiliates, net of foreign tax, for the quarter and nine months ended September 25, 2021 included net income of $2.8 million and $0.1 million, respectively, for Tecumseh. Retail Distribution On September 2, 2021, the Company acquired a 17 percent noncontrolling equity interest in a limited liability company in the retail distribution business by contributing the outstanding common stock of Die-Mold in exchange for the equity method interest. The transaction was recorded as a deconsolidation of a subsidiary and the recognition of an equity method investment at fair value, as described in “ Note 3 - Acquisitions and Dispositions .” This investment is recorded using the equity method of accounting. The Company records its proportionate share of the investee’s net income or loss one month in arrears as income (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company’s proportionate share of the investee’s other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes, is recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity. The Company’s income from unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax, for the quarter and nine months ended September 24, 2022 included net income of $1.3 million and $3.2 million, respectively, for the retail distribution business.

Benefit Plans

Benefit Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2022
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Benefit Plans	Benefit Plans The Company sponsors several qualified and nonqualified pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans for certain of its employees. The components of net periodic benefit cost (income) are as follows: For the Quarter Ended For the Nine Months Ended (In thousands) September 24, 2022 September 25, 2021 September 24, 2022 September 25, 2021 Pension benefits: Interest cost $ 394 $ 313 $ 1,181 $ 939 Expected return on plan assets (967) (903) (2,901) (2,711) Amortization of net loss 244 378 731 1,135 Net periodic benefit income $ (329) $ (212) $ (989) $ (637) Other benefits: Service cost $ 72 $ 64 $ 216 $ 194 Interest cost 104 87 310 261 Amortization of prior service credit (1) (118) (198) (353) Amortization of net gain (59) (32) (177) (96) Curtailment gain — $ — (1,756) $ — Net periodic benefit cost (income) $ 116 $ 1 $ (1,605) $ 6 The components of net periodic benefit cost (income) other than the service cost component are included in other income, net in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2022
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and ContingenciesThe Company is involved in certain litigation as a result of claims that arose in the ordinary course of business, which management believes will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. The Company may also realize the benefit of certain legal claims and litigation in the future; these gain contingencies are not recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Environmental 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 has explored possible settlement with KDHE and other potentially responsible parties (PRP) in order to avoid litigation. In February 2022, the Company reached a settlement with another PRP relating to these three sites. Under the terms of that agreement, the Company paid $5.6 million, which was previously reserved, in exchange for the other PRP’s agreement to conduct or fund any required remediation within the geographic boundaries of the three sites (namely, the parcel(s) on which the former smelters were located), plus coverage of certain off-site areas (namely, contamination that migrated by surface water runoff or air emissions from the Altoona or East La Harpe site, and smelter materials located within 50 feet of the geographic boundary of each site). The settlement does not cover certain matters, including potential liability related to the remediation of the town of Iola which is not estimable at this time. The other PRP will also provide an indemnity that would cover third-party cleanup claims for those sites, subject to a time limit and a cap. Altoona. 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 design plan, which covers both on-site and certain off-site cleanup costs, was approved by the KDHE in 2016. Construction of the remedy was completed in 2018. Under the terms of the settlement with the other PRP, the Company expects the operations and maintenance costs for this remedy to be paid for entirely by the other PRP. East La Harpe. At the East La Harpe site, the Company and two other PRPs conducted a site study evaluation under KDHE supervision and prepared a site cleanup plan approved by KDHE. In December 2018, KDHE provided a draft agreement which contemplates the use of funds KDHE obtained from two other parties (Peabody Energy and Blue Tee) to fund part of the remediation, and removes Blue Tee from the PRPs’ agreement with KDHE. Pursuant to the terms of the settlement with the other PRP noted above, the Company expects the remediation to be conducted and paid for entirely by the other PRP, and for that other PRP to negotiate and enter into an agreement with KDHE. Lanyon. With respect to the Lanyon Site, in 2016, the Company received a general notice letter from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) asserting that the Company is a PRP, which the Company has denied. EPA issued an interim record of decision in 2017 and has been remediating properties at the site. According to EPA, 1,371 properties in total will be remediated, and the work will be completed near the end of 2022. 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 implementing various remedial measures, including sealing mine portals with concrete plugs in portals that 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 10-year permit will include an order requiring continued implementation of BMP through 2032 to address residual discharges of acid rock drainage. The Company currently estimates that it will spend between approximately $14.0 million and $16.0 million for remediation at these sites over the next 30 years and has accrued a reserve at the low end of this range. 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. Approximate costs to comply with the post-closure permit, including associated general and administrative costs, are estimated at between $1.6 million and $2.3 million over the next 15 years. The Company has recorded a reserve at the low end of this range. 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 (NPL). 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 NPL site. The EPA identified two other PRPs in connection with that 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 NPL site (zones 1 and 3 of operable unit 1) and perform certain remedial action tasks. On November 8, 2016, the Company, its subsidiary Arava Natural Resources Company, Inc. (Arava), and Arava’s subsidiary MRRC each received general notice letters from the EPA asserting that they may be PRPs in connection with the Lead Refinery NPL site. The Company, Arava, and MRRC have denied liability for any remedial action and response costs associated with the Lead Refinery NPL site. In June 2017, the EPA requested that Lead Refinery conduct, and the Company fund, a remedial investigation and feasibility study of operable unit 2 of the Lead Refinery NPL site pursuant to a proposed administrative settlement agreement and order on consent. The Company and Lead Refinery entered into that agreement in September 2017. The Company has made a capital contribution to Lead Refinery to conduct the remedial investigation and feasibility study with respect to operable unit 2 and has provided financial assurance in the amount of $1.0 million. The remedial investigation and feasibility study remain ongoing. The EPA has also asserted its position that Mueller is a responsible party for the Lead Refinery NPL site, and accordingly is responsible for a share of remedial action and response costs at the site and in the adjacent residential area. In January 2018, the EPA issued two unilateral administrative orders (UAOs) directing the Company, Lead Refinery, and four other PRPs to conduct soil and interior remediation of certain residences at the Lead Refinery NPL site (zones 2 and 3 of operable unit 1). The Company and Lead Refinery have reached agreement with the four other PRPs to implement these two UAOs, with the Company agreeing to pay, on an interim basis, (i) an estimated $4.5 million (subject to potential change through a future reallocation process) of the approximately $25.0 million the PRPs currently estimate it will cost to implement the UAOs, which estimate is subject to change, and (ii) $2.0 million relating to past costs incurred by other PRPs for work conducted at the site, as well as the possibility of up to $0.7 million in further payments for ongoing work by those PRPs. As of September 24, 2022, the Company has made payments of approximately $7.6 million related to the aforementioned agreement with the other PRPs. The Company disputes that it was properly named in the UAOs. In March 2022, Lead Refinery entered into an administrative settlement agreement and order on consent with the EPA, along with the four other PRPs, which involves payment of certain past and future costs relating to operable unit 1, in exchange for certain releases and contribution protection for the Company, Lead Refinery and their respective affiliates relating to that operable unit. That settlement became effective in September 2022. The Company reserved $3.3 million for this settlement in the third quarter of 2021. In March 2018, a group of private plaintiffs sued the Company, Arava, MRRC, and Lead Refinery, along with other defendants, in civil tort action relating to the site. The Company, Arava, and MRRC have been voluntarily dismissed from that litigation without prejudice. Lead Refinery’s motion to dismiss the matter was granted without prejudice, but plaintiffs in that case have been granted leave to replead certain of their claims. At this juncture, the Company is unable to determine the likelihood of a material adverse outcome or the amount or range of a potential loss in excess of the current reserve with respect to any remedial action or litigation relating to the Lead Refinery NPL site, either at Lead Refinery’s former operating site (operable unit 2) or the adjacent residential area (operable unit 1), including, but not limited to, EPA oversight costs for which the EPA may attempt to seek reimbursement from the Company, and past costs for which other PRPs may attempt to seek contribution from the Company. Bonita Peak Mining District Following an August 2015 spill from the Gold King Mine into the Animas River near Silverton, Colorado, the EPA listed the Bonita Peak Mining District on the NPL. Said listing was finalized in September 2016. The Bonita Peak Mining District encompasses 48 mining sites within the Animas River watershed, including the Sunnyside Mine, the American Tunnel, and the Sunbank Group. On or about July 25, 2017, Washington Mining Company (Washington Mining) (a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Arava), received a general notice letter from the EPA stating that Washington Mining may be a PRP under CERCLA in connection with the Bonita Peak Mining District site and therefore responsible for the remediation of certain portions of the site, along with related costs incurred by the EPA. Shortly thereafter, the Company received a substantively identical letter asserting that it may be a PRP at the site and similarly responsible for the cleanup of certain portions of the site. The general notice letters identify one other PRP at the site, and do not require specific action by Washington Mining or the Company at this time. At this juncture, the Company is unable to determine the likelihood of a materially adverse outcome or the amount or range of a potential loss with respect to any remedial action related to the Bonita Peak Mining District NPL site. 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 estimated to approximate $0.7 million to $0.9 million over the next four years. The Company has recorded a reserve at the low end of this range. 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 would 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 approximately $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 invoices, 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 and issues 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. Guarantees Guarantees, in the form of letters of credit, are issued by the Company generally to assure the payment of insurance deductibles, certain retiree health benefits, and debt at certain unconsolidated affiliates. The terms of the guarantees are generally one year but are renewable annually as required. These letters are primarily backed by the Company’s revolving credit facility. The maximum payments that the Company could be required to make under its guarantees at September 24, 2022 were $33.1 million.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2022
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company’s effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2022 was 25 percent compared with 26 percent for the same period last year. The primary item impacting the effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2022 was an increase related to the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $7.3 million. The Company’s effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2021 was 26 percent. The items impacting the effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2021 were increases related to the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $8.5 million and the effect of foreign tax rates higher than statutory tax rates and other foreign items of $5.6 million. These items were partially offset by $2.2 million of other items. The Company’s effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2022 was 25 percent compared with 26 percent for the same period last year. The items impacting the effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2022 were increases related to the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $24.2 million and the effect of foreign tax rates higher than statutory tax rates and other foreign adjustments of $4.3 million. The Company’s effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2021 was 26 percent. The items impacting the effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2021 were increases related to the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $16.3 million and the effect of foreign tax rates higher than statutory tax rates and other foreign items of $8.7 million. These items were partially offset by $2.5 million of other items. The Company files a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return and numerous consolidated and separate-company income tax returns in many state, local, and foreign jurisdictions. The statute of limitations is open for the Company’s federal tax returns for 2018 and all subsequent years. The statutes of limitations for most state returns are open for 2018 and all subsequent years, and some 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.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2022
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	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 other comprehensive income attributable to unconsolidated affiliates. The following tables provide changes in AOCI by component, net of taxes and noncontrolling interests (amounts in parentheses indicate debits to AOCI): For the Nine Months Ended September 24, 2022 (In thousands) Cumulative Translation Adjustment Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Pension/OPEB Liability Adjustment Attributable to Unconsol. Affiliates Total Balance as of December 25, 2021 $ (42,303) $ 803 $ (11,500) $ (347) $ (53,347) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (41,078) (13,227) 1,424 4,218 (48,663) Amounts reclassified from AOCI — 2,253 305 — 2,558 Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income (41,078) (10,974) 1,729 4,218 (46,105) Balance as of September 24, 2022 $ (83,381) $ (10,171) $ (9,771) $ 3,871 $ (99,452) For the Nine Months Ended September 25, 2021 (In thousands) Cumulative Translation Adjustment Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Pension/OPEB Liability Adjustment Attributable to Unconsol. Affiliates Total Balance as of December 26, 2020 $ (37,339) $ 984 $ (17,203) $ (1,325) $ (54,883) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 763 862 (98) 2,211 3,738 Amounts reclassified from AOCI — (1,584) 574 — (1,010) Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 763 (722) 476 2,211 2,728 Balance as of September 25, 2021 $ (36,576) $ 262 $ (16,727) $ 886 $ (52,155) Reclassification adjustments out of AOCI were as follows: Amount reclassified from AOCI For the Quarter Ended For the Nine Months Ended (In thousands) September 24, 2022 September 25, 2021 September 24, 2022 September 25, 2021 Affected line item Unrealized losses (gains) on derivative commodity contracts $ 6,151 $ 1,077 $ 2,906 $ (2,612) Cost of goods sold (1,384) 187 (653) 1,028 Income tax (benefit) expense $ 4,767 $ 1,264 $ 2,253 $ (1,584) Net of tax and noncontrolling interests Amortization of net loss and prior service cost on employee benefit plans $ 184 $ 228 $ 356 $ 686 Other income, net (31) (37) (51) (112) Income tax benefit $ 153 $ 191 $ 305 $ 574 Net of tax and noncontrolling interests

Recent Accounting Standards (Po

Recent Accounting Standards (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2022
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Standards	Adopted In January 2021, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): An Amendment of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. The new guidance was issued in response to concerns about structural risks of interbank offered rates, and, particularly, the risk of cessation of the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). Regulators in numerous jurisdictions around the world have undertaken reference rate reform initiatives to identify alternative reference rates that are more observable or transaction based and less susceptible to manipulation. The Company adopted the ASU during the first quarter of 2022. The adoption of the ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Issued In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-03, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions. The new guidance was issued to clarify existing guidance measuring the fair value of an equity security subject to contractual restrictions that prohibit the sale of an equity security and introduce new disclosure requirements for applicable equity securities. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 for public entities. The updated guidance requires prospective adoption, and early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of the ASU to have a material impact on its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): An Amendment of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification . The new guidance was issued to improve accounting for acquired revenue contracts with customers in a business combination by addressing diversity in practice and inconsistency related to the (i) recognition of an acquired contract liability, and (ii) payment terms and their effect on subsequent revenue recognized by the acquirer. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 5, 2022 for public entities. The updated guidance requires prospective adoption, and early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of the ASU to have a material impact on its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2022
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summary of Segment Information	Summarized segment information is as follows: For the Quarter Ended September 24, 2022 (In thousands) Piping Systems Industrial Metals Climate Corporate and Eliminations Total Net sales $ 634,808 $ 144,880 $ 174,650 $ (9,508) $ 944,830 Cost of goods sold 440,216 128,152 114,850 (4,581) 678,637 Depreciation and amortization 5,516 1,846 2,289 1,199 10,850 Selling, general, and administrative expense 21,137 2,805 10,049 16,187 50,178 Operating income 167,939 12,077 47,462 (22,313) 205,165 Interest expense (361) Other income (expense), net 1,030 Income before income taxes $ 205,834 For the Quarter Ended September 25, 2021 (In thousands) Piping Systems Industrial Metals Climate Corporate and Eliminations Total Net sales $ 688,200 $ 182,245 $ 122,252 $ (10,449) $ 982,248 Cost of goods sold 506,703 158,822 89,175 (10,435) 744,265 Depreciation and amortization 5,547 1,661 2,484 1,176 10,868 Selling, general, and administrative expense 23,751 2,710 9,521 12,542 48,524 Gain on sale of businesses — — — (54,759) (54,759) Operating income 152,199 19,052 21,072 41,027 233,350 Interest expense (1,116) Other loss, net (2,548) Income before income taxes $ 229,686 Segment information (continued): For the Nine Months Ended September 24, 2022 (In thousands) Piping Systems Industrial Metals Climate Corporate and Eliminations Total Net sales $ 2,163,045 $ 498,367 $ 479,756 $ (36,294) $ 3,104,874 Cost of goods sold 1,539,493 424,802 311,917 (32,150) 2,244,062 Depreciation and amortization 16,846 5,636 6,989 3,522 32,993 Selling, general, and administrative expense 66,700 8,425 25,941 45,524 146,590 Gain on sale of assets — — (5,507) (5,507) Operating income 540,006 59,504 134,909 (47,683) 686,736 Interest expense (666) Other income, net 4,013 Income before income taxes $ 690,083 For the Nine Months Ended September 25, 2021 (In thousands) Piping Systems Industrial Metals Climate Corporate and Eliminations Total Net sales $ 1,947,564 $ 527,137 $ 364,986 $ (26,699) $ 2,812,988 Cost of goods sold 1,515,335 455,112 269,560 (27,612) 2,212,395 Depreciation and amortization 17,272 5,098 7,866 3,521 33,757 Selling, general, and administrative expense 71,152 8,529 23,781 34,429 137,891 Gain on sale of businesses — — — (54,759) (54,759) Operating income 343,805 58,398 63,779 17,722 483,704 Interest expense (7,451) Redemption premium (5,674) Other loss, net (1,288) Income before income taxes $ 469,291 The following table presents total assets attributable to each segment: (In thousands) September 24, 2022 December 25, 2021 Segment assets: Piping Systems $ 1,169,693 $ 1,160,272 Industrial Metals 169,385 173,290 Climate 287,387 250,107 General Corporate 483,286 145,267 $ 2,109,751 $ 1,728,936
Disaggregation of Revenue From Contracts with Customers	The following tables represent a disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers, along with the reportable segment for each category: For the Quarter Ended September 24, 2022 (In thousands) Piping Systems Industrial Metals Climate Total Tube and fittings $ 520,842 $ — $ — $ 520,842 Brass rod and forgings — 114,956 — 114,956 OEM components, tube & assemblies — 16,819 30,180 46,999 Valves and plumbing specialties 113,966 — — 113,966 Flex duct and other HVAC components — — 144,470 144,470 Other — 13,105 — 13,105 634,808 144,880 174,650 954,338 Intersegment sales (9,508) Net sales $ 944,830 For the Quarter Ended September 25, 2021 (In thousands) Piping Systems Industrial Metals Climate Total Tube and fittings $ 555,161 $ — $ — $ 555,161 Brass rod and forgings — 143,788 — 143,788 OEM components, tube & assemblies 6,943 12,076 29,627 48,646 Valves and plumbing specialties 126,096 — — 126,096 Flex duct and other HVAC components — — 92,625 92,625 Other — 26,381 — 26,381 688,200 182,245 122,252 992,697 Intersegment sales (10,449) Net sales $ 982,248 Disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers (continued): For the Nine Months Ended September 24, 2022 (In thousands) Piping Systems Industrial Metals Climate Total Tube and fittings $ 1,766,931 $ — $ — $ 1,766,931 Brass rod and forgings — 394,277 — 394,277 OEM components, tube & assemblies — 57,169 91,798 148,967 Valves and plumbing specialties 396,114 — — 396,114 Flex duct and other HVAC components — — 387,958 387,958 Other — 46,921 — 46,921 2,163,045 498,367 479,756 3,141,168 Intersegment sales (36,294) Net sales $ 3,104,874 For the Nine Months Ended September 25, 2021 (In thousands) Piping Systems Industrial Metals Climate Total Tube and fittings $ 1,548,392 $ — $ — $ 1,548,392 Brass rod and forgings — 418,024 — 418,024 OEM components, tube & assemblies 23,954 35,819 111,143 170,916 Valves and plumbing specialties 375,218 — — 375,218 Flex duct and other HVAC components — — 253,843 253,843 Other — 73,294 — 73,294 1,947,564 527,137 364,986 2,839,687 Intersegment sales (26,699) Net sales $ 2,812,988

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and R_2

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2022
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents	(In thousands) September 24, December 25, Cash & cash equivalents $ 483,496 $ 87,924 Restricted cash included within other current assets 15,820 2,349 Restricted cash included within other assets 102 103 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 499,418 $ 90,376
Schedule of Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents	(In thousands) September 24, December 25, Cash & cash equivalents $ 483,496 $ 87,924 Restricted cash included within other current assets 15,820 2,349 Restricted cash included within other assets 102 103 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 499,418 $ 90,376

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2022
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventories	(In thousands) September 24, December 25, Raw materials and supplies $ 157,497 $ 130,133 Work-in-process 61,080 64,989 Finished goods 246,220 245,226 Valuation reserves (10,286) (10,104) Inventories $ 454,511 $ 430,244

Financial Instruments (Tables)

Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2022
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [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 September 24, December 25, Balance Sheet Location September 24, December 25, Commodity contracts - gains Other current assets $ 1,774 $ 1,150 Other current liabilities $ 31 $ — Commodity contracts - losses Other current assets — (46) Other current liabilities (13,529) (353) Total derivatives (1) $ 1,774 $ 1,104 $ (13,498) $ (353) (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 Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income: For the Quarter Ended For the Nine Months Ended (In thousands) Location September 24, 2022 September 25, 2021 September 24, 2022 September 25, 2021 Undesignated derivatives: Gain (loss) on commodity contracts (nonqualifying) Cost of goods sold 5,125 7,282 21,007 (3,141)
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: For the Quarter Ended September 24, 2022 (In thousands) (Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax Classification Gains (Losses) Loss Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax Cash flow hedges: Commodity contracts $ (5,984) Cost of goods sold $ 4,767 Other 38 Other — Total $ (5,946) Total $ 4,767 Amounts recognized in and reclassified from AOCI (continued): For the Quarter Ended September 25, 2021 (In thousands) 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 $ 845 Cost of goods sold $ 1,265 Other 13 Other (1) Total $ 858 Total $ 1,264 For the Nine Months Ended September 24, 2022 (In thousands) (Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax Classification Gains (Losses) Loss Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax Cash flow hedges: Commodity contracts $ (13,310) Cost of goods sold $ 2,253 Other 83 Other — Total $ (13,227) Total $ 2,253 For the Nine Months Ended September 25, 2021 (In thousands) Gain Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax Classification Gains (Losses) Gain Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax Cash flow hedges: Commodity contracts $ 861 Cost of goods sold $ (1,584) Other 1 Other — Total $ 862 Total $ (1,584)

Investments in Unconsolidated_2

Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2022
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [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 investees’ combined consolidated financial statements, which are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. (In thousands) September 24, December 25, Current assets $ 257,468 $ 214,550 Noncurrent assets 78,402 76,406 Current liabilities 198,557 169,155 Noncurrent liabilities 45,894 46,059 For the Quarter Ended For the Nine Months Ended (In thousands) September 24, 2022 September 25, 2021 September 24, 2022 September 25, 2021 Net sales $ 135,720 $ 125,581 $ 388,024 $ 326,744 Gross profit 25,767 15,693 70,799 40,715 Net (loss) income (593) 5,599 5,576 262

Benefit Plans (Tables)

Benefit Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2022
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Income)	The components of net periodic benefit cost (income) are as follows: For the Quarter Ended For the Nine Months Ended (In thousands) September 24, 2022 September 25, 2021 September 24, 2022 September 25, 2021 Pension benefits: Interest cost $ 394 $ 313 $ 1,181 $ 939 Expected return on plan assets (967) (903) (2,901) (2,711) Amortization of net loss 244 378 731 1,135 Net periodic benefit income $ (329) $ (212) $ (989) $ (637) Other benefits: Service cost $ 72 $ 64 $ 216 $ 194 Interest cost 104 87 310 261 Amortization of prior service credit (1) (118) (198) (353) Amortization of net gain (59) (32) (177) (96) Curtailment gain — $ — (1,756) $ — Net periodic benefit cost (income) $ 116 $ 1 $ (1,605) $ 6

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2022
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Changes in AOCI by Component, Net of Taxes and Noncontrolling Interest	The following tables provide changes in AOCI by component, net of taxes and noncontrolling interests (amounts in parentheses indicate debits to AOCI): For the Nine Months Ended September 24, 2022 (In thousands) Cumulative Translation Adjustment Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Pension/OPEB Liability Adjustment Attributable to Unconsol. Affiliates Total Balance as of December 25, 2021 $ (42,303) $ 803 $ (11,500) $ (347) $ (53,347) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (41,078) (13,227) 1,424 4,218 (48,663) Amounts reclassified from AOCI — 2,253 305 — 2,558 Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income (41,078) (10,974) 1,729 4,218 (46,105) Balance as of September 24, 2022 $ (83,381) $ (10,171) $ (9,771) $ 3,871 $ (99,452) For the Nine Months Ended September 25, 2021 (In thousands) Cumulative Translation Adjustment Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Pension/OPEB Liability Adjustment Attributable to Unconsol. Affiliates Total Balance as of December 26, 2020 $ (37,339) $ 984 $ (17,203) $ (1,325) $ (54,883) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 763 862 (98) 2,211 3,738 Amounts reclassified from AOCI — (1,584) 574 — (1,010) Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 763 (722) 476 2,211 2,728 Balance as of September 25, 2021 $ (36,576) $ 262 $ (16,727) $ 886 $ (52,155)
Schedule of Reclassification Adjustments Out of AOCI	Reclassification adjustments out of AOCI were as follows: Amount reclassified from AOCI For the Quarter Ended For the Nine Months Ended (In thousands) September 24, 2022 September 25, 2021 September 24, 2022 September 25, 2021 Affected line item Unrealized losses (gains) on derivative commodity contracts $ 6,151 $ 1,077 $ 2,906 $ (2,612) Cost of goods sold (1,384) 187 (653) 1,028 Income tax (benefit) expense $ 4,767 $ 1,264 $ 2,253 $ (1,584) Net of tax and noncontrolling interests Amortization of net loss and prior service cost on employee benefit plans $ 184 $ 228 $ 356 $ 686 Other income, net (31) (37) (51) (112) Income tax benefit $ 153 $ 191 $ 305 $ 574 Net of tax and noncontrolling interests

Earnings per Common Share (Deta

Earnings per Common Share (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2022	Sep. 25, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Stock-based awards excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	0	30,000

Acquisitions and Dispositions -

Acquisitions and Dispositions - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands			3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Dec. 07, 2021	Jan. 29, 2021	Sep. 24, 2022	Sep. 25, 2021	Sep. 25, 2021	Dec. 25, 2021	Oct. 25, 2021	Sep. 02, 2021	Jul. 28, 2021
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill, net			$ 156,938			$ 171,330
Mueller Middle East
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Interest in the joint venture, ownership percentage	15%
Mueller Middle East | Corporate Joint Venture
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Interest in the joint venture, ownership percentage	40%
Retail Distribution Business
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Interest in the joint venture, ownership percentage								17%
Copper Bar | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration for sale of businesses							$ 10,100
Assets of disposed business							$ 3,600
Net sales of disposed of business				$ 14,800	$ 39,600
Disposal group, including discontinued operation, operating income (loss)				(100)	100
Die-Mold | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration for sale of businesses								$ 22,800
Net sales of disposed of business				3,000	10,900
Net income of disposed business				800	2,200
Gain (loss) on disposal of businesses				4,700
Fabricated Tube Products and Shoals Tubular, Inc. | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration for sale of businesses									$ 75,700
Assets of disposed business									32,700
Net sales of disposed of business				5,100	37,000
Net income of disposed business				500	$ 5,400
Gain (loss) on disposal of businesses				$ 46,600
Liabilities of disposed business									$ 3,600
Mueller Middle East
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Ownership interest acquired (as a percent)	55%
Consideration transferred net of working capital adjustments	$ 20,100
Cash portion of acquisition price	15,800
Debt assumed	2,600
Payment for contingent consideration	1,000
Equity interest issued or issuable	700
Fair value of assets acquired	44,800
Fair value of property, plant and equipment acquired	26,700
Fair value of accounts receivable acquired	10,700
Fair value of inventories acquired	4,700
Business combination, recognized identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed, current assets, other	2,700
Fair value of liabilities acquired	16,200
Fair value of other current liabilities acquired	11,600
Fair value of accounts payable acquired	4,600
Goodwill, net	1,300
Business combination, acquisition of less than 100 percent, noncontrolling interest, fair value	$ 9,800
Decrease in goodwill			$ 3,200
Hart & Cooley Flexible Duct Business
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration transferred net of working capital adjustments		$ 15,300
Cash portion of acquisition price		14,000
Payment for contingent consideration		1,300
Fair value of assets acquired		15,300
Fair value of property, plant and equipment acquired		10,800
Fair value of inventories acquired		$ 4,500

Segment Information - Summary o

Segment Information - Summary of Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2022	Sep. 25, 2021	Sep. 24, 2022	Sep. 25, 2021	Dec. 25, 2021
Summary of segment information [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 944,830	$ 982,248	$ 3,104,874	$ 2,812,988
Cost of goods sold	678,637	744,265	2,244,062	2,212,395
Depreciation and amortization	10,850	10,868	32,993	33,757
Selling, general, and administrative expense	50,178	48,524	146,590	137,891
Gain on sale of assets	0	0	(5,507)	0
Gain on sale of businesses	0	(54,759)	0	(54,759)
Operating income	205,165	233,350	686,736	483,704
Interest expense	(361)	(1,116)	(666)	(7,451)
Redemption premium	0	0	0	(5,674)
Other income (expense), net	1,030	(2,548)	4,013	(1,288)
Income before income taxes	205,834	229,686	690,083	469,291
Assets	2,109,751		2,109,751		$ 1,728,936
Operating Segments
Summary of segment information [Abstract]
Net sales	954,338	992,697	3,141,168	2,839,687
Operating Segments | Piping Systems
Summary of segment information [Abstract]
Net sales	634,808	688,200	2,163,045	1,947,564
Cost of goods sold	440,216	506,703	1,539,493	1,515,335
Depreciation and amortization	5,516	5,547	16,846	17,272
Selling, general, and administrative expense	21,137	23,751	66,700	71,152
Gain on sale of assets
Gain on sale of businesses		0		0
Operating income	167,939	152,199	540,006	343,805
Assets	1,169,693		1,169,693		1,160,272
Operating Segments | Industrial Metals
Summary of segment information [Abstract]
Net sales	144,880	182,245	498,367	527,137
Cost of goods sold	128,152	158,822	424,802	455,112
Depreciation and amortization	1,846	1,661	5,636	5,098
Selling, general, and administrative expense	2,805	2,710	8,425	8,529
Gain on sale of assets			0
Gain on sale of businesses		0		0
Operating income	12,077	19,052	59,504	58,398
Assets	169,385		169,385		173,290
Operating Segments | Climate
Summary of segment information [Abstract]
Net sales	174,650	122,252	479,756	364,986
Cost of goods sold	114,850	89,175	311,917	269,560
Depreciation and amortization	2,289	2,484	6,989	7,866
Selling, general, and administrative expense	10,049	9,521	25,941	23,781
Gain on sale of assets			0
Gain on sale of businesses		0		0
Operating income	47,462	21,072	134,909	63,779
Assets	287,387		287,387		250,107
Corporate and Eliminations
Summary of segment information [Abstract]
Net sales	(9,508)	(10,449)	(36,294)	(26,699)
Cost of goods sold	(4,581)	(10,435)	(32,150)	(27,612)
Depreciation and amortization	1,199	1,176	3,522	3,521
Selling, general, and administrative expense	16,187	12,542	45,524	34,429
Gain on sale of assets			(5,507)
Gain on sale of businesses		(54,759)		(54,759)
Operating income	(22,313)	$ 41,027	(47,683)	$ 17,722
Assets	$ 483,286		$ 483,286		$ 145,267

Segment Information - Net Sales

Segment Information - Net Sales by Major Product Line (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2022	Sep. 25, 2021	Sep. 24, 2022	Sep. 25, 2021
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 944,830	$ 982,248	$ 3,104,874	$ 2,812,988
Operating Segments
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	954,338	992,697	3,141,168	2,839,687
Operating Segments | Piping Systems
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	634,808	688,200	2,163,045	1,947,564
Operating Segments | Industrial Metals
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	144,880	182,245	498,367	527,137
Operating Segments | Climate
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	174,650	122,252	479,756	364,986
Operating Segments | Tube and fittings
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	520,842	555,161	1,766,931	1,548,392
Operating Segments | Tube and fittings | Piping Systems
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	520,842	555,161	1,766,931	1,548,392
Operating Segments | Tube and fittings | Industrial Metals
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Tube and fittings | Climate
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Brass rod and forgings
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	114,956	143,788	394,277	418,024
Operating Segments | Brass rod and forgings | Piping Systems
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Brass rod and forgings | Industrial Metals
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	114,956	143,788	394,277	418,024
Operating Segments | Brass rod and forgings | Climate
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | OEM components, tube & assemblies
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	46,999	48,646	148,967	170,916
Operating Segments | OEM components, tube & assemblies | Piping Systems
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	0	6,943	0	23,954
Operating Segments | OEM components, tube & assemblies | Industrial Metals
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	16,819	12,076	57,169	35,819
Operating Segments | OEM components, tube & assemblies | Climate
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	30,180	29,627	91,798	111,143
Operating Segments | Valves and plumbing specialties
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	113,966	126,096	396,114	375,218
Operating Segments | Valves and plumbing specialties | Piping Systems
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	113,966	126,096	396,114	375,218
Operating Segments | Valves and plumbing specialties | Industrial Metals
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Valves and plumbing specialties | Climate
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Flex duct and other HVAC components
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	144,470	92,625	387,958	253,843
Operating Segments | Flex duct and other HVAC components | Piping Systems
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Flex duct and other HVAC components | Industrial Metals
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Flex duct and other HVAC components | Climate
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	144,470	92,625	387,958	253,843
Operating Segments | Other
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	13,105	26,381	46,921	73,294
Operating Segments | Other | Piping Systems
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Other | Industrial Metals
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	13,105	26,381	46,921	73,294
Operating Segments | Other | Climate
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0	0	0
Intersegment sales
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	$ (9,508)	$ (10,449)	$ (36,294)	$ (26,699)

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and R_3

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 24, 2022	Dec. 25, 2021	Sep. 25, 2021	Dec. 26, 2020
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 483,496	$ 87,924
Restricted cash included within other current assets	15,820	2,349
Restricted cash included within other assets	102	103
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	$ 499,418	$ 90,376	$ 108,151	$ 127,376

Inventories (Details)

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 24, 2022	Dec. 25, 2021
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials and supplies	$ 157,497	$ 130,133
Work-in-process	61,080	64,989
Finished goods	246,220	245,226
Valuation reserves	(10,286)	(10,104)
Inventories	$ 454,511	$ 430,244

Financial Instruments - Narrati

Financial Instruments - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2022	Dec. 25, 2021
Derivative [Line Items]
Restricted cash in other current assets as collateral related to open derivative contracts	$ 15.6	$ 2
Commodity contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Deferred net gains (losses), net of tax, included in AOCI	(10.4)
Cash Flow Hedging | Commodity contracts | Long
Derivative [Line Items]
Open option contracts written, at fair value	$ 80.8
Time period for open copper future contract purchases	12 months
Fair value of future contracts with net gain (loss) position	$ (13.5)
Fair Value Hedging | Commodity contracts | Short
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair value of future contracts with net gain (loss) position	1.7
Open future contracts to sell copper	$ 11.1
Time period for open copper future contract sales	9 months

Financial Instruments - Summary

Financial Instruments - Summary of Location and Fair Value (Details) - Designated as Hedging Instrument - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 24, 2022	Dec. 25, 2021
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total derivative assets	$ 1,774	$ 1,104
Total derivative liabilities	(13,498)	(353)
Other current assets | Commodity contracts
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Other current assets: Gain positions	1,774	1,150
Other current assets: Loss positions	0	(46)
Other current liabilities | Commodity contracts
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Other current liability: Gain positions	31	0
Other current liability: Loss positions	$ (13,529)	$ (353)

Financial Instruments - Effects

Financial Instruments - Effects of Derivative Instruments on Statements of Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2022	Sep. 25, 2021	Sep. 24, 2022	Sep. 25, 2021
Commodity contracts | Cost of goods sold | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on commodity contracts (nonqualifying)	$ 5,125	$ 7,282	$ 21,007	$ (3,141)

Financial Instruments - Amounts

Financial Instruments - Amounts Recognized in and Reclassified from AOCI (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2022	Sep. 25, 2021	Sep. 24, 2022	Sep. 25, 2021
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
(Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax	$ (1,179)	$ 2,122	$ (10,974)	$ (722)
Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
(Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax	(5,946)	858	(13,227)	862
Loss (Gain) Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax	4,767	1,264	2,253	(1,584)
Commodity contracts | Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
(Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax	(5,984)	845	(13,310)	861
Commodity contracts | Cash Flow Hedging | Cost of goods sold
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Loss (Gain) Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax	4,767	1,265	2,253	(1,584)
Other | Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
(Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax	38	13	83	1
Loss (Gain) Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax	$ 0	$ (1)	$ 0	$ 0

Investments in Unconsolidated_3

Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2022	Sep. 25, 2021	Sep. 24, 2022	Sep. 25, 2021	Sep. 02, 2021
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Net (loss) income	$ 155,813	$ 172,256	$ 522,585	$ 348,426
Retail Distribution Business
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Net (loss) income	1,300		3,200
Tecumseh Products Holdings LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Net (loss) income	$ (300)	$ 2,800	$ 2,800	$ 100
Tecumseh Products Holdings LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Interest in the joint venture, ownership percentage	50%		50%
Second Unconsolidated Affiliate
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Interest in the joint venture, ownership percentage	50%		50%
Retail Distribution Business
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Interest in the joint venture, ownership percentage					17%

Investments in Unconsolidated_4

Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates - Summarized Financial Information Derived from Equity Method Investees' Consolidated Financial Statements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2022	Sep. 25, 2021	Sep. 24, 2022	Sep. 25, 2021	Dec. 25, 2021
Balance sheet data [Abstract]
Current assets	$ 1,420,924		$ 1,420,924		$ 1,019,003
Current liabilities	374,947		374,947		382,439
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	944,830	$ 982,248	3,104,874	$ 2,812,988
Net (loss) income	155,813	172,256	522,585	348,426
Tecumseh
Balance sheet data [Abstract]
Current assets	257,468		257,468		214,550
Noncurrent assets	78,402		78,402		76,406
Current liabilities	198,557		198,557		169,155
Noncurrent liabilities	45,894		45,894		$ 46,059
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	135,720	125,581	388,024	326,744
Gross profit	25,767	15,693	70,799	40,715
Net (loss) income	$ (593)	$ 5,599	$ 5,576	$ 262

Benefit Plans (Details)

Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2022	Sep. 25, 2021	Sep. 24, 2022	Sep. 25, 2021
Pension Benefits
Components of net periodic benefit cost (income) [Abstract]
Interest cost	$ 394	$ 313	$ 1,181	$ 939
Expected return on plan assets	(967)	(903)	(2,901)	(2,711)
Amortization of net loss (gain)	244	378	731	1,135
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	(329)	(212)	(989)	(637)
Other Benefits
Components of net periodic benefit cost (income) [Abstract]
Interest cost	104	87	310	261
Amortization of net loss (gain)	(59)	(32)	(177)	(96)
Service cost	72	64	216	194
Amortization of prior service credit	(1)	(118)	(198)	(353)
Curtailment gain	0	0	(1,756)	0
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	$ 116	$ 1	$ (1,605)	$ 6

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended				9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2022 USD ($) smelter_site ft	Jan. 31, 2018 USD ($) potentially_responsible_party unilateral_administrative_order	Nov. 27, 2015 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2015 mining_site	Sep. 24, 2022 USD ($) property potentially_responsible_party smelter_site	Oct. 31, 2008 importEntry	Sep. 25, 2021 USD ($)	Dec. 29, 2018 potentially_responsible_party	Nov. 08, 2016 USD ($)	Apr. 19, 2010
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Term of guarantees					1 year
Payments required to be made under guarantees, maximum					$ 33.1
United States Department of Commerce Antidumping Review
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Assignment of antidumping duty rate on U.S. imports by Company subsidiaries (as a percent)										48.33%
Payment for interest and duties			$ 3
Number of import entries | importEntry						795
Southeast Kansas Sites
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Accrual for environmental loss contingencies, gross	$ 5.6
Geographic boundary of sites | ft	50
Lead Refinery Site
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Financial guarantee									$ 1
Lead Refinery NPL Site
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of UAOs | unilateral_administrative_order		2
Number of PRPs | potentially_responsible_party		4
Environmental reserves		$ 4.5
Site contingency, total costs		25
Site contingency, amount agreed upon to pay PRPs for past costs		2
Site contingency, additional reimbursement of past costs		$ 0.7
Contingency charge					$ 7.6
Reserve for settlement							$ 3.3
Bonita Peak Mining District
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of mining sites | mining_site				48
Non operating Properties | Southeast Kansas Sites
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of parties involved in settlement negotiations | smelter_site	3				3
Non operating Properties | Southeast Kansas Sites - East La Harpe
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of parties involved in settlement negotiations | potentially_responsible_party					2			2
Non operating Properties | Shasta Area Mine Sites
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Period of permit, implementation of Best Management Practices					10 years
Estimated remediation costs, term					30 years
Non operating Properties | Lead Refinery Site
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of parties involved in settlement negotiations | potentially_responsible_party					2
Estimated remediation costs, term					15 years
Amount other PRPs will pay to fund cleanup					$ 26
Number of surrounding properties | property					300
Non operating Properties | Minimum | Shasta Area Mine Sites
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimated remediation costs					$ 14
Non operating Properties | Minimum | Lead Refinery Site
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimated remediation costs					1.6
Non operating Properties | Maximum | Shasta Area Mine Sites
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimated remediation costs					16
Non operating Properties | Maximum | Lead Refinery Site
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimated remediation costs					$ 2.3
Operating Properties | Southeast Kansas Sites - Lanyon
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of properties in remediation | property					1,371
Operating Properties | Mueller Copper Tube Products, Inc.
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimated remediation costs, term					4 years
Operating Properties | Minimum | Mueller Copper Tube Products, Inc.
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimated remediation costs					$ 0.7
Operating Properties | Maximum | Mueller Copper Tube Products, Inc.
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimated remediation costs					$ 0.9

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2022	Sep. 25, 2021	Sep. 24, 2022	Sep. 25, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective tax rate	25%	26%	25%	26%
Provision for state income taxes, net of federal benefits	$ 7.3	$ 8.5	$ 24.2	$ 16.3
Effect of foreign tax rates differential		5.6	$ 4.3	8.7
Other items		$ 2.2		$ 2.5

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Changes in AOCI by Component, Net of Taxes and Noncontrolling Interest (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2022	Sep. 25, 2021	Sep. 24, 2022	Sep. 25, 2021
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period			$ 1,256,963
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net	$ (27,941)	$ (4,977)	(49,113)	$ 1,298
Balance at end of period	1,654,649		1,654,649
Total
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	(72,930)	(48,262)	(53,347)	(54,883)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications			(48,663)	3,738
Amounts reclassified from AOCI			2,558	(1,010)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net	(26,522)	(3,893)	(46,105)	2,728
Balance at end of period	(99,452)	(52,155)	(99,452)	(52,155)
Cumulative Translation Adjustment
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period			(42,303)	(37,339)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications			(41,078)	763
Amounts reclassified from AOCI			0	0
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net			(41,078)	763
Balance at end of period	(83,381)	(36,576)	(83,381)	(36,576)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period			803	984
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications			(13,227)	862
Amounts reclassified from AOCI			2,253	(1,584)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net			(10,974)	(722)
Balance at end of period	(10,171)	262	(10,171)	262
Pension/OPEB Liability Adjustment
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period			(11,500)	(17,203)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications			1,424	(98)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI			305	574
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net			1,729	476
Balance at end of period	(9,771)	(16,727)	(9,771)	(16,727)
Attributable to Unconsol. Affiliates
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period			(347)	(1,325)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications			4,218	2,211
Amounts reclassified from AOCI			0	0
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net			4,218	2,211
Balance at end of period	$ 3,871	$ 886	$ 3,871	$ 886

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_4

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Reclassification Adjustments Out of AOCI (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2022	Sep. 25, 2021	Sep. 24, 2022	Sep. 25, 2021
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income tax benefit	$ 51,035	$ 60,229	$ 173,524	$ 120,996
Net of tax and noncontrolling interests	(154,542)	(170,980)	(519,410)	(342,919)
Other income, net	(1,030)	2,548	(4,013)	1,288
Unrealized losses (gains) on derivative commodity contracts | Amount reclassified from AOCI
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Cost of goods sold	6,151	1,077	2,906	(2,612)
Income tax benefit	(1,384)	187	(653)	1,028
Net of tax and noncontrolling interests	4,767	1,264	2,253	(1,584)
Amortization of net loss and prior service cost on employee benefit plans | Amount reclassified from AOCI
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income tax benefit	(31)	(37)	(51)	(112)
Net of tax and noncontrolling interests	153	191	305	574
Other income, net	$ 184	$ 228	$ 356	$ 686