Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands	Jul. 02, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,189,544	$ 1,325,406
Short-term investments	1,092,684	1,153,623
Accounts receivable, net	1,837,175	1,439,828
Inventories, net	2,222,167	1,557,574
Other current assets	374,925	384,744
Total current assets	6,716,495	5,861,175
Property, plant and equipment, net	3,804,574	3,852,118
Restricted cash	576,557	598,482
Goodwill	1,845,948	1,836,294
Other intangible assets, net	826,789	856,125
Other assets	963,186	917,716
Total assets	14,733,549	13,921,910
Current liabilities:
Short-term debt	14,673	13,328
Accounts payable	1,143,536	896,703
Federal income taxes payable	85,396
Salaries, wages and related accruals	294,583	207,168
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	464,497	387,239
Total current liabilities	2,002,685	1,504,438
Long-term debt due after one year	4,280,200	4,280,200
Deferred credits and other liabilities	775,273	806,578
Total liabilities	7,058,158	6,591,216
Nucor stockholders' equity:
Common stock	150,405	150,181
Additional paid-in capital	1,735,300	1,711,518
Retained earnings	7,024,830	6,795,988
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	60,422	(27,776)
Treasury stock	(1,506,009)	(1,509,841)
Total Nucor stockholders' equity	7,464,948	7,120,070
Noncontrolling interests	210,443	210,624
Total equity	7,675,391	7,330,694
Total liabilities and equity	$ 14,733,549	$ 13,921,910