Quarterly Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Quarterly Information [Abstract]

Schedule Of Quarterly Information

	(In thousands, except per share data) Year Ended December 31, 2011
	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
Net sales	$	4,833,934	$	5,107,809	$	5,252,144	$	4,829,677
Gross margin (1)		438,409		666,218		475,861		368,109
Net earnings (2)		181,122		321,578		200,111		158,173
Net earnings attributable to Nucor stockholders (2)		159,841		299,773		181,518		137,056
Net earnings per share:
Basic		0.50		0.94		0.57		0.43
Diluted		0.50		0.94		0.57		0.43
	(In thousands, except per share data) Year Ended December 31, 2010
	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
Net sales	$	3,654,842	$	4,195,966	$	4,140,069	$	3,853,750
Gross margin (3)		212,795		308,037		190,290		132,543
Net earnings (4)		41,194		106,218		50,024		8,887
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Nucor stockholders (4)		30,964		90,992		23,495		(11,359	)
Net earnings (loss) per share:
Basic		0.10		0.29		0.07		(0.04	)
Diluted		0.10		0.29		0.07		(0.04	)

(1) Nucor incurred LIFO charges of $31.0 million, $32.0 million, $28.0 million and $51.8 million in the first, second, third and fourth quarters, respectively. In the fourth quarter, Nucor recognized a gain of $29.0 million related to the correction of an error in the actuarial calculation associated with the medical plan covering certain eligible early retirees.

(2) The third quarter includes a pre-tax charge of $13.9 million for impairment of Nucor's equity investment in a dust recycling project.

(3) Nucor incurred LIFO charges of $24.0 million, $67.0 million, $50.0 million and $23.0 million in the first, second, third and fourth quarters, respectively.

(4) The fourth quarter included a charge of $10.0 million for Nucor's share of the estimated closure costs of the HIsmelt plant.