Stockholders' Equity

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity

15. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: The following tables reflect the changes in stockholders' equity attributable to both Nucor and the noncontrolling interests of Nucor's joint ventures, primarily Nucor-Yamato Steel Company and Barker Steel Company, Inc., of which Nucor owns 51% and 90%, respectively (in thousands):

	Attributable to			Attributable to
	Nucor Corporation			Noncontrolling Interests			Total
Stockholders' equity at December 31, 2011	$	7,474,885		$	231,695		$	7,706,580
Total comprehensive income		207,774			18,280			226,054
Stock options		6,189			—			6,189
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures		13,506			—			13,506
Amortization of unearned compensation		300			—			300
Dividends declared		(116,441	)		—			(116,441	)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		—			(39,857	)		(39,857	)
Other		(629	)		—			(629	)
Stockholders' equity at March 31, 2012	$	7,585,584		$	210,118		$	7,795,702
Stockholders' equity at December 31, 2010	$	7,120,070		$	210,624		$	7,330,694
Total comprehensive income		231,935			21,287			253,222
Stock options		3,040			—			3,040
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures		11,156			—			11,156
Amortization of unearned compensation		500			—			500
Dividends declared		(115,327	)		—			(115,327	)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		—			(29,694	)		(29,694	)
Stockholders' equity at April 2, 2011	$	7,251,374		$	202,217		$	7,453,591