Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]

Summary Of Stock Option Plans Activity

	Shares			Weighted - Average Exercise Price		Weighted - Average Remaining Contractual Life		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Number of shares under option:
Outstanding at beginning of year		1,156		$	38.26
Granted		—			—
Exercised		(194	)	$	30.34			$	2,666
Canceled		—			—
Outstanding at March 31, 2012		962		$	39.86		7.5 years	$	2,973
Options exercisable at March 31, 2012		160		$	28.86		0.4 years	$	2,264

Summary Of Nucor's Restricted Stock Unit Activity

	Shares			Grant Date Fair  Value
Restricted stock units:
Unvested at beginning of year		962		$	46.09
Granted		—			—
Vested		(37	)	$	50.69
Canceled		(6	)	$	43.11
Unvested at March 31, 2012		919		$	45.92
Shares reserved for future grants (stock options and RSUs)		13,692

Summary of Nucor's Restricted Stock Awards and Units Under AIP And LTIP

				Grant Date
	Shares			Fair Value
Restricted stock awards and units:
Unvested at beginning of year		94		$	42.46
Granted		122		$	42.20
Vested		(133	)	$	41.39
Canceled		—			—
Unvested at March 31, 2012		83		$	43.80
Shares reserved for future grants		1,360