Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Apr. 02, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 163,412	$ 181,122
Other comprehensive income
Net unrealized loss on hedging derivatives, net of income taxes	(2,264)	(1,086)
Reclassification adjustment for loss on settlement of hedging derivatives included in net income, net of income taxes	10,854	9,060
Foreign currency translation gain, net of income taxes	54,052	64,126
Other comprehensive income, net of tax, total	62,642	72,100
Comprehensive income	226,054	253,222
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(18,280)	(21,287)
Comprehensive income attributable to Nucor stockholders	$ 207,774	$ 231,935