Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,179,814	$ 1,200,645
Short-term investments	1,198,289	1,362,641
Accounts receivable, net	1,791,695	1,710,773
Inventories, net	2,258,645	1,987,257
Other current assets	431,042	446,765
Total current assets	6,859,485	6,708,081
Property, plant and equipment, net	3,817,402	3,755,604
Restricted cash and investments	586,190	585,833
Goodwill	1,855,971	1,830,661
Other intangible assets, net	792,031	784,640
Other assets	903,386	905,531
Total assets	14,814,465	14,570,350
Current liabilities:
Short-term debt	8,040	1,826
Long-term debt due within one year	650,000	650,000
Accounts payable	1,188,433	958,645
Salaries, wages and related accruals	211,988	333,341
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	490,586	452,247
Total current liabilities	2,549,047	2,396,059
Long-term debt due after one year	3,630,200	3,630,200
Deferred credits and other liabilities	839,516	837,511
Total liabilities	7,018,763	6,863,770
Nucor stockholders' equity:
Common stock	150,574	150,496
Additional paid-in capital	1,773,089	1,756,534
Retained earnings	7,140,228	7,111,566
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	24,494	(38,177)
Treasury stock	(1,502,801)	(1,505,534)
Total Nucor stockholders' equity	7,585,584	7,474,885
Noncontrolling interests	210,118	231,695
Total equity	7,795,702	7,706,580
Total liabilities and equity	$ 14,814,465	$ 14,570,350