Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jul. 02, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jul. 02, 2011
Net earnings	$ 139,567	$ 321,578	$ 302,979	$ 502,700
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net unrealized loss on hedging derivatives, net of income taxes		(1,613)	(2,264)	(2,699)
Reclassification adjustment for loss on settlement of hedging derivatives included in net income, net of income taxes	10,553	9,199	21,407	18,259
Foreign currency translation gain (loss), net of income taxes	(55,433)	8,517	(1,381)	72,643
Other comprehensive income, net of tax, total	(44,880)	16,103	17,762	88,203
Comprehensive income	94,687	337,681	320,741	590,903
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(27,232)	(21,804)	(45,512)	(43,091)
Comprehensive income attributable to Nucor stockholders	$ 67,455	$ 315,877	$ 275,229	$ 547,812