Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,111,989	$ 1,200,645
Short-term investments	569,421	1,362,641
Accounts receivable, net	1,919,465	1,710,773
Inventories, net	2,406,122	1,987,257
Other current assets	479,347	446,765
Total current assets	6,486,344	6,708,081
Property, plant and equipment, net	3,959,279	3,755,604
Restricted cash and investments	491,640	585,833
Goodwill	1,988,874	1,830,661
Other intangible assets, net	990,224	784,640
Other assets	850,205	905,531
Total assets	14,766,566	14,570,350
Current liabilities:
Short-term debt	7,109	1,826
Long-term debt due within one year	900,000	650,000
Accounts payable	1,127,471	958,645
Salaries, wages and related accruals	255,960	333,341
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	466,748	452,247
Total current liabilities	2,757,288	2,396,059
Long-term debt due after one year	3,380,200	3,630,200
Deferred credits and other liabilities	846,519	837,511
Total liabilities	6,984,007	6,863,770
Nucor stockholders' equity:
Common stock	150,730	150,496
Additional paid-in capital	1,794,457	1,756,534
Retained earnings	7,135,753	7,111,566
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes	(20,351)	(38,177)
Treasury stock	(1,502,425)	(1,505,534)
Total Nucor stockholders' equity	7,558,164	7,474,885
Noncontrolling interests	224,395	231,695
Total equity	7,782,559	7,706,580
Total liabilities and equity	$ 14,766,566	$ 14,570,350