Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011	Sep. 29, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
Net earnings	$ 129,892	$ 200,111	$ 432,871	$ 702,811
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net unrealized loss on hedging derivatives, net of income taxes		(4,531)	(2,264)	(7,230)
Reclassification adjustment for loss on settlement of hedging derivatives included in net income, net of income taxes	10,554	9,023	31,961	27,282
Foreign currency translation gain (loss), net of income taxes	61,111	(86,521)	59,730	(13,878)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax, total	71,665	(82,029)	89,427	6,174
Comprehensive income	201,557	118,082	522,298	708,985
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(19,585)	(18,585)	(65,097)	(61,676)
Comprehensive income attributable to Nucor stockholders	$ 181,972	$ 99,497	$ 457,201	$ 647,309