Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,693,197	$ 1,200,645
Short-term investments	430,266	1,362,641
Accounts receivable, net	1,799,305	1,710,773
Inventories, net	2,217,374	1,987,257
Other current assets	481,931	446,765
Total current assets	6,622,073	6,708,081
Property, plant and equipment, net	4,106,238	3,755,604
Restricted cash and investments	414,203	585,833
Goodwill	2,008,461	1,830,661
Other intangible assets, net	980,348	784,640
Other assets	865,924	905,531
Total assets	14,997,247	14,570,350
Current liabilities:
Short-term debt	30,865	1,826
Long-term debt due within one year	900,000	650,000
Accounts payable	1,186,665	958,645
Salaries, wages and related accruals	286,780	333,341
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	482,717	452,247
Total current liabilities	2,887,027	2,396,059
Long-term debt due after one year	3,380,200	3,630,200
Deferred credits and other liabilities	866,446	837,511
Total liabilities	7,133,673	6,863,770
Nucor stockholders' equity:
Common stock	150,798	150,496
Additional paid-in capital	1,804,156	1,756,534
Retained earnings	7,129,236	7,111,566
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	51,313	(38,177)
Treasury stock	(1,502,159)	(1,505,534)
Total Nucor stockholders' equity	7,633,344	7,474,885
Noncontrolling interests	230,230	231,695
Total equity	7,863,574	7,706,580
Total liabilities and equity	$ 14,997,247	$ 14,570,350