Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Net earnings	$ 110,728	$ 163,412
Other comprehensive income:
Net unrealized loss on hedging derivatives, net of income taxes of $0 and ($1,100) for the first quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively		(2,264)
Reclassification adjustment for loss on settlement of hedging derivatives included in net income, net of income taxes of $0 and $6,400 for the first quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively		10,854
Foreign currency translation gain (loss), net of income taxes of $0 and $0 for the first quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively	(50,513)	54,052
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(50,513)	62,642
Comprehensive income	60,215	226,054
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(25,939)	(18,280)
Comprehensive income attributable to Nucor stockholders	$ 34,276	$ 207,774