Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 902,700	$ 1,052,862
Short-term investments	29,503	104,167
Accounts receivable, net	1,791,321	1,707,317
Inventories, net	2,381,648	2,323,641
Other current assets	441,569	473,377
Total current assets	5,546,741	5,661,364
Property, plant and equipment, net	4,450,945	4,283,056
Restricted cash and investments	146,573	275,163
Goodwill	1,990,903	2,004,538
Other intangible assets, net	934,395	959,240
Other assets	969,453	968,698
Total assets	14,039,010	14,152,059
Current liabilities:
Short-term debt	42,384	29,912
Long-term debt due within one year	250,000	250,000
Accounts payable	1,021,076	1,046,713
Salaries, wages and related accruals	202,041	279,898
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	471,486	423,045
Total current liabilities	1,986,987	2,029,568
Long-term debt due after one year	3,380,200	3,380,200
Deferred credits and other liabilities	869,580	856,917
Total liabilities	6,236,767	6,266,685
Nucor stockholders' equity:
Common stock	150,807	150,805
Additional paid-in capital	1,817,429	1,811,459
Retained earnings	7,091,645	7,124,523
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of income taxes	6,248	56,761
Treasury stock	(1,499,033)	(1,501,977)
Total Nucor stockholders' equity	7,567,096	7,641,571
Noncontrolling interests	235,147	243,803
Total equity	7,802,243	7,885,374
Total liabilities and equity	$ 14,039,010	$ 14,152,059