Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 29, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Net earnings	$ 106,270	$ 139,567	$ 216,998	$ 302,979
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net unrealized loss on hedging derivatives, net of income taxes of $0 and $0 for the second quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $0 and ($1,100) for the first six months 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 $6,200 for the second quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $0 and $12,600 for the first six months of 2013 and 2012, respectively		10,553		21,407
Foreign currency translation gain (loss), net of income taxes of ($200) and $0 for the second quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively, and ($200) and $0 for the first six months of 2013 and 2012, respectively	(15,582)	(55,433)	(66,095)	(1,381)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(15,582)	(44,880)	(66,095)	17,762
Comprehensive income	90,688	94,687	150,903	320,741
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(21,125)	(27,232)	(47,064)	(45,512)
Comprehensive income attributable to Nucor stockholders	$ 69,563	$ 67,455	$ 103,839	$ 275,229