Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 630,467	$ 1,052,862
Short-term investments	47,656	104,167
Accounts receivable, net	1,767,177	1,707,317
Inventories, net	2,279,744	2,323,641
Other current assets	458,119	473,377
Total current assets	5,183,163	5,661,364
Property, plant and equipment, net	4,608,997	4,283,056
Restricted cash and investments	71,083	275,163
Goodwill	1,983,107	2,004,538
Other intangible assets, net	912,708	959,240
Other assets	1,007,593	968,698
Total assets	13,766,651	14,152,059
Current liabilities:
Short-term debt	31,668	29,912
Long-term debt due within one year		250,000
Accounts payable	979,220	1,046,713
Salaries, wages and related accruals	240,629	279,898
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	489,059	423,045
Total current liabilities	1,740,576	2,029,568
Long-term debt due after one year	3,380,200	3,380,200
Deferred credits and other liabilities	874,645	856,917
Total liabilities	5,995,421	6,266,685
Nucor stockholders' equity:
Common stock	150,962	150,805
Additional paid-in capital	1,835,746	1,811,459
Retained earnings	7,058,911	7,124,523
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes	(9,334)	56,761
Treasury stock	(1,498,656)	(1,501,977)
Total Nucor stockholders' equity	7,537,629	7,641,571
Noncontrolling interests	233,601	243,803
Total equity	7,771,230	7,885,374
Total liabilities and equity	$ 13,766,651	$ 14,152,059