Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Net earnings	$ 178,115	$ 129,892	$ 395,113	$ 432,871
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net unrealized loss on hedging derivatives, net of income taxes of $0 and $0 for the third quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $0 and $1,100 for the first nine 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 third quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $0 and $18,800 for the first nine months of 2013 and 2012, respectively		10,554		31,961
Foreign currency translation gain (loss), net of income taxes of $500 and $0 for the third quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $300 and $0 for the first nine months of 2013 and 2012, respectively	31,879	61,111	(34,216)	59,730
Other comprehensive income (loss)	31,879	71,665	(34,216)	89,427
Comprehensive income	209,994	201,557	360,897	522,298
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(30,518)	(19,585)	(77,582)	(65,097)
Comprehensive income attributable to Nucor stockholders	$ 179,476	$ 181,972	$ 283,315	$ 457,201