Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,722,909	$ 1,052,862
Short-term investments	48,476	104,167
Accounts receivable, net	1,918,165	1,707,317
Inventories, net	2,439,847	2,323,641
Other current assets	339,480	473,377
Total current assets	6,468,877	5,661,364
Property, plant and equipment, net	4,697,339	4,283,056
Restricted cash and investments	393	275,163
Goodwill	1,983,617	2,004,538
Other intangible assets, net	896,407	959,240
Other assets	1,045,143	968,698
Total assets	15,091,776	14,152,059
Current liabilities:
Short-term debt	38,203	29,912
Long-term debt due within one year		250,000
Accounts payable	1,137,352	1,046,713
Salaries, wages and related accruals	288,730	279,898
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	529,204	423,045
Total current liabilities	1,993,489	2,029,568
Long-term debt due after one year	4,380,200	3,380,200
Deferred credits and other liabilities	854,814	856,917
Total liabilities	7,228,503	6,266,685
Nucor stockholders' equity:
Common stock	150,968	150,805
Additional paid-in capital	1,841,499	1,811,459
Retained earnings	7,088,630	7,124,523
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of income taxes	22,545	56,761
Treasury stock	(1,498,436)	(1,501,977)
Total Nucor stockholders' equity	7,605,206	7,641,571
Noncontrolling interests	258,067	243,803
Total equity	7,863,273	7,885,374
Total liabilities and equity	$ 15,091,776	$ 14,152,059