Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 05, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,152,542	$ 1,483,252
Short-term investments	100,000	28,191
Accounts receivable, net	1,900,293	1,810,987
Inventories, net	2,724,194	2,605,609
Other current assets	432,844	482,007
Total current assets	6,309,873	6,410,046
Property, plant and equipment, net	4,960,948	4,917,024
Goodwill	1,958,967	1,973,608
Other intangible assets, net	851,013	874,154
Other assets	1,037,210	1,028,451
Total assets	15,118,011	15,203,283
Current liabilities:
Short-term debt	27,072	29,202
Long-term debt due within one year	3,300	3,300
Accounts payable	1,062,572	1,117,078
Federal income taxes payable	29,582
Salaries, wages and related accruals	218,916	282,860
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	554,526	527,776
Total current liabilities	1,895,968	1,960,216
Long-term debt due after one year	4,376,900	4,376,900
Deferred credits and other liabilities	984,608	955,889
Total liabilities	7,257,476	7,293,005
Nucor stockholders' equity:
Common stock	151,025	151,010
Additional paid-in capital	1,849,737	1,843,353
Retained earnings	7,132,776	7,140,440
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes	(35,797)	9,080
Treasury stock	(1,495,586)	(1,498,114)
Total Nucor stockholders' equity	7,602,155	7,645,769
Noncontrolling interests	258,380	264,509
Total equity	7,860,535	7,910,278
Total liabilities and equity	$ 15,118,011	$ 15,203,283