Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 05, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,067,561	$ 1,483,252
Short-term investments	100,000	28,191
Accounts receivable, net	2,071,439	1,810,987
Inventories, net	2,738,658	2,605,609
Other current assets	517,132	482,007
Total current assets	6,494,790	6,410,046
Property, plant and equipment, net	4,971,813	4,917,024
Goodwill	1,971,452	1,973,608
Other intangible assets, net	842,445	874,154
Other assets	1,030,388	1,028,451
Total assets	15,310,888	15,203,283
Current liabilities:
Short-term debt	42,414	29,202
Long-term debt due within one year	11,300	3,300
Accounts payable	1,124,077	1,117,078
Salaries, wages and related accruals	276,660	282,860
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	562,775	527,776
Total current liabilities	2,017,226	1,960,216
Long-term debt due after one year	4,368,900	4,376,900
Deferred credits and other liabilities	978,749	955,889
Total liabilities	7,364,875	7,293,005
Nucor stockholders' equity:
Common stock	151,172	151,010
Additional paid-in capital	1,867,948	1,843,353
Retained earnings	7,160,952	7,140,440
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes	(3,952)	9,080
Treasury stock	(1,495,298)	(1,498,114)
Total Nucor stockholders' equity	7,680,822	7,645,769
Noncontrolling interests	265,191	264,509
Total equity	7,946,013	7,910,278
Total liabilities and equity	$ 15,310,888	$ 15,203,283