STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Oct. 04, 2014

Equity [Abstract]

Schedule of Changes in Stockholders' Equity

The following tables reflect the changes in stockholders’ equity attributable to both Nucor and the noncontrolling interests of Nucor’s joint ventures, primarily Nucor-Yamato Steel Company, of which Nucor owns 51% (in thousands):

	Attributable to Nucor Corporation			Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests			Total
Stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2013	$	7,645,769		$	264,509		$	7,910,278
Total comprehensive income		409,098			67,313			476,411
Stock options		12,132			—			12,132
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures		24,242			—			24,242
Amortization of unearned compensation		500			—			500
Dividends declared		(356,459	)		—			(356,459	)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		—			(51,401	)		(51,401	)
Stockholders’ equity at October 4, 2014	$	7,735,282		$	280,421		$	8,015,703
	Attributable to Nucor Corporation			Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests			Total
Stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2012	$	7,641,571		$	243,803		$	7,885,374
Total comprehensive income		283,315			77,582			360,897
Stock options		8,575			—			8,575
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures		24,568			—			24,568
Amortization of unearned compensation		601			—			601
Dividends declared		(353,424	)		—			(353,424	)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		—			(63,318	)		(63,318	)
Stockholders’ equity at September 28, 2013	$	7,605,206		$	258,067		$	7,863,273