Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 04, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,295,945	$ 1,483,252
Short-term investments	100,000	28,191
Accounts receivable, net	2,243,908	1,810,987
Inventories, net	2,683,235	2,605,609
Other current assets	473,156	482,007
Total current assets	6,796,244	6,410,046
Property, plant and equipment, net	4,884,010	4,917,024
Goodwill	1,982,776	1,973,608
Other intangible assets, net	819,078	874,154
Other assets	1,011,486	1,028,451
Total assets	15,493,594	15,203,283
Current liabilities:
Short-term debt	41,101	29,202
Long-term debt due within one year	16,300	3,300
Accounts payable	1,113,284	1,117,078
Federal income taxes payable	65,096	0
Salaries, wages and related accruals	341,875	282,860
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	578,840	527,776
Total current liabilities	2,156,496	1,960,216
Long-term debt due after one year	4,360,600	4,376,900
Deferred credits and other liabilities	960,795	955,889
Total liabilities	7,477,891	7,293,005
Nucor stockholders' equity:
Common stock	151,227	151,010
Additional paid-in capital	1,876,728	1,843,353
Retained earnings	7,287,500	7,140,440
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes	(85,341)	9,080
Treasury stock	(1,494,832)	(1,498,114)
Total Nucor stockholders' equity	7,735,282	7,645,769
Noncontrolling interests	280,421	264,509
Total equity	8,015,703	7,910,278
Total liabilities and equity	$ 15,493,594	$ 15,203,283