Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jul. 04, 2015

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, 2014	$	7,772,470		$	302,648		$	8,075,118
Total comprehensive income		101,555			51,081			152,636
Stock options		7,557			—			7,557
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures		18,384			—			18,384
Amortization of unearned compensation		500			—			500
Dividends declared		(239,763	)		—			(239,763	)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		—			(39,347	)		(39,347	)
Stockholders’ equity at July 4, 2015	$	7,660,703		$	314,382		$	7,975,085

	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		245,040			38,559			283,599
Stock options		7,617			—			7,617
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures		19,556			—			19,556
Amortization of unearned compensation		400			—			400
Dividends declared		(237,560	)		—			(237,560	)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		—			(37,877	)		(37,877	)
Stockholders’ equity at July 5, 2014	$	7,680,822		$	265,191		$	7,946,013