Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2016

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, 2015	$	7,416,878		$	369,135		$	7,786,013
Total comprehensive income		637,340			82,719			720,059
Stock options		13,229			—			13,229
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures		25,929			—			25,929
Amortization of unearned compensation		600			—			600
Treasury stock acquired		(5,173	)		—			(5,173	)
Dividends declared		(360,955	)		—			(360,955	)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		—			(86,808	)		(86,808	)
Other		(602	)		(1,776	)		(2,378	)
Stockholders’ equity at October 1, 2016	$	7,727,246		$	363,270		$	8,090,516
	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		263,478			91,691			355,169
Stock options		7,707			—			7,707
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures		24,572			—			24,572
Amortization of unearned compensation		600			—			600
Dividends declared		(359,740	)		—			(359,740	)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		—			(56,085	)		(56,085	)
Stockholders’ equity at October 3, 2015	$	7,709,087		$	338,254		$	8,047,341