Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

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%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016 (in thousands):

	Attributable to Nucor Corporation			Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests			Total
Stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2016	$	7,879,865		$	374,843		$	8,254,708
Total comprehensive income		1,034,784			50,680			1,085,464
Stock options		13,300			—			13,300
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures		30,787			—			30,787
Amortization of unearned compensation		1,000			—			1,000
Treasury stock acquired		(90,305	)		—			(90,305	)
Dividends declared		(364,046	)		—			(364,046	)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		—			(85,094	)		(85,094	)
Stockholders’ equity at September 30, 2017	$	8,505,385		$	340,429		$	8,845,814
	Attributable to Nucor Corporation			Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests			Total
Stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2015	$	7,477,816		$	372,061		$	7,849,877
Total comprehensive income		699,410			88,599			788,009
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	$	7,850,254		$	372,076		$	8,222,330