Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 29, 2018

Federal Home Loan Banks [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 (Limited Partnership), of which Nucor owns 51%, for the nine months ended September 29, 2018 and September 30, 2017 (in thousands):

	Attributable to			Attributable to
	Nucor Corporation			Noncontrolling Interests			Total
Stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2017	$	8,739,036		$	345,752		$	9,084,788
Total comprehensive income		1,694,062			86,026			1,780,088
Stock options		28,351			—			28,351
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures		44,304			—			44,304
Amortization of unearned compensation		1,400			—			1,400
Treasury stock acquired		(351,392	)		—			(351,392	)
Dividends declared		(363,624	)		—			(363,624	)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		—			(49,494	)		(49,494	)
Stockholders’ equity at September 29, 2018	$	9,792,137		$	382,284		$	10,174,421

	Attributable to			Attributable to
	Nucor Corporation			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