Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 03, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 2,460,723	$ 2,639,671
Short-term investments	402,595	408,004
Accounts receivable, net	2,828,964	2,298,850
Inventories, net	4,360,122	3,569,089
Other current assets	356,727	573,048
Total current assets	10,409,131	9,488,662
Property, plant and equipment, net	7,031,688	6,899,110
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	115,266	115,258
Goodwill	2,235,183	2,229,672
Other intangible assets, net	647,479	668,021
Other assets	733,661	724,671
Total assets	21,172,408	20,125,394
Current liabilities:
Short-term debt	56,299	57,906
Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease obligations	10,644	10,885
Accounts payable	1,662,832	1,432,159
Salaries, wages and related accruals	527,412	462,727
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	713,259	664,183
Total current liabilities	2,970,446	2,627,860
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations due after one year	5,273,036	5,271,789
Deferred credits and other liabilities	1,067,203	993,884
Total liabilities	9,310,685	8,893,533
Nucor stockholders' equity:
Common stock	152,061	152,061
Additional paid-in capital	2,160,909	2,121,288
Retained earnings	12,163,626	11,343,852
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes	(103,560)	(118,861)
Treasury stock	(2,925,796)	(2,709,675)
Total Nucor stockholders' equity	11,447,240	10,788,665
Noncontrolling interests	414,483	443,196
Total equity	11,861,723	11,231,861
Total liabilities and equity	$ 21,172,408	$ 20,125,394