Nucor (NUE) 10-Q 6 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Entity Information [Line Items]	'
Document Type	'10-Q
Amendment Flag	'false
Document Period End Date	28-Sep-13
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3
Entity Registrant Name	'NUCOR CORP
Entity Central Index Key	'0000073309
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	318,211,045

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Net sales	$4,940,936	$4,801,206	$14,157,296	$14,977,999
Costs, expenses and other:	'	'	'	'
Cost of products sold	4,532,393	4,452,473	13,132,412	13,848,809
Marketing, administrative and other expenses	125,126	114,392	364,501	334,039
Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated affiliates	-2,252	2,261	-2,665	9,093
Impairment of non-current assets	'	'	'	30,000
Interest expense, net	37,467	40,305	109,186	123,028
Costs, expenses and other, total	4,692,734	4,609,431	13,603,434	14,344,969
Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests	248,202	191,775	553,862	633,030
Provision for income taxes	70,087	61,883	158,749	200,159
Net earnings	178,115	129,892	395,113	432,871
Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	30,518	19,584	77,582	65,160
Net earnings attributable to Nucor stockholders	$147,597	$110,308	$317,531	$367,711
Net earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Basic	$0.46	$0.35	$0.99	$1.15
Diluted	$0.46	$0.35	$0.99	$1.15
Average shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic	319,341	318,463	318,979	318,042
Diluted	319,526	318,520	319,132	318,113
Dividends declared per share	$0.37	$0.37	$1.10	$1.09

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Net earnings	$178,115	$129,892	$395,113	$432,871
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'	'
Net unrealized loss on hedging derivatives, net of income taxes of $0 and $0 for the third quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $0 and $1,100 for the first nine months of 2013 and 2012, respectively	'	'	'	-2,264
Reclassification adjustment for loss on settlement of hedging derivatives included in net income, net of income taxes of $0 and $6,200 for the third quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $0 and $18,800 for the first nine months of 2013 and 2012, respectively	'	10,554	'	31,961
Foreign currency translation gain (loss), net of income taxes of $500 and $0 for the third quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $300 and $0 for the first nine months of 2013 and 2012, respectively	31,879	61,111	-34,216	59,730
Other comprehensive income (loss)	31,879	71,665	-34,216	89,427
Comprehensive income	209,994	201,557	360,897	522,298
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-30,518	-19,585	-77,582	-65,097
Comprehensive income attributable to Nucor stockholders	$179,476	$181,972	$283,315	$457,201

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Net unrealized loss on hedging derivatives, net of income taxes	$0	$0	$0	$1,100
Reclassification adjustment for loss on settlement of hedging derivatives included in net income, net of income taxes	0	6,200	0	18,800
Foreign currency translation gain (loss), net of income taxes	$500	$0	$300	$0

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$1,722,909	$1,052,862
Short-term investments	48,476	104,167
Accounts receivable, net	1,918,165	1,707,317
Inventories, net	2,439,847	2,323,641
Other current assets	339,480	473,377
Total current assets	6,468,877	5,661,364
Property, plant and equipment, net	4,697,339	4,283,056
Restricted cash and investments	393	275,163
Goodwill	1,983,617	2,004,538
Other intangible assets, net	896,407	959,240
Other assets	1,045,143	968,698
Total assets	15,091,776	14,152,059
Current liabilities:	'	'
Short-term debt	38,203	29,912
Long-term debt due within one year	'	250,000
Accounts payable	1,137,352	1,046,713
Salaries, wages and related accruals	288,730	279,898
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	529,204	423,045
Total current liabilities	1,993,489	2,029,568
Long-term debt due after one year	4,380,200	3,380,200
Deferred credits and other liabilities	854,814	856,917
Total liabilities	7,228,503	6,266,685
Nucor stockholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock	150,968	150,805
Additional paid-in capital	1,841,499	1,811,459
Retained earnings	7,088,630	7,124,523
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of income taxes	22,545	56,761
Treasury stock	-1,498,436	-1,501,977
Total Nucor stockholders' equity	7,605,206	7,641,571
Noncontrolling interests	258,067	243,803
Total equity	7,863,273	7,885,374
Total liabilities and equity	$15,091,776	$14,152,059

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Operating activities:	'	'
Net earnings	$395,113	$432,871
Adjustments:	'	'
Depreciation	390,495	394,690
Amortization	56,051	53,518
Stock-based compensation	40,551	42,858
Deferred income taxes	10,881	-42,548
Distribution from affiliates	7,708	'
Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated affiliates	-2,665	9,093
Impairment of non-current assets	'	30,000
Loss on assets	14,000	17,563
Changes in assets and liabilities (exclusive of acquisitions and dispositions):	'	'
Accounts receivable	-204,540	62,787
Inventories	-129,280	41,662
Accounts payable	122,520	21,668
Federal income taxes	70,210	11,248
Salaries, wages and related accruals	12,796	-52,561
Other	99,800	101,835
Cash provided by operating activities	883,640	1,124,684
Investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-887,929	-613,777
Investment in and advances to affiliates	-64,762	-66,423
Repayment of advances to affiliates	42,000	32,500
Disposition of plant and equipment	29,328	42,574
Acquisitions (net of cash acquired)	'	-763,657
Purchases of investments	-19,349	-409,403
Proceeds from the sale of investments	73,428	1,341,913
Proceeds from the sale of restricted investments	148,725	209,930
Changes in restricted cash	126,045	-38,301
Other investing	4,862	'
Cash used in investing activities	-547,652	-264,644
Financing activities:	'	'
Net change in short-term debt	8,331	28,983
Proceeds from long-term debt, net of discount	999,100	'
Repayment of long-term debt	-250,000	'
Bond issuance costs	-7,625	'
Issuance of common stock	'	10,515
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	2,100	4,377
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-63,318	-66,562
Cash dividends	-353,155	-349,538
Other financing activities	110	962
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities	335,543	-371,263
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-1,484	3,775
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	670,047	492,552
Cash and cash equivalents-beginning of year	1,052,862	1,200,645
Cash and cash equivalents-end of nine months	1,722,909	1,693,197
Non-cash investing activity:	'	'
Change in accrued plant and equipment purchases	($30,416)	$77,764

Basis_of_Interim_Presentation

Basis of Interim Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Basis of Interim Presentation	'
	1	BASIS OF INTERIM PRESENTATION: The information furnished in Item 1 reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to a fair statement of the results for the interim periods and are of a normal and recurring nature unless otherwise noted. The information furnished has not been audited; however, the December 31, 2012 condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in this Item 1 should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in Nucor’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012.
	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements — In the first quarter of 2013, Nucor adopted new accounting guidance requiring additional disclosures on reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income into net income. The new accounting guidance requires entities to report either parenthetically on the face of the financial statements or in the notes to the financial statements these reclassifications for each financial statement line item. Nucor elected to report this information within the notes to the financial statements. This new guidance only impacts disclosures and has no impact on Nucor’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	In the first quarter of 2014, Nucor will adopt new accounting guidance which requires unrecognized tax benefits to be presented as a decrease in net operating loss, similar tax loss or tax credit carryforward if certain criteria are met. The new guidance may affect balance sheet classification of certain unrecognized tax benefits and will have no impact on Nucor’s consolidated results of operations or cash flows.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Inventories	'
	2	INVENTORIES: Inventories consisted of approximately 40% raw materials and supplies and 60% finished and semi-finished products at September 28, 2013 (37% and 63%, respectively, at December 31, 2012). Nucor’s manufacturing process consists of a continuous, vertically integrated process from which products are sold to customers at various stages throughout the process. Since most steel products can be classified as either finished or semi-finished products, these two categories of inventory are combined.
	Inventories valued using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of accounting represented approximately 44% of total inventories as of September 28, 2013 (45% as of December 31, 2012). If the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method of accounting had been used, inventories would have been $607.2 million higher at both September 28, 2013 and December 31, 2012. Use of the lower of cost or market methodology reduced inventories by $2.7 million at September 28, 2013 ($3.5 million at December 31, 2012).

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	3	PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT: Property, plant and equipment was recorded net of accumulated depreciation of $6.52 billion at September 28, 2013 ($6.16 billion at December 31, 2012).
	In the third quarter of 2013, a storage dome collapsed at Nucor Steel Louisiana in St. James Parish. As a result, Nucor recorded a partial write down of assets at the facility, including $21.0 million of property, plant and equipment and $7.0 million of inventory, offset by a $14.0 million insurance receivable that was based on management’s estimate of probable insurance recoveries. The associated net charge of $14.0 million is included in marketing, administrative and other expenses in the condensed consolidated statement of earnings.

Restricted_Cash_and_Investment

Restricted Cash and Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Restricted Cash and Investments	'
	4
	RESTRICTED CASH AND INVESTMENTS: As of September 28, 2013, restricted cash consisted of net proceeds from $600.0 million 30-year variable rate Gulf Opportunity Zone bonds issued in November 2010. The restricted cash is held in a trust account and is to be used to fund part of the capital costs associated with the construction of Nucor’s direct reduced iron making facility in St. James Parish, Louisiana. Funds are disbursed as qualified expenditures for the construction of the facility are made ($274.9 million and $172.6 million in the first nine months of 2013 and 2012, respectively). There were no restricted investments held as of September 28, 2013 ($149.8 million at December 31, 2012). Since the restricted cash must be used for the construction of the facility, the entire balance has been classified as a non-current asset.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'
	5	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS: The change in the net carrying amount of goodwill for the nine months ended September 28, 2013 by segment is as follows (in thousands):
			Steel Mills		Steel Products			Raw Materials		All Other			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	407,045	$	805,416		$	703,225	$	88,852		$	2,004,538
	Acquisitions			—		—			—		—			—
	Reclassifications			88,852		—			—		(88,852	)		—
	Translation			—		(16,059	)		—		—			(16,059	)
	Other			—		(4,862	)		—		—			(4,862	)
	Balance at September 28, 2013		$	495,897	$	784,495		$	703,225	$	—		$	1,983,617
	Previously Nucor’s steel trading businesses and rebar distribution businesses were reported in the “All other” category. Beginning in the first quarter of 2013, these businesses were reclassified to the steel mills segment as part of a realignment of Nucor’s reportable segments to better reflect the way in which they are managed.
	Nucor completed its most recent annual goodwill impairment testing during the fourth quarter of 2012 and concluded that there was no impairment of goodwill for any of its reporting units. There have been no triggering events requiring an interim assessment for impairment since the most recent annual impairment testing date.
	Intangible assets with estimated useful lives of three to 22 years are amortized on a straight-line or accelerated basis and were comprised of the following (in thousands):
			Sept. 28, 2013					Dec. 31, 2012
			Gross		Accumulated			Gross		Accumulated
			Amount		Amortization			Amount		Amortization
	Customer relationships		$	1,151,156	$	375,128		$	1,156,979	$	325,819
	Trademarks and trade names			151,909		38,513			152,869		32,653
	Other			21,869		14,886			28,610		20,746
			$	1,324,934	$	428,527		$	1,338,458	$	379,218
	Intangible asset amortization expense in the third quarter of 2013 and 2012 was $18.5 million and $20.4 million, respectively, and was $56.1 million and $53.5 million in the first nine months of 2013 and 2012, respectively. Annual amortization expense is estimated to be $73.9 million in 2013; $70.0 million in 2014; $68.2 million in 2015; $66.5 million in 2016; and $64.8 million in 2017.

Equity_Investments

Equity Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Equity Investments	'
	6	EQUITY INVESTMENTS: The carrying value of our equity investments in domestic and foreign companies was $913.7 million at September 28, 2013 ($855.9 million at December 31, 2012) and is recorded in other assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
	DUFERDOFIN NUCOR
	Nucor owns a 50% economic and voting interest in Duferdofin Nucor S.r.l. (Duferdofin Nucor), an Italian steel manufacturer, and accounts for the investment (on a one-month lag basis) under the equity method, as control and risk of loss are shared equally between the members.
	Nucor’s investment in Duferdofin Nucor at September 28, 2013 was $454.6 million ($454.1 million at December 31, 2012). Nucor’s 50% share of the total net assets of Duferdofin Nucor was $50.7 million at September 28, 2013, resulting in a basis difference of $403.9 million due to the step-up to fair value of certain assets and liabilities attributable to Duferdofin Nucor as well as the identification of goodwill ($326.2 million) and finite-lived intangible assets. This basis difference, excluding the portion attributable to goodwill, is being amortized based on the remaining estimated useful lives of the various underlying net assets, as appropriate. Amortization expense and other purchase accounting adjustments associated with the fair value step-up were $2.8 million and $2.7 million in the third quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively, and were $8.5 million and $8.3 million in the first nine months of 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	As of September 28, 2013, Nucor had outstanding notes receivable of €35.0 million ($47.3 million) from Duferdofin Nucor (€35.0 million at December 31, 2012). The notes receivable bear interest at 1.69% and reset annually on September 30 to the twelve-month Euro Interbank Offered Rate (Euribor) plus 1% per year. The principal amounts are due on January 31, 2016. Accordingly, the notes receivable were classified in other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 28, 2013.
	Nucor has issued a guarantee for its ownership percentage (50%) of Duferdofin Nucor’s borrowings under Facility A of a Structured Trade Finance Facilities Agreement that matures on April 26, 2016. In the second quarter of 2013, Duferdofin Nucor amended the loan agreement, increasing the maximum amount that it can borrow under Facility A to €122.5 million (or $164.8 million as of September 28, 2013). As of September 28, 2013, it had €106.0 million ($143.2 million) outstanding under that facility (€102.0 million, or $134.8 million, at December 31, 2012). If Duferdofin Nucor fails to pay when due any amounts for which it is obligated under Facility A, Nucor could be required to pay 50% of such amounts pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of its guarantee. Any indebtedness of Duferdofin Nucor to Nucor is effectively subordinated to the indebtedness of Duferdofin Nucor under the Structured Trade Finance Facilities Agreement. Nucor has not recorded any liability associated with the guarantee.
	NUMIT
	Nucor has a 50% economic and voting interest in NuMit LLC (NuMit). NuMit owns 100% of the equity interest in Steel Technologies LLC, an operator of 24 sheet processing facilities located throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Nucor accounts for the investment in NuMit (on a one-month lag basis) under the equity method as control and risk of loss are shared equally between the members.
	Nucor’s investment in NuMit at September 28, 2013 was $308.4 million ($288.4 million as of December 31, 2012). The value of the investment is comprised of the purchase price of approximately $221.3 million plus subsequent additional capital contributions and equity method earnings less distributions since acquisition. Nucor also has recorded a $40.0 million note receivable from Steel Technologies LLC that bears interest at 1.17% as of September 28, 2013 and resets quarterly to the three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 90 basis points. The principal amount is due on October 21, 2014. In addition, Nucor has extended a $100.0 million line of credit (of which $16.5 million was outstanding at September 28, 2013) to Steel Technologies LLC. As of September 28, 2013, the amounts outstanding on the line of credit bear interest at 1.20% to 1.21% and mature on April 1, 2014. The note receivable was classified in other assets and the amount outstanding on the line of credit was classified in other current assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
	HUNTER RIDGE
	In November 2012, Nucor acquired a 50% economic and voting interest in Hunter Ridge Energy Services LLC (Hunter Ridge). Hunter Ridge provides services for the gathering, separation and compression of energy products including natural gas produced by Nucor’s working interest drilling program. Nucor accounts for the investment (on a one-month lag basis) under the equity method, as control and risk of loss are shared equally between the members. Nucor’s investment in Hunter Ridge at September 28, 2013 was $132.9 million ($95.4 million at December 31, 2012). The acquisition did not result in a significant amount of goodwill or intangible assets.
	ALL EQUITY INVESTMENTS
	Nucor reviews its equity investments for impairment if and when circumstances indicate that a decline in value below their carrying amounts may have occurred. In the second quarter of 2012, Nucor concluded that a triggering event occurred, requiring assessment for impairment of the equity investment in Duferdofin Nucor due to the continued declines in the global demand for steel, the escalated economic and political turmoil in Europe and continued operating performance well below budgeted levels through the first half of 2012. Duferdofin Nucor had a recently updated unfavorable forecast of future operating performance that was also a contributing factor. The diminished demand combined with the continued lower than budgeted levels of operating performance significantly impacted the financial results of Duferdofin Nucor through the first half of 2012. After completing its assessment, Nucor determined that the carrying amount exceeded its estimated fair value and recorded a $30.0 million impairment charge against the Company’s investment in Duferdofin Nucor.
	In the fourth quarter of 2012, Nucor assessed its equity investment in Duferdofin Nucor for impairment. After completing its assessment, the Company determined that the estimated fair value exceeded its carrying amount and that there was no need for additional impairment charges. There has been no significant deterioration in near-term financial projections or any other key assumptions since the most recent impairment analysis was performed. The assumptions that most significantly affect the fair value determination include projected revenues and the discount rate. Steel market conditions in Europe have continued to be challenging through the third quarter of 2013, and, therefore, it is reasonably possible that material deviation of future performance from the estimates used in our most recent valuation could result in further impairment of our investment in Duferdofin Nucor.

Current_Liabilities

Current Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Current Liabilities	'
	7
	CURRENT LIABILITIES: Book overdrafts, included in accounts payable in the condensed consolidated balance sheets, were $103.2 million at September 28, 2013 ($53.8 million at December 31, 2012). Dividends payable, included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets, were $117.8 million at September 28, 2013 ($117.6 million at December 31, 2012).

Derivatives

Derivatives	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Derivatives	'
	8	DERIVATIVES: Nucor periodically uses derivative financial instruments primarily to partially manage its exposure to price risk related to natural gas purchases used in the production process as well as to scrap, copper and aluminum purchased for resale to its customers. In addition, Nucor periodically uses derivatives to partially manage its exposure to changes in interest rates on outstanding debt instruments and uses forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge cash flows associated with certain assets and liabilities, firm commitments and anticipated transactions.
	Nucor recognizes all derivative instruments in the condensed consolidated balance sheets at fair value. Any resulting changes in fair value are recorded as adjustments to other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, or recognized in net earnings, as appropriate.
	The following tables summarize information regarding Nucor’s derivative instruments (in thousands):
	Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
					Fair Value at
			Balance Sheet Location		Sept. 28,				Dec. 31,
					2013				2012
	Liability derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Commodity contracts		Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		$	(453	)		$	(303	)
	Foreign exchange contracts		Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			(34	)			(15	)
	Total liability derivatives				$	(487	)		$	(318	)
	The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings
	Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
							Amount of Gain							Amount of Gain					Amount of Gain
							or (Loss)							or (Loss)					or (Loss)
							Recognized in OCI							Reclassified from					Recognized in
							on Derivatives							Accumulated OCI into					Earnings on
	Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging						(Effective Portion)							Earnings					Derivatives
	Relationships													(Effective Portion)					(Ineffective Portion)
			Statement of  Earnings				Three Months							Three Months					Three Months
			Location				(13 weeks) Ended							(13 weeks) Ended					(13 weeks) Ended
							Sept. 28,				Sept. 29,			Sept. 28,		Sept. 29,			Sept. 28,		Sept. 29,
							2013				2012			2013		2012			2013		2012
	Commodity contracts			Cost of products sold			$	—			$	—		$	—	$	(10,554	)	$	—	$	—
							Amount of Gain							Amount of Gain					Amount of Gain
							or (Loss)							or (Loss)					or (Loss)
							Recognized in OCI							Reclassified from					Recognized in
							on Derivatives							Accumulated OCI into					Earnings on
	Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging						(Effective Portion)							Earnings					Derivatives
	Relationships													(Effective Portion)					(Ineffective Portion)
			Statement of  Earnings				Nine Months							Nine Months					Nine Months
			Location				(39 weeks) Ended							(39 weeks) Ended					(39 weeks) Ended
							Sept. 28,				Sept. 29,			Sept. 28,		Sept. 29,			Sept. 28,		Sept. 29,
							2013				2012			2013		2012			2013		2012
	Commodity contracts			Cost of products sold			$	—			$	(2,264	)	$	—	$	(31,961	)	$	—	$	500
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
							Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on  Derivatives
							Three Months (13 weeks) Ended							Nine Months (39 weeks) Ended
	Derivatives Not Designated as		Statement of				Sept. 28,				Sept. 29,			Sept. 28,		Sept. 29,
	Hedging Instruments		Earnings Location				2013				2012			2013		2012
	Commodity contracts			Cost of products sold			$	(789	)		$	(1,454	)	$	4,193	$	(231	)
	Foreign exchange contracts			Cost of products sold				134				(25	)		253		146
	Total						$	(655	)		$	(1,479	)	$	4,446	$	(85	)
	During the first quarter of 2012, Nucor settled all of its open natural gas forward purchase contracts that were previously in place. These settlements affected earnings over the periods specified in the original agreements throughout the remainder of 2012.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Fair Value Measurements	'
	9	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS: The following table summarizes information regarding Nucor’s financial assets and financial liabilities that were measured at fair value as of September 28, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands). Nucor does not currently have any non-financial assets or liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
						Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	Description		Carrying			Quoted Prices		Significant			Significant
			Amount in			in Active		Other			Unobservable
			Condensed			Markets for		Observable			Inputs
			Consolidated			Identical		Inputs			(Level 3)
			Balance Sheets			Assets		(Level 2)
						(Level 1)
	As of September 28, 2013
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents		$	1,590,572		$	1,590,572	$	—		$	—
	Short-term investments			48,476			48,476		—			—
	Restricted cash			393			393		—			—
	Total assets		$	1,639,441		$	1,639,441	$	—		$	—
	Liabilities:
	Foreign exchange and commodity contracts		$	(487	)	$	—	$	(487	)	$	—
	As of December 31, 2012
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents		$	830,011		$	830,011	$	—		$	—
	Short-term investments			104,167			104,167		—			—
	Restricted cash and investments			275,163			275,163		—			—
	Total assets		$	1,209,341		$	1,209,341	$	—		$	—
	Liabilities:
	Foreign exchange and commodity contracts		$	(318	)	$	—	$	(318	)	$	—
	Fair value measurements for Nucor’s cash equivalents, short-term investments and restricted cash and investments are classified under Level 1 because such measurements are based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets. Our short-term investments are held in similar short-term investment instruments as described in Note 4 to Nucor’s annual report for the year ended December 31, 2012. Fair value measurements for Nucor’s derivatives are classified under Level 2 because such measurements are based on published market prices for similar assets or are estimated based on observable inputs such as interest rates, yield curves, credit risks, spot and future commodity prices, and spot and future exchange rates.
	The fair value of short-term and long-term debt, including current maturities, was approximately $4.62 billion at September 28, 2013 ($4.24 billion at December 31, 2012). The debt fair value estimates are classified under Level 2 because such estimates are based on readily available market prices of our debt at September 28, 2013 and December 31, 2012, or similar debt with the same maturities, rating and interest rates.

Contingencies

Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Contingencies	'
	10	CONTINGENCIES: Nucor is subject to environmental laws and regulations established by federal, state and local authorities and, accordingly, makes provision for the estimated costs of compliance. Of the undiscounted total of $23.7 million of accrued environmental costs at September 28, 2013 ($26.5 million at December 31, 2012), $7.7 million was classified in accrued expenses and other current liabilities ($9.5 million at December 31, 2012) and $16.0 million was classified in deferred credits and other liabilities ($17.0 million at December 31, 2012). Inherent uncertainties exist in these estimates primarily due to unknown conditions, evolving remediation technology, and changing governmental regulations and legal standards.
	Nucor has been named, along with other major steel producers, as a co-defendant in several related antitrust class-action complaints filed by Standard Iron Works and other steel purchasers in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The majority of these complaints were filed in September and October of 2008, with two additional complaints being filed in July and December of 2010. Two of these complaints have been voluntarily dismissed and are no longer pending. The plaintiffs allege that from April 1, 2005 through December 31, 2007, eight steel manufacturers, including Nucor, engaged in anticompetitive activities with respect to the production and sale of steel. The plaintiffs seek monetary and other relief. Although we believe the plaintiffs’ claims are without merit and will vigorously defend against them, we cannot at this time predict the outcome of this litigation or estimate the range of Nucor’s potential exposure.
	We are from time to time a party to various lawsuits, claims, and other legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. With respect to all such lawsuits, claims and proceedings, we record reserves when it is probable a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. We do not believe that any of these proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, would be expected to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows. Nucor maintains liability insurance for certain risks that is subject to certain self-insurance limits.

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Debt	'
	11	DEBT – On July 29, 2013, Nucor issued $500.0 million of 4.00% notes due in 2023 and $500.0 million of 5.20% notes due in 2043. Net proceeds of the issuances were $991.5 million. Costs of $8.5 million associated with the issuances have been capitalized and are amortized over the life of the notes.
	During the third quarter of 2013, Nucor amended its $1.50 billion unsecured revolving credit facility. The maturity date was extended from December 2016 to August 2018. Costs of $0.6 million associated with the amendment have been capitalized and are amortized over the life of the extension.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	12	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION: Stock Options – Stock options may be granted to Nucor’s key employees, officers and non-employee directors with exercise prices at 100% of the market value on the date of the grant. The stock options granted from 2010 through 2013 are exercisable at the end of three years and have a term of 10 years. All stock options granted prior to 2010 were fully exercised as of September 28, 2013. New shares are issued upon exercise of stock options.
	A summary of activity under Nucor’s stock option plans for the first nine months of 2013 is as follows (in thousands, except year and per share amounts):
			Shares			Weighted -		Weighted -		Aggregate
						Average		Average		Intrinsic
						Exercise		Remaining		Value
						Price		Contractual Life
	Number of shares under option:
	Outstanding at beginning of year			1,543		$	39.03
	Granted			546		$	44.51
	Exercised			—			—
	Canceled			—			—
	Outstanding at September 28, 2013			2,089		$	40.47		8.4 years	$	17,409
	Options exercisable at September 28, 2013			242		$	41.43		6.7 years	$	1,783
	All expense related to options had been recognized as of the end of the second quarter of 2013. Compensation expense for stock options was $0.3 million in the third quarter of 2012, and $8.6 million and $9.5 million in the first nine months of 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Restricted Stock Units – Nucor annually grants restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to key employees, officers and non-employee directors. The RSUs typically vest and are converted to common stock in three equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date. A portion of the RSUs awarded to senior officers vest upon the officer’s retirement. Retirement, for purposes of vesting in these RSUs only, means termination of employment with approval of the Compensation and Executive Development Committee of the Board of Directors after satisfying age and years of service requirements. RSUs granted to non-employee directors are fully vested on the grant date and are payable to the non-employee director in the form of common stock after the termination of the director’s service on the board of directors.
	RSUs granted to employees who are eligible for retirement on the date of grant are expensed immediately, and RSUs granted to employees who will become retirement-eligible prior to the end of the vesting term are expensed over the period through which the employee will become retirement-eligible since these awards vest upon retirement from the Company. Compensation expense for RSUs granted to employees who are not retirement-eligible is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.
	Cash dividend equivalents are paid to participants each quarter. Dividend equivalents paid on units expected to vest are recognized as a reduction in retained earnings.
	The fair value of the RSUs is determined based on the closing stock price of Nucor’s common stock on the day before the grant. A summary of Nucor’s RSU activity for the first nine months of 2013 is as follows (shares in thousands):
			Shares			Grant Date
						Fair Value
	Restricted stock units:
	Unvested at beginning of year			1,106		$	40.8
	Granted			789		$	44.51
	Vested			(753	)	$	42.17
	Canceled			(11	)	$	39.08
	Unvested at September 28, 2013			1,131		$	42.49
	Shares reserved for future grants (stock options and RSUs)			10,499
	Compensation expense for RSUs was $5.3 million and $4.7 million in the third quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $27.5 million and $29.6 million in the first nine months of 2013 and 2012, respectively. As of September 28, 2013, unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested RSUs was $34.2 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.3 years.
	Restricted Stock Awards – Nucor’s Senior Officers Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “LTIP”) and Annual Incentive Plan (the “AIP”) authorize the award of shares of common stock to officers subject to certain conditions and restrictions.
	The LTIP provides for the award of shares of restricted common stock at the end of each LTIP performance measurement period at no cost to officers if certain financial performance goals are met during the period. One-third of the LTIP restricted stock award vests upon each of the first three anniversaries of the award date or, if earlier, upon the officer’s attainment of age fifty-five while employed by Nucor. Although participants are entitled to cash dividends and may vote such awarded shares, the sale or transfer of such shares is limited during the restricted period.
	The AIP provides for the payment of annual cash incentive awards. An AIP participant may elect, however, to defer payment of up to one-half of an annual incentive award. In such event, the deferred AIP award is converted into common stock units and credited with a deferral incentive, in the form of additional common stock units, equal to 25% of the number of common stock units attributable to the deferred AIP award. Common stock units attributable to deferred AIP awards are fully vested. Common stock units credited as a deferral incentive vest upon the AIP participant’s attainment of age fifty-five while employed by Nucor. Vested common stock units are paid to AIP participants in the form of shares of common stock following their termination of employment with Nucor.
	A summary of Nucor’s restricted stock activity under the AIP and LTIP for the first nine months of 2013 is as follows (shares in thousands):
			Shares			Grant Date
						Fair Value
	Restricted stock awards and units:
	Unvested at beginning of year			72		$	43.72
	Granted			122		$	47.36
	Vested			(121	)	$	46.32
	Canceled			—			—
	Unvested at September 28, 2013			73		$	45.49
	Shares reserved for future grants			1,238
	Compensation expense for common stock and common stock units awarded under the AIP and LTIP is recorded over the performance measurement and vesting periods based on the anticipated number and market value of shares of common stock and common stock units to be awarded. Compensation expense for anticipated awards based upon Nucor’s financial performance, exclusive of amounts payable in cash, was $1.2 million and $0.5 million in the third quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $4.5 million and $3.6 million in the first nine months of 2013 and 2012, respectively. At September 28, 2013, unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock awards was $0.9 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years.

Employee_Benefit_Plan

Employee Benefit Plan	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Employee Benefit Plan	'
	13
	EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN: Nucor makes contributions to a Profit Sharing and Retirement Savings Plan for qualified employees based on the profitability of the Company. Nucor’s expense for these benefits was $22.5 million and $17.5 million in the third quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively, and was $49.2 million and $58.1 million in the first nine months of 2013 and 2012, respectively. The related liability for these benefits is included in salaries, wages and related accruals.

Interest_Expense_Income

Interest Expense (Income)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Interest Expense (Income)	'
	14	INTEREST EXPENSE (INCOME): The components of net interest expense are as follows (in thousands):
			Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended						Nine Months (39 Weeks) Ended
			Sept. 28, 2013			Sept. 29, 2012			Sept. 28, 2013			Sept. 29, 2012
	Interest expense		$	38,621		$	42,954		$	112,978		$	132,254
	Interest income			(1,154	)		(2,649	)		(3,792	)		(9,226	)
	Interest expense, net		$	37,467		$	40,305		$	109,186		$	123,028

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Income Taxes	'
	15	INCOME TAXES: The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2013 was 28.2% compared to 32.3% for the third quarter of 2012. The decrease in the effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2013 as compared to the third quarter of 2012 is primarily due to the change in relative proportions of net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests to total pre-tax earnings between the periods and the impact of the reversal of tax reserves due to closing of the statute of limitations in the third quarter of 2013. Nucor has concluded U.S. federal income tax matters for years through 2009. The 2010 to 2012 tax years are open to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. The tax years 2010 through 2012 remain open to examination by other major taxing jurisdictions to which Nucor is subject (primarily Canada and other state and local jurisdictions).
	Current deferred tax assets included in other current assets were $181.4 million at September 28, 2013 ($190.4 million at December 31, 2012). Current deferred tax liabilities included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities were $13.6 million at September 28, 2013 (none at December 31, 2012). Non-current deferred tax liabilities included in deferred credits and other liabilities were $556.8 million at September 28, 2013 ($566.1 million at December 31, 2012).

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Stockholders' Equity	'
	16	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			Attributable to			Total
			Nucor Corporation			Noncontrolling Interests
	Stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2012		$	7,641,571		$	243,803		$	7,885,374
	Total comprehensive income			283,315			77,582			360,897
	Stock options			8,575			—			8,575
	Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures			24,568			—			24,568
	Amortization of unearned compensation			601			—			601
	Dividends declared			(353,424	)		—			(353,424	)
	Distributions to noncontrolling interests			—			(63,318	)		(63,318	)
	Stockholders’ equity at September 28, 2013		$	7,605,206		$	258,067		$	7,863,273
			Attributable to			Attributable to			Total
			Nucor Corporation			Noncontrolling Interests
	Stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2011		$	7,474,885		$	231,695		$	7,706,580
	Total comprehensive income			457,201			65,097			522,298
	Stock options			20,052			—			20,052
	Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures			31,292			—			31,292
	Amortization of unearned compensation			600			—			600
	Dividends declared			(350,041	)		—			(350,041	)
	Distributions to noncontrolling interests			—			(66,562	)		(66,562	)
	Other			(645	)					(645	)
	Stockholders’ equity at September 29, 2012		$	7,633,344		$	230,230		$	7,863,574

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	'
	17	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME: The following tables reflect the changes in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income by component (in thousands):
			Three Month (13 week) Period Ended
			September 28, 2013
			Gains and Losses on			Foreign Currency			Adjustment to Early		Total
			Hedging Derivatives			Gain (Loss)			Retiree Medical Plan
	June 29, 2013		$	—		$	(19,914	)	$	10,580	$	(9,334	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications			—			31,879			—		31,879
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income into earnings			—			—			—		—
	Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income			—			31,879			—		31,879
	September 28, 2013		$	—		$	11,965		$	10,580	$	22,545
			Nine Month (39 week) Period Ended
			September 28, 2013
			Gains and Losses on			Foreign Currency			Adjustment to Early		Total
			Hedging Derivatives			Gain (Loss)			Retiree Medical Plan
	December 31, 2012		$	—		$	46,181		$	10,580	$	56,761
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications			—			(34,216	)		—		(34,216	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income into earnings			—			—			—		—
	Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income			—			(34,216	)		—		(34,216	)
	September 28, 2013		$	—		$	11,965		$	10,580	$	22,545
			Three Month (13 week) Period Ended
			September 29, 2012
			Gains and Losses on			Foreign Currency			Adjustment to Early		Total
			Hedging Derivatives			Gain (Loss)			Retiree Medical Plan
	June 30, 2012		$	(21,107	)	$	(13,628	)	$	14,384	$	(20,351	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications			—			61,111			—		61,111
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income into earnings (1)			10,554			—			—		10,554
	Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income			10,554			61,111			—		71,665
	Other						(1	)				(1	)
	September 29, 2012		$	(10,553	)	$	47,482		$	14,384	$	51,313
	1 - Includes $10,554 net-of-tax impact of accumulated other comprehensive income reclassifications into Cost of Products Sold for net losses on commodity contracts. The tax impact of this reclassification was $6,200.
			Nine Month (39 week) Period Ended
			September 29, 2012
			Gains and Losses on			Foreign Currency			Adjustment to Early		Total
			Hedging Derivatives			Gain (Loss)			Retiree Medical Plan
	December 31, 2011		$	(40,250	)	$	(12,311	)	$	14,384	$	(38,177	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications			(2,264	)		59,730			—		57,466
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income into earnings (1)			31,961			—			—		31,961
	Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income			29,697			59,730			—		89,427
	Other			—			63			—		63
	September 29, 2012		$	(10,553	)	$	47,482		$	14,384	$	51,313
	1 - Includes $31,961 net-of-tax impact of accumulated other comprehensive income reclassifications into Cost of Products Sold for net losses on commodity contracts. The tax impact of this reclassification was $18,800.

Segments

Segments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Segments	'
	18	SEGMENTS: Nucor reports its results in the following segments: steel mills, steel products and raw materials. The steel mills segment includes carbon and alloy steel in sheet, bars, structural and plate; steel trading businesses; rebar distribution businesses; and Nucor’s equity method investments in Duferdofin Nucor and NuMit. The steel products segment includes steel joists and joist girders, steel deck, fabricated concrete reinforcing steel, cold finished steel, steel fasteners, metal building systems, steel grating and expanded metal, and wire and wire mesh. The raw materials segment includes DJJ, a scrap broker and processor; Nu-Iron Unlimited, a facility that produces DRI used by the steel mills; a DRI facility under construction in Louisiana; our natural gas working interests; and Nucor’s equity method investment in Hunter Ridge. Previously Nucor’s steel trading businesses and rebar distribution businesses were reported in an “All other” category. Beginning in the first quarter of 2013, these businesses were reclassified to the steel mills segment as part of a realignment of Nucor’s reportable segments to better reflect the way in which they are managed. The segment data for the comparable period has also been reclassified into the steel mills segment in order to conform to the current year presentation. The steel mills, steel products and raw materials segments are consistent with the way Nucor manages its business, which is primarily based upon the similarity of the types of products produced and sold by each segment. Additionally, the composition of assets by segment at December 31, 2012 was reclassified during the third quarter of 2013 to conform with the current quarter presentation. This reclassification between segments did not have any impact on the consolidated asset balances.
	Net interest expense, other income, profit sharing expense, stock-based compensation and changes in the LIFO reserve are shown under Corporate/eliminations. Corporate assets primarily include cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, restricted cash and investments, allowances to eliminate intercompany profit in inventory, fair value of natural gas hedges, deferred income tax assets, federal and state income taxes receivable, the LIFO reserve and investments in and advances to affiliates.
	Nucor’s results by segment were as follows (in thousands):
			Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended						Nine Months (39 Weeks) Ended
			Sept. 28, 2013			Sept. 29, 2012			Sept. 28, 2013			Sept. 29, 2012
	Net sales to external customers:
	Steel mills		$	3,435,884		$	3,319,518		$	9,901,471		$	10,682,810
	Steel products			964,153			1,006,366			2,690,604			2,840,055
	Raw materials			540,899			475,322			1,565,221			1,455,134
			$	4,940,936		$	4,801,206		$	14,157,296		$	14,977,999
	Intercompany sales:
	Steel mills		$	652,077		$	670,876		$	1,924,222		$	1,997,879
	Steel products			24,909			17,179			75,036			52,958
	Raw materials			2,391,502			2,080,150			6,738,485			7,441,529
	Corporate/eliminations			(3,068,488	)		(2,768,205	)		(8,737,743	)		(9,492,366	)
			$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Earnings (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interests:
	Steel mills		$	310,591		$	218,367		$	819,951		$	944,598
	Steel products			31,018			(10,252	)		51,167			(34,094	)
	Raw materials			(493	)		14,535			13,261			44,223
	Corporate/eliminations			(92,914	)		(30,875	)		(330,517	)		(321,697	)
			$	248,202		$	191,775		$	553,862		$	633,030
			Sept. 28, 2013			Dec. 31, 2012
	Segment assets:
	Steel mills		$	8,137,612		$	7,894,974
	Steel products			2,986,752			2,935,146
	Raw materials			3,746,813			3,400,690
	Corporate/eliminations			220,599			(78,751	)
			$	15,091,776		$	14,152,059

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Earnings Per Share	'
	19	EARNINGS PER SHARE: The computations of basic and diluted net earnings per share are as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
			Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended						Nine Months (39 Weeks) Ended
			Sept. 28, 2013			Sept. 29, 2012			Sept. 28, 2013			Sept. 29, 2012
	Basic net earnings per share:
	Basic net earnings		$	147,597		$	110,308		$	317,531		$	367,711
	Earnings allocated to participating securities			(518	)		(412	)		(1,324	)		(1,242	)
	Net earnings available to common stockholders		$	147,079		$	109,896		$	316,207		$	366,469
	Average shares outstanding			319,341			318,463			318,979			318,042
	Basic net earnings per share		$	0.46		$	0.35		$	0.99		$	1.15
	Diluted net earnings per share:
	Diluted net earnings		$	147,597		$	110,308		$	317,531		$	367,711
	Earnings allocated to participating securities			(518	)		(412	)		(1,324	)		(1,242	)
	Net earnings available to common stockholders		$	147,079		$	109,896		$	316,207		$	366,469
	Diluted average shares outstanding:
	Basic shares outstanding			319,341			318,463			318,979			318,042
	Dilutive effect of stock options and other			185			57			153			71
				319,526			318,520			319,132			318,113
	Diluted net earnings per share		$	0.46		$	0.35		$	0.99		$	1.15
	The following stock options were excluded from the computation of diluted net earnings per share because their effect would have been anti-dilutive:
			Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended						Nine Months (39 Weeks) Ended
			Sept. 28, 2013			Sept. 29, 2012			Sept. 28, 2013			Sept. 29, 2012
	Anti-dilutive stock options:
	Weighted average shares			—			801			183			534
	Weighted average exercise price		$	—		$	42.07		$	44.51		$	42.07

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Schedule of Change in Net Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Segment	'
		The change in the net carrying amount of goodwill for the nine months ended September 28, 2013 by segment is as follows (in thousands):
			Steel Mills		Steel Products			Raw Materials		All Other			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	407,045	$	805,416		$	703,225	$	88,852		$	2,004,538
	Acquisitions			—		—			—		—			—
	Reclassifications			88,852		—			—		(88,852	)		—
	Translation			—		(16,059	)		—		—			(16,059	)
	Other			—		(4,862	)		—		—			(4,862	)
	Balance at September 28, 2013		$	495,897	$	784,495		$	703,225	$	—		$	1,983,617
Schedule of Intangible Assets	'
	Intangible assets with estimated useful lives of three to 22 years are amortized on a straight-line or accelerated basis and were comprised of the following (in thousands):
			Sept. 28, 2013					Dec. 31, 2012
			Gross		Accumulated			Gross		Accumulated
			Amount		Amortization			Amount		Amortization
	Customer relationships		$	1,151,156	$	375,128		$	1,156,979	$	325,819
	Trademarks and trade names			151,909		38,513			152,869		32,653
	Other			21,869		14,886			28,610		20,746
			$	1,324,934	$	428,527		$	1,338,458	$	379,218

Derivatives_Tables

Derivatives (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Fair Values of Derivative Instruments	'
	The following tables summarize information regarding Nucor’s derivative instruments (in thousands):
	Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
				Fair Value at
		Balance Sheet Location		Sept. 28,				Dec. 31,
				2013				2012
	Liability derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Commodity contracts	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		$	(453	)		$	(303	)
	Foreign exchange contracts	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			(34	)			(15	)
	Total liability derivatives			$	(487	)		$	(318	)
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'
Effect of Derivative Instruments on Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings	'
	The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings
	Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
						Amount of Gain							Amount of Gain					Amount of Gain
						or (Loss)							or (Loss)					or (Loss)
						Recognized in OCI							Reclassified from					Recognized in
						on Derivatives							Accumulated OCI into					Earnings on
	Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging					(Effective Portion)							Earnings					Derivatives
	Relationships												(Effective Portion)					(Ineffective Portion)
		Statement of  Earnings				Three Months							Three Months					Three Months
		Location				(13 weeks) Ended							(13 weeks) Ended					(13 weeks) Ended
						Sept. 28,				Sept. 29,			Sept. 28,		Sept. 29,			Sept. 28,		Sept. 29,
						2013				2012			2013		2012			2013		2012
	Commodity contracts		Cost of products sold			$	—			$	—		$	—	$	(10,554	)	$	—	$	—
						Amount of Gain							Amount of Gain					Amount of Gain
						or (Loss)							or (Loss)					or (Loss)
						Recognized in OCI							Reclassified from					Recognized in
						on Derivatives							Accumulated OCI into					Earnings on
	Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging					(Effective Portion)							Earnings					Derivatives
	Relationships												(Effective Portion)					(Ineffective Portion)
		Statement of  Earnings				Nine Months							Nine Months					Nine Months
		Location				(39 weeks) Ended							(39 weeks) Ended					(39 weeks) Ended
						Sept. 28,				Sept. 29,			Sept. 28,		Sept. 29,			Sept. 28,		Sept. 29,
						2013				2012			2013		2012			2013		2012
	Commodity contracts		Cost of products sold			$	—			$	(2,264	)	$	—	$	(31,961	)	$	—	$	500
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'
Effect of Derivative Instruments on Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings	'
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
						Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on  Derivatives
						Three Months (13 weeks) Ended							Nine Months (39 weeks) Ended
	Derivatives Not Designated as	Statement of				Sept. 28,				Sept. 29,			Sept. 28,		Sept. 29,
	Hedging Instruments	Earnings Location				2013				2012			2013		2012
	Commodity contracts		Cost of products sold			$	(789	)		$	(1,454	)	$	4,193	$	(231	)
	Foreign exchange contracts		Cost of products sold				134				(25	)		253		146
	Total					$	(655	)		$	(1,479	)	$	4,446	$	(85	)

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Schedule of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Measured at Fair Value	'
		The following table summarizes information regarding Nucor’s financial assets and financial liabilities that were measured at fair value as of September 28, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands). Nucor does not currently have any non-financial assets or liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
						Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	Description		Carrying			Quoted Prices		Significant			Significant
			Amount in			in Active		Other			Unobservable
			Condensed			Markets for		Observable			Inputs
			Consolidated			Identical		Inputs			(Level 3)
			Balance Sheets			Assets		(Level 2)
						(Level 1)
	As of September 28, 2013
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents		$	1,590,572		$	1,590,572	$	—		$	—
	Short-term investments			48,476			48,476		—			—
	Restricted cash			393			393		—			—
	Total assets		$	1,639,441		$	1,639,441	$	—		$	—
	Liabilities:
	Foreign exchange and commodity contracts		$	(487	)	$	—	$	(487	)	$	—
	As of December 31, 2012
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents		$	830,011		$	830,011	$	—		$	—
	Short-term investments			104,167			104,167		—			—
	Restricted cash and investments			275,163			275,163		—			—
	Total assets		$	1,209,341		$	1,209,341	$	—		$	—
	Liabilities:
	Foreign exchange and commodity contracts		$	(318	)	$	—	$	(318	)	$	—

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Summary of Stock Option Plans Activity	'
	A summary of activity under Nucor’s stock option plans for the first nine months of 2013 is as follows (in thousands, except year and per share amounts):
		Shares			Weighted -		Weighted -		Aggregate
					Average		Average		Intrinsic
					Exercise		Remaining		Value
					Price		Contractual Life
	Number of shares under option:
	Outstanding at beginning of year		1,543		$	39.03
	Granted		546		$	44.51
	Exercised		—			—
	Canceled		—			—
	Outstanding at September 28, 2013		2,089		$	40.47		8.4 years	$	17,409
	Options exercisable at September 28, 2013		242		$	41.43		6.7 years	$	1,783
Summary of Nucor's Restricted Stock Unit Activity	'
	A summary of Nucor’s RSU activity for the first nine months of 2013 is as follows (shares in thousands):
		Shares			Grant Date
					Fair Value
	Restricted stock units:
	Unvested at beginning of year		1,106		$	40.8
	Granted		789		$	44.51
	Vested		(753	)	$	42.17
	Canceled		(11	)	$	39.08
	Unvested at September 28, 2013		1,131		$	42.49
	Shares reserved for future grants (stock options and RSUs)		10,499
Summary of Nucor's Restricted Stock Awards and Units Under AIP and LTIP	'
	A summary of Nucor’s restricted stock activity under the AIP and LTIP for the first nine months of 2013 is as follows (shares in thousands):
		Shares			Grant Date
					Fair Value
	Restricted stock awards and units:
	Unvested at beginning of year		72		$	43.72
	Granted		122		$	47.36
	Vested		(121	)	$	46.32
	Canceled		—			—
	Unvested at September 28, 2013		73		$	45.49
	Shares reserved for future grants		1,238

Interest_Expense_Income_Tables

Interest Expense (Income) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Schedule of Components of Interest Expense	'
	14	INTEREST EXPENSE (INCOME): The components of net interest expense are as follows (in thousands):
			Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended						Nine Months (39 Weeks) Ended
			Sept. 28, 2013			Sept. 29, 2012			Sept. 28, 2013			Sept. 29, 2012
	Interest expense		$	38,621		$	42,954		$	112,978		$	132,254
	Interest income			(1,154	)		(2,649	)		(3,792	)		(9,226	)
	Interest expense, net		$	37,467		$	40,305		$	109,186		$	123,028

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
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			Attributable to			Total
			Nucor Corporation			Noncontrolling Interests
	Stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2012		$	7,641,571		$	243,803		$	7,885,374
	Total comprehensive income			283,315			77,582			360,897
	Stock options			8,575			—			8,575
	Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures			24,568			—			24,568
	Amortization of unearned compensation			601			—			601
	Dividends declared			(353,424	)		—			(353,424	)
	Distributions to noncontrolling interests			—			(63,318	)		(63,318	)
	Stockholders’ equity at September 28, 2013		$	7,605,206		$	258,067		$	7,863,273
			Attributable to			Attributable to			Total
			Nucor Corporation			Noncontrolling Interests
	Stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2011		$	7,474,885		$	231,695		$	7,706,580
	Total comprehensive income			457,201			65,097			522,298
	Stock options			20,052			—			20,052
	Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures			31,292			—			31,292
	Amortization of unearned compensation			600			—			600
	Dividends declared			(350,041	)		—			(350,041	)
	Distributions to noncontrolling interests			—			(66,562	)		(66,562	)
	Other			(645	)					(645	)
	Stockholders’ equity at September 29, 2012		$	7,633,344		$	230,230		$	7,863,574

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	'
	The following tables reflect the changes in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income by component (in thousands):
		Three Month (13 week) Period Ended
		September 28, 2013
		Gains and Losses on			Foreign Currency			Adjustment to Early		Total
		Hedging Derivatives			Gain (Loss)			Retiree Medical Plan
	June 29, 2013	$	—		$	(19,914	)	$	10,580	$	(9,334	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications		—			31,879			—		31,879
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income into earnings		—			—			—		—
	Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income		—			31,879			—		31,879
	September 28, 2013	$	—		$	11,965		$	10,580	$	22,545
		Nine Month (39 week) Period Ended
		September 28, 2013
		Gains and Losses on			Foreign Currency			Adjustment to Early		Total
		Hedging Derivatives			Gain (Loss)			Retiree Medical Plan
	December 31, 2012	$	—		$	46,181		$	10,580	$	56,761
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications		—			(34,216	)		—		(34,216	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income into earnings		—			—			—		—
	Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income		—			(34,216	)		—		(34,216	)
	September 28, 2013	$	—		$	11,965		$	10,580	$	22,545
		Three Month (13 week) Period Ended
		September 29, 2012
		Gains and Losses on			Foreign Currency			Adjustment to Early		Total
		Hedging Derivatives			Gain (Loss)			Retiree Medical Plan
	June 30, 2012	$	(21,107	)	$	(13,628	)	$	14,384	$	(20,351	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications		—			61,111			—		61,111
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income into earnings (1)		10,554			—			—		10,554
	Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income		10,554			61,111			—		71,665
	Other					(1	)				(1	)
	September 29, 2012	$	(10,553	)	$	47,482		$	14,384	$	51,313
	1 - Includes $10,554 net-of-tax impact of accumulated other comprehensive income reclassifications into Cost of Products Sold for net losses on commodity contracts. The tax impact of this reclassification was $6,200.
		Nine Month (39 week) Period Ended
		September 29, 2012
		Gains and Losses on			Foreign Currency			Adjustment to Early		Total
		Hedging Derivatives			Gain (Loss)			Retiree Medical Plan
	December 31, 2011	$	(40,250	)	$	(12,311	)	$	14,384	$	(38,177	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications		(2,264	)		59,730			—		57,466
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income into earnings (1)		31,961			—			—		31,961
	Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income		29,697			59,730			—		89,427
	Other		—			63			—		63
	September 29, 2012	$	(10,553	)	$	47,482		$	14,384	$	51,313
	1 - Includes $31,961 net-of-tax impact of accumulated other comprehensive income reclassifications into Cost of Products Sold for net losses on commodity contracts. The tax impact of this reclassification was $18,800.

Segments_Tables

Segments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Segments	'
	Nucor’s results by segment were as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended						Nine Months (39 Weeks) Ended
		Sept. 28, 2013			Sept. 29, 2012			Sept. 28, 2013			Sept. 29, 2012
	Net sales to external customers:
	Steel mills	$	3,435,884		$	3,319,518		$	9,901,471		$	10,682,810
	Steel products		964,153			1,006,366			2,690,604			2,840,055
	Raw materials		540,899			475,322			1,565,221			1,455,134
		$	4,940,936		$	4,801,206		$	14,157,296		$	14,977,999
	Intercompany sales:
	Steel mills	$	652,077		$	670,876		$	1,924,222		$	1,997,879
	Steel products		24,909			17,179			75,036			52,958
	Raw materials		2,391,502			2,080,150			6,738,485			7,441,529
	Corporate/eliminations		(3,068,488	)		(2,768,205	)		(8,737,743	)		(9,492,366	)
		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Earnings (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interests:
	Steel mills	$	310,591		$	218,367		$	819,951		$	944,598
	Steel products		31,018			(10,252	)		51,167			(34,094	)
	Raw materials		(493	)		14,535			13,261			44,223
	Corporate/eliminations		(92,914	)		(30,875	)		(330,517	)		(321,697	)
		$	248,202		$	191,775		$	553,862		$	633,030
		Sept. 28, 2013			Dec. 31, 2012
	Segment assets:
	Steel mills	$	8,137,612		$	7,894,974
	Steel products		2,986,752			2,935,146
	Raw materials		3,746,813			3,400,690
	Corporate/eliminations		220,599			(78,751	)
		$	15,091,776		$	14,152,059

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Computations of Basic and Diluted Net Earnings Per Share	'
		The computations of basic and diluted net earnings per share are as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
			Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended						Nine Months (39 Weeks) Ended
			Sept. 28, 2013			Sept. 29, 2012			Sept. 28, 2013			Sept. 29, 2012
	Basic net earnings per share:
	Basic net earnings		$	147,597		$	110,308		$	317,531		$	367,711
	Earnings allocated to participating securities			(518	)		(412	)		(1,324	)		(1,242	)
	Net earnings available to common stockholders		$	147,079		$	109,896		$	316,207		$	366,469
	Average shares outstanding			319,341			318,463			318,979			318,042
	Basic net earnings per share		$	0.46		$	0.35		$	0.99		$	1.15
	Diluted net earnings per share:
	Diluted net earnings		$	147,597		$	110,308		$	317,531		$	367,711
	Earnings allocated to participating securities			(518	)		(412	)		(1,324	)		(1,242	)
	Net earnings available to common stockholders		$	147,079		$	109,896		$	316,207		$	366,469
	Diluted average shares outstanding:
	Basic shares outstanding			319,341			318,463			318,979			318,042
	Dilutive effect of stock options and other			185			57			153			71
				319,526			318,520			319,132			318,113
	Diluted net earnings per share		$	0.46		$	0.35		$	0.99		$	1.15
Anti-Dilutive Stock Options	'
	The following stock options were excluded from the computation of diluted net earnings per share because their effect would have been anti-dilutive:
			Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended						Nine Months (39 Weeks) Ended
			Sept. 28, 2013			Sept. 29, 2012			Sept. 28, 2013			Sept. 29, 2012
	Anti-dilutive stock options:
	Weighted average shares			—			801			183			534
	Weighted average exercise price		$	—		$	42.07		$	44.51		$	42.07

Inventories_Additional_Informa

Inventories - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Components Of Inventory [Line Items]	'	'
Raw materials and supplies in inventory, percentage	40.00%	37.00%
Finished and semi-finished products in inventory, percentage	60.00%	63.00%
Inventories valued using the last-in, first-out	44.00%	45.00%
Increased value of inventory if FIFO method had been used	$607.20	$607.20
Lower of cost or market adjustments	$2.70	$3.50

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_A

Property, Plant and Equipment - Additional information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	$6,520,000,000	$6,160,000,000
Written down value of property, plant & equipment	21,000,000	'
Written down value of inventory	7,000,000	'
Insurance receivable	14,000,000	'
Associated net charges including marketing, administrative and other expenses	$14,000,000	'

Restricted_Cash_and_Investment1

Restricted Cash and Investments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 30, 2010
				30-Year Variable Rate Gulf Opportunity Zone Bonds [Member]
Restricted Cash and Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Debt instrument face amount	'	'	'	$600
Term of variable rate bonds, years	'	'	'	'30 years
Qualified expenditure for construction of facility	274.9	172.6	'	'
Restricted Investments	$0	'	$149.80	'

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Schedule of Change in Net Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Segment (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Balance, beginning of period	$2,004,538
Acquisitions	'
Translation	-16,059
Other	-4,862
Balance, end of period	1,983,617
Steel Mills [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Balance, beginning of period	407,045
Acquisitions	'
Reclassifications	88,852
Balance, end of period	495,897
Steel Products [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Balance, beginning of period	805,416
Acquisitions	'
Translation	-16,059
Other	-4,862
Balance, end of period	784,495
Raw Materials [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Balance, beginning of period	703,225
Acquisitions	'
Balance, end of period	703,225
All Other [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Balance, beginning of period	88,852
Acquisitions	'
Reclassifications	($88,852)

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Intangible asset amortization expense	$18.50	$20.40	$56.10	$53.50
Future amortization expense, in 2013	73.9	'	73.9	'
Future amortization expense, in 2014	70	'	70	'
Future amortization expense, in 2015	68.2	'	68.2	'
Future amortization expense, in 2016	66.5	'	66.5	'
Future amortization expense, in 2017	$64.80	'	$64.80	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets, useful life	'	'	'3 years	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets, useful life	'	'	'22 years	'

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Schedule of Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Intangible assets, Gross Amount	$1,324,934	$1,338,458
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	428,527	379,218
Customer Relationships [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Intangible assets, Gross Amount	1,151,156	1,156,979
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	375,128	325,819
Trademarks and Trade Names [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Intangible assets, Gross Amount	151,909	152,869
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	38,513	32,653
Other [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Intangible assets, Gross Amount	21,869	28,610
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	$14,886	$20,746

Equity_Investments_Additional_

Equity Investments - Additional Information (Detail)

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Nov. 30, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 29, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 29, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Hunter Ridge Energy Services LLC [Member]

Hunter Ridge Energy Services LLC [Member]

Hunter Ridge Energy Services LLC [Member]

Duferdofin Nucor S.R.L. [Member]

Duferdofin Nucor S.R.L. [Member]

Duferdofin Nucor S.R.L. [Member]

Duferdofin Nucor S.R.L. [Member]

Duferdofin Nucor S.R.L. [Member]

Duferdofin Nucor S.R.L. [Member]

Duferdofin Nucor S.R.L. [Member]

Duferdofin Nucor S.R.L. [Member]

Duferdofin Nucor S.R.L. [Member]

Duferdofin Nucor S.R.L. [Member]

NuMit [Member]

NuMit [Member]

Steel Technologies LLC [Member]

Steel Technologies LLC [Member]

Steel Technologies LLC [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

EURO [Member]

EURO [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

EUR (€)

EUR (€)

Sheet

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity method investment

$913,700,000

'

$855,900,000

'

$132,900,000

$95,400,000

$454,600,000

'

'

$454,600,000

'

'

$454,100,000

'

'

'

$308,400,000

$288,400,000

'

'

'

Period used for lag basis, in months

'

'

'

'1 month

'

'

'

'

'

'1 month

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 month

'

'

'

'

Equity method investment, ownership percentage

'

'

'

50.00%

'

'

50.00%

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

100.00%

'

'

Equity method investments, share of net assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,700,000

'

'

50,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Step-up to fair value of certain assets and liabilities

'

'

'

'

'

'

403,900,000

'

'

403,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Step-up to fair value of equity method investment, portion related to identification of goodwill

'

'

'

'

'

'

326,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization expense and other purchase accounting adjustments due to fair value step-up

56,051,000

53,518,000

'

'

'

'

2,800,000

2,700,000

'

8,500,000

8,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Due from related parties, noncurrent

'

'

'

'

'

'

47,300,000

'

'

47,300,000

'

35,000,000

'

35,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notes receivable, related parties, interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.69%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.17%

'

'

Interest rate per year in excess of Euribor as of date of the notes

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity method investment's credit facilities with parent company, maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

31-Jan-16

'

'

'

'

'

'

21-Oct-14

'

'

'

'

Equity method investment's credit facilities, amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

164,800,000

'

'

164,800,000

'

'

'

'

122,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total amount outstanding under equity method investment's credit facilities

'

'

'

'

'

'

143,200,000

'

'

143,200,000

'

'

134,800,000

'

106,000,000

102,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility, maturity period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

26-Apr-16

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1-Apr-14

'

'

Guarantor obligation percentage of exposure in case of default

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of sheet processing facilities operated by Steel Technologies

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

24

'

'

'

'

Investment in joint venture

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

221,300,000

'

'

'

'

Notes receivable, related parties

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

40,000,000

'

'

Basis points in excess of LIBOR on note receivable from related party

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.90%

'

'

Line of credit extended to joint venture, amount outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

16,500,000

'

'

Line of credit extended to joint venture

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000,000

'

'

Line of credit facility extended to joint venture, interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.21%

1.20%

Impairment charge against investment in Duferdofin Nucor

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$30,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Current_Liabilities_Additional

Current Liabilities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities Current [Line Items]	'	'
Book overdrafts	$103.20	$53.80
Dividends Payable, current	$117.80	$117.60

Derivatives_Fair_Values_of_Der

Derivatives - Fair Values of Derivative Instruments (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value	($487)	($318)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value	-487	-318
Commodity Contract [Member] | Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value	-453	-303
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value	($34)	($15)

Derivatives_Effect_of_Derivati

Derivatives - Effect of Derivative Instruments on Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives	($655)	($1,479)	$4,446	($85)
Cost of Products Sold [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)	'	'	'	-2,264
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Earnings (Effective Portion)	'	-10,554	'	-31,961
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives (Ineffective Portion)	'	'	'	500
Cost of Products Sold [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives	-789	-1,454	4,193	-231
Cost of Products Sold [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives	$134	($25)	$253	$146

Fair_Value_Measurements_Schedu

Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Measured at Fair Value (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalents	$1,590,572	$830,011
Short-term investments	48,476	104,167
Restricted cash and investments	393	275,163
Total assets	1,639,441	1,209,341
Foreign exchange and commodity contracts	-487	-318
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalents	1,590,572	830,011
Short-term investments	48,476	104,167
Restricted cash and investments	393	275,163
Total assets	1,639,441	1,209,341
Foreign exchange and commodity contracts	'	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalents	'	'
Short-term investments	'	'
Restricted cash and investments	'	'
Total assets	'	'
Foreign exchange and commodity contracts	-487	-318
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalents	'	'
Short-term investments	'	'
Restricted cash and investments	'	'
Total assets	'	'
Foreign exchange and commodity contracts	'	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Additi

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Billions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of short-term and long-term debt, including current maturities	$4.62	$4.24

Contingencies_Additional_Infor

Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Complaints
	Manufacturers_Distributors
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Accrual for environmental loss contingencies, gross	$23.70	$26.50
Accrued environmental loss contingencies, current	7.7	9.5
Accrued environmental loss contingencies, noncurrent	$16	$17
Steel manufacturers, number of manufacturers	8	'
Additional complaints being filed in July and December of 2010	2	'
Complaints that are dismissed	2	'

Debt_Additional_Information_De

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Jul. 29, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jul. 29, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jul. 29, 2013
		Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	4.00% Notes Due in 2023 [Member]	4.00% Notes Due in 2023 [Member]	5.20% Notes Due in 2043 [Member]	5.20% Notes Due in 2043 [Member]
				Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Notes issued	'	'	'	'	'	$500,000,000	'	$500,000,000
Notes interest rate	'	'	'	'	'	4.00%	'	5.20%
Net proceeds of issuance of notes	991,500,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Notes issuance cost	8,500,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unsecured revolving credit facility	'	1,500,000,000	1,500,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Cost in amendment of Revolving Credit Facility	'	$600,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Notes Maturity Date	'	'	'	'	'2023	'	'2043	'
Unsecured revolving credit facility, Expiration date	'	'	'2018-08	'2016-12	'	'	'	'

StockBased_Compensation_Additi

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
			Installment
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock options exercise prices as percentage of the market value on the date of the grant	'	'	100.00%	'
Compensation expenses for stock options	'	$0.30	$8.60	$9.50
Number of anniversaries of grant date upon which restricted stock units vest	'	'	3	'
Eligible age of officer for LTIP restricted stock award	'	'	55	'
LTIP [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Portion of restricted stock award vesting on anniversary	'	'	0.333	'
AIP [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amount of annual incentive award payment participant can elect to defer	'	'	50.00%	'
Additional common stock units for election of deferred annual incentive award, percentage	'	'	25.00%	'
RSU [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Installments in which restricted stock units vest and are converted to common stock	'	'	3	'
Compensation expense	5.3	4.7	27.5	29.6
Unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock	34.2	'	34.2	'
Weighted-average recognition period for unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock (years)	'	'	'2 years 3 months 18 days	'
AIP and LTIP [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Compensation expense	1.2	0.5	4.5	3.6
Unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock	$0.90	'	$0.90	'
Weighted-average recognition period for unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock (years)	'	'	'1 year 9 months 18 days	'
Stock Option Granted From 2010 Through 2013 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock options vesting period	'	'	'3 years	'
Stock options term, years	'	'	'10 years	'

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu

Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Stock Option Plans Activity (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Outstanding at beginning of year, Shares	1,543
Granted, Shares	546
Exercised, Shares	'
Canceled, Shares	'
Outstanding at end of period, Shares	2,089
Options exercisable at end of period, Shares	242
Outstanding at beginning of year, Weighted - Average Exercise Price	$39.03
Granted, Weighted - Average Exercise Price	$44.51
Exercised, Weighted - Average Exercise Price	'
Canceled, Weighted - Average Exercise Price	'
Outstanding at end of period, Weighted - Average Exercise Price	$40.47
Options exercisable at end of period, Weighted - Average Exercise Price	$41.43
Outstanding at end of period, Weighted - Average Remaining Contractual Life	'8 years 4 months 24 days
Options exercisable at end of period, Weighted - Average Remaining Contractual Life	'6 years 8 months 12 days
Outstanding at beginning of year, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	'
Exercised, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	'
Outstanding at end of period, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	17,409
Options exercisable at September 28, 2013	$1,783

StockBased_Compensation_Summar

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Nucor's Restricted Stock Unit Activity (Detail) (RSU [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013
RSU [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Unvested at beginning of year, Shares	1,106
Granted, Shares	789
Vested, Shares	-753
Canceled, Shares	-11
Unvested at end of period, Shares	1,131
Shares reserved for future grants	10,499
Unvested at beginning of year, Grant Date Fair Value	$40.80
Granted, Grant Date Fair Value	$44.51
Vested, Grant Date Fair Value	$42.17
Canceled, Grant Date Fair Value	$39.08
Unvested at end of period, Grant Date Fair Value	$42.49

StockBased_Compensation_Summar1

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Nucor's Restricted Stock Awards and Units Under AIP And LTIP (Detail) (AIP and LTIP [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013
AIP and LTIP [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Unvested at beginning of year, Shares	72
Granted, Shares	122
Vested, Shares	-121
Canceled, Shares	'
Unvested at end of period, Shares	73
Shares reserved for future grants	1,238
Unvested at beginning of year, Grant Date Fair Value	$43.72
Granted, Grant Date Fair Value	$47.36
Vested, Grant Date Fair Value	$46.32
Canceled, Grant Date Fair Value	'
Unvested at end of period, Grant Date Fair Value	$45.49

Employee_Benefit_Plan_Addition

Employee Benefit Plan - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Profit Sharing and Retirement Savings Plan, plan expense	$22.50	$17.50	$49.20	$58.10

Interest_Expense_Income_Schedu

Interest Expense (Income) - Schedule of Components of Net Interest Expense (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Interest Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	$38,621	$42,954	$112,978	$132,254
Interest income	-1,154	-2,649	-3,792	-9,226
Interest expense, net	$37,467	$40,305	$109,186	$123,028

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Effective income tax rate	28.20%	32.30%	'
Current deferred tax assets	$181.40	'	$190.40
Current deferred tax liabilities	13.6	'	0
Non-current deferred tax liabilities	$556.80	'	$566.10

Stockholders_Equity_Additional

Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (Nucor-Yamato Steel Company [Member])	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Nucor-Yamato Steel Company [Member]	'	'
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]	'	'
Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by parent	51.00%	51.00%

Stockholders_Equity_Schedule_o

Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stockholders' equity, beginning of period	'	'	$7,885,374	$7,706,580
Total comprehensive income	209,994	201,557	360,897	522,298
Stock options	'	'	8,575	20,052
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures	'	'	24,568	31,292
Amortization of unearned compensation	'	'	601	600
Dividends declared	'	'	-353,424	-350,041
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	'	'	-63,318	-66,562
Other	'	'	'	-645
Stockholders' equity, end of period	7,863,273	7,863,574	7,863,273	7,863,574
Attributable to Nucor Corporation [Member]	'	'	'	'
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stockholders' equity, beginning of period	'	'	7,641,571	7,474,885
Total comprehensive income	'	'	283,315	457,201
Stock options	'	'	8,575	20,052
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures	'	'	24,568	31,292
Amortization of unearned compensation	'	'	601	600
Dividends declared	'	'	-353,424	-350,041
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	'	'	'	'
Other	'	'	'	-645
Stockholders' equity, end of period	7,605,206	7,633,344	7,605,206	7,633,344
Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	'	'	'	'
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stockholders' equity, beginning of period	'	'	243,803	231,695
Total comprehensive income	'	'	77,582	65,097
Stock options	'	'	'	'
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures	'	'	'	'
Amortization of unearned compensation	'	'	'	'
Dividends declared	'	'	'	'
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	'	'	-63,318	-66,562
Other	'	'	'	'
Stockholders' equity, end of period	$258,067	$230,230	$258,067	$230,230

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	($21,107)	'	($40,250)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, Gain and Losses on Hedging Derivatives	'	'	'	-2,264
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income into earnings, Gain and Losses on Hedging Derivatives	'	10,554	'	31,961
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income, Gain and Losses on Hedging Derivatives	'	10,554	'	29,697
Ending Balance	'	-10,553	'	-10,553
Other	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	-19,914	-13,628	46,181	-12,311
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, Foreign Currency Translation	31,879	61,111	-34,216	59,730
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income into earnings, Foreign Currency Translation	'	'	'	'
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income, Foreign Currency Translation	31,879	61,111	-34,216	59,730
Ending Balance	11,965	47,482	11,965	47,482
Other	'	-1	'	63
Beginning Balance	10,580	14,384	10,580	14,384
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, Adjustment to Early Retiree Medical Plan	'	'	'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income into earnings, Adjustment to Early Retiree Medical Plan	'	'	'	'
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income, Adjustment to Early Retiree Medical Plan	'	'	'	'
Ending Balance	10,580	14,384	10,580	14,384
Other	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	-9,334	-20,351	56,761	-38,177
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	31,879	61,111	-34,216	57,466
Other comprehensive income (loss)	31,879	71,665	-34,216	89,427
Ending Balance	22,545	51,313	22,545	51,313
Other	'	($1)	'	$63

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings	'	$10,554	'	$31,961
AOCI reclassification impact on tax	0	6,200	0	18,800
Cost of Products Sold [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings	'	$10,554	'	$31,961

Segments_Segments_Detail

Segments - Segments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales to external customers	$4,940,936	$4,801,206	$14,157,296	$14,977,999	'
Intercompany sales	'	'	'	'	'
Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests	248,202	191,775	553,862	633,030	'
Segment assets	15,091,776	'	15,091,776	'	14,152,059
Steel Mills [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales to external customers	3,435,884	3,319,518	9,901,471	10,682,810	'
Intercompany sales	652,077	670,876	1,924,222	1,997,879	'
Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests	310,591	218,367	819,951	944,598	'
Segment assets	8,137,612	'	8,137,612	'	7,894,974
Steel Products [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales to external customers	964,153	1,006,366	2,690,604	2,840,055	'
Intercompany sales	24,909	17,179	75,036	52,958	'
Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests	31,018	-10,252	51,167	-34,094	'
Segment assets	2,986,752	'	2,986,752	'	2,935,146
Raw Materials [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales to external customers	540,899	475,322	1,565,221	1,455,134	'
Intercompany sales	2,391,502	2,080,150	6,738,485	7,441,529	'
Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests	-493	14,535	13,261	44,223	'
Segment assets	3,746,813	'	3,746,813	'	3,400,690
Corporate/Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Intercompany sales	-3,068,488	-2,768,205	-8,737,743	-9,492,366	'
Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests	-92,914	-30,875	-330,517	-321,697	'
Segment assets	$220,599	'	$220,599	'	($78,751)

Earnings_Per_Share_Computation

Earnings Per Share - Computations of Basic and Diluted Net Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Basic net earnings	$147,597	$110,308	$317,531	$367,711
Earnings allocated to participating securities	-518	-412	-1,324	-1,242
Net earnings available to common stockholders	147,079	109,896	316,207	366,469
Average shares outstanding	319,341	318,463	318,979	318,042
Basic net earnings per share	$0.46	$0.35	$0.99	$1.15
Diluted net earnings	147,597	110,308	317,531	367,711
Earnings allocated to participating securities	-518	-412	-1,324	-1,242
Net earnings available to common stockholders	$147,079	$109,896	$316,207	$366,469
Basic shares outstanding	319,341	318,463	318,979	318,042
Dilutive effect of stock options and other	185	57	153	71
Diluted average shares outstanding	319,526	318,520	319,132	318,113
Diluted net earnings per share	$0.46	$0.35	$0.99	$1.15

Earnings_Per_Share_AntiDilutiv

Earnings Per Share - Anti-Dilutive Stock Options (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Weighted average shares	'	801	183	534
Weighted average exercise price	'	$42.07	$44.51	$42.07