Changes in Equity (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Changes in Equity

Schedule of stockholders' equity

The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending carrying amounts of total equity, equity attributable to stockholders of Steel Dynamics, Inc. and equity and redeemable amounts attributable to the noncontrolling interests (in thousands):

	Stockholders of Steel Dynamics, Inc.
	Common		Additional Paid-In		Retained			Treasury			Noncontrolling			Total			Redeemable Noncontrolling
	Stock		Capital		Earnings			Stock			Interests			Equity			Interests
Balances at December  31, 2015	$	638	$	1,110,253	$	1,965,291		$	(396,455	)	$	(134,616	)	$	2,545,111		$	126,340
Exercise of stock options proceeds, including related tax effect	1		2,892		—			—			—			2,893			—
Dividends declared	—		—		(34,090		)	—			—			(34,090		)	—
Distributions to noncontrolling investors, net	—		—		—			—			(8		)	(8		)	—
Equity-based compensation	—		1,863		(28		)	4,107			—			5,942			—
Comprehensive and net income (loss)	—		—		62,737			—			(1,419		)	61,318			—
Balances at March  31, 2016	$	639	$	1,115,008	$	1,993,910		$	(392,348	)	$	(136,043	)	$	2,581,166		$	126,340