Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2023

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Schedule of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value

The following table summarizes information regarding Nucor’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value. Nucor does not have any non-financial assets or liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

				(in thousands)
				Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
				Quoted Prices
				in Active		Significant
	Carrying			Markets for		Other			Significant
	Amount in			Identical		Observable			Unobservable
	Consolidated			Assets		Inputs			Inputs
Description	Balance Sheets			(Level 1)		(Level 2)			(Level 3)
As of December 31, 2023
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	5,724,549		$	5,724,549	$	—		$	—
Short-term investments		747,479			747,479		—			—
Derivative contracts		—			—		—			—
Restricted cash and cash    equivalents		3,494			3,494		—			—
Other assets		47,020			4,245		—			42,775
Total assets	$	6,522,542		$	6,479,767	$	—		$	42,775
Liabilities:
Derivative contracts	$	(23,211	)	$	—	$	(23,211	)	$	—
As of December 31, 2022
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	3,182,631		$	3,182,631	$	—		$	—
Short-term investments		576,946			576,946		—			—
Derivative contracts		34,400			—		34,400			—
Restricted cash and cash    equivalents		80,368			80,368		—			—
Total assets	$	3,874,345		$	3,839,945	$	34,400		$	—
Liabilities:
Derivative contracts	$	(1,370	)	$	—	$	(1,370	)	$	—