FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

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 are measured at fair value as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (in thousands). Nucor does not currently have any non-financial assets or liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

Description	Carrying Amount in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)			Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
As of June 30, 2012
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	988,698		$	988,698	$	—		$	—
Short-term investments		569,421			569,421		—			—
Commodity contracts		488			—		488			—
Restricted cash and investments		491,640			491,640		—			—
Total assets	$	2,050,247		$	2,049,759	$	488		$	—
Liabilities:
Foreign exchange contracts	$	(52	)	$	—	$	(52	)	$	—
As of December 31, 2011
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	1,012,122		$	1,012,122	$	—		$	—
Short-term investments		1,362,641			1,362,641		—			—
Commodity contracts		5,071			—		5,071			—
Restricted cash and investments		585,833			585,833		—			—
Total assets	$	2,965,667		$	2,960,596	$	5,071		$	—
Liabilities:
Foreign exchange and commodity contracts	$	(21,434	)	$	—	$	(21,434	)	$	—