FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 29, 2012

Schedule Of Financial Assets And Financial Liabilities Measured At Fair Value

10. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS: The following table summarizes information regarding Nucor’s financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value as of September 29, 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.

				Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
Description	Carrying Amount in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)			Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
As of September 29, 2012
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	1,519,075		$	1,519,075	$	—		$	—
Short-term investments		430,266			430,266		—			—
Restricted cash and investments		414,203			414,203		—			—
Total assets	$	2,363,544		$	2,363,544	$	—		$	—
Liabilities:
Foreign exchange and commodity contracts	$	(1,340	)	$	—	$	(1,340	)	$	—
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	)	$	—