Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 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 are measured at fair value as of March 30, 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.

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 March 30, 2013
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	546,607		$	546,607	$	—		$	—
Short-term investments		29,503			29,503		—			—
Restricted cash		146,573			146,573		—			—
Foreign exchange and commodity contracts		1,646			—		1,646			—
Total assets	$	724,329		$	722,683	$	1,646		$	—
As of December 31, 2012
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	830,011		$	830,011	$	—		$	—
Short-term investments		104,167			104,167		—			—
Commodity contracts		—			—		—			—
Restricted cash and investments		275,163			275,163		—			—
Total assets	$	1,209,341		$	1,209,341	$	—		$	—
Liabilities:
Foreign exchange and commodity contracts	$	(318	)	$	—	$	(318	)	$	—