Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 28, 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 were measured at fair value as of September 28, 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.

				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 28, 2013
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	1,590,572		$	1,590,572	$	—		$	—
Short-term investments		48,476			48,476		—			—
Restricted cash		393			393		—			—
Total assets	$	1,639,441		$	1,639,441	$	—		$	—
Liabilities:
Foreign exchange and commodity contracts	$	(487	)	$	—	$	(487	)	$	—
As of December 31, 2012
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	830,011		$	830,011	$	—		$	—
Short-term investments		104,167			104,167		—			—
Restricted cash and investments		275,163			275,163		—			—
Total assets	$	1,209,341		$	1,209,341	$	—		$	—
Liabilities:
Foreign exchange and commodity contracts	$	(318	)	$	—	$	(318	)	$	—