Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Apr. 05, 2014

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

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 April 5, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands).

				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 April 5, 2014
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	981,719		$	981,719	$	—		$	—
Short-term investments		100,000			100,000		—			—
Total assets	$	1,081,719		$	1,081,719	$	—		$	—
Liabilities:
Foreign exchange and commodity contracts	$	(2,749	)	$	—	$	(2,749	)	$	—
As of December 31, 2013
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	1,269,465		$	1,269,465	$	—		$	—
Short-term investments		28,191			28,191		—			—
Total assets	$	1,297,656		$	1,297,656	$	—		$	—
Liabilities:
Foreign exchange and commodity contracts	$	(555	)	$	—	$	(555	)	$	—