Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 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 December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands). Nucor does not 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 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 December 31, 2014
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	861,656		$	861,656	$	—
Short-term investments		100,000			100,000		—
Foreign exchange and commodity contracts		2,228			—		2,228
Total assets	$	963,884		$	961,656	$	2,228		$	—
Liabilities:
Commodity contracts	$	(12,700	)	$	—	$	(12,700	)	$	—
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	)		—