Derivatives

6 Months Ended

Jul. 04, 2015

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivatives

8. DERIVATIVES: Nucor periodically uses derivative financial instruments primarily to partially manage its exposure to price risk related to natural gas purchases used in the production process as well as to scrap, copper and aluminum purchased for resale to its customers. In addition, Nucor periodically uses derivatives to partially manage its exposure to changes in interest rates on outstanding debt instruments and uses forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge cash flows associated with certain assets and liabilities, firm commitments and anticipated transactions.

Nucor recognizes all derivative instruments in the condensed consolidated balance sheets at fair value. Any resulting changes in fair value are recorded as adjustments to other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, or recognized in net earnings, as appropriate.

At July 4, 2015, natural gas swaps covering approximately 14.2 million MMBTUs (extending through February 2017) were outstanding.

The following tables summarize information regarding Nucor’s derivative instruments (in thousands):

Fair Value of Derivative Instruments

		Fair Value at
	Balance Sheet Location	July 4, 2015			Dec. 31, 2014
Asset derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Commodity contracts	Other current assets	$	614		$	1,856
Foreign exchange contracts	Other current assets		112			372
Total asset derivatives not designated as hedging instruments		$	726		$	2,228
Liability derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Commodity contracts	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	$	(10,100	)	$	(6,400	)
Commodity contracts	Deferred credits and other liabilities		(4,800	)		(6,300	)
Total liability derivatives designated as hedging instruments		$	(14,900	)	$	(12,700	)

The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	Statement of Earnings Location	Amount of Gain or (Loss), net of tax, Recognized in OCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)				Amount of Gain or (Loss), net of tax, Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Earnings on Derivatives (Effective Portion)					Amount of Gain or (Loss), net of tax, Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives (Ineffective Portion)
		Three Months (13 weeks) Ended				Three Months (13 weeks) Ended					Three Months (13 weeks) Ended
		July 4, 2015		July 5, 2014		July 4, 2015			July 5, 2014		July 4, 2015		July 5, 2014
Commodity contracts	Cost of products sold	$	(464)	$	238	$	(1,164	)	$	238	$	—	$	—

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	Statement of Earnings Location	Amount of Gain or (Loss), net of tax, Recognized in OCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)					Amount of Gain or (Loss), net of tax, Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Earnings on Derivatives (Effective Portion)						Amount of Gain or (Loss), net of tax, Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives (Ineffective Portion)
		Six Months (26 weeks) Ended					Six Months (26 weeks) Ended						Six Months (26 weeks) Ended
		July 4, 2015		July 5, 2014			July 4, 2015			July 5, 2014			July 4, 2015		July 5, 2014
Commodity contracts	Cost of products sold	$	(2,732)	$	(1,633	)	$	(1,332	)	$	(233	)	$	—	$	—

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

		Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives
		Three Months (13 weeks) Ended					Six Months (26 weeks) Ended
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	Statement of Earnings Location	July 4, 2015		July 5, 2014			July 4, 2015		July 5, 2014
Commodity contracts	Cost of products sold	$	1,352	$	(795	)	$	1,656	$	438
Foreign exchange contracts	Cost of products sold		4		(201	)		762		(48	)
Total		$	1,356	$	(996	)	$	2,418	$	390