Derivatives (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jul. 04, 2015

Fair Values of Derivative Instruments

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	)

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Effect of Derivative Instruments on Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings

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 Instrument [Member]

Effect of Derivative Instruments on Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings

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