Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Schedule of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value

The following table summarizes information regarding Nucor’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 (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, 2015
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	1,668,567		$	1,668,567	$	—			—
Short-term investments		100,000			100,000		—			—
Foreign exchange contracts		909			—		909			—
Total assets	$	1,769,476		$	1,768,567	$	909		$	—
Liabilities:
Commodity contracts	$	(18,853	)	$	—	$	(18,853	)	$	—
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	)	$	—