Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2016

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 financial liabilities that are measured at fair value as of October 1, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands). Nucor does not have any non-financial assets or non-financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

Description	Carrying Amount in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)			Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
As of October 1, 2016
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	1,437,528		$	1,437,528	$	—
Short-term investments		650,000			650,000		—
Foreign exchange contracts		204			—		204
Total assets	$	2,087,732		$	2,087,528	$	204		$	—
Liabilities:
Commodity contracts	$	(4,446	)	$	—	$	(4,446	)	$	—
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	)	$	—