Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Apr. 01, 2017

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 April 1, 2017, and December 31, 2016 (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
				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
	Carrying Amount in Condensed Consolidated					Significant Other Observable Inputs			Significant Unobservable Inputs
Description	Balance Sheets			(Level 1)		(Level 2)			(Level 3)
As of April 1, 2017
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	1,193,130		$	1,193,130	$	—		$	—
Short-term investments		50,000			50,000		—			—
Commodity contracts		500			—		500			—
Total assets	$	1,243,630		$	1,243,130	$	500		$	—
Liabilities:
Commodity and foreign exchange contracts	$	(1,633	)	$	—	$	(1,633	)	$	—
As of December 31, 2016
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	1,609,523		$	1,609,523	$	—		$	—
Short-term investments		150,000			150,000		—			—
Commodity and foreign exchange contracts		2,029			—		2,029			—
Total assets	$	1,761,552		$	1,759,523	$	2,029		$	—
Liabilities:
Commodity contracts	$	(605	)	$	—	$	(605	)	$	—