Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Schedule of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value

7. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS: The following table summarizes information regarding Nucor’s financial assets and financial liabilities that were measured at fair value as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in thousands). Nucor does not have any non-financial assets or non-financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

				Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
Description	Carrying Amount in Condensed 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 March 31, 2018
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	254,494		$	254,494	$	—		$	—
Commodity contracts		3,245			—		3,245			—
Total assets	$	257,739		$	254,494	$	3,245		$	—
Liabilities:
Commodity and foreign exchange contracts	$	(6,302	)	$	—	$	(6,302	)	$	—
As of December 31, 2017
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	594,946		$	594,946	$	—		$	—
Short-term investments		50,000			50,000		—			—
Foreign exchange contracts		479			—		479			—
Total assets	$	645,425		$	644,946	$	479		$	—
Liabilities:
Commodity contracts	$	(8,531	)	$	—	$	(8,531	)	$	—