Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2019

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 were measured at fair value as of March 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (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 30, 2019
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	1,213,175		$	1,213,175	$	—		$	—
Short-term investments		50,000			50,000		—			—
Derivative contracts		785			—		785			—
Total assets	$	1,263,960		$	1,263,175	$	785		$	—
Liabilities:
Derivative contracts	$	(9,366	)	$	—	$	(9,366	)	$	—
As of December 31, 2018
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	1,084,319		$	1,084,319	$	—		$	—
Derivative contracts		4,772			—		4,772			—
Total assets	$	1,089,091		$	1,084,319	$	4,772		$	—
Liabilities:
Derivative contracts	$	(8,600	)	$	—	$	(8,600	)	$	—