Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 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 liabilities that are measured at fair value as of December 31, 2019 and 2018. Nucor does not have any non-financial assets or liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

				(in thousands)
				Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
				Quoted Prices
				in Active		Significant
	Carrying			Markets for		Other			Significant
	Amount in			Identical		Observable			Unobservable
	Consolidated			Assets		Inputs			Inputs
Description	Balance Sheets			(Level 1)		(Level 2)			(Level 3)
As of December 31, 2019
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	1,229,000		$	1,229,000	$	—		$	—
Short-term investments	$	300,040		$	300,040	$	—		$	—
Total assets	$	1,529,040		$	1,529,040	$	—		$	—
Liabilities:
Derivative contracts	$	(19,599	)	$	—	$	(19,599	)	$	—
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	)	$	—