Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

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. 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, 2021
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	1,776,477		$	1,776,477	$	—		$	—
Short-term investments		253,005			253,005		—			—
Derivative contracts		6,633			—		6,633			—
Restricted cash and cash equivalents		143,800			143,800		—			—
Total assets	$	2,179,915		$	2,173,282	$	6,633		$	—
Liabilities:
Derivative contracts	$	(2,666	)	$	—	$	(2,666	)	$	—
As of December 31, 2020
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	2,186,820		$	2,186,820	$	—		$	—
Short-term investments		408,004			408,004		—			—
Restricted cash and cash equivalents		115,258			115,258		—			—
Total assets	$	2,710,082		$	2,710,082	$	—		$	—
Liabilities:
Derivative contracts	$	(14,361	)	$	—	$	(14,361	)	$	—