Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Nucor's Restricted Stock Activity under AIP and LTIP (Detail) - Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Awards [Member] shares in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023 $ / shares shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unvested at beginning of year, Shares | shares	209
Granted, Shares | shares	414
Vested, Shares | shares	(406)
Canceled, Shares | shares	(7)
Unvested at September 30, 2023, Shares | shares	210
Unvested at beginning of year, Grant Date Fair Value Per Share | $ / shares	$ 108.55
Granted, Grant Date Fair Value Per Share | $ / shares	171.38
Vested, Grant Date Fair Value Per Share | $ / shares	152.68
Canceled, Grant Date Fair Value Per Share | $ / shares	154.05
Unvested at September 30, 2023, Grant Date Fair Value Per Share | $ / shares	$ 145.55