Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Nucor's RSU Activity (Detail) - Restricted Stock Units [Member] - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unvested at beginning of year, Shares	1,003	1,167	1,830
Granted, Shares	831	774	397
Vested, Shares	(873)	(916)	(997)
Canceled, Shares	(14)	(22)	(63)
Unvested at end of year, Shares	947	1,003	1,167
Unvested at beginning of year, Grant Date Fair Value	$ 98.66	$ 60.45	$ 47.33
Granted, Grant Date Fair Value	133.03	130.71	110.74
Vested, Grant Date Fair Value	102.79	77.21	57.09
Canceled, Grant Date Fair Value	106.76	93.73	49.54
Unvested at end of year, Grant Date Fair Value	$ 124.89	$ 98.66	$ 60.45