Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Nucor's Restricted Stock Unit ("RSU") Activity (Detail) - Restricted Stock Units [Member] shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2024 $ / shares shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unvested at beginning of year, Shares | shares	947
Vested, Shares | shares	(8)
Canceled, Shares | shares	(5)
Unvested at March 30, 2024, Shares | shares	934
Unvested at beginning of year, Grant Date Fair Value Per Share | $ / shares	$ 124.89
Vested, Grant Date Fair Value Per Share | $ / shares	130.67
Canceled, Grant Date Fair Value Per Share | $ / shares	129.87
Unvested at March 30, 2024, Grant Date Fair Value Per Share | $ / shares	$ 124.82