Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity, beginning of period	$ 7,885,374	$ 7,706,580
Total comprehensive income	60,215	226,054
Stock options	168	6,189
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures	8,547	13,506
Amortization of unearned compensation	201	300
Dividends declared	(117,667)	(116,441)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(34,595)	(39,857)
Other		(629)
Stockholders' equity, end of period	7,802,243	7,795,702
Attributable to Nucor Corporation [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity, beginning of period	7,641,571	7,474,885
Total comprehensive income	34,276	207,774
Stock options	168	6,189
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures	8,547	13,506
Amortization of unearned compensation	201	300
Dividends declared	(117,667)	(116,441)
Other		(629)
Stockholders' equity, end of period	7,567,096	7,585,584
Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity, beginning of period	243,803	231,695
Total comprehensive income	25,939	18,280
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(34,595)	(39,857)
Stockholders' equity, end of period	$ 235,147	$ 210,118