Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 29, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity, beginning of period			$ 7,885,374	$ 7,706,580
Total comprehensive income	90,688	94,687	150,903	320,741
Stock options			8,575	15,381
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures			18,789	26,029
Amortization of unearned compensation			400	500
Dividends declared			(235,545)	(233,216)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests			(57,266)	(52,812)
Other				(644)
Stockholders' equity, end of period	7,771,230	7,782,559	7,771,230	7,782,559
Attributable to Nucor Corporation [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity, beginning of period			7,641,571	7,474,885
Total comprehensive income			103,839	275,229
Stock options			8,575	15,381
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures			18,789	26,029
Amortization of unearned compensation			400	500
Dividends declared			(235,545)	(233,216)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
Other				(644)
Stockholders' equity, end of period	7,537,629	7,558,164	7,537,629	7,558,164
Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity, beginning of period			243,803	231,695
Total comprehensive income			47,064	45,512
Stock options
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures
Amortization of unearned compensation
Dividends declared
Distributions to noncontrolling interests			(57,266)	(52,812)
Other
Stockholders' equity, end of period	$ 233,601	$ 224,395	$ 233,601	$ 224,395