Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity, beginning of period			$ 7,885,374	$ 7,706,580
Total comprehensive income	209,994	201,557	360,897	522,298
Stock options			8,575	20,052
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures			24,568	31,292
Amortization of unearned compensation			601	600
Dividends declared			(353,424)	(350,041)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests			(63,318)	(66,562)
Other				(645)
Stockholders' equity, end of period	7,863,273	7,863,574	7,863,273	7,863,574
Attributable to Nucor Corporation [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity, beginning of period			7,641,571	7,474,885
Total comprehensive income			283,315	457,201
Stock options			8,575	20,052
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures			24,568	31,292
Amortization of unearned compensation			601	600
Dividends declared			(353,424)	(350,041)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
Other				(645)
Stockholders' equity, end of period	7,605,206	7,633,344	7,605,206	7,633,344
Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity, beginning of period			243,803	231,695
Total comprehensive income			77,582	65,097
Stock options
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures
Amortization of unearned compensation
Dividends declared
Distributions to noncontrolling interests			(63,318)	(66,562)
Other
Stockholders' equity, end of period	$ 258,067	$ 230,230	$ 258,067	$ 230,230