Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013 Nucor-Yamato Steel Company [Member]
Summary Of Organization And Operations [Line Items]
Majority ownership percentage		51.00%
Reclassification of marketing, administrative and other expenses to cost of products sold	$ 67.2

The amount of a reclassification adjustment made to prior period financial statement amounts.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_PriorPeriodReclassificationAdjustment
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration