Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Apr. 05, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity, beginning of period	$ 7,910,278	$ 7,885,374
Total comprehensive income	84,819	60,215
Stock options		168
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures	8,727	8,547
Amortization of unearned compensation	200	201
Dividends declared	(118,695)	(117,667)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(24,794)	(34,595)
Stockholders' equity, end of period	7,860,535	7,802,243
Attributable to Nucor Corporation [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity, beginning of period	7,645,769	7,641,571
Total comprehensive income	66,154	34,276
Stock options		168
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures	8,727	8,547
Amortization of unearned compensation	200	201
Dividends declared	(118,695)	(117,667)
Stockholders' equity, end of period	7,602,155	7,567,096
Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity, beginning of period	264,509	243,803
Total comprehensive income	18,665	25,939
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(24,794)	(34,595)
Stockholders' equity, end of period	$ 258,380	$ 235,147

The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the economic entity, including both controlling (parent) and noncontrolling interests. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, including any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

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Equity impact of cash dividends declared by an entity during the period for all classes of stock (common, preferred, etc.). This element includes paid and unpaid dividends declared during the period.

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- Definition

Amount of stockholders' equity (deficit), net of receivables from officers, directors, owners, and affiliates of the entity, attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests. Amount excludes temporary equity. Alternate caption for the concept is permanent equity.

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- Definition

Value of stock issued as a result of the exercise of stock options.

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