Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 05, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013	Jul. 05, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity, beginning of period			$ 7,910,278	$ 7,885,374
Total comprehensive income	198,780	90,688	283,599	150,903
Stock options			7,617	8,575
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures			19,556	18,789
Amortization of unearned compensation			400	400
Dividends declared			(237,560)	(235,545)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests			(37,877)	(57,266)
Stockholders' equity, end of period	7,946,013	7,771,230	7,946,013	7,771,230
Attributable to Nucor Corporation [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity, beginning of period			7,645,769	7,641,571
Total comprehensive income			245,040	103,839
Stock options			7,617	8,575
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures			19,556	18,789
Amortization of unearned compensation			400	400
Dividends declared			(237,560)	(235,545)
Stockholders' equity, end of period	7,680,822	7,537,629	7,680,822	7,537,629
Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity, beginning of period			264,509	243,803
Total comprehensive income			38,559	47,064
Distributions to noncontrolling interests			(37,877)	(57,266)
Stockholders' equity, end of period	$ 265,191	$ 233,601	$ 265,191	$ 233,601