Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 04, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Oct. 04, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity, beginning of period			$ 7,910,278	$ 7,885,374
Total comprehensive income	192,812	209,994	476,411	360,897
Stock options			12,132	8,575
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures			24,242	24,568
Amortization of unearned compensation			500	601
Dividends declared			(356,459)	(353,424)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests			(51,401)	(63,318)
Stockholders' equity, end of period	8,015,703	7,863,273	8,015,703	7,863,273
Attributable to Nucor Corporation [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity, beginning of period			7,645,769	7,641,571
Total comprehensive income			409,098	283,315
Stock options			12,132	8,575
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures			24,242	24,568
Amortization of unearned compensation			500	601
Dividends declared			(356,459)	(353,424)
Stockholders' equity, end of period	7,735,282	7,605,206	7,735,282	7,605,206
Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity, beginning of period			264,509	243,803
Total comprehensive income			67,313	77,582
Distributions to noncontrolling interests			(51,401)	(63,318)
Stockholders' equity, end of period	$ 280,421	$ 258,067	$ 280,421	$ 258,067