Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Billions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value of short-term and long-term debt, including current maturities	$ 4.85nue_ShortAndLongTermDebtFairValue	$ 4.97nue_ShortAndLongTermDebtFairValue

The fair value amount of short-term and long-term debt, including current maturities, whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission.

No definition available.

Name:	nue_ShortAndLongTermDebtFairValue
Namespace Prefix:	nue_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant