Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016	Apr. 04, 2015
Statement Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 104,461	$ 84,292
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net unrealized loss on hedging derivatives, net of income taxes of ($1,000) and ($1,300) for the first quarter of 2016 and 2015, respectively	(1,731)	(2,268)
Reclassification adjustment for loss on settlement of hedging derivatives included in net income, net of income taxes of $1,700 and $100 for the first quarter of 2016 and 2015, respectively	3,031	168
Foreign currency translation gain (loss), net of income taxes of $0 for both the first quarter of 2016 and 2015	53,897	(116,695)
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income	55,197	(118,795)
Comprehensive income (loss)	159,658	(34,503)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(33,707)	(16,492)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nucor stockholders	$ 125,951	$ (50,995)