Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Nucor's Restricted Stock Activity under AIP and LTIP (Detail) - Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Units [Member] - AIP and LTIP [Member] shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016 $ / shares shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unvested at beginning of year, Shares	63
Granted, Shares	123
Vested, Shares	(112)
Canceled, Shares	0
Unvested at end of year, Shares	74
Shares reserved for future grants	852
Unvested at beginning of year, Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 48.07
Granted, Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	44.03
Vested, Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	45.13
Canceled, Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	0
Unvested at end of year, Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 45.79