Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016	Apr. 04, 2015
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity, beginning of period	$ 7,786,013	$ 8,075,118
Total comprehensive income (loss)	159,658	(34,503)
Stock options	150	473
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures	8,618	9,034
Amortization of unearned compensation	200	300
Treasury stock acquired	(5,173)
Dividends declared	(120,156)	(119,770)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(49,853)	(24,981)
Other	(1,385)
Stockholders' equity, end of period	7,778,072	7,905,671
Total Nucor Stockholders' Equity [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity, beginning of period	7,416,878	7,772,470
Total comprehensive income (loss)	125,951	(50,995)
Stock options	150	473
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures	8,618	9,034
Amortization of unearned compensation	200	300
Treasury stock acquired	(5,173)
Dividends declared	(120,156)	(119,770)
Stockholders' equity, end of period	7,426,468	7,611,512
Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity, beginning of period	369,135	302,648
Total comprehensive income (loss)	33,707	16,492
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(49,853)	(24,981)
Other	(1,385)
Stockholders' equity, end of period	$ 351,604	$ 294,159