Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2016	Jul. 04, 2015	Jul. 02, 2016	Jul. 04, 2015
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity, beginning of period			$ 7,786,013	$ 8,075,118
Total comprehensive income	$ 273,123	$ 187,139	432,781	152,636
Stock options			9,215	7,557
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures			18,973	18,384
Amortization of unearned compensation			500	500
Treasury stock acquired			(5,173)
Dividends declared			(240,538)	(239,763)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests			(78,684)	(39,347)
Other			(2,378)
Stockholders' equity, end of period	7,920,709	7,975,085	7,920,709	7,975,085
Total Nucor Stockholders' Equity [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity, beginning of period			7,416,878	7,772,470
Total comprehensive income			374,510	101,555
Stock options			9,215	7,557
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures			18,973	18,384
Amortization of unearned compensation			500	500
Treasury stock acquired			(5,173)
Dividends declared			(240,538)	(239,763)
Other			(602)
Stockholders' equity, end of period	7,573,763	7,660,703	7,573,763	7,660,703
Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity, beginning of period			369,135	302,648
Total comprehensive income			58,271	51,081
Distributions to noncontrolling interests			(78,684)	(39,347)
Other			(1,776)
Stockholders' equity, end of period	$ 346,946	$ 314,382	$ 346,946	$ 314,382