Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2016	Oct. 03, 2015	Oct. 01, 2016	Oct. 03, 2015
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity, beginning of period			$ 7,786,013	$ 8,075,118
Total comprehensive income	$ 287,278	$ 202,533	720,059	355,169
Stock options			13,229	7,707
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures			25,929	24,572
Amortization of unearned compensation			600	600
Treasury stock acquired			(5,173)
Dividends declared			(360,955)	(359,740)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests			(86,808)	(56,085)
Other			(2,378)
Stockholders' equity, end of period	8,090,516	8,047,341	8,090,516	8,047,341
Total Nucor Stockholders' Equity [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity, beginning of period			7,416,878	7,772,470
Total comprehensive income			637,340	263,478
Stock options			13,229	7,707
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures			25,929	24,572
Amortization of unearned compensation			600	600
Treasury stock acquired			(5,173)
Dividends declared			(360,955)	(359,740)
Other			(602)
Stockholders' equity, end of period	7,727,246	7,709,087	7,727,246	7,709,087
Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity, beginning of period			369,135	302,648
Total comprehensive income			82,719	91,691
Distributions to noncontrolling interests			(86,808)	(56,085)
Other			(1,776)
Stockholders' equity, end of period	$ 363,270	$ 338,254	$ 363,270	$ 338,254