Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Change in Stockholder's Equity (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity, beginning of period	$ 8,254,708	$ 7,849,877
Total comprehensive income	378,499	177,694
Stock options	3,785	150
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures	13,633	8,618
Amortization of unearned compensation	400	200
Treasury stock acquired		(5,173)
Dividends declared	(121,410)	(120,156)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(61,544)	(49,853)
Other		(1,385)
Stockholders' equity, end of period	8,468,071	7,859,972
Total Nucor Stockholders' Equity [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity, beginning of period	7,879,865	7,477,816
Total comprehensive income	357,750	142,762
Stock options	3,785	150
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures	13,633	8,618
Amortization of unearned compensation	400	200
Treasury stock acquired		(5,173)
Dividends declared	(121,410)	(120,156)
Stockholders' equity, end of period	8,134,023	7,504,217
Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity, beginning of period	374,843	372,061
Total comprehensive income	20,749	34,932
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(61,544)	(49,853)
Other		(1,385)
Stockholders' equity, end of period	$ 334,048	$ 355,755