Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2017 $ / shares
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Diluted share expense related to subsequent event	$ 0.05

The amount of expense per diluted share recognized in the period because of a subsequent event arising after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements were issued related to matters that existed as of the balance sheet date.

No definition available.

Name:	nue_DilutedShareExpenseRelatedToSubsequentEvent
Namespace Prefix:	nue_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration