Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Change in Stockholder's Equity (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Apr. 01, 2017
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity, beginning of period	$ 9,084,788	$ 8,254,708
Total comprehensive income	385,427	378,499
Stock options	12,630	3,785
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures	15,240	13,633
Amortization of unearned compensation	700	400
Treasury stock acquired	(29,193)
Dividends declared	(121,880)	(121,410)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(24,793)	(61,544)
Stockholders' equity, end of period	9,322,919	8,468,071
Total Nucor Stockholders' Equity [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity, beginning of period	8,739,036	7,879,865
Total comprehensive income	359,494	357,750
Stock options	12,630	3,785
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures	15,240	13,633
Amortization of unearned compensation	700	400
Treasury stock acquired	(29,193)
Dividends declared	(121,880)	(121,410)
Stockholders' equity, end of period	8,976,027	8,134,023
Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity, beginning of period	345,752	374,843
Total comprehensive income	25,933	20,749
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(24,793)	(61,544)
Stockholders' equity, end of period	$ 346,892	$ 334,048