Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Nucor's RSU Activity (Detail) - Restricted Stock Units [Member] shares in Thousands	9 Months Ended
Sep. 28, 2019 $ / shares shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unvested at beginning of year, Shares \| shares	1,246
Granted, Shares \| shares	1,770
Vested, Shares \| shares	(1,177)
Canceled, Shares \| shares	(29)
Unvested at end of year, Shares \| shares	1,810
Unvested at beginning of year, Grant Date Fair Value \| $ / shares	$ 59.09
Granted, Grant Date Fair Value \| $ / shares	48.00
Vested, Grant Date Fair Value \| $ / shares	52.39
Canceled, Grant Date Fair Value \| $ / shares	57.53
Unvested at end of year, Grant Date Fair Value \| $ / shares	$ 52.62

The number of equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that were forfeited during the reporting period.

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Weighted average fair value as of the grant date of equity-based award plans other than stock (unit) option plans that were not exercised or put into effect as a result of the occurrence of a terminating event.

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The number of grants made during the period on other than stock (or unit) option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, performance target plan).

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The weighted average fair value at grant date for nonvested equity-based awards issued during the period on other than stock (or unit) option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, performance target plan).

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The number of non-vested equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that validly exist and are outstanding as of the balance sheet date.

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Per share or unit weighted-average fair value of nonvested award under share-based payment arrangement. Excludes share and unit options.

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The number of equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that vested during the reporting period.

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The weighted average fair value as of grant date pertaining to an equity-based award plan other than a stock (or unit) option plan for which the grantee gained the right during the reporting period, by satisfying service and performance requirements, to receive or retain shares or units, other instruments, or cash in accordance with the terms of the arrangement.

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- Definition

Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.

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No definition available.

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