Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jul. 03, 2021		Jul. 04, 2020		Jul. 03, 2021		Jul. 04, 2020
Statement Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 1,571,459		$ 133,153		$ 2,558,973		$ 187,532
Other comprehensive income:
Net unrealized income (loss) on hedging derivatives, net of income taxes of $2,600 and $200 for the second quarter of 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $3,000 and $(600) for the first six months of 2021 and 2020, respectively	8,204		757		9,203		(1,499)
Reclassification adjustment for settlement of hedging derivatives included in net income, net of income taxes of $0 and $900 for the second quarter of 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $100 and $1,600 for the first six months of 2021 and 2020, respectively	196	[1]	2,543	[2]	697	[1]	4,599	[2]
Foreign currency translation gain (loss), net of income taxes of $0 for the second quarter and first six months of 2021 and 2020	21,431		23,491		35,232		(40,970)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	29,831		26,791		45,132		(37,870)
Comprehensive income	1,601,290		159,944		2,604,105		149,662
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	64,591		24,272		109,673		58,320
Comprehensive income attributable to Nucor stockholders	$ 1,536,699		$ 135,672		$ 2,494,432		$ 91,342

[1] Includes $196 and $697 of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) reclassifications into cost of products sold for net losses on commodity contracts in the second quarter and first six months of 2021, respectively. The tax impact of those reclassifications was $0 and $100 in the second quarter and first six months of 2021, respectively.

[2] Includes $2,543 and $4,599 of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) reclassifications into cost of products sold for net losses on commodity contracts in the second quarter and first six months of 2020, respectively. The tax impact of those reclassifications was $900 and $1,600 in the second quarter and first six months of 2020, respectively.