Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Oct. 02, 2021		Oct. 03, 2020		Oct. 02, 2021		Oct. 03, 2020
Statement Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 2,223,265		$ 222,630		$ 4,782,238		$ 410,162
Other comprehensive income:
Net unrealized income on hedging derivatives, net of income taxes of $6,100 and $2,000 for the third quarter of 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $9,100 and $1,400 for the first nine months of 2021 and 2020, respectively	19,057		6,387		28,260		4,888
Reclassification adjustment for settlement of hedging derivatives included in net income, net of income taxes of $(800) and $700 for the third quarter of 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $(700) and $2,300 for the first nine months of 2021 and 2020, respectively	(2,457)	[1]	2,113	[2]	(1,760)	[1]	6,712	[2]
Foreign currency translation gain (loss), net of income taxes of $0 for the third quarter and first nine months of 2021 and 2020	(28,772)		16,867		6,460		(24,103)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	(12,172)		25,367		32,960		(12,503)
Comprehensive income	2,211,093		247,997		4,815,198		397,659
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	95,522		29,215		205,195		87,535
Comprehensive income attributable to Nucor stockholders	$ 2,115,571		$ 218,782		$ 4,610,003		$ 310,124

[1] Includes $(2,457) and $(1,760) of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) reclassifications into cost of products sold for net losses on commodity contracts in the third quarter and first nine months of 2021, respectively. The tax impact of those reclassifications was $(800) and $(700) in the third quarter and first nine months of 2021, respectively.

[2] Includes $2,113 and $6,712 of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) reclassifications into cost of products sold for net losses on commodity contracts in the third quarter and first nine months of 2020, respectively. The tax impact of those reclassifications was $700 and $2,300 in the third quarter and first nine months of 2020, respectively.