Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Nucor's RSU Activity (Detail) - Restricted Stock Units [Member] - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unvested at beginning of year, Shares	1,167	1,830	1,776
Granted, Shares	774	397	1,246
Vested, Shares	(916)	(997)	(1,166)
Canceled, Shares	(22)	(63)	(26)
Unvested at end of year, Shares	1,003	1,167	1,830
Unvested at beginning of year, Grant Date Fair Value	$ 60.45	$ 47.33	$ 52.60
Granted, Grant Date Fair Value	130.71	110.74	42.46
Vested, Grant Date Fair Value	77.21	57.09	50.10
Canceled, Grant Date Fair Value	93.73	49.54	49.75
Unvested at end of year, Grant Date Fair Value	$ 98.66	$ 60.45	$ 47.33