Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Nucor's Restricted Stock Activity under AIP and LTIP (Detail) - Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Awards [Member] shares in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2024 $ / shares shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unvested at beginning of year, Shares | shares	210
Granted, Shares | shares	421
Vested, Shares | shares	(358)
Unvested at June 29, 2024, Shares | shares	273
Unvested at beginning of year, Grant Date Fair Value Per Share | $ / shares	$ 145.55
Granted, Grant Date Fair Value Per Share | $ / shares	187.54
Vested, Grant Date Fair Value Per Share | $ / shares	176.61
Unvested at June 29, 2024, Grant Date Fair Value Per Share | $ / shares	$ 169.53