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	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 05, 2025 $ / shares shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unvested at beginning of year, Shares | shares	248
Granted, Shares | shares	267
Vested, Shares | shares	(280)
Unvested at April 5, 2025, Shares | shares	235
Unvested at beginning of year, Grant Date Fair Value Per Share | $ / shares	$ 169.36
Granted, Grant Date Fair Value Per Share | $ / shares	133.46
Vested, Grant Date Fair Value Per Share | $ / shares	146.85
Unvested at April 5, 2025, Grant Date Fair Value Per Share | $ / shares	$ 155.41