Consolidated Statements of Earnings - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2025	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 32,494	$ 30,734	$ 34,714
Costs, expenses and other:
Cost of products sold	28,616	26,632	26,899
Marketing, administrative and other expenses	1,219	1,123	1,585
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	(35)	(30)	(13)
Losses and impairments of assets	67	137
Interest expense (income), net	59	(30)	(30)
Costs, expenses and other, total	29,926	27,832	28,441
Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests	2,568	2,902	6,273
Provision for income taxes	530	583	1,360
Net earnings before noncontrolling interests	2,038	2,319	4,913
Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	294	292	388
Net earnings attributable to Nucor stockholders	$ 1,744	$ 2,027	$ 4,525
Net earnings per share:
Basic	$ 7.53	$ 8.47	$ 18.05
Diluted	$ 7.52	$ 8.46	$ 18