v3.26.1
Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Change in Stockholder's Equity (Detail) - USD ($)
shares in Thousands, $ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Apr. 05, 2025
BALANCES, beginning of period $ 22,124 $ 21,417
Net earnings before noncontrolling interests 870 226
Other comprehensive income (loss) (12) 10
Stock options exercised $ 4  
Stock options exercised (in shares) (59)  
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures $ 35 38
Amortization of unearned compensation 2 3
Treasury stock acquired, and net impact of excise tax (126) (305)
Cash dividends declared (129) (127)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests (220) (172)
Capital contributions from noncontrolling interest   25
BALANCES, end of period 22,548 21,115
Common Stock [Member]    
BALANCES, beginning of period $ 152 $ 152
BALANCES, shares at beginning of period 380,200 380,200
BALANCES, end of period $ 152 $ 152
BALANCES, shares at end of period 380,200 380,200
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]    
BALANCES, beginning of period $ 2,253 $ 2,223
Stock options exercised (1)  
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures 20 19
Amortization of unearned compensation 2 3
BALANCES, end of period 2,274 2,245
Retained Earnings [Member]    
BALANCES, beginning of period 31,504 30,271
Net earnings before noncontrolling interests 743 156
Cash dividends declared (129) (127)
BALANCES, end of period 32,118 30,300
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]    
BALANCES, beginning of period (194) (208)
Other comprehensive income (loss) (12) 10
BALANCES, end of period (206) (198)
Treasury Stock (at cost) [Member]    
BALANCES, beginning of period $ (12,779) $ (12,144)
Treasury Stock (at cost), Shares 151,900 147,400
Stock options exercised $ 5  
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures $ 15 $ 19
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures, shares (200) (300)
Treasury stock acquired, and net impact of excise tax $ (126) $ (305)
Treasury stock acquired and net impact of excise tax (in shares) 700 2,300
BALANCES, end of period $ (12,885) $ (12,430)
Treasury Stock (at cost), Shares 152,400 149,400
Total Nucor Stockholders' Equity [Member]    
BALANCES, beginning of period $ 20,936 $ 20,294
Net earnings before noncontrolling interests 743 156
Other comprehensive income (loss) (12) 10
Stock options exercised 4  
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures 35 38
Amortization of unearned compensation 2 3
Treasury stock acquired, and net impact of excise tax (126) (305)
Cash dividends declared (129) (127)
BALANCES, end of period 21,453 20,069
Noncontrolling Interests [Member]    
BALANCES, beginning of period 1,188 1,123
Net earnings before noncontrolling interests 127 70
Distributions to noncontrolling interests (220) (172)
Capital contributions from noncontrolling interest   25
BALANCES, end of period $ 1,095 $ 1,046