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Revenue - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended |
--- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue From Contract With Customers [Line Items] |  |
Contract with customer, timing of satisfaction of performance obligation and payment | The durations of Nucor’s contracts with customers are generally one year or less. Customer payment terms are generally 30 days. |
Contract liabilities | $ 120.2 | $ 108.6
Revenue reclassified from contract liabilities | $ 80.5 |
Steel Mills [Member] |  |
Revenue From Contract With Customers [Line Items] |  |
Contract with customer, timing of satisfaction of performance obligation and payment | one year or less |

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