Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Total Comprehensive Income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 02, 2016	Sep. 27, 2015	Oct. 02, 2016	Sep. 27, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Net income	$ 35,565	$ 14,569	$ 93,740	$ 16,524
Foreign currency translation loss, net of $0.4 million, $2.1 million, $1.5 million, and $0.0 million tax, respectively	(8,762)	(25,249)	(9,855)	(15,056)
Adjustments to pension and postretirement liability, net of $3.1 million, $0.5 million, $3.7 million, and $1.6 million tax, respectively	4,952	877	5,934	2,568
Total comprehensive income (loss)	31,755	(9,803)	89,819	4,036
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(91)	0	(318)	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Belden	31,846	(9,803)	90,137	4,036
Foreign currency translation, tax income (loss)	400	2,100	1,500	0
Adjustments to pension and postretirement liability, tax	$ 3,100	$ 500	$ 3,700	$ 1,600