Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Total Comprehensive Income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017	Apr. 03, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Net income	$ 25,581	$ 16,358
Foreign currency translation loss, net of $0.1 million and $1.6 million tax, respectively	(9,836)	(2,187)
Adjustments to pension and postretirement liability, net of $0.2 million and $0.3 million tax, respectively	368	467
Total comprehensive income	16,113	14,638
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(163)	(101)
Comprehensive income attributable to Belden	16,276	14,739
Foreign currency translation, tax income (loss)	100	1,600
Adjustments to pension and postretirement liability, tax	$ 200	$ 300