Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Components of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax (Detail) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017 USD ($)
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Beginning balance	$ (39,067)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(9,468)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Ending balance	(48,478)
Foreign Currency Translation Component [Member]
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Beginning balance	(4,661)
Other comprehensive loss attributable to Belden before reclassifications	(9,779)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	0
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(9,779)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Ending balance	(14,440)
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Beginning balance	(34,406)
Other comprehensive loss attributable to Belden before reclassifications	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	368
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	368
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Ending balance	(34,038)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Beginning balance	(39,067)
Other comprehensive loss attributable to Belden before reclassifications	(9,779)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	368
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(9,411)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Ending balance	$ (48,478)