Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Total Comprehensive Income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017	Jul. 03, 2016	Jul. 02, 2017	Jul. 03, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Net income	$ 35,891	$ 41,933	$ 61,472	$ 58,291
Foreign currency translation loss, net of $0.5 million, $0.3 million, $0.4 million, and $1.9 million tax, respectively	(17,107)	1,094	(26,943)	(1,093)
Adjustments to pension and postretirement liability, net of $0.3 million, $0.3 million, $0.5 million, and $0.6 million tax, respectively	406	515	774	982
Total comprehensive income	19,190	43,542	35,303	58,180
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(77)	(126)	(240)	(227)
Comprehensive income attributable to Belden	19,267	43,668	35,543	58,407
Foreign currency translation, tax income (loss)	500	300	400	1,900
Adjustments to pension and postretirement liability, tax	$ 300	$ 300	$ 500	$ 600