Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Total Comprehensive Income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017	Oct. 02, 2016	Oct. 01, 2017	Oct. 02, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Net income	$ 945	$ 36,072	$ 62,417	$ 94,363
Foreign currency translation loss, net of $1.1 million, $0.4 million, $1.5 million, and $1.5 million tax, respectively	(19,535)	(8,762)	(46,478)	(9,855)
Adjustments to pension and postretirement liability, net of $0.2 million, $3.1 million, $0.7 million, and $3.7 million tax, respectively	397	4,952	1,171	5,934
Total comprehensive income (loss)	(18,193)	32,262	17,110	90,442
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(66)	(91)	(306)	(318)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Belden	(18,127)	32,353	17,416	90,760
Foreign currency translation, tax income (loss)	1,100	400	1,500	1,500
Adjustments to pension and postretirement liability, tax	$ 200	$ 3,100	$ 700	$ 3,700