Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018	Apr. 02, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Net income	$ 2,570	$ 25,581
Foreign currency translation loss, net of $0.5 million and $0.1 million tax, respectively	(31,795)	(9,836)
Adjustments to pension and postretirement liability, net of $0.3 million and $0.2 million tax, respectively	403	368
Total comprehensive income (loss)	(28,822)	16,113
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(32)	(163)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Belden	(28,790)	16,276
Foreign currency translation, tax income (loss)	500	100
Adjustments to pension and postretirement liability, tax	$ 300	$ 200