Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (376,776)	$ 160,711	$ 92,853
Foreign currency translation, net of tax of $1.0 million, $1.7 million, and $1.3 million, respectively	24,121	27,802	(65,046)
Adjustments to pension and postretirement liability, net of tax of $1.1 million, $1.0 million, and $2.2 million, respectively	(12,168)	(4,690)	6,071
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	11,953	23,112	(58,975)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(364,823)	183,823	33,878
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	703	(190)	(373)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Belden	$ (365,526)	$ 184,013	$ 34,251