Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Components of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2023	Apr. 03, 2022
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 1,143,950	$ 956,082
Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable to Belden	(17,298)	3,955
Ending balance	1,134,217	947,595
Accumulated Other  Comprehensive Loss
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(5,871)	(70,566)
Other comprehensive loss attributable to Belden before reclassifications	(17,020)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(280)
Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable to Belden	(17,300)	3,928
Ending balance	(23,171)	$ (66,638)
Foreign Currency Translation Component
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(1,944)
Other comprehensive loss attributable to Belden before reclassifications	(17,020)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	0
Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable to Belden	(17,020)
Ending balance	(18,964)
Pension and Other  Postretirement Benefit Plans
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(3,927)
Other comprehensive loss attributable to Belden before reclassifications	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(280)
Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable to Belden	(280)
Ending balance	$ (4,207)