Equity Method Investment - Summary Financial Information for Hirschmann JV (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Belden	$ 3,955	$ 8,922	$ 9,704
Hirschmann JV [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Current assets	44,679	49,408	46,042
Noncurrent assets	3,320	3,801	4,107
Current liabilities	19,847	21,524	13,132
Noncurrent liabilities	409	447	207
Revenues	34,322	41,257	56,564
Gross profit	17,235	27,332	29,067
Operating income	9,147	19,821	22,317
Net income	7,910	17,844	19,408
Net income attributable to Belden	$ 3,955	$ 8,922	$ 9,704

The amount of current assets reported by an equity method investment of the entity.

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The amount of current liabilities reported by an equity method investment of the entity.

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The amount of gross profit (loss) reported by an equity method investment of the entity.

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The amount of income (loss) from continuing operations before extraordinary items reported by an equity method investment of the entity.

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The amount of noncurrent assets reported by an equity method investment of the entity.

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The amount of noncurrent liabilities reported by an equity method investment of the entity.

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The amount of revenue from sale of goods and services reduced by sales returns, allowances, and discounts reported by an equity method investment of the entity.

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This item represents the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied. This item includes income or expense related to stock-based compensation based on the investor's grant of stock to employees of an equity method investee.

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