Income Per Share - Basis for Income Per Share Computations (Detail) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016	Mar. 29, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 16,425	$ (19,636)
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(99)
Net income (loss) attributable to Belden stockholders	$ 16,524	$ (19,636)
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic	42,008	42,535
Effect of dilutive common stock equivalents	432
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted	42,440	42,535