Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Total Comprehensive Income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 03, 2016	Jun. 28, 2015	Jul. 03, 2016	Jun. 28, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Net income	$ 41,750	$ 21,591	$ 58,175	$ 1,955
Foreign currency translation income (loss), net of $0.3 million, $0.4 million, $1.9 million, and $2.1 million tax, respectively	1,094	(2,872)	(1,093)	10,193
Adjustments to pension and postretirement liability, net of $0.3 million, $0.5 million, $0.6 million, and $1.1 million tax, respectively	515	843	982	1,691
Total comprehensive income	43,359	19,562	58,064	13,839
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(126)		(227)
Comprehensive income attributable to Belden stockholders	$ 43,485	$ 19,562	$ 58,291	$ 13,839