Belden (BDC) 8-K 26 Jun 17 Other Events Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	8-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2016
Entity Registrant Name	BELDEN INC.
Entity Central Index Key	913,142

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 848,116	$ 216,751
Receivables, net	388,059	387,386
Inventories, net	190,408	195,942
Other current assets	29,176	37,079
Total assets held for sale	23,193	0
Total current assets	1,478,952	837,158
Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated depreciation	309,291	310,629
Goodwill	1,385,995	1,385,115
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization	560,082	655,871
Deferred income taxes	33,706	34,295
Other long-lived assets	38,777	67,534
Total assets	3,806,803	3,290,602
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	258,203	223,514
Accrued liabilities	310,340	323,249
Current maturities of long-term debt	0	2,500
Liabilities held for sale	1,736	0
Total current liabilities	570,279	549,263
Long-term debt	1,620,161	1,725,282
Postretirement benefits	104,050	105,230
Deferred income taxes	14,276	46,034
Other long-term liabilities	36,720	39,270
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share— 2,000 shares authorized; 52 shares outstanding	1	0
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share— 200,000 shares authorized; 50,335 shares issued; 42,180 and 41,981 shares outstanding at 2016 and 2015, respectively	503	503
Additional paid-in capital	1,116,090	605,660
Retained earnings	783,812	679,716
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(39,067)	(58,987)
Treasury stock, at cost— 8,155 and 8,354 shares at 2016 and 2015, respectively	(401,026)	(402,793)
Total Belden stockholders’ equity	1,460,313	824,099
Noncontrolling interest	1,004	1,424
Total stockholders’ equity	1,461,317	825,523
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 3,806,803	$ 3,290,602

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	2,000,000	2,000,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	52,000	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	50,335,000	50,335,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	42,180,000	41,981,000
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	8,155,000	8,354,000

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 2,356,672	$ 2,309,222	$ 2,308,265
Cost of sales	(1,375,678)	(1,391,049)	(1,488,816)
Gross profit	980,994	918,173	819,449
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(494,224)	(525,518)	(483,990)
Research and development	(140,601)	(148,311)	(113,914)
Amortization of intangibles	(98,385)	(103,791)	(58,426)
Impairment of assets held for sale	(23,931)	0	0
Operating income	223,853	140,553	163,119
Interest expense, net	(95,050)	(100,613)	(81,573)
Loss on debt extinguishment	(2,342)	0	0
Income from continuing operations before taxes	126,461	39,940	81,546
Income tax benefit (expense)	1,185	26,568	(7,114)
Income from continuing operations	127,646	66,508	74,432
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	(242)	579
Loss from disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax	0	(86)	(562)
Net income	127,646	66,180	74,449
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(357)	(24)	0
Net income attributable to Belden	128,003	66,204	74,449
Less: Preferred stock dividends	15,428	0	0
Net income attributable to Belden common stockholders	$ 112,575	$ 66,204	$ 74,449
Weighted average number of common shares and equivalents:
Basic (in shares)	42,093	42,390	43,273
Diluted (in shares)	42,557	42,953	43,997
Basic income (loss) per share attributable to Belden common stockholders:
Continuing operations (in usd per share)	$ 2.67	$ 1.57	$ 1.72
Discontinued operations (in usd per share)	0	(0.01)	0.01
Disposal of discontinued operations (in usd per share)	0	0	(0.01)
Net income (in usd per share)	2.67	1.56	1.72
Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to Belden common stockholders:
Continuing operations (in usd per share)	2.65	1.55	1.69
Discontinued operations (in usd per share)	0	(0.01)	0.01
Disposal of discontinued operations (in usd per share)	0	0	(0.01)
Net income (in usd per share)	$ 2.65	$ 1.54	$ 1.69

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 127,646	$ 66,180	$ 74,449
Foreign currency translation, net of tax of $1.2 million, $1.3 million, and $1.8 million, respectively	18,687	(20,842)	(10,387)
Adjustments to pension and postretirement liability, net of tax of $1.9 million, $3.1 million, and $3.6 million, respectively	1,170	7,864	(6,463)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	19,857	(12,978)	(16,850)
Comprehensive income	147,503	53,202	57,599
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(420)	(46)	0
Comprehensive income attributable to Belden	$ 147,923	$ 53,248	$ 57,599

Consolidated Statements of Com6

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation, tax expense (benefit)	$ 1.2	$ 1.3	$ 1.8
Adjustments to pension and postretirement liability, tax	$ 1.9	$ 3.1	$ 3.6

Consolidated Cash Flow Statemen

Consolidated Cash Flow Statements - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 127,646	$ 66,180	$ 74,449
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	145,593	150,342	102,162
Impairment of assets held for sale	23,931	0	0
Share-based compensation	18,178	17,745	18,858
Loss on debt extinguishment	2,342	0	0
Deferred income tax benefit	(30,034)	(45,674)	(17,796)
Deferred income tax benefit
Receivables	(10,115)	6,066	(15,810)
Inventories	2,677	19,204	(2,260)
Accounts payable	39,298	(38,907)	28,120
Accrued liabilities	(13,181)	59,214	(5,598)
Accrued taxes	11,722	11,981	9,058
Other assets	760	(4,840)	6,268
Other liabilities	(4,023)	149	3,436
Net cash provided by operating activities	314,794	241,460	200,887
Net cash provided by operating activities
Capital expenditures	(53,974)	(54,969)	(45,459)
Cash used to acquire businesses, net of cash acquired	(18,848)	(695,345)	(347,817)
Other	(827)	0	0
Proceeds from (payments for) disposal of business	0	3,527	(956)
Proceeds from disposal of tangible assets	392	533	1,884
Proceeds from (payments for) disposal of business	(73,257)	(746,254)	(392,348)
Proceeds from disposal of tangible assets
Proceeds from the issuance of preferred stock, net	501,498	0	0
Borrowings under credit arrangements	222,050	200,000	456,163
Contribution from noncontrolling interest	0	1,470	0
Payments under borrowing arrangements	(294,375)	(152,500)	(2,500)
Cash dividends paid	(16,079)	(8,395)	(8,699)
Withholding tax payments for share based payment awards, net of proceeds from the exercise of stock options	(7,480)	(11,693)	(11,708)
Debt issuance costs paid	(3,910)	(898)	(10,700)
Payments under share repurchase program	0	(39,053)	(92,197)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities	401,704	(11,069)	330,359
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(11,876)	(8,548)	(11,040)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	631,365	(524,411)	127,858
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	216,751	741,162	613,304
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 848,116	$ 216,751	$ 741,162

Consolidated Stockholders' Equi

Consolidated Stockholders' Equity Statements - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013		0	50,335
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 836,541	$ 0	$ 503	$ 585,753	$ 556,214	$ (276,748)	$ (29,181)	$ 0
Beginning balance, Treasury shares at Dec. 31, 2013						(6,880)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	74,449				74,449
Foreign currency translation gain (loss), net of $1.2 million, $1.3 million, and $1.8 million tax, respectively	(10,387)						(10,387)
Adjustments to pension and postretirement liability, net of $4.1 million, $3.1 million, and $3.6 million tax, respectively	(6,463)						(6,463)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(16,850)
Exercise of stock options, net of tax withholding forfeitures	(9,728)			(12,123)		$ 2,395
Exercise of stock options, net of tax withholding forfeitures, shares						194
Conversion of restricted stock units into common stock, net of tax withholding forfeitures	(1,979)			(3,958)		$ 1,979
Conversion of restricted stock units into common stock, net of tax withholding forfeitures, shares						77
Share repurchase program, shares						(1,262)
Share repurchase program	(92,197)					$ (92,197)
Share-based compensation related items	25,717			25,717
Common stock dividends ($0.20 per share)	(8,767)				(8,767)
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2014		0	50,335
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2014	807,186	$ 0	$ 503	595,389	621,896	$ (364,571)	(46,031)	0
Ending balance, Treasury shares at Dec. 31, 2014						(7,871)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Contribution from noncontrolling interest	1,470							1,470
Net income	66,180				66,204			(24)
Foreign currency translation gain (loss), net of $1.2 million, $1.3 million, and $1.8 million tax, respectively	(20,842)						(20,820)	(22)
Adjustments to pension and postretirement liability, net of $4.1 million, $3.1 million, and $3.6 million tax, respectively	7,864						7,864
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(12,978)
Exercise of stock options, net of tax withholding forfeitures	(6,166)			(6,070)		$ (96)
Exercise of stock options, net of tax withholding forfeitures, shares						100
Conversion of restricted stock units into common stock, net of tax withholding forfeitures	(5,527)			(6,454)		$ 927
Conversion of restricted stock units into common stock, net of tax withholding forfeitures, shares						115
Share repurchase program, shares						(698)
Share repurchase program	(39,053)					$ (39,053)
Share-based compensation related items	22,795			22,795
Common stock dividends ($0.20 per share)	(8,384)				(8,384)
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2015		0	50,335
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 825,523	$ 0	$ 503	605,660	679,716	$ (402,793)	(58,987)	1,424
Ending balance, Treasury shares at Dec. 31, 2015	(8,354)					(8,354)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	$ 127,646				128,003			(357)
Foreign currency translation gain (loss), net of $1.2 million, $1.3 million, and $1.8 million tax, respectively	18,687						18,750	(63)
Adjustments to pension and postretirement liability, net of $4.1 million, $3.1 million, and $3.6 million tax, respectively	1,170						1,170
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	19,857
Preferred stock issuance, net, shares		52
Preferred stock issuance, net	501,498	$ 1		501,497
Exercise of stock options, net of tax withholding forfeitures	(4,088)			(4,205)		$ 117
Exercise of stock options, net of tax withholding forfeitures, shares						76
Conversion of restricted stock units into common stock, net of tax withholding forfeitures	(3,390)			(5,040)		$ 1,650
Conversion of restricted stock units into common stock, net of tax withholding forfeitures, shares						123
Share-based compensation related items	18,178			18,178
Preferred stock dividends	(15,428)				(15,428)
Common stock dividends ($0.20 per share)	(8,479)				(8,479)
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2016		52	50,335
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 1,461,317	$ 1	$ 503	$ 1,116,090	$ 783,812	$ (401,026)	$ (39,067)	$ 1,004
Ending balance, Treasury shares at Dec. 31, 2016	(8,155)					(8,155)

Consolidated Stockholders' Equ9

Consolidated Stockholders' Equity Statements (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation, tax expense (benefit)	$ 1.2	$ 1.3	$ 1.8
Adjustments to pension and postretirement liability, tax expense	$ 1.9	$ 3.1	$ 3.6
Dividends declared per share	$ 0.20	$ 0.20	$ 0.20

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation Business Description Belden Inc. (the Company, us, we, or our) is an innovative signal transmission solutions company built around four global business platforms – Broadcast Solutions, Enterprise Solutions, Industrial Solutions, and Network Solutions. Our comprehensive portfolio of signal transmission solutions provides industry leading secure and reliable transmission of data, sound, and video for mission critical applications. We sell our products to distributors, end-users, installers, and directly to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Consolidation The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include Belden Inc. and all of its subsidiaries, including variable interest entities for which we are the primary beneficiary. We eliminate all significant affiliate accounts and transactions in consolidation. Foreign Currency For international operations with functional currencies other than the United States (U.S.) dollar, we translate assets and liabilities at current exchange rates; we translate income and expenses using average exchange rates. We report the resulting translation adjustments, as well as gains and losses from certain affiliate transactions, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a separate component of stockholders’ equity. We include exchange gains and losses on transactions in operating income. We determine the functional currency of our foreign subsidiaries based upon the currency of the primary economic environment in which each subsidiary operates. Typically, that is determined by the currency in which the subsidiary primarily generates and expends cash. We have concluded that the local currency is the functional currency for all of our material subsidiaries. Reporting Periods Our fiscal year and fiscal fourth quarter both end on December 31 . Our fiscal first quarter ends on the Sunday falling closest to 91 days after December 31. Our fiscal second and third quarters each have 91 days. Use of Estimates in the Preparation of the Financial Statements The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and operating results and the disclosure of contingencies. Actual results could differ from those estimates. We make significant estimates with respect to the collectability and valuation of receivables, the valuation of inventory, the realization of deferred tax assets, the valuation of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, the valuation of contingent liabilities, the calculation of share-based compensation, the calculation of pension and other postretirement benefits expense, and the valuation of acquired businesses. Reclassifications We have made certain, insignificant reclassifications to the 2015 and 2014 Consolidated Financial Statements with no impact to reported net income in order to conform to the 2016 presentation.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Fair Value Measurement Accounting guidance for fair value measurements specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based upon whether the inputs to those valuation techniques reflect assumptions other market participants would use based upon market data obtained from independent sources or reflect our own assumptions of market participant valuation. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of the inputs as follows: • Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets that are unadjusted and accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities; • Level 2 – Quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, or financial instruments for which significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly; and • Level 3 – Prices or valuations that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable. As of December 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 we utilized Level 1 inputs to determine the fair value of cash equivalents, and Level 3 inputs to determine the fair value of net assets acquired in business combinations (see Note 3) and for our annual impairment testing (see Note 10). We did not have any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements during 2016 . Cash and Cash Equivalents We classify cash on hand and deposits in banks, including commercial paper, money market accounts, and other investments with an original maturity of three months or less , that we hold from time to time, as cash and cash equivalents. We periodically have cash equivalents consisting of short-term money market funds and other investments. The primary objective of our investment activities is to preserve our capital for the purpose of funding operations. We do not enter into investments for trading or speculative purposes. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, we did not have any such cash equivalents on hand. Accounts Receivable We classify amounts owed to us and due within twelve months, arising from the sale of goods or services in the normal course of business, as current receivables. We classify receivables due after twelve months as other long-lived assets. At the time of sale, we establish an estimated reserve for trade, promotion, and other special price reductions such as contract pricing, discounts to meet competitor pricing, and on-time payment discounts. We also adjust receivable balances for, among other things, correction of billing errors, incorrect shipments, and settlement of customer disputes. Customers are allowed to return inventory if and when certain conditions regarding the physical state of the inventory and our approval of the return are met. Certain distribution customers are allowed to return inventory at original cost, in an amount not to exceed three percent of the prior year’s purchases, in exchange for an order of equal or greater value. Until we can process these reductions, corrections, and returns (together, the Changes) through individual customer records, we estimate the amount of outstanding Changes and recognize them by reducing revenues and accounts receivable. We also adjust inventory and cost of sales for the estimated level of returns. We base these estimates on historical and anticipated sales demand, trends in product pricing, and historical and anticipated Changes patterns. We make revisions to these estimates in the period in which the facts that give rise to each revision become known. Future market conditions might require us to take actions to further reduce prices and increase customer return authorizations. Unprocessed Changes recognized against our gross accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2016 and 2015 totaled $23.3 million and $19.1 million , respectively. We evaluate the collectability of accounts receivable based on the specific identification method. A considerable amount of judgment is required in assessing the realizability of accounts receivable, including the current creditworthiness of each customer and related aging of the past due balances. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition. Through these evaluations, we may become aware of a situation where a customer may not be able to meet its financial obligations due to deterioration of its financial viability, credit ratings, or bankruptcy. We record a specific reserve for bad debts against amounts due to reduce the receivable to its estimated collectible balance. We recognized bad debt expense, net of recoveries, of $1.5 million , $(1.8) million , and $0.3 million in 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. In 2015, we recovered approximately $2.7 million of accounts receivable from one significant customer. The allowance for doubtful accounts at December 31, 2016 and 2015 totaled $8.1 million and $8.3 million , respectively. Inventories and Related Reserves Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. We determine the cost of all raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods inventories by the first in, first out method. Cost components of inventories include direct labor, applicable production overhead, and amounts paid to suppliers of materials and products as well as freight costs and, when applicable, duty costs to import the materials and products. We evaluate the realizability of our inventory on a product-by-product basis in light of historical and anticipated sales demand, technological changes, product life cycle, component cost trends, product pricing, and inventory condition. In circumstances where inventory levels are in excess of anticipated market demand, where inventory is deemed technologically obsolete or not saleable due to condition, or where inventory cost exceeds net realizable value, we record a charge to cost of sales and reduce the inventory to its net realizable value. The allowances for excess and obsolete inventories at December 31, 2016 and 2015 totaled $24.6 million and $22.5 million , respectively. Property, Plant and Equipment We record property, plant and equipment at cost. We calculate depreciation on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets ranging from 10 to 40 years for buildings, 5 to 12 years for machinery and equipment, and 5 to 10 years for computer equipment and software. Construction in process reflects amounts incurred for the configuration and build-out of property, plant and equipment and for property, plant and equipment not yet placed into service. We charge maintenance and repairs—both planned major activities and less-costly, ongoing activities—to expense as incurred. We capitalize interest costs associated with the construction of capital assets and amortize the costs over the assets’ useful lives. Depreciation expense is included in costs of sales; selling, general and administrative expenses; and research and development expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations based on the specific categorization and use of the underlying assets being depreciated. We review property, plant and equipment to determine whether an event or change in circumstances indicates the carrying values of the assets may not be recoverable. We base our evaluation on the nature of the assets, the future economic benefit of the assets, and any historical or future profitability measurements, as well as other external market conditions or factors that may be present. If such impairment indicators are present or other factors exist that indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable, we determine whether impairment has occurred through the use of an undiscounted cash flow analysis. If impairment has occurred, we recognize a loss for the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the asset. For purposes of impairment testing of long-lived assets, we have identified asset groups at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. Generally, our asset groups are based on an individual plant or operating facility level. In some circumstances, however, a combination of plants or operating facilities may be considered the asset group due to interdependence of operational activities and cash flows. Goodwill and Intangible Assets Our intangible assets consist of (a) definite-lived assets subject to amortization such as developed technology, customer relationships, certain in-service research and development, certain trademarks, and backlog, and (b) indefinite-lived assets not subject to amortization such as goodwill, certain in-process research and development, and certain trademarks. We record amortization of the definite-lived intangible assets over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which generally range from one year or less for backlog to more than 25 years for certain of our customer relationships. We determine the amortization method for our definite-lived intangible assets based on the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset are consumed. In the event we cannot reliably determine that pattern, we utilize a straight-line amortization method. We test our goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets not subject to amortization for impairment on an annual basis during the fourth quarter or when indicators of impairment exist. We base our estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable, but which are not predictable with precision and therefore are inherently uncertain. Actual future results could differ from these estimates. The accounting guidance related to goodwill impairment testing allows for the performance of an optional qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Such an evaluation is made based on the weight of all available evidence and the significance of all identified events and circumstances that may influence the fair value of a reporting unit. If it is more likely than not that the fair value is less than the carrying value, then a quantitative assessment is required for the reporting unit, as described in the paragraph below. In 2016 , we performed a qualitative assessment for seven of our reporting units, which collectively represented approximately $811 million of our consolidated goodwill balance. For those reporting units for which we performed a qualitative assessment, we determined that it was more likely than not that the fair value was greater than the carrying value, and therefore, we did not perform the calculation of fair value for these reporting units as described in the paragraph below. For our annual impairment test in 2016 , we performed a quantitative assessment for four of our reporting units. Under a quantitative assessment for goodwill impairment, we determine the fair value using the income approach (using Level 3 inputs) as reconciled to our aggregate market capitalization. Under the income approach, we calculate the fair value of a reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets including goodwill assigned to that unit, goodwill is not impaired. If the carrying value of the reporting unit’s net assets including goodwill exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, then we determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, then an impairment of goodwill has occurred and we recognize an impairment loss for the difference between the carrying amount and the implied fair value of goodwill as a component of operating income. In addition to the income approach, we calculate the fair value of our reporting units under a market approach. The market approach measures the fair value of a reporting unit through analysis of financial multiples of comparable businesses. Consideration is given to the financial conditions and operating performance of the reporting unit being valued relative to those publicly-traded companies operating in the same or similar lines of business. The fair values of the four reporting units tested under a quantitative approach were substantially in excess of the carrying values as of the impairment testing date. We did not recognize any goodwill impairment in 2016 , 2015 , or 2014 . See Note 10 for further discussion. We also evaluate indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment annually or at other times if events have occurred or circumstances exist that indicate the carrying values of those assets may no longer be recoverable. We compare the fair value of the asset with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value, we recognize an impairment loss in an amount equal to that excess. We did not recognize impairment charges for our indefinite lived intangible assets in 2016 , 2015 , or 2014 . See Note 10 for further discussion. We review intangible assets subject to amortization whenever an event or change in circumstances indicates the carrying values of the assets may not be recoverable. We test intangible assets subject to amortization for impairment and estimate their fair values using the same assumptions and techniques we employ on property, plant and equipment. We did not recognize any impairment charges for amortizable intangible assets in 2016 , 2015 , or 2014 . Equity Method Investment We have a 50% ownership interest in Xuzhou Hirschmann Electronics Co. Ltd (the Hirschmann JV), which we acquired in connection with our 2007 acquisition of Hirschmann Automation and Control GmbH. The Hirschmann JV is an entity located in China that supplies load-moment indicators to the mobile crane market. We account for this investment using the equity method of accounting. During the fourth quarter of 2016, we committed to a plan to sell the Hirschmann JV and reached an agreement in principle with a buyer. As of December 31, 2016, the $26.8 million carrying value of our investment in the Hirschmann JV was classified as held for sale. As of December 31, 2015, the $29.5 million carrying value of our investment in the Hirschmann JV was included in other long-lived assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. See Note 4. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Our pension and other postretirement benefit costs and obligations are dependent on the various actuarial assumptions used in calculating such amounts. These assumptions relate to discount rates, salary growth, long-term return on plan assets, health care cost trend rates, mortality tables, and other factors. We base the discount rate assumptions on current investment yields on high-quality corporate long-term bonds. The salary growth assumptions reflect our long-term actual experience and future or near-term outlook. We determine the long-term return on plan assets based on historical portfolio results and management’s expectation of the future economic environment. Our health care cost trend assumptions are developed based on historical cost data, the near-term outlook, and an assessment of likely long-term trends. Actual results that differ from our assumptions are accumulated and, if in excess of the lesser of 10% of the projected benefit obligation or the fair market value of plan assets, are amortized over the estimated future working life of the plan participants. Accrued Sales Rebates We grant incentive rebates to participating customers as part of our sales programs. The rebates are determined based on certain targeted sales volumes. Rebates are paid quarterly or annually in either cash or receivables credits. Until we can process these rebates through individual customer records, we estimate the amount of outstanding rebates and recognize them as accrued liabilities and reductions in our gross revenues. We base our estimates on both historical and anticipated sales demand and rebate program participation. We charge revisions to these estimates back to accrued liabilities and revenues in the period in which the facts that give rise to each revision become known. Future market conditions and product transitions might require us to take actions to increase sales rebates offered, possibly resulting in an incremental increase in accrued liabilities and an incremental reduction in revenues at the time the rebate is offered. Accrued sales rebates at December 31, 2016 and 2015 totaled $33.1 million and $30.0 million , respectively. Contingent Liabilities We have established liabilities for environmental and legal contingencies that are probable of occurrence and reasonably estimable, the amounts of which are currently not material. A significant amount of judgment and use of estimates is required to quantify our ultimate exposure in these matters. We review the valuation of these liabilities on a quarterly basis, and we adjust the balances to account for changes in circumstances for ongoing and emerging issues. We accrue environmental remediation costs based on estimates of known environmental remediation exposures developed in consultation with our environmental consultants and legal counsel, the amounts of which are not currently material. We expense environmental compliance costs, which include maintenance and operating costs with respect to ongoing monitoring programs, as incurred. We evaluate the range of potential costs to remediate environmental sites. The ultimate cost of site clean-up is difficult to predict given the uncertainties of our involvement in certain sites, uncertainties regarding the extent of the required clean-up, the availability of alternative clean-up methods, variations in the interpretation of applicable laws and regulations, the possibility of insurance recoveries with respect to certain sites, and other factors. We are, from time to time, subject to routine litigation incidental to our business. These lawsuits primarily involve claims for damages arising out of the use of our products, allegations of patent or trademark infringement, and litigation and administrative proceedings involving employment matters and commercial disputes. Assessments regarding the ultimate cost of lawsuits require judgments concerning matters such as the anticipated outcome of negotiations, the number and cost of pending and future claims, and the impact of evidentiary requirements. Based on facts currently available, we believe the disposition of the claims that are pending or asserted will not have a materially adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flow. Business Combination Accounting We allocate the purchase price of an acquired business to its identifiable assets and liabilities based on estimated fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the amount allocated to the assets and liabilities, if any, is recorded to goodwill. We use all available information to estimate fair values. We typically engage third party valuation specialists to assist in the fair value determination of inventories, tangible long-lived assets, and intangible assets other than goodwill. The carrying values of acquired receivables and accounts payable have historically approximated their fair values as of the business combination date. As necessary, we may engage third party specialists to assist in the estimation of fair value for certain liabilities, such as deferred revenue or postretirement benefit liabilities. We adjust the preliminary purchase price allocation, as necessary, typically up to one year after the acquisition closing date as we obtain more information regarding asset valuations and liabilities assumed. Revenue Recognition We recognize revenue when all of the following circumstances are satisfied: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (2) price is fixed or determinable, (3) collectability is reasonably assured, and (4) delivery has occurred. Delivery occurs in the period in which the customer takes title and assumes the risks and rewards of ownership of the products specified in the customer’s purchase order or sales agreement. At times, we enter into arrangements that involve the delivery of multiple elements. For these arrangements, when the elements can be separated, the revenue is allocated to each deliverable based on that element’s relative selling price and recognized based on the period of delivery for each element. Generally, we determine relative selling price using vendor specific objective evidence (VSOE). We record revenue net of estimated rebates, price allowances, invoicing adjustments, and product returns. We record revisions to these estimates in the period in which the facts that give rise to each revision become known. Taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are not included in our revenues. We have certain products subject to the accounting guidance on software revenue recognition. For such products, software license revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery of the product has occurred, the fee is fixed or determinable, collection is probable and VSOE of the fair value of undelivered elements exists. As substantially all of the software licenses are sold in multiple-element arrangements that include either support and maintenance or both support and maintenance and professional services, we use the residual method to determine the amount of software license revenue to be recognized. Under the residual method, consideration is allocated to undelivered elements based upon VSOE of the fair value of those elements, with the residual of the arrangement fee allocated to and recognized as software license revenue. We have established VSOE of the fair value of support and maintenance, subscription-based software licenses, and professional services. Software license revenue is generally recognized upon delivery of the software if all revenue recognition criteria are met. Revenue allocated to support services under our support and maintenance contracts is typically paid in advance and recognized ratably over the term of the service. Revenue allocated to subscription-based software and remote ongoing operational services is also paid in advance and recognized ratably over the term of the service. Revenue allocated to professional services, including remote implementation services, is recognized as the services are performed. Contingent Gain On July 5, 2011, our wholly-owned subsidiary, PPC Broadband, Inc. (PPC), filed an action for patent infringement against Corning Optical Communications RF LLC (Corning). The Complaint alleged that Corning infringed two of PPC’s patents. In July 2015, a jury found that Corning willfully infringed both patents. In November 2016, following a series of post-trial motions, the trial judge issued rulings for a total judgment in our favor of approximately $61.3 million . In December 2016, Corning appealed the case to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and that appeal remains pending. We have not recorded any amounts in our consolidated financial statements related to this matter due to the pendency of the appeal. In 2016, we entered into a patent settlement agreement with a company whereby we received $10.3 million of royalty revenues. We expect to receive additional royalty revenues under the patent settlement agreement in 2017 and beyond. Our Broadcast Solutions Segment Revenues in 2016 include $4.7 million of the $10.3 million total royalty revenues received from the patent settlement agreement. The remaining $5.6 million is a reconciling item from total Segment Revenues to consolidated revenues. See Note 6. Cost of Sales Cost of sales includes our total cost of inventory sold during the period, including material, labor, production overhead costs, variable manufacturing costs, and fixed manufacturing costs. Production overhead costs include operating supplies, applicable utility expenses, maintenance costs, and scrap. Variable manufacturing costs include inbound, interplant, and outbound freight, inventory shrinkage, and charges for excess and obsolete inventory. Fixed manufacturing costs include the costs associated with our purchasing, receiving, inspection, warehousing, distribution centers, production and inventory control, and manufacturing management. Cost of sales also includes the costs to provide maintenance and support and other professional services. Shipping and Handling Costs We recognize fees earned on the shipment of product to customers as revenues and recognize costs incurred on the shipment of product to customers as a cost of sales. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses include expenses not directly related to the production of inventory. They include all expenses related to selling and marketing our products, as well as the salary and benefit costs of associates performing the selling and marketing functions. Selling, general and administrative expenses also include salary and benefit costs, purchased services, and other costs related to our executive and administrative functions. Research and Development Costs Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising Costs Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising costs were $27.2 million , $27.5 million , and $21.8 million for 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. Share-Based Compensation We compensate certain employees and non-employee directors with various forms of share-based payment awards and recognize compensation costs for these awards based on their fair values. We estimate the fair values of certain awards, primarily stock appreciation rights (SARs), on the grant date using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing formula, which incorporates certain assumptions regarding the expected term of an award and expected stock price volatility. We develop the expected term assumption based on the vesting period and contractual term of an award, our historical exercise and cancellation experience, our stock price history, plan provisions that require exercise or cancellation of awards after employees terminate, and the extent to which currently available information indicates that the future is reasonably expected to differ from past experience. We develop the expected volatility assumption based on historical price data for our common stock. We estimate the fair value of certain restricted stock units with service vesting conditions and performance vesting conditions based on the grant date stock price. We estimate the fair value of certain restricted stock units with market conditions using a Monte Carlo simulation valuation model with the assistance of a third party valuation firm. After calculating the aggregate fair value of an award, we use an estimated forfeiture rate to discount the amount of share-based compensation cost expected to be recognized in our operating results over the service period of the award. We develop the forfeiture assumption based on our historical pre-vesting cancellation experience. Income Taxes Income taxes are provided based on earnings reported for financial statement purposes. The provision for income taxes differs from the amounts currently payable to taxing authorities because of the recognition of revenues and expenses in different periods for income tax purposes than for financial statement purposes. Income taxes are provided as if operations in all countries, including the U.S., were stand-alone businesses filing separate tax returns. We have determined that all undistributed earnings from our international subsidiaries will not be remitted to the U.S. in the foreseeable future and, therefore, no additional provision for U.S. taxes has been made on foreign earnings. We recognize deferred tax assets resulting from tax credit carryforwards, net operating loss carryforwards, and deductible temporary differences between taxable income on our income tax returns and pretax income on our financial statements. Deferred tax assets generally represent future tax benefits to be received when these carryforwards can be applied against future taxable income or when expenses previously reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements become deductible for income tax purposes. A deferred tax asset valuation allowance is required when some portion or all of the deferred tax assets may not be realized. Our effective tax rate is based on expected income, statutory tax rates, and tax planning opportunities available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Significant judgment is required in determining our effective tax rate and in evaluating our tax positions. We establish accruals for uncertain tax positions when we believe that the full amount of the associated tax benefit may not be realized. To the extent we were to prevail in matters for which accruals have been established or would be required to pay amounts in excess of reserves, there could be a material effect on our income tax provisions in the period in which such determination is made. Current-Year Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (ASU 2015-03), which requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. We adopted ASU 2015-03 effective January 1, 2016, retrospectively. Adoption resulted in a $6.0 million decrease in total current assets, a $19.2 million decrease in other long-lived assets, and a $25.2 million decrease in long-term debt in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2015 compared to the prior period presentation. Adoption had no impact on our results of operations. In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (ASU 2016-09), which requires entities to recognize the income tax effects of stock awards in the income statement when the awards vest or are settled. Further, ASU 2016-09 allows entities to withhold up to the maximum individual statutory tax rate without classifying the stock awards as a liability and to account for forfeitures either upon occurrence or by estimating forfeitures. We adopted ASU 2016-09 in the fourth quarter of 2016. Adoption resulted in a $1.2 million increase to income tax benefit in 2016 and an insignificant impact to weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding. Adoption also resulted in an increase to our cash flows from operating activities in our Consolidated Cash Flow Statements of $5.1 million and $6.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, as well as a decrease to our cash flows from financing activities in our Consolidated Cash Flow Statements of $5.1 million and $6.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. We also elected to continue estimating forfeitures for purposes of recognizing share-based compensation. In May 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-07, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) (ASU 2015-07), which permits a reporting entity, as a practical expedient, to measure the fair value of certain investments using the net asset value per share of the investment, and limits disclosures to investments for which the entity has elected to measure the fair value using the practical expedient. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. We adopted ASU 2015-07 effective January 1, 2016, retrospectively. Adoption had no impact on our results of operations. In August 2014, the FASB issued disclosure guidance that requires us to evaluate, at each annual and interim period, whether substantial doubt exists about our ability to continue as a going concern, and if applicable, to provide related disclosures. The new guidance was effective for us for our annual period ending December 31, 2016. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on our financial statement disclosures, nor any impact on our results of operations. Pending Adoption of Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASU 2014-

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions M2FX We acquired 100% of the shares of M2FX Limited (M2FX) on January 7, 2016 for a purchase price of $19.0 million . M2FX is a manufacturer of fiber optic cable and fiber protective solutions for broadband access and telecommunications networks. M2FX is located in the United Kingdom. The results of M2FX have been included in our Consolidated Financial Statements from January 7, 2016, and are reported within the Broadcast Solutions segment. The M2FX acquisition was not material to our financial position or results of operations. Of the total purchase price, $3.2 million was deferred as estimated earn-out consideration. We determined the estimated fair value of the earn-out with the assistance of a third party valuation specialist using a probability weighted discounted cash flow model. The estimated earn-out was scheduled to be paid in early 2017, however, the financial targets tied to the earn-out were not achieved. We reduced the earn-out liability to zero as of December 31, 2016 and recognized a $3.2 million benefit in Selling, General and Administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. This benefit was excluded from Segment EBITDA of our Broadcast Solutions segment. Tripwire We acquired 100% of the outstanding ownership interest in Tripwire, Inc. (Tripwire) on January 2, 2015 for a purchase price of $703.2 million . The purchase price was funded with cash on hand and $200.0 million of borrowings under our revolving credit agreement (see Note 13). Tripwire is a leading global provider of advanced threat, security and compliance solutions. Tripwire’s solutions enable enterprises, service providers, manufacturers, and government agencies to detect, prevent, and respond to growing security threats. Tripwire is headquartered in Portland, Oregon. The results of Tripwire have been included in our Consolidated Financial Statements from January 2, 2015. Tripwire is reported within the Network Solutions segment. The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed as of January 2, 2015 (in thousands). Cash $ 2,364 Receivables 37,792 Inventories 603 Other current assets 2,453 Property, plant and equipment 10,021 Goodwill 462,215 Intangible assets 306,000 Other non-current assets 659 Total assets 822,107 Accounts payable 3,142 Accrued liabilities 12,142 Deferred revenue 8,000 Deferred income taxes 95,074 Other non-current liabilities 540 Total liabilities 118,898 Net assets $ 703,209 A single estimate of fair value results from a complex series of judgments about future events and uncertainties and relies heavily on estimates and assumptions. The judgments we have used in estimating the fair values assigned to each class of acquired assets and assumed liabilities could materially affect the results of our operations. The fair value of acquired receivables is $37.8 million , with a gross contractual amount of $38.0 million . For purposes of the above allocation, we based our estimate of the fair value for the acquired intangible assets, property, plant and equipment, and deferred revenue on a valuation study performed by a third party valuation firm. We used various valuation methods including discounted cash flows to estimate the fair value of the identifiable intangible assets and deferred revenue (Level 3 valuation). To determine the value of the acquired property, plant, and equipment, we used various valuation methods, including both the market approach, which considers sales prices of similar assets in similar conditions (Level 2 valuation), and the cost approach, which considers the cost to replace the asset adjusted for depreciation (Level 3 valuation). Goodwill and other intangible assets reflected above were determined to meet the criterion for recognition apart from tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The goodwill is primarily attributable to expected synergies and the assembled workforce. The expected synergies for the Tripwire acquisition primarily consist of an expanded product portfolio with network security solutions that can be marketed to our existing broadcast, enterprise, and industrial customers. We do not have tax basis in the goodwill, and therefore, the goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. The intangible assets related to the acquisition consisted of the following: Estimated Fair Value Amortization Period (In thousands) (In years) Intangible assets subject to amortization: Developed technology $ 210,000 5.8 Customer relationships 56,000 15 Backlog 3,000 1 Total intangible assets subject to amortization 269,000 Intangible assets not subject to amortization: Goodwill 462,215 Trademarks 31,000 In-process research and development 6,000 Total intangible assets not subject to amortization 499,215 Total intangible assets $ 768,215 Weighted average amortization period 7.7 The amortizable intangible assets reflected in the table above were determined by us to have finite lives. The useful life for the developed technology intangible asset was based on the estimated time that the technology provides us with a competitive advantage and thus approximates the period of consumption of the intangible asset. The useful life for the customer relationship intangible asset was based on our forecasts of customer turnover. The useful life of the backlog intangible asset was based on our estimate of when the ordered items would ship. Trademarks have been determined by us to have indefinite lives and are not being amortized, based on our expectation that the trademarked products will generate cash flows for us for an indefinite period. We expect to maintain use of trademarks on existing products and introduce new products in the future that will also display the trademarks, thus extending their lives indefinitely. In-process research and development assets are considered indefinite-lived intangible assets until the completion or abandonment of the associated research and development efforts. Upon completion of the development process, we will make a determination of the useful life of the asset and begin amortizing the assets over that period. If the project is abandoned, we will write-off the asset at such time. Our consolidated revenues and consolidated income from continuing operations before taxes for the year ended December 31, 2015 included $116.6 million of revenues and a $47.8 million loss from continuing operations before taxes from Tripwire. Consolidated revenues in the year ended December 31, 2015 were negatively impacted by approximately $50.4 million due to the reduction of the acquired deferred revenue balance to fair value. Our consolidated income from continuing operations before taxes for the year ended December 31, 2015 included $43.2 million of amortization of intangible assets and $9.2 million of compensation expense related to the accelerated vesting of acquiree stock based compensation awards. The following table illustrates the unaudited pro forma effect on operating results as if the Tripwire acquisition had been completed as of January 1, 2014. Years Ended December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited) Revenues $ 2,354,191 $ 2,405,198 Income from continuing operations 92,104 23,302 Diluted income per share from continuing operations attributable to Belden stockholders $ 2.14 $ 0.53 For purposes of the pro forma disclosures, the year ended December 31, 2014 includes nonrecurring expenses from the effects of purchase accounting, including the compensation expense from the accelerated vesting of acquiree stock compensation awards of $9.2 million and amortization of the sales backlog intangible asset of $3.0 million . The above unaudited pro forma financial information is presented for informational purposes only and does not purport to represent what our results of operations would have been had we completed the acquisition on the date assumed, nor is it necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected in future periods. Pro forma adjustments exclude cost savings from any synergies resulting from the acquisition. Coast Wire and Plastic Tech We acquired 100% of the outstanding ownership interest in Coast Wire and Plastic Tech., LLC (Coast) on November 20, 2014 for cash of $36.0 million . Coast is a developer and manufacturer of customized wire and cable solutions used in high-end medical device, military and defense, and industrial applications. Coast is located in Carson, California. The results of Coast have been included in our Consolidated Financial Statements from November 20, 2014, and are reported within the Industrial Solutions segment. The Coast acquisition was not material to our financial position or results of operations reported as of and for the year ended December 31, 2014. ProSoft Technology, Inc. We acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of ProSoft Technology, Inc. (ProSoft) on June 11, 2014 for cash of $104.1 million . ProSoft is a leading manufacturer of industrial networking products that translate between disparate automation systems, including the various protocols used by different automation vendors. The results of ProSoft have been included in our Consolidated Financial Statements from June 11, 2014, and are reported within the Network Solutions segment. ProSoft is headquartered in Bakersfield, California. The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed as of June 11, 2014 (in thousands). Cash $ 2,517 Receivables 5,894 Inventories 2,731 Other current assets 332 Property, plant and equipment 767 Goodwill 56,923 Intangible assets 40,800 Other non-current assets 622 Total assets 110,586 Accounts payable 2,544 Accrued liabilities 2,807 Other non-current liabilities 1,132 Total liabilities 6,483 Net assets $ 104,103 A single estimate of fair value results from a complex series of judgments about future events and uncertainties and relies heavily on estimates and assumptions. The judgments we have used in estimating the fair values assigned to each class of acquired assets and assumed liabilities could materially affect the results of our operations. The fair value of acquired receivables is $5.9 million , with a gross contractual amount of $6.2 million . For purposes of the above allocation, we based our estimate of the fair value of the acquired inventory and intangible assets on a valuation study performed by a third party valuation firm. We have estimated a fair value adjustment for inventories based on the estimated selling price of the work-in-process and finished goods acquired at the closing date less the sum of the costs to complete the work-in-process, the costs of disposal, and a reasonable profit allowance for our post acquisition selling efforts. We used various valuation methods including discounted cash flows to estimate the fair value of the identifiable intangible assets (Level 3 valuation). Goodwill and other intangible assets reflected above were determined to meet the criterion for recognition apart from tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The goodwill is primarily attributable to expected synergies and the assembled workforce. The expected synergies for the ProSoft acquisition primarily consist of expanded access to the industrials market and channel partners. Our tax basis in the acquired goodwill is $56.9 million . The goodwill balance we recorded is deductible for tax purposes over a period of 15 years up to the amount of the tax basis. The intangible assets related to the acquisition consisted of the following: Fair Value Amortization Period (In thousands) (In years) Intangible assets subject to amortization: Customer relationships $ 26,600 20.0 Developed technologies 9,000 5.0 Trademarks 5,000 5.0 Backlog 200 0.3 Total intangible assets subject to amortization 40,800 Intangible assets not subject to amortization: Goodwill 56,923 Total intangible assets not subject to amortization 56,923 Total intangible assets $ 97,723 Weighted average amortization period 14.8 The amortizable intangible assets reflected in the table above were determined by us to have finite lives. The useful life for the developed technologies intangible asset was based on the estimated time that the technology provides us with a competitive advantage and thus approximates the period of consumption of the intangible asset. The useful life for the customer relationship intangible asset was based on our forecasts of customer turnover. The useful life for the trademarks was based on the period of time we expect to continue to go to market using the trademarks. The useful life of the backlog intangible asset was based on our estimate of when the ordered items would ship. Our consolidated revenues and consolidated income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes for the year ended December 31, 2014 included $31.7 million and ($2.5) million , respectively, from ProSoft. Our consolidated income from continuing operations before taxes for the year ended December 31, 2014 included $2.4 million of amortization of intangible assets and $1.4 million of cost of sales related to the adjustment of acquired inventory to fair value. Grass Valley We acquired 100% of the outstanding ownership interest in Grass Valley USA, LLC and GVBB Holdings S.a.r.l., (collectively, Grass Valley) on March 31, 2014 for cash of $218.2 million . Grass Valley is a leading provider of innovative technologies for the broadcast industry, including production switchers, cameras, servers, and editing solutions. Grass Valley is headquartered in Hillsboro, Oregon, with significant locations throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. The results of Grass Valley have been included in our Consolidated Financial Statements from March 31, 2014, and are reported within the Broadcast Solutions segment. The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed as of March 31, 2014 (in thousands): Cash $ 9,451 Receivables 67,354 Inventories 18,593 Other current assets 4,172 Property, plant and equipment 22,460 Goodwill 131,070 Intangible assets 95,500 Other non-current assets 17,101 Total assets 365,701 Accounts payable 51,276 Accrued liabilities 62,672 Deferred revenue 14,000 Postretirement benefits 16,538 Deferred income taxes 1,827 Other non-current liabilities 1,199 Total liabilities 147,512 Net assets $ 218,189 A single estimate of fair value results from a complex series of judgments about future events and uncertainties and relies heavily on estimates and assumptions. The judgments we have used in estimating the fair values assigned to each class of acquired assets and assumed liabilities could materially affect the results of our operations. The fair value of acquired receivables is $67.4 million , with a gross contractual amount of $77.2 million . For purposes of the above allocation, we based our estimate of the fair value of the acquired inventory, property, plant, and equipment, intangible assets, and deferred revenue on a valuation study performed by a third party valuation firm. We have estimated a fair value adjustment for inventories based on the estimated selling price of the work-in-process and finished goods acquired at the closing date less the sum of the costs to complete the work-in-process, the costs of disposal, and a reasonable profit allowance for our post acquisition selling efforts. To determine the value of the acquired property, plant, and equipment, we used various valuation methods, including both the market approach, which considers sales prices of similar assets in similar conditions (Level 2 valuation), and the cost approach, which considers the cost to replace the asset adjusted for depreciation (Level 3 valuation). We used various valuation methods including discounted cash flows to estimate the fair value of the identifiable intangible assets and deferred revenue (Level 3 valuation). Goodwill and other intangible assets reflected above were determined to meet the criterion for recognition apart from tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The goodwill is primarily attributable to expected synergies and the assembled workforce. The expected synergies for the Grass Valley acquisition primarily consist of cost savings from the ability to consolidate existing and acquired operating facilities and other support functions, as well as expanded access to the Broadcast market. Our estimated tax basis in the acquired goodwill is not significant. The intangible assets related to the acquisition consisted of the following: Fair Value Amortization Period (In thousands) (In years) Intangible assets subject to amortization: Developed technologies $ 37,000 5.0 Customer relationships 27,000 15.0 Backlog 1,500 0.3 Total intangible assets subject to amortization 65,500 Intangible assets not subject to amortization: Goodwill 131,070 Trademarks 22,000 In-process research and development 8,000 Total intangible assets not subject to amortization 161,070 Total intangible assets $ 226,570 Weighted average amortization period 9.0 The amortizable intangible assets reflected in the table above were determined by us to have finite lives. The useful life for the developed technologies intangible asset was based on the estimated time that the technology provides us with a competitive advantage and thus approximates the period of consumption of the intangible asset. The useful life for the customer relationship intangible asset was based on our forecasts of customer turnover. The useful life of the backlog intangible asset was based on our estimate of when the ordered items would ship. Trademarks have been determined by us to have indefinite lives and are not being amortized, based on our expectation that the trademarked products will generate cash flows for us for an indefinite period. We expect to maintain use of trademarks on existing products and introduce new products in the future that will also display the trademarks, thus extending their lives indefinitely. In-process research and development assets are considered indefinite-lived intangible assets until the completion or abandonment of the associated research and development efforts. Upon completion of the development process, we will make a determination of the useful life of the asset and begin amortizing the assets over that period. If the project is abandoned, we will write-off the asset at such time. Our consolidated revenues and consolidated income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes for the year ended December 31, 2014 included $196.2 million and ($58.5) million , respectively, from Grass Valley. Our consolidated income from continuing operations before taxes for the year ended December 31, 2014 included $8.6 million of amortization of intangible assets and $6.9 million of cost of sales related to the adjustment of acquired inventory to fair value. We also recognized certain severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs in the 2014 related to Grass Valley. See Note 13. The following table illustrates the unaudited pro forma effect on operating results as if the Grass Valley and ProSoft acquisitions had been completed as of January 1, 2013. Year ended December 31, 2014 (In thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited) Revenues $ 2,401,200 Income from continuing operations 67,956 Diluted income per share from continuing operations attributable to Belden stockholders $ 1.54 The above unaudited pro forma financial information is presented for informational purposes only and does not purport to represent what our results of operations would have been had we completed the acquisition on the date assumed, nor is it necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected in future periods. Pro forma adjustments exclude cost savings from any synergies resulting from the acquisition.

Assets Held for Sale

Assets Held for Sale	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Assets Held for Sale	Assets Held for Sale We classify assets and liabilities as held for sale (disposal group) when management, having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the disposal group, the sale is probable within one year, and the disposal group is available for immediate sale in its present condition. We also consider whether an active program to locate a buyer has been initiated, whether the disposal group is marketed actively for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value, and whether actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn. When we classify a disposal group as held for sale, we test for impairment. An impairment charge is recognized when the carrying value of the disposal group exceeds the estimated fair value, less costs to sell. We also cease depreciation and amortization for assets classified as held for sale. During the fourth quarter of 2016, we committed to a plan to sell our MCS business and Hirschmann JV and determined that we met all of the criteria to classify the assets and liabilities of these businesses as held for sale. The MCS business is part of the Industrial Solutions segment and the Hirschmann JV is an equity method investment that is not included in an operating segment. We have reached an agreement in principle to sell this disposal group for a total sales price of $39 million . The carrying value of the disposal group exceeded the fair value less costs to sell, which we determined based on the expected sales price, by $23.9 million . Therefore, we recognized an impairment charge equal to this amount in the fourth quarter of 2016. The following table provides the major classes of assets and liabilities classified as held for sale. In addition, the disposal group had $15.7 million of accumulated other comprehensive losses at December 31, 2016. December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Receivables, net $ 4,551 Inventories, net 2,848 Other current assets 1,131 Property, plant, and equipment 1,946 Intangible assets 4,405 Goodwill 5,477 Other long-lived assets 26,766 Total assets of disposal group 47,124 Impairment of assets held for sale (23,931 ) Total assets held for sale $ 23,193 Accrued liabilities $ 1,288 Postretirement benefits 448 Total liabilities held for sale $ 1,736 Discontinued Operations In 2012, we sold our Thermax and Raydex cable business for $265.6 million in cash and recognized a pre-tax gain of $211.6 million ( $124.7 million net of tax). At the time the transaction closed, we received $265.6 million in cash, subject to a working capital adjustment. In 2014, we recognized a $0.9 million ( $0.6 million net of tax) loss from disposal of discontinued operations related to this business as a result of settling the working capital adjustment and other matters. In 2010, we completed the sale of Trapeze Networks, Inc. (Trapeze) for $152.1 million and recognized a pre-tax gain of $88.3 million ( $44.8 million after-tax). At the time the transaction closed, a portion of the sale price was placed in escrow as partial security for our indemnity obligations under the sale agreement. During 2015, we agreed to a final settlement with the buyer of Trapeze regarding the escrow, and collected $3.5 million of the escrow receivable and recognized a $0.2 million ( $0.1 million net of tax) loss from disposal of discontinued operations. Additionally, we recognized a $0.2 million net loss from discontinued operations for income tax expense related to this disposed business in 2015. In 2014, we recognized $0.6 million of income from discontinued operations due to the reversal of an uncertain tax position liability related to this disposed business.

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	Assets Held for Sale We classify assets and liabilities as held for sale (disposal group) when management, having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the disposal group, the sale is probable within one year, and the disposal group is available for immediate sale in its present condition. We also consider whether an active program to locate a buyer has been initiated, whether the disposal group is marketed actively for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value, and whether actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn. When we classify a disposal group as held for sale, we test for impairment. An impairment charge is recognized when the carrying value of the disposal group exceeds the estimated fair value, less costs to sell. We also cease depreciation and amortization for assets classified as held for sale. During the fourth quarter of 2016, we committed to a plan to sell our MCS business and Hirschmann JV and determined that we met all of the criteria to classify the assets and liabilities of these businesses as held for sale. The MCS business is part of the Industrial Solutions segment and the Hirschmann JV is an equity method investment that is not included in an operating segment. We have reached an agreement in principle to sell this disposal group for a total sales price of $39 million . The carrying value of the disposal group exceeded the fair value less costs to sell, which we determined based on the expected sales price, by $23.9 million . Therefore, we recognized an impairment charge equal to this amount in the fourth quarter of 2016. The following table provides the major classes of assets and liabilities classified as held for sale. In addition, the disposal group had $15.7 million of accumulated other comprehensive losses at December 31, 2016. December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Receivables, net $ 4,551 Inventories, net 2,848 Other current assets 1,131 Property, plant, and equipment 1,946 Intangible assets 4,405 Goodwill 5,477 Other long-lived assets 26,766 Total assets of disposal group 47,124 Impairment of assets held for sale (23,931 ) Total assets held for sale $ 23,193 Accrued liabilities $ 1,288 Postretirement benefits 448 Total liabilities held for sale $ 1,736 Discontinued Operations In 2012, we sold our Thermax and Raydex cable business for $265.6 million in cash and recognized a pre-tax gain of $211.6 million ( $124.7 million net of tax). At the time the transaction closed, we received $265.6 million in cash, subject to a working capital adjustment. In 2014, we recognized a $0.9 million ( $0.6 million net of tax) loss from disposal of discontinued operations related to this business as a result of settling the working capital adjustment and other matters. In 2010, we completed the sale of Trapeze Networks, Inc. (Trapeze) for $152.1 million and recognized a pre-tax gain of $88.3 million ( $44.8 million after-tax). At the time the transaction closed, a portion of the sale price was placed in escrow as partial security for our indemnity obligations under the sale agreement. During 2015, we agreed to a final settlement with the buyer of Trapeze regarding the escrow, and collected $3.5 million of the escrow receivable and recognized a $0.2 million ( $0.1 million net of tax) loss from disposal of discontinued operations. Additionally, we recognized a $0.2 million net loss from discontinued operations for income tax expense related to this disposed business in 2015. In 2014, we recognized $0.6 million of income from discontinued operations due to the reversal of an uncertain tax position liability related to this disposed business.

Operating Segments and Geograph

Operating Segments and Geographic Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Operating Segments and Geographic Information	Operating Segments and Geographic Information We are organized around four global business platforms: Broadcast Solutions, Enterprise Solutions, Industrial Solutions, and Network Solutions. To leverage the Company’s strengths in networking, IoT, and cybersecurity technologies, the Network Solutions platform was formed in January 2017 with the combination of the former Industrial IT and Network Security platforms. The former Network Security platform was formed with our acquisition of Tripwire in January 2015. The formation of the Network Solutions platform is a natural evolution in our organic and inorganic strategies for a range of industrial and non-industrial applications. In addition, to capitalize on the adoption of IP technology and accelerate our penetration of the commercial audio-video market, we transferred responsibility of audio-video cable and connectors from our Broadcast Solutions platform to our Enterprise Solutions platform effective January 1, 2016. We have revised the prior period segment information to conform to the changes in the composition of these reportable segments. These changes had no impact to our reporting units for purposes of goodwill impairment testing. We have determined that each of the global business platforms represents a reportable segment. The segments design, manufacture, and market a portfolio of signal transmission solutions for mission critical applications used in a variety of end markets, including broadcast, enterprise, and industrial. We sell the products manufactured by our segments principally through distributors or directly to systems integrators, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), end-users, and installers. Effective January 1, 2015, the key measures of segment profit or loss reviewed by our chief operating decision maker are Segment Revenues and Segment EBITDA. Segment Revenues represent non-affiliate revenues and include revenues that would have otherwise been recorded by acquired businesses as independent entities but were not recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Operations due to the effects of purchase accounting and the associated write-down of acquired deferred revenue to fair value. Segment EBITDA excludes certain items, including depreciation expense; amortization of intangibles; asset impairment; severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs; purchase accounting effects related to acquisitions, such as the adjustment of acquired inventory and deferred revenue to fair value; and other costs. We allocate corporate expenses to the segments for purposes of measuring Segment EBITDA. Corporate expenses are allocated on the basis of each segment’s relative EBITDA prior to the allocation. The prior period presentation has been updated accordingly. Our measure of segment assets does not include cash, goodwill, intangible assets, deferred tax assets, or corporate assets. All goodwill is allocated to reporting units of our segments for purposes of impairment testing. The results of our equity method investment in the Hirschmann JV are analyzed separately from the results of our operating segments, and they are not included in the corporate expense allocation. Operating Segment Information Broadcast Solutions Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Segment revenues $ 769,753 $ 739,970 $ 757,767 Affiliate revenues 744 916 821 Segment EBITDA 137,870 113,638 116,966 Depreciation expense 16,229 16,295 15,854 Amortization of intangibles 47,248 49,812 49,562 Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs 10,414 39,078 48,440 Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions (2,991 ) 132 8,574 Deferred gross profit adjustments 1,774 2,446 10,777 Patent settlement (5,554 ) — — Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 15,713 27,365 17,091 Segment assets 325,396 346,095 378,024 Enterprise Solutions Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Segment revenues $ 603,188 $ 605,910 $ 626,614 Affiliate revenues 5,977 5,322 8,467 Segment EBITDA 101,298 100,214 89,352 Depreciation expense 13,226 12,591 14,443 Amortization of intangibles 1,718 1,720 1,827 Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs 11,962 723 3,435 Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions 912 52 608 Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 22,679 10,323 13,395 Segment assets 246,564 238,400 259,344 Industrial Solutions Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Segment revenues $ 585,476 $ 603,350 $ 682,374 Affiliate revenues 1,325 1,613 2,927 Segment EBITDA 101,248 99,941 106,097 Depreciation expense 11,038 11,235 11,145 Amortization of intangibles 2,394 3,154 1,236 Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs 9,923 6,228 11,953 Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions — 334 1,328 Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 10,486 8,836 10,053 Segment assets 226,306 231,265 255,997 Network Solutions Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Segment revenues $ 399,388 $ 411,353 $ 253,464 Affiliate revenues 79 78 54 Segment EBITDA 92,773 87,873 47,927 Depreciation expense 6,715 6,430 2,294 Amortization of intangibles 47,025 49,105 5,801 Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs 6,471 1,141 6,999 Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions — 9,229 2,030 Deferred gross profit adjustments 4,913 50,430 — Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 4,704 7,048 1,903 Segment assets 115,732 118,520 67,417 Total Segments Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Segment revenues $ 2,357,805 $ 2,360,583 $ 2,320,219 Affiliate revenues 8,125 7,929 12,269 Segment EBITDA 433,189 401,666 360,342 Depreciation expense 47,208 46,551 43,736 Amortization of intangibles 98,385 103,791 58,426 Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs 38,770 47,170 70,827 Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions (2,079 ) 9,747 12,540 Deferred gross profit adjustments 6,687 52,876 10,777 Patent settlement (5,554 ) — — Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 53,582 53,572 42,442 Segment assets 913,998 934,280 960,782 The following table is a reconciliation of the total of the reportable segments’ Revenues and EBITDA to consolidated revenues and consolidated income from continuing operations before taxes, respectively. Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Total Segment Revenues $ 2,357,805 $ 2,360,583 $ 2,320,219 Deferred revenue adjustments (2) (6,687 ) (51,361 ) (11,954 ) Patent settlement (4) 5,554 — — Consolidated Revenues $ 2,356,672 $ 2,309,222 $ 2,308,265 Total Segment EBITDA $ 433,189 $ 401,666 $ 360,342 Amortization of intangibles (98,385 ) (103,791 ) (58,426 ) Impairment of assets held for sale (1) (23,931 ) — — Deferred gross profit adjustments (2) (6,687 ) (52,876 ) (10,777 ) Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs (3) (38,770 ) (47,170 ) (70,827 ) Depreciation expense (47,208 ) (46,551 ) (43,736 ) Patent settlement (4) 5,554 — — Purchase accounting effects related to acquisitions (5) 2,079 (9,747 ) (12,540 ) Income from equity method investment 1,793 1,770 3,955 Eliminations (3,781 ) (2,748 ) (4,872 ) Consolidated operating income 223,853 140,553 163,119 Interest expense, net (95,050 ) (100,613 ) (81,573 ) Loss on debt extinguishment (2,342 ) — — Consolidated income from continuing operations before taxes $ 126,461 $ 39,940 $ 81,546 (1) For the year ended December 31, 2016, we recognized a $23.9 million impairment of assets held for sale. See Note 4, Assets Held for Sale , for details. (2) Our segment results include revenues that would have been recorded by acquired businesses had they remained as independent entities. Our consolidated results do not include these revenues due to the purchase accounting effect of recording deferred revenue at fair value . (3) See Note 13, Severance, Restructuring, and Acquisition Integration Activities, for details . (4) Both our consolidated revenues and gross profit were positively impacted by royalty revenues received during 2016 that related to years prior to 2016 as a result of a patent settlement. (5) In 2016, we made a $3.2 million adjustment to reduce the earn-out liability associated with the M2FX acquisition. This adjustment was partially offset by $0.8 million and $0.2 million of cost of sales related to the adjustment of acquired inventory to fair value related to our Enterprise Solutions segment and M2FX acquisition, respectively. In 2015, we recognized $9.2 million of compensation expense related to the accelerated vesting of acquiree stock based compensation awards associated with our acquisition of Tripwire. In addition, we recognized $0.3 million of cost of sales related to the adjustment of acquired inventory to fair value related to our acquisition of Coast. In 2014, we recognized $8.3 million of cost of sales related to the adjustment of acquired inventory to fair value for our acquisitions of Grass Valley and ProSoft. Below are reconciliations of other segment measures to the consolidated totals. Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Total segment assets $ 913,998 $ 934,280 $ 960,782 Cash and cash equivalents 848,116 216,751 741,162 Goodwill 1,385,995 1,385,115 943,374 Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization 560,082 655,871 461,292 Deferred income taxes 33,706 34,295 60,652 Income tax receivable — 3,787 4,953 Corporate assets 64,906 60,503 59,987 Total assets $ 3,806,803 $ 3,290,602 $ 3,232,202 Total segment acquisition of property, plant and equipment $ 53,582 $ 53,572 $ 42,442 Corporate acquisition of property, plant and equipment 392 1,397 3,017 Total acquisition of property, plant and equipment $ 53,974 $ 54,969 $ 45,459 Geographic Information The Company attributes foreign sales based on the location of the customer purchasing the product. The table below summarizes net sales and long-lived assets for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 for the following countries: the U.S., Canada, China, and Germany. No other individual foreign country’s net sales or long-lived assets are material to the Company. United States Canada China Germany All Other Total (In thousands, except percentages) Year ended December 31, 2016 Revenues $ 1,283,925 $ 159,985 $ 114,605 $ 104,214 $ 693,943 $ 2,356,672 Percent of total revenues 55 % 7 % 5 % 4 % 29 % 100 % Long-lived assets $ 193,263 $ 31,278 $ 30,487 $ 32,386 $ 60,654 $ 348,068 Year ended December 31, 2015 Revenues $ 1,270,467 $ 170,522 $ 114,863 $ 103,106 $ 650,264 $ 2,309,222 Percent of total revenues 55 % 7 % 5 % 4 % 29 % 100 % Long-lived assets $ 188,032 $ 27,315 $ 62,794 $ 35,588 $ 64,434 $ 378,163 Year ended December 31, 2014 Revenues $ 1,134,721 $ 194,149 $ 132,330 $ 120,297 $ 726,768 $ 2,308,265 Percent of total revenues 49 % 8 % 6 % 5 % 32 % 100 % Long-lived assets $ 169,080 $ 29,773 $ 70,574 $ 40,557 $ 70,727 $ 380,711 Major Customer Revenues generated from sales to the distributor Anixter International Inc., primarily in the Enterprise Solutions and Industrial Solutions segments, were $286.2 million ( 12% of revenues), $281.9 million ( 12% of revenues), and $290.5 million ( 13% of revenues) for 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. At December 31, 2016 , we had $26.5 million in accounts receivable outstanding from Anixter International Inc. This represented approximately 7% of our total accounts receivable outstanding at December 31, 2016 .

Noncontrolling Interest

Noncontrolling Interest	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Noncontrolling Interest	Noncontrolling Interest In 2015, we entered into a joint venture agreement with Shanghai Hi-Tech Control System Co, Ltd (Hite). The purpose of the joint venture is to develop and provide certain Network Solutions products and integrated solutions to customers in China. Belden and Hite contributed $1.53 million and $1.47 million , respectively, to the joint venture in 2015, reflecting ownership percentages of 51% and 49% , respectively. Belden and Hite are committed to fund an additional $1.53 million and $1.47 million to the joint venture in the future. The joint venture is determined to not have sufficient equity at risk; therefore, it is considered a variable interest entity. We have determined that Belden is the primary beneficiary of the joint venture, due to both our ownership percentage and our control over the activities of the joint venture that most significantly impact its economic performance based on the terms of the joint venture agreement with Hite. Because Belden is the primary beneficiary of the joint venture, we have consolidated the joint venture in our financial statements. The results of the joint venture attributable to Hite’s ownership are presented as net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in the consolidated statements of operations. The joint venture is not material to our consolidated financial statements as of or for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.

Income Per Share

Income Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Income Per Share	Income Per Share The following table presents the basis of the income per share computation: Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Numerator: Income from continuing operations $ 127,646 $ 66,508 $ 74,432 Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (357 ) (24 ) — Less: Preferred stock dividends 15,428 — — Income from continuing operations attributable to Belden common stockholders 112,575 66,532 74,432 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, attributable to Belden common stockholders — (242 ) 579 Loss from disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax, attributable to Belden common stockholders — (86 ) (562 ) Net income attributable to Belden common stockholders $ 112,575 $ 66,204 $ 74,449 Denominator: Weighted average shares outstanding, basic 42,093 42,390 43,273 Effect of dilutive common stock equivalents 464 563 724 Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted 42,557 42,953 43,997 For the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , diluted weighted average shares outstanding do not include outstanding equity awards of 0.6 million , 0.4 million , and 0.2 million , respectively, because to do so would have been anti-dilutive. Furthermore, for the year ended December 31, 2016, diluted weighted average shares outstanding do not include the weighted average impact of preferred shares that are convertible into 3.0 million common shares because to do so would have been anti-dilutive. For purposes of calculating basic earnings per share, unvested restricted stock units are not included in the calculation of basic weighted average shares outstanding until all necessary conditions have been satisfied and issuance of the shares underlying the restricted stock units is no longer contingent. Necessary conditions are not satisfied until the vesting date, at which time holders of our restricted stock units receive shares of our common stock. For purposes of calculating diluted earnings per share, unvested restricted stock units are included to the extent that they are dilutive. In determining whether unvested restricted stock units are dilutive, each issuance of restricted stock units is considered separately. Once a restricted stock unit has vested, it is included in the calculation of both basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding.

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories The major classes of inventories were as follows: December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Raw materials $ 90,019 $ 92,929 Work-in-process 25,166 27,730 Finished goods 99,784 97,814 Gross inventories 214,969 218,473 Excess and obsolete reserves (24,561 ) (22,531 ) Net inventories $ 190,408 $ 195,942

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment The carrying values of property, plant and equipment were as follows: December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Land and land improvements $ 28,462 $ 29,235 Buildings and leasehold improvements 136,230 135,154 Machinery and equipment 499,400 483,773 Computer equipment and software 123,909 112,888 Construction in process 35,191 28,274 Gross property, plant and equipment 823,192 789,324 Accumulated depreciation (513,901 ) (478,695 ) Net property, plant and equipment $ 309,291 $ 310,629 Depreciation Expense We recognized depreciation expense in income from continuing operations of $47.2 million , $46.6 million , and $43.7 million in 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively.

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets The carrying values of intangible assets were as follows: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount (In thousands) (In thousands) Goodwill $ 1,385,995 $ — $ 1,385,995 $ 1,385,115 $ — $ 1,385,115 Definite-lived intangible assets subject to amortization: Customer relationships $ 309,112 $ (77,872 ) $ 231,240 $ 309,573 $ (61,641 ) $ 247,932 Developed technology 420,928 (239,233 ) 181,695 416,817 (170,576 ) 246,241 Trademarks 20,534 (10,915 ) 9,619 19,417 (7,255 ) 12,162 Backlog 12,638 (12,638 ) — 12,559 (12,559 ) — In-service research and development 22,977 (9,121 ) 13,856 14,238 (4,723 ) 9,515 Total intangible assets subject to amortization 786,189 (349,779 ) 436,410 772,604 (256,754 ) 515,850 Indefinite-lived intangible assets not subject to amortization: Trademarks 121,972 — 121,972 129,671 — 129,671 In-process research and development 1,700 — 1,700 10,350 — 10,350 Total intangible assets not subject to amortization 123,672 — 123,672 140,021 — 140,021 Intangible assets $ 909,861 $ (349,779 ) $ 560,082 $ 912,625 $ (256,754 ) $ 655,871 Segment Allocation of Goodwill and Trademarks The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill assigned to reporting units in our reportable segments are as follows: Broadcast Solutions Enterprise Solutions Industrial Solutions Network Solutions Consolidated (In thousands) Balance at December 31, 2014 $ 550,362 $ 73,278 $ 200,053 $ 119,681 $ 943,374 Acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments 11,481 — 1,614 462,945 476,040 Translation impact (25,455 ) — (4,948 ) (3,896 ) (34,299 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 536,388 $ 73,278 $ 196,719 $ 578,730 $ 1,385,115 Acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments 8,492 — — — 8,492 Translation impact (838 ) — 80 (1,377 ) (2,135 ) Reclassify to assets held for sale — — (5,477 ) — (5,477 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 544,042 $ 73,278 $ 191,322 $ 577,353 $ 1,385,995 The changes in the carrying amount of indefinite-lived trademarks are as follows: Broadcast Solutions Enterprise Solutions Industrial Solutions Network Solutions Consolidated (In thousands) Balance at December 31, 2014 $ 83,120 $ 4,063 $ 10,744 $ 5,113 $ 103,040 Acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments — — — 31,000 31,000 Translation impact (2,198 ) — (1,654 ) (517 ) (4,369 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 80,922 $ 4,063 $ 9,090 $ 35,596 $ 129,671 Translation impact (4,635 ) — 40 (199 ) (4,794 ) Reclassify to assets held for sale — — (2,905 ) — (2,905 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 76,287 $ 4,063 $ 6,225 $ 35,397 $ 121,972 Impairment The annual measurement date for our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment test is our fiscal November month-end. For our 2016 goodwill impairment test, we performed a quantitative assessment for five of our reporting units and determined the estimated fair values of our reporting units by calculating the present values of their estimated future cash flows. We determined that the fair values of the reporting units were substantially in excess of the carrying values; therefore, we did not record any goodwill impairment for the five reporting units. We performed a qualitative assessment for the remaining seven of our reporting units, and we determined that it was more likely than not that the fair value was greater than the carrying value. Therefore, we did not record any goodwill impairment for the seven reporting units. We also did not recognize any goodwill impairment in 2015 or 2014 based on the results of our annual goodwill impairment testing. Similar to the quantitative goodwill impairment test, we determined the estimated fair values of our indefinite-lived trademarks by calculating the present values of the estimated cash flows (using Level 3 inputs) attributable to the respective trademarks. We did not recognize any trademark impairment charges in 2016 , 2015 , or 2014 . Amortization Expense We recognized amortization expense in income from continuing operations of $98.4 million , $103.8 million , and $58.4 million in 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. We expect to recognize annual amortization expense of $88.4 million in 2017 , $73.2 million in 2018 , $63.1 million in 2019 , $48.4 million in 2020 , and $18.2 million in 2021 related to our intangible assets balance as of December 31, 2016 . The weighted-average amortization period for our customer relationships, developed technology, trademarks, and in-service research and development is 18.9 years , 5.3 years , 5.0 years , and 4.6 years , respectively.

Accounts Payable and Accrued Li

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities The carrying values of accounts payable and accrued liabilities were as follows: December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Accounts payable $ 258,203 $ 223,514 Current deferred revenue 80,503 101,460 Wages, severance and related taxes 76,157 86,389 Accrued rebates 33,071 29,997 Employee benefits 24,395 27,482 Accrued interest 27,202 25,188 Other (individual items less than 5% of total current liabilities) 69,012 52,733 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 568,543 $ 546,763 The majority of our accounts payable balance is due to trade creditors. Our accounts payable balance as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 included $12.4 million and $11.8 million , respectively, of amounts due to banks under a commercial acceptance draft program. All accounts payable outstanding under the commercial acceptance draft program are expected to be settled within one year . See further discussion of the accrued severance balance in Note 13 below.

Severance, Restructuring, and A

Severance, Restructuring, and Acquisition Integration Activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Severance, Restructuring, and Acquisition Integration Activities	Severance, Restructuring, and Acquisition Integration Activities Industrial and Network Solutions Restructuring Program: 2015-2016 Both our Industrial Solutions and Network Solutions segments have been negatively impacted by a decline in sales volume. Global demand for industrial products has been negatively impacted by the strengthened U.S. dollar and lower energy prices. Our customers have reduced capital spending in response to these conditions, and we expect these conditions to continue to negatively impact sales volume for these segments. In response to these industrial market conditions, we began to execute a restructuring program in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2015 to reduce our cost structure. We recognized approximately $9.7 million and $3.3 million of severance and other restructuring costs for this program during 2016 and 2015, respectively. We do not expect to incur any additional severance and other restructuring costs for this program. We expect the restructuring program to generate approximately $18 million of savings on an annualized basis, which we began to realize in the first fiscal quarter of 2016. Industrial Manufacturing Footprint Program: 2016 In further response to the industrial market conditions described above, in the first quarter of 2016 we began a program to consolidate our manufacturing footprint. The manufacturing consolidation is expected to be completed by the end of 2017. We recognized $17.8 million of severance and other restructuring costs for this program during 2016. The costs were incurred by the Enterprise Solutions and Industrial Solutions segments, as the manufacturing locations involved in the program serve both platforms. We expect to incur approximately $15 million of additional severance and other restructuring costs for this program in 2017. We expect the program to generate approximately $10 million of savings on an annualized basis, beginning in the second half of 2017. Grass Valley Restructuring Program: 2015-2016 Our Broadcast Solutions segment’s Grass Valley brand was negatively impacted by a decline in global demand of broadcast technology infrastructure products beginning in 2015. Outside of the U.S., demand for these products was impacted by the relative price increase of products due to the strengthened U.S. dollar as well as the impact of weaker economic conditions which have resulted in lower capital spending. Within the U.S., demand for these products was impacted by deferred capital spending. We believe broadcast customers have deferred their capital spending as they navigate through a number of important industry transitions and a changing media landscape. In response to these broadcast market conditions, we began to execute a restructuring program beginning in the third fiscal quarter of 2015 to reduce our cost structure. We recognized approximately $8.7 million and $25.4 million of severance and other restructuring costs for this program during 2016 and 2015, respectively. We do not expect to incur any additional severance and other restructuring costs for this program. We expect the restructuring program to generate approximately $30 million of savings on an annualized basis, which we began to realize in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2015. Productivity Improvement Program and Acquisition Integration: 2014-2016 In 2014, we began a productivity improvement program and the integration of our acquisition of Grass Valley. The productivity improvement program focused on improving the productivity of our sales, marketing, finance, and human resources functions relative to our peers. The majority of the costs for the productivity improvement program related to the Industrial Solutions, Enterprise Solutions, and Network Solutions segments. We expected the productivity improvement program to reduce our operating expenses by approximately $18 million on an annualized basis, and we are substantially realizing such benefits. The restructuring and integration activities related to our acquisition of Grass Valley focused on achieving desired cost savings by consolidating existing and acquired operating facilities and other support functions. The Grass Valley costs related to our Broadcast Solutions segment. In 2014, we recorded $70.8 million of severance, restructuring, and integration costs. In 2015, we recorded $18.5 million of such costs related to these two significant programs, as well as other cost reduction actions and the integration of our acquisitions of ProSoft, Coast, and Tripwire. In 2016, we recognized $2.6 million of costs, primarily related to our 2016 acquisition of M2FX. We do not expect to incur any significant, additional costs for this program. The following tables summarize the costs by segment of the various programs described above: Year Ended December 31, 2016 Severance Other Restructuring and Integration Costs Total Costs (In thousands) Broadcast Solutions $ (116 ) $ 10,530 $ 10,414 Enterprise Solutions 636 11,326 11,962 Industrial Solutions 2,828 7,095 9,923 Network Solutions 3,734 2,737 6,471 Total $ 7,082 $ 31,688 $ 38,770 Year Ended December 31, 2015 Broadcast Solutions $ 16,694 $ 22,384 $ 39,078 Enterprise Solutions (186 ) 909 723 Industrial Solutions 3,309 2,919 6,228 Network Solutions (716 ) 1,857 1,141 Total $ 19,101 $ 28,069 $ 47,170 Year Ended December 31, 2014 Broadcast Solutions $ 20,025 $ 28,532 $ 48,557 Enterprise Solutions 2,183 1,135 3,318 Industrial Solutions 9,732 2,221 11,953 Network Solutions 5,314 1,685 6,999 Total $ 37,254 $ 33,573 $ 70,827 The other restructuring and integration costs in 2016 primarily consisted of non-cash pension settlement charges due in part to our restructuring activities as well as equipment transfer, costs to consolidate operating and support facilities, retention bonuses, relocation, travel, legal, and other costs. The other restructuring and integration costs in 2015 and 2014 primarily consisted of costs of integrating manufacturing operations, such as relocating inventory on a global basis, retention bonuses, relocation, travel, reserves for inventory obsolescence as a result of product line integration, costs to consolidate operating and support facilities, and other costs. The majority of the other restructuring and integration costs related to these actions were paid as incurred or are payable within the next 60 days . Of the total severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs recognized during 2016, $12.3 million , $25.7 million , and $0.8 million were included in cost of sales; selling, general and administrative expenses; and research and development, respectively. Of the total severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs recognized during 2015, $9.4 million , $31.7 million , and $6.1 million were included in cost of sales; selling, general and administrative expenses; and research and development, respectively. Of the total severance and other restructuring costs recognized during 2014, $20.7 million , $46.5 million , and $3.6 million were included in cost of sales; selling, general and administrative expenses; and research and development, respectively. Accrued Severance The table below sets forth the activity that occurred for the programs described above with significant severance costs. The balances are included in accrued liabilities. Grass Valley Restructuring Industrial and Network Solutions Restructuring (In thousands) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 12,076 $ 2,947 New charges 886 2,919 Cash payments (4,404 ) (1,967 ) Foreign currency translation 167 94 Other adjustments (1,528 ) — Balance at April 3, 2016 $ 7,197 $ 3,993 New charges 251 1,489 Cash payments (3,356 ) (1,685 ) Foreign currency translation (13 ) (42 ) Other adjustments (360 ) — Balance at July 3, 2016 $ 3,719 $ 3,755 New charges 148 1,287 Cash payments (1,945 ) (743 ) Foreign currency translation 32 51 Other adjustments (262 ) — Balance at October 2, 2016 $ 1,692 $ 4,350 New charges 749 885 Cash payments (829 ) (645 ) Foreign currency translation (90 ) (259 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 1,522 $ 4,331 The other adjustments in the three months ended April 3, 2016 and July 3, 2016 were the result of changes in estimates. We experienced higher than expected voluntary turnover, and as a result, certain approved severance actions were not taken. We expect the remaining amounts of these liabilities to be paid during 2017.

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrow

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements	Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements The carrying values of our long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements were as follows: December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Revolving credit agreement due 2018 $ — $ 50,000 Variable rate term loan due 2020 — 243,965 Senior subordinated notes: 4.125% Senior subordinated notes due 2026 209,081 — 5.25% Senior subordinated notes due 2024 200,000 200,000 5.50% Senior subordinated notes due 2023 529,146 553,835 5.50% Senior subordinated notes due 2022 700,000 700,000 9.25% Senior subordinated notes due 2019 5,221 5,221 Total senior subordinated notes 1,643,448 1,459,056 Total gross debt and other borrowing arrangements 1,643,448 1,753,021 Less unamortized debt issuance costs (23,287 ) (25,239 ) Total net debt and other borrowing arrangements 1,620,161 1,727,782 Less current maturities of Term Loan — (2,500 ) Long-term debt $ 1,620,161 $ 1,725,282 Revolving Credit Agreement due 2018 Our revolving credit agreement provides a $400 million multi-currency asset-based revolving credit facility (the Revolver). The borrowing base under the Revolver includes eligible accounts receivable; inventory; and property, plant and equipment of certain of our subsidiaries in the U.S., Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK. In January 2015, we borrowed $200.0 million under the Revolver in order to fund a portion of the purchase price for the acquisition of Tripwire (see Note 3). We repaid $150.0 million and $50.0 million of the Revolver borrowings during 2015 and 2016, respectively. As of December 31, 2016 , we had no borrowings outstanding on our revolver, and our available borrowing capacity was $276.4 million . The Revolver matures in 2018 . Interest on outstanding borrowings is variable, based upon LIBOR or other similar indices in foreign jurisdictions , plus a spread that ranges from 1.25% — 1.75% , depending upon our leverage position. We pay a commitment fee on our available borrowing capacity of 0.375% . In the event we borrow more than 90% of our borrowing base, we are subject to a fixed charge coverage ratio covenant. Variable Rate Term Loan due 2020 In 2013, we borrowed $250.0 million under a Term Loan Credit Agreement (the Term Loan). The Term Loan was secured on a second lien basis by the assets securing the Revolving Credit Agreement due 2018 discussed above and on a first lien basis by the stock of certain of our subsidiaries. The borrowings under the Term Loan were scheduled to mature in 2020 and required quarterly amortization payments of approximately $0.6 million . Interest under the Term Loan was variable, based upon the three-month LIBOR plus an applicable spread. During 2016, we paid off the Term Loan with the net proceeds from the 2026 Notes, and recognized a $2.3 million loss on debt extinguishment for unamortized debt issuance costs associated with the Term Loan. Senior Subordinated Notes In October 2016, we completed an offering for €200.0 million ( $222.2 million at issuance) aggregate principal amount of 4.125% senior subordinated notes due 2026 (the 2026 Notes). The 2026 Notes are guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by our current and future domestic subsidiaries. The notes rank equal in right of payment with our senior subordinated notes due 2024, 2023, 2022, and 2019 and with any future subordinated debt, and they are subordinated to all of our senior debt and the senior debt of our subsidiary guarantors, including our Revolver. Interest is payable semiannually on April 15 and October 15 of each year, beginning on April 15, 2017. We paid approximately $3.9 million of fees associated with the issuance of the 2026 Notes, which are being amortized over the life of the 2026 Notes using the effective interest method. We used the net proceeds from the transaction to pay off the variable rate Term Loan due 2020 discussed above. In June 2014, we issued $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.25% senior subordinated notes due 2024 (the 2024 Notes). The 2024 Notes are guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by certain of our subsidiaries. The 2024 Notes rank equal in right of payment with our senior subordinated notes due 2026, 2023, 2022, and 2019 and with any future subordinated debt, and they are subordinated to all of our senior debt and the senior debt of our subsidiary guarantors, including our Revolver. Interest is payable semiannually on January 15 and July 15 of each year. We paid approximately $4.2 million of fees associated with the issuance of the 2024 Notes, which are being amortized over the life of the 2024 Notes using the effective interest method. We used the net proceeds from the transaction for general corporate purposes. In March 2013, we issued €300.0 million ( $388.2 million at issuance) aggregate principal amount of 5.5% senior subordinated notes due 2023 (the 2023 Notes). In November 2014, we issued an additional €200.0 million ( $247.5 million at issuance) aggregate principal amount of 2023 Notes. The carrying value of the 2023 Notes as of December 31, 2016 is $529.1 million . The 2023 Notes are guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by certain of our subsidiaries. The notes rank equal in right of payment with our senior subordinated notes due 2026, 2024, 2022, and 2019 and with any future subordinated debt, and they are subordinated to all of our senior debt and the senior debt of our subsidiary guarantors, including our Revolver. Interest is payable semiannually on April 15 and October 15 of each year. We paid $12.7 million of fees associated with the issuance of the 2023 Notes, which are being amortized over the life of the notes using the effective interest method. We used the net proceeds from the transactions to repay amounts outstanding under the revolving credit component of our previously outstanding Senior Secured Facility and for general corporate purposes. We have outstanding $700.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.5% senior subordinated notes due 2022 (the 2022 Notes). The 2022 Notes are guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by certain of our subsidiaries. The 2022 Notes rank equal in right of payment with our senior subordinated notes due 2026, 2024, 2023, and 2019, and with any future subordinated debt, and they are subordinated to all of our senior debt and the senior debt of our subsidiary guarantors, including our Revolver. Interest is payable semiannually on March 1 and September 1 of each year. We have outstanding $5.2 million aggregate principal amount of our senior subordinated notes due 2019 (the 2019 Notes). The 2019 Notes have a coupon interest rate of 9.25% and an effective interest rate of 9.75% . The interest on the 2019 Notes is payable semiannually on June 15 and December 15. The 2019 notes are guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by certain of our subsidiaries. The notes rank equal in right of payment with our senior subordinated notes due 2026, 2024, 2023, and 2022, and with any future senior subordinated debt, and are subordinated to all of our senior debt and the senior debt of our subsidiary guarantors, including our Revolver. The senior subordinated notes due 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2026 are redeemable currently, after September 1, 2017, April 15, 2018, July 15, 2019, and October 15, 2021, respectively, at the following redemption prices as a percentage of the face amount of the notes: Senior Subordinated Notes due 2019 2022 2023 2024 2026 Year Percentage Year Percentage Year Percentage Year Percentage Year Percentage 2016 101.542 % 2017 102.750 % 2018 102.750 % 2019 102.625 % 2021 102.063 % 2017 and thereafter 100.000 % 2018 101.833 % 2019 101.833 % 2020 101.750 % 2022 101.375 % 2019 100.917 % 2020 100.917 % 2021 100.875 % 2023 100.688 % 2020 and thereafter 100.000 % 2021 and thereafter 100.000 % 2022 and thereafter 100.000 % 2024 and thereafter 100.000 % Fair Value of Long-Term Debt The fair value of our senior subordinated notes as of December 31, 2016 was approximately $1,693.2 million based on quoted prices of the debt instruments in inactive markets (Level 2 valuation). This amount represents the fair values of our senior subordinated notes with a carrying value of $1,643.4 million as of December 31, 2016 . Maturities Maturities on outstanding long-term debt and other borrowings during each of the five years subsequent to December 31, 2016 are as follows (in thousands): 2017 $ — 2018 — 2019 5,221 2020 — 2021 — Thereafter 1,638,227 $ 1,643,448

Net Investment Hedge

Net Investment Hedge	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Net Investment Hedge	Net Investment Hedge On October 10, 2016, we issued EUR 200 million senior subordinated notes due 2026. The notes were issued by Belden Inc., a USD functional currency ledger. We have designated this foreign denominated debt as a net investment hedge on the foreign currency risk of our net investment in our euro foreign operations. The objective of the hedge is to protect the net investment in the foreign operation against adverse changes in exchange rates. The transaction gain or loss is reported in the cumulative translation adjustment section of other comprehensive income. The amount of the cumulative translation adjustment at December 31, 2016 was $13.0 million .

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes: United States operations $ (25,615 ) $ (6,924 ) $ 14,042 Foreign operations 152,076 46,864 67,504 Income from continuing operations before taxes $ 126,461 $ 39,940 $ 81,546 Income tax expense (benefit): Currently payable United States federal $ 2,981 $ — $ 6,701 United States state and local (1,038 ) 1,789 1,617 Foreign 26,906 17,317 16,592 28,849 19,106 24,910 Deferred United States federal (27,677 ) (23,709 ) (9,662 ) United States state and local (3,139 ) (2,257 ) (746 ) Foreign 782 (19,708 ) (7,388 ) (30,034 ) (45,674 ) (17,796 ) Income tax expense (benefit) $ (1,185 ) $ (26,568 ) $ 7,114 In addition to the above income tax expense (benefit) associated with continuing operations, we also recorded income tax expense (benefit) associated with discontinued operations of $0.0 million , $0.2 million , and $(0.9) million in 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Effective income tax rate reconciliation from continuing operations: United States federal statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State and local income taxes (0.9 )% (2.6 )% 0.8 % Impact of change in tax contingencies 2.4 % (4.2 )% (7.1 )% Foreign income tax rate differences (14.0 )% (8.4 )% (17.6 )% Impact of change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance (7.3 )% (28.6 )% 4.7 % Impact of change in legal entity tax status (5.5 )% — % — % Impact of non-taxable interest income (4.9 )% (15.6 )% (9.2 )% Domestic permanent differences & tax credits (5.7 )% (42.1 )% 2.1 % (0.9 )% (66.5 )% 8.7 % In 2016 , the most significant difference between the U.S. federal statutory tax rate and our effective tax rate was the impact of foreign tax rate differences. The statutory tax rates associated with our foreign earnings are generally lower than the statutory U.S. tax rate of 35% . The foreign tax rate differences are most significant in Germany, Canada, and the Netherlands, which have statutory tax rates of approximately 28% , 26% , and 25% , respectively. Foreign tax rate differences resulted in an income tax benefit of $17.7 million, $3.4 million, and $14.4 million in 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. Additionally, in 2016 and 2015 , our income tax expense was reduced by $2.9 million and $2.5 million , respectively, due to a tax holiday for our operations in St. Kitts. The tax holiday in St. Kitts is scheduled to expire in 2022 . An additional significant difference between the U.S. federal statutory tax rate and our effective tax rate was the impact of domestic permanent differences and tax credits. We recognized a total income tax benefit from domestic permanent differences and tax credits of $13.5 million in 2016 . Approximately $13.3 million of that benefit stems from being able to recognize a significant balance of foreign tax credits related to one of our foreign jurisdictions as a result of implementing a tax planning strategy, net of the U.S. income tax consequences. An additional factor impacting the income tax benefit for 2016 was the reduction of deferred tax valuation allowances related to certain net operating loss carryforwards in several of our foreign jurisdictions. Based on implemented tax planning strategies, a significant portion of the net operating loss carryforwards in these jurisdictions have become realizable, and we realized a net tax benefit of $9.2 million related to changes in the valuation allowance. We also recognized a $7.0 million tax benefit in 2016 for the reduction of deferred tax liabilities related to a previously completed acquisition. We successfully secured a Private Letter Ruling from the Internal Revenue Service that effectively increased the tax basis in the acquired assets to the full fair value. Accordingly, a book-tax difference was eliminated, and we reversed deferred tax liabilities previously recorded, resulting in the $7.0 million tax benefit. December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Components of deferred income tax balances: Deferred income tax liabilities: Plant, equipment, and intangibles $ (179,229 ) $ (203,736 ) Deferred income tax assets: Postretirement, pensions, and stock compensation 35,500 32,831 Reserves and accruals 22,795 44,345 Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards 245,135 231,892 Valuation allowances (104,771 ) (117,071 ) 198,659 191,997 Net deferred income tax asset (liability) $ 19,430 $ (11,739 ) The decrease in deferred income tax liabilities during 2016 is primarily due to the amortization of intangible assets as well as the elimination of deferred taxes on a previously completed acquisition, as discussed above. The decrease in our deferred tax valuation allowance is primarily due to certain net operating loss carryforwards becoming realizable, as discussed above, as well as the impact of foreign currency translation. As of December 31, 2016 , we had $526.2 million of net operating loss carryforwards and $112.5 million of tax credit carryforwards. Unless otherwise utilized, net operating loss carryforwards will expire upon the filing of the tax returns for the following respective years: $17.3 million in 2016, $13.1 million in 2017, $0.4 million in 2018, $34.2 million between 2019 and 2021, and $157.5 million between 2022 and 2036. Net operating losses with an indefinite carryforward period total $303.7 million . Of the $526.2 million in net operating loss carryforwards, we have determined, based on the weight of all available evidence, both positive and negative, that we will utilize $183.9 million of these net operating loss carryforwards within their respective expiration periods. A valuation allowance has been recorded on the remaining portion of the net operating loss carryforwards. Unless otherwise utilized, tax credit carryforwards of $112.5 million will expire as follows: $12.1 million in 2018, $15.4 million between 2019 and 2021, and $78.5 million between 2022 and 2036. Tax credit carryforwards with an indefinite carryforward period total $6.5 million . We have determined, based on the weight of all available evidence, both positive and negative, that we will utilize $110.2 million of these tax credit carryforwards within their respective expiration periods. A valuation allowance has been recorded on the remaining portion of the tax credit carryforwards. The following tables summarize our net operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards as of December 31, 2016 by jurisdiction: Net Operating Loss Carryforwards (In thousands) France $ 233,507 United States - various states 169,179 Luxembourg 25,033 Japan 23,651 Australia 12,819 Germany 12,686 Netherlands 8,999 Other 40,369 Total $ 526,243 Tax Credit Carryforwards (In thousands) United States $ 95,181 Canada 17,282 Total $ 112,463 It is our practice and intention to reinvest the earnings of our non-U.S. subsidiaries in those operations. As a result, as of December 31, 2016 , we have not made a provision for U.S. or additional foreign withholding taxes on approximately $590.3 million of the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries that are considered permanent in duration. Generally, such amounts become subject to U.S. taxation upon the remittance of dividends and under certain other circumstances. It is not practical to estimate the amount of the deferred tax liability related to investments in these foreign subsidiaries that would be payable if we were not indefinitely reinvested. In 2016, we recognized a net $3.2 million increase to reserves for uncertain tax positions. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: 2016 2015 (In thousands) Balance at beginning of year $ 7,293 $ 10,057 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 507 544 Additions for tax positions of prior years 2,675 638 Reductions for tax positions of prior years - Settlement — (3,765 ) Reduction for tax positions of prior years - Statute of limitations (1 ) (181 ) Balance at end of year $ 10,474 $ 7,293 The additions for tax positions of prior years relates to an income tax audit of a foreign jurisdiction. The balance of $10.5 million at December 31, 2016 , reflects tax positions that, if recognized, would impact our effective tax rate. As of December 31, 2016 , we believe it is reasonably possible that $2.9 million of unrecognized tax benefits will change within the next twelve months primarily attributable to the expected completion of tax audits in foreign jurisdictions. Our practice is to recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in interest expense and operating expenses, respectively. During 2016 , 2015, and 2014, we recognized reductions of interest expense of $(0.2) million , $0.0 million , and $(1.1) million , respectively, related to uncertain tax positions. We have approximately $1.2 million and $1.4 million accrued for the payment of interest and penalties as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Our federal tax return for the tax years 2013 and later remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. Our state and foreign income tax returns for the tax years 2011 and later remain subject to examination by various state and foreign tax authorities.

Pension and Other Postretiremen

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits We sponsor defined benefit pension plans and defined contribution plans that cover substantially all employees in Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the U.S., and certain employees in Germany. Grass Valley, which was acquired in 2014, also sponsors defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans that cover substantially all employees in the U.S., as well as certain employees in France and Japan. We closed the U.S. defined benefit pension plan to new entrants effective January 1, 2010. Employees who were not active participants in the U.S. defined benefit pension plan on December 31, 2009, are not eligible to participate in the plan. Annual contributions to retirement plans equal or exceed the minimum funding requirements of applicable local regulations. The assets of the funded pension plans we sponsor are maintained in various trusts and are invested primarily in equity and fixed income securities. Benefits provided to employees under defined contribution plans include cash contributions by the Company based on either hours worked by the employee or a percentage of the employee’s compensation. Defined contribution expense for 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 was $13.5 million , $12.6 million , and $11.8 million , respectively. We sponsor unfunded postretirement medical and life insurance benefit plans for certain of our employees in Canada and the U.S. The medical benefit portion of the U.S. plan is only for employees who retired prior to 1989 as well as certain other employees who were near retirement and elected to receive certain benefits. The following tables provide a reconciliation of the changes in the plans’ benefit obligations and fair value of assets as well as a statement of the funded status and balance sheet reporting for these plans. Pension Benefits Other Benefits Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (In thousands) Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation, beginning of year $ (275,205 ) $ (300,339 ) $ (32,313 ) $ (39,169 ) Service cost (4,981 ) (5,505 ) (46 ) (52 ) Interest cost (8,909 ) (9,116 ) (1,259 ) (1,301 ) Participant contributions (106 ) (109 ) (7 ) (5 ) Actuarial gain (loss) (16,250 ) 12,108 578 1,720 Settlements 29,256 1,579 — — Curtailments 227 128 — — Foreign currency exchange rate changes 10,723 12,132 (580 ) 4,691 Benefits paid 8,764 13,917 1,589 1,803 Benefit obligation, end of year $ (256,481 ) $ (275,205 ) $ (32,038 ) $ (32,313 ) Pension Benefits Other Benefits Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (In thousands) Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year $ 204,372 $ 216,754 $ — $ — Actual return on plan assets 18,832 2,569 — — Employer contributions 5,698 5,706 1,582 1,798 Plan participant contributions 106 109 7 5 Settlements (28,841 ) (1,579 ) — — Foreign currency exchange rate changes (9,033 ) (5,270 ) — — Benefits paid (8,764 ) (13,917 ) (1,589 ) (1,803 ) Fair value of plan assets, end of year $ 182,370 $ 204,372 $ — $ — Funded status, end of year $ (74,111 ) $ (70,833 ) $ (32,038 ) $ (32,313 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheets: Prepaid benefit cost $ 3,148 $ 7,219 $ — $ — Accrued benefit liability (current) (3,022 ) (3,173 ) (1,778 ) (1,962 ) Liabilities held for sale (447 ) — — — Accrued benefit liability (noncurrent) (73,790 ) (74,879 ) (30,260 ) (30,351 ) Net funded status $ (74,111 ) $ (70,833 ) $ (32,038 ) $ (32,313 ) The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $253.9 million and $272.5 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation, and fair value of plan assets for the pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets were $205.8 million , $203.1 million , and $128.5 million , respectively, as of December 31, 2016 , and were $228.3 million , $225.4 million , and $150.2 million , respectively, as of December 31, 2015 . The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation, and fair value of plan assets for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation less than plan assets were $50.7 million , $50.7 million , and $53.9 million , respectively, as of December 31, 2016 and were $46.9 million , $47.1 million , and $54.1 million , respectively, as of December 31, 2015 . The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit costs for the plans. Pension Benefits Other Benefits Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Components of net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ 4,981 $ 5,505 $ 5,453 $ 46 $ 52 $ 49 Interest cost 8,909 9,116 10,757 1,259 1,301 1,647 Expected return on plan assets (12,013 ) (12,518 ) (12,468 ) — — — Amortization of prior service credit (42 ) (44 ) (48 ) (42 ) (87 ) (100 ) Curtailment gain (227 ) (128 ) (359 ) — — — Settlement loss 7,630 128 — — — — Net loss recognition 2,670 5,082 4,154 86 328 315 Net periodic benefit cost $ 11,908 $ 7,141 $ 7,489 $ 1,349 $ 1,594 $ 1,911 During 2016 and 2015, we recorded settlement losses totaling $7.6 million and $0.1 million , respectively. These settlement losses were the result of lump-sum payments to participants that exceeded the sum of the pension plans’ respective annual service cost and interest cost amounts. We did not incur any settlement losses in 2014. The following table presents the assumptions used in determining the benefit obligations and the net periodic benefit cost amounts. Pension Benefits Other Benefits Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Weighted average assumptions for benefit obligations at year end: Discount rate 3.0 % 3.6 % 3.7 % 4.0 % Salary increase 3.3 % 3.5 % N/A N/A Weighted average assumptions for net periodic cost for the year: Discount rate 3.6 % 3.2 % 4.0 % 3.7 % Salary increase 3.5 % 3.5 % N/A N/A Expected return on assets 6.2 % 6.7 % N/A N/A Assumed health care cost trend rates: Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year N/A N/A 6.2 % 5.5 % Rate that the cost trend rate gradually declines to N/A N/A 5.0 % 5.0 % Year that the rate reaches the rate it is assumed to remain at N/A N/A 2023 2022 A one percentage-point change in the assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects on 2016 expense and year-end liabilities. 1% Increase 1% Decrease (In thousands) Effect on total of service and interest cost components $ 133 $ (109 ) Effect on postretirement benefit obligation 3,203 (2,640 ) Plan assets are invested using a total return investment approach whereby a mix of equity securities and fixed income securities are used to preserve asset values, diversify risk, and achieve our target investment return benchmark. Investment strategies and asset allocations are based on consideration of the plan liabilities, the plan’s funded status, and our financial condition. Investment performance and asset allocation are measured and monitored on an ongoing basis. Plan assets are managed in a balanced portfolio comprised of two major components: an equity portion and a fixed income portion. The expected role of equity investments is to maximize the long-term real growth of assets, while the role of fixed income investments is to generate current income, provide for more stable periodic returns, and provide some protection against a prolonged decline in the market value of equity investments. Absent regulatory or statutory limitations, the target asset allocation for the investment of the assets for our ongoing pension plans is 30 - 40% in fixed income securities and 60 - 70% in equity securities and for our pension plans where the majority of the participants are in payment or terminated vested status is 75 - 80% in fixed income securities and 20 - 25% in equity securities. Equity securities include U.S. and international equity, primarily invested through investment funds. Fixed income securities include government securities and investment grade corporate bonds, primarily invested through investment funds and group insurance contracts. We develop our expected long-term rate of return assumptions based on the historical rates of returns for equity and fixed income securities of the type in which our plans invest. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets reflects the average rate of earnings expected on the invested assets and future assets to be invested to provide for the benefits included in the projected benefit obligation. We use historic plan asset returns combined with current market conditions to estimate the rate of return. The expected rate of return on plan assets is a long-term assumption based on an analysis of historical and forward looking returns considering the plan’s actual and target asset mix. The following table presents the fair values of the pension plan assets by asset category. December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Fair Market Value at December 31, 2016 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Fair Market Value at December 31, 2015 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) (In thousands) (In thousands) Asset Category: Equity securities(a) Large-cap fund $ 65,495 $ — $ — $ — $ 77,618 $ 3,266 $ — $ — Mid-cap fund 11,419 — — — 14,427 957 — — Small-cap fund 17,184 — — — 19,260 461 — — Debt securities(b) Government bond fund 26,151 — — — 26,827 1,387 — — Corporate bond fund 20,971 — — — 24,975 3,194 — — Fixed income fund(c) 40,958 — 40,958 — 40,989 — 40,989 — Cash & equivalents 192 192 — — 276 276 — — Total $ 182,370 $ 192 $ 40,958 $ — $ 204,372 $ 9,541 $ 40,989 $ — (a) This category includes investments in actively managed and indexed investment funds that invest in a diversified pool of equity securities of companies located in the U.S., Canada, Western Europe and other developed countries throughout the world. The Level 1 funds are valued at fair market value obtained from quoted market prices in active markets. The remaining funds are valued using the net asset value method in which an average of the market prices for the underlying investments is used to value the fund. (b) This category includes investments in investment funds that invest in U.S. treasuries; other national, state and local government bonds; and corporate bonds of highly rated companies from diversified industries. The Level 1 funds are valued at fair market value obtained from quoted market prices in active markets. The remaining funds are valued using the net asset value method in which an average of the market prices for the underlying investments is used to value the fund. (c) This category includes guaranteed insurance contracts. In 2016, we retrospectively adopted ASU 2015-07, and as a result, we have removed investments that are measured using the net asset value method as a practical expedient from the fair value hierarchy and recasted our prior period accordingly. The plans do not invest in individual securities. All investments are through well diversified investment funds. As a result, there are no significant concentrations of risk within the plan assets. The following table reflects the benefits as of December 31, 2016 expected to be paid in each of the next five years and in the aggregate for the five years thereafter from our pension and other postretirement plans. Because our other postretirement plans are unfunded, the anticipated benefits with respect to these plans will come from our own assets. Because our pension plans are primarily funded plans, the anticipated benefits with respect to these plans will come primarily from the trusts established for these plans. Pension Plans Other Plans (In thousands) 2017 $ 15,785 $ 1,811 2018 16,119 1,763 2019 16,873 1,706 2020 17,145 1,672 2021 16,176 1,636 2022-2026 79,935 8,016 Total $ 162,033 $ 16,604 We anticipate contributing $4.4 million and $1.8 million to our pension and other postretirement plans, respectively, during 2016 . The pre-tax amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost at December 31, 2016 , the changes in these amounts during the year ended December 31, 2016 , and the expected amortization of these amounts as components of net periodic benefit cost for the year ended December 31, 2016 , are as follows. Pension Benefits Other Benefits (In thousands) Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss: Net actuarial loss $ 49,260 $ 1,842 Net prior service credit (44 ) — $ 49,216 $ 1,842 Pension Benefits Other Benefits (In thousands) Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss: Net actuarial loss, beginning of year $ 51,720 $ 2,515 Amortization of actuarial loss (2,670 ) (86 ) Actuarial loss (gain) 16,023 (578 ) Asset gain (7,196 ) — Curtailment gain recognized 227 — Settlement loss recognized (7,630 ) — Currency impact (1,214 ) (9 ) Net actuarial loss, end of year $ 49,260 $ 1,842 Prior service credit, beginning of year $ (81 ) $ (40 ) Amortization credit 42 42 Currency impact (5 ) (2 ) Prior service credit, end of year $ (44 ) $ — Pension Benefits Other Benefits (In thousands) Expected 2017 amortization: Amortization of prior service credit $ (43 ) $ — Amortization of actuarial loss 2,568 69 $ 2,525 $ 69

Comprehensive Income and Accumu

Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) The accumulated balances related to each component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, are as follows: Foreign Currency Translation Component Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (In thousands) Balance at December 31, 2014 $ (2,591 ) $ (43,440 ) $ (46,031 ) Other comprehensive gain (loss) loss attributable to Belden before reclassifications (20,820 ) 4,434 (16,386 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) — 3,430 3,430 Net current period other comprehensive gain (loss) attributable to Belden (20,820 ) 7,864 (12,956 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 (23,411 ) (35,576 ) (58,987 ) Other comprehensive gain (loss) attributable to Belden before reclassifications 18,750 (5,166 ) 13,584 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) — 6,336 6,336 Net current period other comprehensive gain attributable to Belden 18,750 1,170 19,920 Balance at December 31, 2016 $ (4,661 ) $ (34,406 ) $ (39,067 ) The following table summarizes the effects of reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (In thousands) Amortization of pension and other postretirement benefit plan items: Settlement loss $ 7,630 (1 ) Actuarial losses 2,756 (1 ) Prior service credit (84 ) (1 ) Total before tax 10,302 Tax benefit (3,966 ) Total net of tax $ 6,336 (1) The amortization of these accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit costs (see Note 17).

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation Compensation cost charged against income, primarily selling, general and administrative expense, and the income tax benefit recognized for our share-based compensation arrangements is included below: Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Total share-based compensation cost $ 18,178 $ 17,745 $ 18,858 Income tax benefit 7,069 6,867 7,334 We currently have outstanding stock appreciation rights (SARs), restricted stock units with service vesting conditions, restricted stock units with performance vesting conditions, and restricted stock units with market conditions. We grant SARs with an exercise price equal to the closing market price of our common stock on the grant date. Generally, SARs may be converted into shares of our common stock in equal amounts on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date and expire 10 years from the grant date. Certain awards provide for accelerated vesting in certain circumstances, including following a change in control of the Company. Restricted stock units with service conditions generally vest 3 - 5 years from the grant date. Restricted stock units issued based on the attainment of the performance conditions generally vest on the third anniversary of their grant date. Restricted stock units issued based on the attainment of market conditions also generally vest on the third anniversary of their grant date. We recognize compensation cost for all awards based on their fair values. The fair values for SARs are estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing formula which incorporates the assumptions noted in the following table. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility, and expected term is based on historical exercise patterns of SAR holders. The fair value of restricted stock units with service vesting conditions or performance vesting conditions is the closing market price of our common stock on the date of grant. We estimate the fair value of certain restricted stock units with market conditions using a Monte Carlo simulation valuation model with the assistance of a third party valuation firm. Compensation costs for awards with service conditions are amortized to expense using the straight-line method. Compensation costs for awards with performance conditions and graded vesting are amortized to expense using the graded attribution method. Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands, except weighted average fair value and assumptions) Weighted-average fair value of SARs and options granted $ 18.79 $ 31.22 $ 35.46 Total intrinsic value of SARs converted and options exercised 9,678 14,697 24,023 Cash received for options exercised — 30 48 Tax benefit related to share-based compensation 1,171 5,050 6,859 Weighted-average fair value of restricted stock shares and units granted 54.52 96.52 72.46 Total fair value of restricted stock shares and units vested 8,171 7,696 7,888 Expected volatility 37.47 % 35.66 % 52.63 % Expected term (in years) 5.7 5.7 5.8 Risk-free rate 1.32 % 1.59 % 1.79 % Dividend yield 0.38 % 0.22 % 0.28 % SARs and Stock Options Restricted Shares and Units Number Weighted- Average Exercise Price Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value Number Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value (In thousands, except exercise prices, fair values, and contractual terms) Outstanding at January 1, 2016 1,189 $ 53.80 464 $ 74.50 Granted 286 52.91 195 54.52 Exercised or converted (305 ) 39.36 (159 ) 51.44 Forfeited or expired (46 ) 71.01 (46 ) 69.64 Outstanding at December 31, 2016 1,124 $ 56.79 6.9 $ 20,214 454 $ 69.55 Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2016 1,112 $ 56.66 6.9 $ 20,143 Exercisable or convertible at December 31, 2016 640 50.89 5.6 15,289 At December 31, 2016 , the total unrecognized compensation cost related to all nonvested awards was $18.8 million . That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years . Historically, we have issued treasury shares, if available, to satisfy award conversions and exercises.

Preferred Stock

Preferred Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Preferred Stock	Preferred Stock On July 26, 2016, we issued 5.2 million depositary shares, each of which represents 1/100th interest in a share of 6.75% Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock (the Preferred Stock), for an offering price of $100 per depositary share. Holders of the Preferred Stock may elect to convert their shares into common stock at any time prior to the mandatory conversion date. Unless earlier converted, each share of Preferred Stock will automatically convert into common stock on or around July 15, 2019 into between 120.46 and 132.50 shares of Belden common stock, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments. This represents a range of 6.2 million to 6.9 million shares of Belden common stock to be issued upon conversion. The number of shares of Belden common stock issuable upon the mandatory conversion of the Preferred Stock will be determined based upon the volume-weighted average price of Belden’s common stock over the 20 day trading period beginning on, and including, the 22nd scheduled trading day prior to July 15, 2019. The net proceeds from this offering were approximately $501 million . The net proceeds are for general corporate purposes. With respect to dividend and liquidation rights, the Preferred Stock ranks senior to our common stock and junior to all of our existing and future indebtedness.

Stockholder Rights Plan

Stockholder Rights Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholder Rights Plan	Stockholder Rights Plan Under our Stockholder Rights Plan, each share of our common stock generally has “attached” to it one preferred share purchase right. Each right, when exercisable, entitles the holder to purchase 1/1000th of a share of our Junior Participating Preferred Stock Series A at a purchase price of $325.00 (subject to adjustment). Each 1/1000th of a share of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock will be substantially equivalent to one share of our common stock and will be entitled to one vote, voting together with the shares of common stock. The rights will become exercisable only if, without the prior approval of the Board of Directors, a person or group of persons acquires or announces the intention to acquire 20% or more of our common stock. If we are acquired through a merger or other business combination transaction, each right will entitle the holder to purchase $300.00 worth of the surviving company’s common stock for $150.00 (subject to adjustment). In addition, if a person or group of persons acquires 20% or more of our common stock, each right not owned by the 20% or greater shareholder would permit the holder to purchase $300.00 worth of our common stock for $150.00 (subject to adjustment). The rights are redeemable, at our option, at $0.01 per right at any time prior to an announcement of a beneficial owner of 20% or more of our common stock then outstanding. The rights expire on December 10, 2019.

Share Repurchases

Share Repurchases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Share Repurchases	Share Repurchases In July 2011, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program, which allowed us to purchase up to $150.0 million of our common stock through open market repurchases, negotiated transactions, or other means, in accordance with applicable securities laws and other restrictions. In November 2012, our Board of Directors authorized an extension of the share repurchase program, which allowed us to purchase up to an additional $200.0 million of our common stock. This program was funded by cash on hand and cash flows from operating activities. The program did not have an expiration date and could have been suspended at any time at the discretion of the Company. Since commencing the program, we repurchased 7.4 million shares of our common stock under the program for an aggregate cost of $350.0 million and an average price of $47.43 . We did no t repurchase any common stock during 2016. In 2015, we repurchased 0.7 million shares of our common stock under the share repurchase program for an aggregate cost of $39.1 million and an average price per share of $55.95 . The repurchase activities in 2015 utilized all remaining authorized amounts under the share repurchase program. In 2014, we repurchased 1.3 million shares of our common stock under the program for an aggregate cost of $92.2 million and an average price of $73.06 per share.

Operating Leases

Operating Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Leases [Abstract]
Operating Leases	Operating Leases Operating lease expense incurred primarily for manufacturing and office space, machinery, and equipment was $40.3 million , $40.6 million , and $32.8 million in 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. Minimum annual lease payments for noncancelable operating leases in effect at December 31, 2016 are as follows (in thousands): 2017 $ 26,439 2018 20,054 2019 15,843 2020 11,697 2021 9,696 Thereafter 28,799 $ 112,528 Certain of our operating leases include step rent provisions and rent escalations. We include these step rent provisions and rent escalations in our minimum lease payments obligations and recognize them as a component of rental expense on a straight-line basis over the minimum lease term.

Market Concentrations and Risks

Market Concentrations and Risks	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Market Concentrations and Risks	Market Concentrations and Risks Concentrations of Credit We sell our products to many customers in several markets across multiple geographic areas. The ten largest customers, of which six are distributors, constitute in aggregate approximately 33% , 33% , and 33% of revenues in 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. Unconditional Commodity Purchase Obligations At December 31, 2016 , we were committed to purchase approximately 1.6 million pounds of copper at an aggregate fixed cost of $3.9 million . At December 31, 2016 , this fixed cost was $0.1 million less than the market cost that would be incurred on a spot purchase of the same amount of copper. The aggregate market cost was based on the current market price of copper obtained from the New York Mercantile Exchange. In addition, at December 31, 2016 , we were committed to purchase 0.5 million pounds of aluminum at an aggregate fixed cost of $0.4 million . At December 31, 2016 , this fixed cost approximated the market cost that would be incurred on a spot purchase of the same amount of aluminum. These commitments will mature in 2017 and early 2018. Labor Approximately 21% of our labor force is covered by collective bargaining agreements at various locations around the world. Approximately 19% of our labor force is covered by collective bargaining agreements that we expect to renegotiate during 2017. Fair Value of Financial Instruments Our financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, trade payables, and debt instruments. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, and trade payables at December 31, 2016 are considered representative of their respective fair values. The carrying amount of our debt instruments at December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $1,643.4 million and $1,753.0 million , respectively. The fair value of our senior subordinated notes at December 31, 2016 and 2015 was approximately $1,693.2 million and $1,416.6 million , respectively, based on quoted prices of the debt instruments in inactive markets (Level 2 valuation). This amount represents the fair values of our senior subordinated notes with a carrying value of $1,643.4 million and $1,459.1 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. We believe the fair value of our Term Loan and the balance outstanding under our Revolver approximated book value as of December 31, 2015.

Contingent Liabilities

Contingent Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingent Liabilities	Contingent Liabilities General Various claims are asserted against us in the ordinary course of business including those pertaining to income tax examinations, product liability, customer, employment, vendor, and patent matters. Based on facts currently available, management believes that the disposition of the claims that are pending or asserted will not have a materially adverse effect on our financial position, operating results, or cash flow. Letters of Credit, Guarantees and Bonds At December 31, 2016 , we were party to unused standby letters of credit, surety bonds, and bank guarantees totaling $7.8 million , $2.4 million , and $1.7 million , respectively. These commitments are generally issued to secure obligations we have for a variety of commercial reasons, such as workers compensation self-insurance programs in several states and the importation and exportation of product.

Supplemental Cash Flow Informat

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Supplemental Cash Flow Information Supplemental cash flow information is as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Income tax refunds received $ 3,838 $ 4,068 $ 12,681 Income taxes paid (26,587 ) (24,960 ) (25,308 ) Interest paid, net of amount capitalized (87,076 ) (91,496 ) (70,915 )

Quarterly Operating Results (Un

Quarterly Operating Results (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Operating Results (Unaudited)	Note 27: Quarterly Operating Results (Unaudited) 2016 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Year (In thousands, except days and per share amounts) Number of days in quarter 94 91 91 90 366 Revenues $ 541,497 $ 601,631 $ 601,109 $ 612,435 $ 2,356,672 Gross profit 225,035 248,213 245,962 261,784 980,994 Operating income 40,964 62,241 61,980 58,668 223,853 Net income 16,358 41,933 36,072 33,283 127,646 Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (99 ) (99 ) (88 ) (71 ) (357 ) Net income attributable to Belden 16,457 42,032 36,160 33,354 128,003 Less: Preferred stock dividends — — 6,695 8,733 15,428 Net income attributable to Belden common stockholders 16,457 42,032 29,465 24,621 112,575 Basic income per share attributable to Belden common stockholders: $ 0.39 $ 1.00 $ 0.70 $ 0.58 $ 2.67 Diluted income per share attributable to Belden common stockholders: $ 0.39 $ 0.99 $ 0.69 $ 0.58 $ 2.65 2015 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Year (In thousands, except days and per share amounts) Number of days in quarter 88 91 91 95 365 Revenues $ 546,957 $ 585,755 $ 579,266 $ 597,244 $ 2,309,222 Gross profit 207,649 234,276 226,131 250,117 918,173 Operating income 4,898 44,143 34,502 57,010 140,553 Income (loss) from continuing operations (19,636 ) 21,677 14,811 49,656 66,508 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax — — (242 ) — (242 ) Loss from disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax — (86 ) — — (86 ) Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest — — — (24 ) (24 ) Net income attributable to Belden stockholders (19,636 ) 21,591 14,569 49,680 66,204 Basic income (loss) per share attributable to Belden stockholders: Continuing operations $ (0.46 ) $ 0.51 $ 0.35 $ 1.18 $ 1.57 Discontinued operations — — (0.01 ) — (0.01 ) Disposal of discontinued operations — — — — — Net income $ (0.46 ) $ 0.51 $ 0.34 $ 1.18 $ 1.56 Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to Belden stockholders: Continuing operations $ (0.46 ) $ 0.50 $ 0.35 $ 1.17 $ 1.55 Discontinued operations — — (0.01 ) — (0.01 ) Disposal of discontinued operations — — — — — Net income $ (0.46 ) $ 0.50 $ 0.34 $ 1.17 $ 1.54 Included in the first, second, third, and fourth quarters of 2016 are severance, restructuring, and integration costs of $8.4 million , $5.9 million , $12.8 million , and $11.7 million , respectively. Included in the fourth quarter of 2016 are royalty revenues of $10.3 million from a patent settlement during the quarter. Included in the first, second, third, and fourth quarters of 2015 are severance, restructuring, and integration costs of $14.6 million , $4.9 million , $14.1 million , and $13.6 million , respectively. In addition, the first quarter of 2015 includes $9.2 million of compensation expense related to the accelerated vesting of acquiree stock based compensation awards related to our acquisition of Tripwire.

Basis of Presentation (Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Business Description	Business Description Belden Inc. (the Company, us, we, or our) is an innovative signal transmission solutions company built around four global business platforms – Broadcast Solutions, Enterprise Solutions, Industrial Solutions, and Network Solutions. Our comprehensive portfolio of signal transmission solutions provides industry leading secure and reliable transmission of data, sound, and video for mission critical applications. We sell our products to distributors, end-users, installers, and directly to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
Consolidation	Consolidation The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include Belden Inc. and all of its subsidiaries, including variable interest entities for which we are the primary beneficiary. We eliminate all significant affiliate accounts and transactions in consolidation.
Foreign Currency	Foreign Currency For international operations with functional currencies other than the United States (U.S.) dollar, we translate assets and liabilities at current exchange rates; we translate income and expenses using average exchange rates. We report the resulting translation adjustments, as well as gains and losses from certain affiliate transactions, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a separate component of stockholders’ equity. We include exchange gains and losses on transactions in operating income. We determine the functional currency of our foreign subsidiaries based upon the currency of the primary economic environment in which each subsidiary operates. Typically, that is determined by the currency in which the subsidiary primarily generates and expends cash. We have concluded that the local currency is the functional currency for all of our material subsidiaries.
Reporting Periods	Reporting Periods Our fiscal year and fiscal fourth quarter both end on December 31 . Our fiscal first quarter ends on the Sunday falling closest to 91 days after December 31. Our fiscal second and third quarters each have 91 days.
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of the Financial Statements	Use of Estimates in the Preparation of the Financial Statements The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and operating results and the disclosure of contingencies. Actual results could differ from those estimates. We make significant estimates with respect to the collectability and valuation of receivables, the valuation of inventory, the realization of deferred tax assets, the valuation of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, the valuation of contingent liabilities, the calculation of share-based compensation, the calculation of pension and other postretirement benefits expense, and the valuation of acquired businesses.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications We have made certain, insignificant reclassifications to the 2015 and 2014 Consolidated Financial Statements with no impact to reported net income in order to conform to the 2016 presentation.
Fair Value Measurement	Fair Value Measurement Accounting guidance for fair value measurements specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based upon whether the inputs to those valuation techniques reflect assumptions other market participants would use based upon market data obtained from independent sources or reflect our own assumptions of market participant valuation. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of the inputs as follows: • Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets that are unadjusted and accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities; • Level 2 – Quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, or financial instruments for which significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly; and • Level 3 – Prices or valuations that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable. As of December 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 we utilized Level 1 inputs to determine the fair value of cash equivalents, and Level 3 inputs to determine the fair value of net assets acquired in business combinations (see Note 3) and for our annual impairment testing (see Note 10). We did not have any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements during 2016 .
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents We classify cash on hand and deposits in banks, including commercial paper, money market accounts, and other investments with an original maturity of three months or less , that we hold from time to time, as cash and cash equivalents. We periodically have cash equivalents consisting of short-term money market funds and other investments. The primary objective of our investment activities is to preserve our capital for the purpose of funding operations. We do not enter into investments for trading or speculative purposes. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, we did not have any such cash equivalents on hand.
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable We classify amounts owed to us and due within twelve months, arising from the sale of goods or services in the normal course of business, as current receivables. We classify receivables due after twelve months as other long-lived assets. At the time of sale, we establish an estimated reserve for trade, promotion, and other special price reductions such as contract pricing, discounts to meet competitor pricing, and on-time payment discounts. We also adjust receivable balances for, among other things, correction of billing errors, incorrect shipments, and settlement of customer disputes. Customers are allowed to return inventory if and when certain conditions regarding the physical state of the inventory and our approval of the return are met. Certain distribution customers are allowed to return inventory at original cost, in an amount not to exceed three percent of the prior year’s purchases, in exchange for an order of equal or greater value. Until we can process these reductions, corrections, and returns (together, the Changes) through individual customer records, we estimate the amount of outstanding Changes and recognize them by reducing revenues and accounts receivable. We also adjust inventory and cost of sales for the estimated level of returns. We base these estimates on historical and anticipated sales demand, trends in product pricing, and historical and anticipated Changes patterns. We make revisions to these estimates in the period in which the facts that give rise to each revision become known. Future market conditions might require us to take actions to further reduce prices and increase customer return authorizations. Unprocessed Changes recognized against our gross accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2016 and 2015 totaled $23.3 million and $19.1 million , respectively. We evaluate the collectability of accounts receivable based on the specific identification method. A considerable amount of judgment is required in assessing the realizability of accounts receivable, including the current creditworthiness of each customer and related aging of the past due balances. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition. Through these evaluations, we may become aware of a situation where a customer may not be able to meet its financial obligations due to deterioration of its financial viability, credit ratings, or bankruptcy. We record a specific reserve for bad debts against amounts due to reduce the receivable to its estimated collectible balance.
Inventories and Related Reserves	Inventories and Related Reserves Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. We determine the cost of all raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods inventories by the first in, first out method. Cost components of inventories include direct labor, applicable production overhead, and amounts paid to suppliers of materials and products as well as freight costs and, when applicable, duty costs to import the materials and products. We evaluate the realizability of our inventory on a product-by-product basis in light of historical and anticipated sales demand, technological changes, product life cycle, component cost trends, product pricing, and inventory condition. In circumstances where inventory levels are in excess of anticipated market demand, where inventory is deemed technologically obsolete or not saleable due to condition, or where inventory cost exceeds net realizable value, we record a charge to cost of sales and reduce the inventory to its net realizable value.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment We record property, plant and equipment at cost. We calculate depreciation on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets ranging from 10 to 40 years for buildings, 5 to 12 years for machinery and equipment, and 5 to 10 years for computer equipment and software. Construction in process reflects amounts incurred for the configuration and build-out of property, plant and equipment and for property, plant and equipment not yet placed into service. We charge maintenance and repairs—both planned major activities and less-costly, ongoing activities—to expense as incurred. We capitalize interest costs associated with the construction of capital assets and amortize the costs over the assets’ useful lives. Depreciation expense is included in costs of sales; selling, general and administrative expenses; and research and development expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations based on the specific categorization and use of the underlying assets being depreciated. We review property, plant and equipment to determine whether an event or change in circumstances indicates the carrying values of the assets may not be recoverable. We base our evaluation on the nature of the assets, the future economic benefit of the assets, and any historical or future profitability measurements, as well as other external market conditions or factors that may be present. If such impairment indicators are present or other factors exist that indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable, we determine whether impairment has occurred through the use of an undiscounted cash flow analysis. If impairment has occurred, we recognize a loss for the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the asset. For purposes of impairment testing of long-lived assets, we have identified asset groups at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. Generally, our asset groups are based on an individual plant or operating facility level. In some circumstances, however, a combination of plants or operating facilities may be considered the asset group due to interdependence of operational activities and cash flows.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets Our intangible assets consist of (a) definite-lived assets subject to amortization such as developed technology, customer relationships, certain in-service research and development, certain trademarks, and backlog, and (b) indefinite-lived assets not subject to amortization such as goodwill, certain in-process research and development, and certain trademarks. We record amortization of the definite-lived intangible assets over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which generally range from one year or less for backlog to more than 25 years for certain of our customer relationships. We determine the amortization method for our definite-lived intangible assets based on the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset are consumed. In the event we cannot reliably determine that pattern, we utilize a straight-line amortization method. We test our goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets not subject to amortization for impairment on an annual basis during the fourth quarter or when indicators of impairment exist. We base our estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable, but which are not predictable with precision and therefore are inherently uncertain. Actual future results could differ from these estimates. The accounting guidance related to goodwill impairment testing allows for the performance of an optional qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Such an evaluation is made based on the weight of all available evidence and the significance of all identified events and circumstances that may influence the fair value of a reporting unit. If it is more likely than not that the fair value is less than the carrying value, then a quantitative assessment is required for the reporting unit, as described in the paragraph below. In 2016 , we performed a qualitative assessment for seven of our reporting units, which collectively represented approximately $811 million of our consolidated goodwill balance. For those reporting units for which we performed a qualitative assessment, we determined that it was more likely than not that the fair value was greater than the carrying value, and therefore, we did not perform the calculation of fair value for these reporting units as described in the paragraph below. For our annual impairment test in 2016 , we performed a quantitative assessment for four of our reporting units. Under a quantitative assessment for goodwill impairment, we determine the fair value using the income approach (using Level 3 inputs) as reconciled to our aggregate market capitalization. Under the income approach, we calculate the fair value of a reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets including goodwill assigned to that unit, goodwill is not impaired. If the carrying value of the reporting unit’s net assets including goodwill exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, then we determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, then an impairment of goodwill has occurred and we recognize an impairment loss for the difference between the carrying amount and the implied fair value of goodwill as a component of operating income. In addition to the income approach, we calculate the fair value of our reporting units under a market approach. The market approach measures the fair value of a reporting unit through analysis of financial multiples of comparable businesses. Consideration is given to the financial conditions and operating performance of the reporting unit being valued relative to those publicly-traded companies operating in the same or similar lines of business. The fair values of the four reporting units tested under a quantitative approach were substantially in excess of the carrying values as of the impairment testing date. We did not recognize any goodwill impairment in 2016 , 2015 , or 2014 . See Note 10 for further discussion. We also evaluate indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment annually or at other times if events have occurred or circumstances exist that indicate the carrying values of those assets may no longer be recoverable. We compare the fair value of the asset with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value, we recognize an impairment loss in an amount equal to that excess. We did not recognize impairment charges for our indefinite lived intangible assets in 2016 , 2015 , or 2014 . See Note 10 for further discussion. We review intangible assets subject to amortization whenever an event or change in circumstances indicates the carrying values of the assets may not be recoverable. We test intangible assets subject to amortization for impairment and estimate their fair values using the same assumptions and techniques we employ on property, plant and equipment. We did not recognize any impairment charges for amortizable intangible assets in 2016 , 2015 , or 2014 .
Equity Method Investment	Equity Method Investment We have a 50% ownership interest in Xuzhou Hirschmann Electronics Co. Ltd (the Hirschmann JV), which we acquired in connection with our 2007 acquisition of Hirschmann Automation and Control GmbH. The Hirschmann JV is an entity located in China that supplies load-moment indicators to the mobile crane market. We account for this investment using the equity method of accounting. During the fourth quarter of 2016, we committed to a plan to sell the Hirschmann JV and reached an agreement in principle with a buyer. As of December 31, 2016, the $26.8 million carrying value of our investment in the Hirschmann JV was classified as held for sale. As of December 31, 2015, the $29.5 million carrying value of our investment in the Hirschmann JV was included in other long-lived assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. See Note 4.
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Our pension and other postretirement benefit costs and obligations are dependent on the various actuarial assumptions used in calculating such amounts. These assumptions relate to discount rates, salary growth, long-term return on plan assets, health care cost trend rates, mortality tables, and other factors. We base the discount rate assumptions on current investment yields on high-quality corporate long-term bonds. The salary growth assumptions reflect our long-term actual experience and future or near-term outlook. We determine the long-term return on plan assets based on historical portfolio results and management’s expectation of the future economic environment. Our health care cost trend assumptions are developed based on historical cost data, the near-term outlook, and an assessment of likely long-term trends. Actual results that differ from our assumptions are accumulated and, if in excess of the lesser of 10% of the projected benefit obligation or the fair market value of plan assets, are amortized over the estimated future working life of the plan participants.
Accrued Sales Rebates	Accrued Sales Rebates We grant incentive rebates to participating customers as part of our sales programs. The rebates are determined based on certain targeted sales volumes. Rebates are paid quarterly or annually in either cash or receivables credits. Until we can process these rebates through individual customer records, we estimate the amount of outstanding rebates and recognize them as accrued liabilities and reductions in our gross revenues. We base our estimates on both historical and anticipated sales demand and rebate program participation. We charge revisions to these estimates back to accrued liabilities and revenues in the period in which the facts that give rise to each revision become known. Future market conditions and product transitions might require us to take actions to increase sales rebates offered, possibly resulting in an incremental increase in accrued liabilities and an incremental reduction in revenues at the time the rebate is offered.
Contingent Liabilities	Contingent Liabilities We have established liabilities for environmental and legal contingencies that are probable of occurrence and reasonably estimable, the amounts of which are currently not material. A significant amount of judgment and use of estimates is required to quantify our ultimate exposure in these matters. We review the valuation of these liabilities on a quarterly basis, and we adjust the balances to account for changes in circumstances for ongoing and emerging issues. We accrue environmental remediation costs based on estimates of known environmental remediation exposures developed in consultation with our environmental consultants and legal counsel, the amounts of which are not currently material. We expense environmental compliance costs, which include maintenance and operating costs with respect to ongoing monitoring programs, as incurred. We evaluate the range of potential costs to remediate environmental sites. The ultimate cost of site clean-up is difficult to predict given the uncertainties of our involvement in certain sites, uncertainties regarding the extent of the required clean-up, the availability of alternative clean-up methods, variations in the interpretation of applicable laws and regulations, the possibility of insurance recoveries with respect to certain sites, and other factors. We are, from time to time, subject to routine litigation incidental to our business. These lawsuits primarily involve claims for damages arising out of the use of our products, allegations of patent or trademark infringement, and litigation and administrative proceedings involving employment matters and commercial disputes. Assessments regarding the ultimate cost of lawsuits require judgments concerning matters such as the anticipated outcome of negotiations, the number and cost of pending and future claims, and the impact of evidentiary requirements. Based on facts currently available, we believe the disposition of the claims that are pending or asserted will not have a materially adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flow.
Business Combination Accounting	Business Combination Accounting We allocate the purchase price of an acquired business to its identifiable assets and liabilities based on estimated fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the amount allocated to the assets and liabilities, if any, is recorded to goodwill. We use all available information to estimate fair values. We typically engage third party valuation specialists to assist in the fair value determination of inventories, tangible long-lived assets, and intangible assets other than goodwill. The carrying values of acquired receivables and accounts payable have historically approximated their fair values as of the business combination date. As necessary, we may engage third party specialists to assist in the estimation of fair value for certain liabilities, such as deferred revenue or postretirement benefit liabilities. We adjust the preliminary purchase price allocation, as necessary, typically up to one year after the acquisition closing date as we obtain more information regarding asset valuations and liabilities assumed.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition We recognize revenue when all of the following circumstances are satisfied: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (2) price is fixed or determinable, (3) collectability is reasonably assured, and (4) delivery has occurred. Delivery occurs in the period in which the customer takes title and assumes the risks and rewards of ownership of the products specified in the customer’s purchase order or sales agreement. At times, we enter into arrangements that involve the delivery of multiple elements. For these arrangements, when the elements can be separated, the revenue is allocated to each deliverable based on that element’s relative selling price and recognized based on the period of delivery for each element. Generally, we determine relative selling price using vendor specific objective evidence (VSOE). We record revenue net of estimated rebates, price allowances, invoicing adjustments, and product returns. We record revisions to these estimates in the period in which the facts that give rise to each revision become known. Taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are not included in our revenues. We have certain products subject to the accounting guidance on software revenue recognition. For such products, software license revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery of the product has occurred, the fee is fixed or determinable, collection is probable and VSOE of the fair value of undelivered elements exists. As substantially all of the software licenses are sold in multiple-element arrangements that include either support and maintenance or both support and maintenance and professional services, we use the residual method to determine the amount of software license revenue to be recognized. Under the residual method, consideration is allocated to undelivered elements based upon VSOE of the fair value of those elements, with the residual of the arrangement fee allocated to and recognized as software license revenue. We have established VSOE of the fair value of support and maintenance, subscription-based software licenses, and professional services. Software license revenue is generally recognized upon delivery of the software if all revenue recognition criteria are met. Revenue allocated to support services under our support and maintenance contracts is typically paid in advance and recognized ratably over the term of the service. Revenue allocated to subscription-based software and remote ongoing operational services is also paid in advance and recognized ratably over the term of the service. Revenue allocated to professional services, including remote implementation services, is recognized as the services are performed.
Cost of Sales	Cost of Sales Cost of sales includes our total cost of inventory sold during the period, including material, labor, production overhead costs, variable manufacturing costs, and fixed manufacturing costs. Production overhead costs include operating supplies, applicable utility expenses, maintenance costs, and scrap. Variable manufacturing costs include inbound, interplant, and outbound freight, inventory shrinkage, and charges for excess and obsolete inventory. Fixed manufacturing costs include the costs associated with our purchasing, receiving, inspection, warehousing, distribution centers, production and inventory control, and manufacturing management. Cost of sales also includes the costs to provide maintenance and support and other professional services.
Shipping and Handling Costs	Shipping and Handling Costs We recognize fees earned on the shipment of product to customers as revenues and recognize costs incurred on the shipment of product to customers as a cost of sales.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses	Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses include expenses not directly related to the production of inventory. They include all expenses related to selling and marketing our products, as well as the salary and benefit costs of associates performing the selling and marketing functions. Selling, general and administrative expenses also include salary and benefit costs, purchased services, and other costs related to our executive and administrative functions.
Research and Development Costs	Research and Development Costs Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation We compensate certain employees and non-employee directors with various forms of share-based payment awards and recognize compensation costs for these awards based on their fair values. We estimate the fair values of certain awards, primarily stock appreciation rights (SARs), on the grant date using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing formula, which incorporates certain assumptions regarding the expected term of an award and expected stock price volatility. We develop the expected term assumption based on the vesting period and contractual term of an award, our historical exercise and cancellation experience, our stock price history, plan provisions that require exercise or cancellation of awards after employees terminate, and the extent to which currently available information indicates that the future is reasonably expected to differ from past experience. We develop the expected volatility assumption based on historical price data for our common stock. We estimate the fair value of certain restricted stock units with service vesting conditions and performance vesting conditions based on the grant date stock price. We estimate the fair value of certain restricted stock units with market conditions using a Monte Carlo simulation valuation model with the assistance of a third party valuation firm. After calculating the aggregate fair value of an award, we use an estimated forfeiture rate to discount the amount of share-based compensation cost expected to be recognized in our operating results over the service period of the award. We develop the forfeiture assumption based on our historical pre-vesting cancellation experience.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Income taxes are provided based on earnings reported for financial statement purposes. The provision for income taxes differs from the amounts currently payable to taxing authorities because of the recognition of revenues and expenses in different periods for income tax purposes than for financial statement purposes. Income taxes are provided as if operations in all countries, including the U.S., were stand-alone businesses filing separate tax returns. We have determined that all undistributed earnings from our international subsidiaries will not be remitted to the U.S. in the foreseeable future and, therefore, no additional provision for U.S. taxes has been made on foreign earnings. We recognize deferred tax assets resulting from tax credit carryforwards, net operating loss carryforwards, and deductible temporary differences between taxable income on our income tax returns and pretax income on our financial statements. Deferred tax assets generally represent future tax benefits to be received when these carryforwards can be applied against future taxable income or when expenses previously reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements become deductible for income tax purposes. A deferred tax asset valuation allowance is required when some portion or all of the deferred tax assets may not be realized. Our effective tax rate is based on expected income, statutory tax rates, and tax planning opportunities available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Significant judgment is required in determining our effective tax rate and in evaluating our tax positions. We establish accruals for uncertain tax positions when we believe that the full amount of the associated tax benefit may not be realized. To the extent we were to prevail in matters for which accruals have been established or would be required to pay amounts in excess of reserves, there could be a material effect on our income tax provisions in the period in which such determination is made.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Current-Year Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (ASU 2015-03), which requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. We adopted ASU 2015-03 effective January 1, 2016, retrospectively. Adoption resulted in a $6.0 million decrease in total current assets, a $19.2 million decrease in other long-lived assets, and a $25.2 million decrease in long-term debt in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2015 compared to the prior period presentation. Adoption had no impact on our results of operations. In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (ASU 2016-09), which requires entities to recognize the income tax effects of stock awards in the income statement when the awards vest or are settled. Further, ASU 2016-09 allows entities to withhold up to the maximum individual statutory tax rate without classifying the stock awards as a liability and to account for forfeitures either upon occurrence or by estimating forfeitures. We adopted ASU 2016-09 in the fourth quarter of 2016. Adoption resulted in a $1.2 million increase to income tax benefit in 2016 and an insignificant impact to weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding. Adoption also resulted in an increase to our cash flows from operating activities in our Consolidated Cash Flow Statements of $5.1 million and $6.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, as well as a decrease to our cash flows from financing activities in our Consolidated Cash Flow Statements of $5.1 million and $6.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. We also elected to continue estimating forfeitures for purposes of recognizing share-based compensation. In May 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-07, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) (ASU 2015-07), which permits a reporting entity, as a practical expedient, to measure the fair value of certain investments using the net asset value per share of the investment, and limits disclosures to investments for which the entity has elected to measure the fair value using the practical expedient. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. We adopted ASU 2015-07 effective January 1, 2016, retrospectively. Adoption had no impact on our results of operations. In August 2014, the FASB issued disclosure guidance that requires us to evaluate, at each annual and interim period, whether substantial doubt exists about our ability to continue as a going concern, and if applicable, to provide related disclosures. The new guidance was effective for us for our annual period ending December 31, 2016. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on our financial statement disclosures, nor any impact on our results of operations. Pending Adoption of Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASU 2014-09), which will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP. The core principle of the ASU is that an entity should recognize revenue for the transfer of goods or services equal to the amount that it expects to be entitled to receive for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments. We plan to adopt ASU 2014-09 on January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective method of adoption. Although we have not yet completed our review of individual customer contracts, our overall, initial assessment indicates that the impact of adopting ASU 2014-09 on our Consolidated Financial Statements will not be material. We do not expect significant changes in the timing or method of revenue recognition for any of our material revenue streams. Based on our initial assessment, we have not identified a need to significantly change any of our accounting policies or practices. Furthermore, we do not expect significant changes to our accounting systems or controls upon adoption of ASU 2014-09. We will continue our evaluation of ASU 2014-09, including new or emerging interpretations of the standard, through the date of adoption. In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (ASU 2016-02), a leasing standard for both lessees and lessors. Under its core principle, a lessee will recognize lease assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for all arrangements with terms longer than 12 months. Lessor accounting remains largely consistent with existing U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The new standard will be effective for us beginning January 1, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. The standard requires the use of a modified retrospective transition method. We are evaluating the effect that ASU 2016-02 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In October 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-16, Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory (ASU 2016-16), which requires recognition of the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. Consequently, the standard eliminates the exception to the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer other than for inventory until the asset has been sold to an outside party. The new standard will be effective for us beginning January 1, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the effect that ASU 2016-16 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Tripwire [Member]
Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed as of January 2, 2015 (in thousands). Cash $ 2,364 Receivables 37,792 Inventories 603 Other current assets 2,453 Property, plant and equipment 10,021 Goodwill 462,215 Intangible assets 306,000 Other non-current assets 659 Total assets 822,107 Accounts payable 3,142 Accrued liabilities 12,142 Deferred revenue 8,000 Deferred income taxes 95,074 Other non-current liabilities 540 Total liabilities 118,898 Net assets $ 703,209
Intangible Assets Related to Acquisition	The intangible assets related to the acquisition consisted of the following: Estimated Fair Value Amortization Period (In thousands) (In years) Intangible assets subject to amortization: Developed technology $ 210,000 5.8 Customer relationships 56,000 15 Backlog 3,000 1 Total intangible assets subject to amortization 269,000 Intangible assets not subject to amortization: Goodwill 462,215 Trademarks 31,000 In-process research and development 6,000 Total intangible assets not subject to amortization 499,215 Total intangible assets $ 768,215 Weighted average amortization period 7.7
Pro Forma Effect on Operating Results	The following table illustrates the unaudited pro forma effect on operating results as if the Tripwire acquisition had been completed as of January 1, 2014. Years Ended December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited) Revenues $ 2,354,191 $ 2,405,198 Income from continuing operations 92,104 23,302 Diluted income per share from continuing operations attributable to Belden stockholders $ 2.14 $ 0.53
Prosoft Technology, Inc. [Member]
Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed as of June 11, 2014 (in thousands). Cash $ 2,517 Receivables 5,894 Inventories 2,731 Other current assets 332 Property, plant and equipment 767 Goodwill 56,923 Intangible assets 40,800 Other non-current assets 622 Total assets 110,586 Accounts payable 2,544 Accrued liabilities 2,807 Other non-current liabilities 1,132 Total liabilities 6,483 Net assets $ 104,103
Intangible Assets Related to Acquisition	The intangible assets related to the acquisition consisted of the following: Fair Value Amortization Period (In thousands) (In years) Intangible assets subject to amortization: Customer relationships $ 26,600 20.0 Developed technologies 9,000 5.0 Trademarks 5,000 5.0 Backlog 200 0.3 Total intangible assets subject to amortization 40,800 Intangible assets not subject to amortization: Goodwill 56,923 Total intangible assets not subject to amortization 56,923 Total intangible assets $ 97,723 Weighted average amortization period 14.8
Grass Valley [Member]
Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed as of March 31, 2014 (in thousands): Cash $ 9,451 Receivables 67,354 Inventories 18,593 Other current assets 4,172 Property, plant and equipment 22,460 Goodwill 131,070 Intangible assets 95,500 Other non-current assets 17,101 Total assets 365,701 Accounts payable 51,276 Accrued liabilities 62,672 Deferred revenue 14,000 Postretirement benefits 16,538 Deferred income taxes 1,827 Other non-current liabilities 1,199 Total liabilities 147,512 Net assets $ 218,189
Intangible Assets Related to Acquisition	The intangible assets related to the acquisition consisted of the following: Fair Value Amortization Period (In thousands) (In years) Intangible assets subject to amortization: Developed technologies $ 37,000 5.0 Customer relationships 27,000 15.0 Backlog 1,500 0.3 Total intangible assets subject to amortization 65,500 Intangible assets not subject to amortization: Goodwill 131,070 Trademarks 22,000 In-process research and development 8,000 Total intangible assets not subject to amortization 161,070 Total intangible assets $ 226,570 Weighted average amortization period 9.0
Grass Valley and Prosoft [Member]
Pro Forma Effect on Operating Results	The following table illustrates the unaudited pro forma effect on operating results as if the Grass Valley and ProSoft acquisitions had been completed as of January 1, 2013. Year ended December 31, 2014 (In thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited) Revenues $ 2,401,200 Income from continuing operations 67,956 Diluted income per share from continuing operations attributable to Belden stockholders $ 1.54

Assets Held for Sale (Tables)

Assets Held for Sale (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale	The following table provides the major classes of assets and liabilities classified as held for sale. In addition, the disposal group had $15.7 million of accumulated other comprehensive losses at December 31, 2016. December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Receivables, net $ 4,551 Inventories, net 2,848 Other current assets 1,131 Property, plant, and equipment 1,946 Intangible assets 4,405 Goodwill 5,477 Other long-lived assets 26,766 Total assets of disposal group 47,124 Impairment of assets held for sale (23,931 ) Total assets held for sale $ 23,193 Accrued liabilities $ 1,288 Postretirement benefits 448 Total liabilities held for sale $ 1,736

Operating Segments and Geogra40

Operating Segments and Geographic Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Segment Information	Operating Segment Information Broadcast Solutions Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Segment revenues $ 769,753 $ 739,970 $ 757,767 Affiliate revenues 744 916 821 Segment EBITDA 137,870 113,638 116,966 Depreciation expense 16,229 16,295 15,854 Amortization of intangibles 47,248 49,812 49,562 Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs 10,414 39,078 48,440 Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions (2,991 ) 132 8,574 Deferred gross profit adjustments 1,774 2,446 10,777 Patent settlement (5,554 ) — — Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 15,713 27,365 17,091 Segment assets 325,396 346,095 378,024 Enterprise Solutions Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Segment revenues $ 603,188 $ 605,910 $ 626,614 Affiliate revenues 5,977 5,322 8,467 Segment EBITDA 101,298 100,214 89,352 Depreciation expense 13,226 12,591 14,443 Amortization of intangibles 1,718 1,720 1,827 Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs 11,962 723 3,435 Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions 912 52 608 Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 22,679 10,323 13,395 Segment assets 246,564 238,400 259,344 Industrial Solutions Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Segment revenues $ 585,476 $ 603,350 $ 682,374 Affiliate revenues 1,325 1,613 2,927 Segment EBITDA 101,248 99,941 106,097 Depreciation expense 11,038 11,235 11,145 Amortization of intangibles 2,394 3,154 1,236 Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs 9,923 6,228 11,953 Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions — 334 1,328 Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 10,486 8,836 10,053 Segment assets 226,306 231,265 255,997 Network Solutions Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Segment revenues $ 399,388 $ 411,353 $ 253,464 Affiliate revenues 79 78 54 Segment EBITDA 92,773 87,873 47,927 Depreciation expense 6,715 6,430 2,294 Amortization of intangibles 47,025 49,105 5,801 Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs 6,471 1,141 6,999 Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions — 9,229 2,030 Deferred gross profit adjustments 4,913 50,430 — Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 4,704 7,048 1,903 Segment assets 115,732 118,520 67,417 Total Segments Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Segment revenues $ 2,357,805 $ 2,360,583 $ 2,320,219 Affiliate revenues 8,125 7,929 12,269 Segment EBITDA 433,189 401,666 360,342 Depreciation expense 47,208 46,551 43,736 Amortization of intangibles 98,385 103,791 58,426 Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs 38,770 47,170 70,827 Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions (2,079 ) 9,747 12,540 Deferred gross profit adjustments 6,687 52,876 10,777 Patent settlement (5,554 ) — — Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 53,582 53,572 42,442 Segment assets 913,998 934,280 960,782
Reconciliation of Total Reportable Segments' Revenues and EBITDA to Consolidated Revenues and Consolidated Income from Continuing Operations Before Taxes	The following table is a reconciliation of the total of the reportable segments’ Revenues and EBITDA to consolidated revenues and consolidated income from continuing operations before taxes, respectively. Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Total Segment Revenues $ 2,357,805 $ 2,360,583 $ 2,320,219 Deferred revenue adjustments (2) (6,687 ) (51,361 ) (11,954 ) Patent settlement (4) 5,554 — — Consolidated Revenues $ 2,356,672 $ 2,309,222 $ 2,308,265 Total Segment EBITDA $ 433,189 $ 401,666 $ 360,342 Amortization of intangibles (98,385 ) (103,791 ) (58,426 ) Impairment of assets held for sale (1) (23,931 ) — — Deferred gross profit adjustments (2) (6,687 ) (52,876 ) (10,777 ) Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs (3) (38,770 ) (47,170 ) (70,827 ) Depreciation expense (47,208 ) (46,551 ) (43,736 ) Patent settlement (4) 5,554 — — Purchase accounting effects related to acquisitions (5) 2,079 (9,747 ) (12,540 ) Income from equity method investment 1,793 1,770 3,955 Eliminations (3,781 ) (2,748 ) (4,872 ) Consolidated operating income 223,853 140,553 163,119 Interest expense, net (95,050 ) (100,613 ) (81,573 ) Loss on debt extinguishment (2,342 ) — — Consolidated income from continuing operations before taxes $ 126,461 $ 39,940 $ 81,546 (1) For the year ended December 31, 2016, we recognized a $23.9 million impairment of assets held for sale. See Note 4, Assets Held for Sale , for details. (2) Our segment results include revenues that would have been recorded by acquired businesses had they remained as independent entities. Our consolidated results do not include these revenues due to the purchase accounting effect of recording deferred revenue at fair value . (3) See Note 13, Severance, Restructuring, and Acquisition Integration Activities, for details . (4) Both our consolidated revenues and gross profit were positively impacted by royalty revenues received during 2016 that related to years prior to 2016 as a result of a patent settlement. (5) In 2016, we made a $3.2 million adjustment to reduce the earn-out liability associated with the M2FX acquisition. This adjustment was partially offset by $0.8 million and $0.2 million of cost of sales related to the adjustment of acquired inventory to fair value related to our Enterprise Solutions segment and M2FX acquisition, respectively. In 2015, we recognized $9.2 million of compensation expense related to the accelerated vesting of acquiree stock based compensation awards associated with our acquisition of Tripwire. In addition, we recognized $0.3 million of cost of sales related to the adjustment of acquired inventory to fair value related to our acquisition of Coast. In 2014, we recognized $8.3 million of cost of sales related to the adjustment of acquired inventory to fair value for our acquisitions of Grass Valley and ProSoft.
Reconciliations of Other Segment Measures to Consolidated Totals	Below are reconciliations of other segment measures to the consolidated totals. Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Total segment assets $ 913,998 $ 934,280 $ 960,782 Cash and cash equivalents 848,116 216,751 741,162 Goodwill 1,385,995 1,385,115 943,374 Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization 560,082 655,871 461,292 Deferred income taxes 33,706 34,295 60,652 Income tax receivable — 3,787 4,953 Corporate assets 64,906 60,503 59,987 Total assets $ 3,806,803 $ 3,290,602 $ 3,232,202 Total segment acquisition of property, plant and equipment $ 53,582 $ 53,572 $ 42,442 Corporate acquisition of property, plant and equipment 392 1,397 3,017 Total acquisition of property, plant and equipment $ 53,974 $ 54,969 $ 45,459
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets Based on Physical Location	The table below summarizes net sales and long-lived assets for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 for the following countries: the U.S., Canada, China, and Germany. No other individual foreign country’s net sales or long-lived assets are material to the Company. United States Canada China Germany All Other Total (In thousands, except percentages) Year ended December 31, 2016 Revenues $ 1,283,925 $ 159,985 $ 114,605 $ 104,214 $ 693,943 $ 2,356,672 Percent of total revenues 55 % 7 % 5 % 4 % 29 % 100 % Long-lived assets $ 193,263 $ 31,278 $ 30,487 $ 32,386 $ 60,654 $ 348,068 Year ended December 31, 2015 Revenues $ 1,270,467 $ 170,522 $ 114,863 $ 103,106 $ 650,264 $ 2,309,222 Percent of total revenues 55 % 7 % 5 % 4 % 29 % 100 % Long-lived assets $ 188,032 $ 27,315 $ 62,794 $ 35,588 $ 64,434 $ 378,163 Year ended December 31, 2014 Revenues $ 1,134,721 $ 194,149 $ 132,330 $ 120,297 $ 726,768 $ 2,308,265 Percent of total revenues 49 % 8 % 6 % 5 % 32 % 100 % Long-lived assets $ 169,080 $ 29,773 $ 70,574 $ 40,557 $ 70,727 $ 380,711

Income Per Share (Tables)

Income Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basis for Income Per Share Computations	The following table presents the basis of the income per share computation: Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Numerator: Income from continuing operations $ 127,646 $ 66,508 $ 74,432 Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (357 ) (24 ) — Less: Preferred stock dividends 15,428 — — Income from continuing operations attributable to Belden common stockholders 112,575 66,532 74,432 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, attributable to Belden common stockholders — (242 ) 579 Loss from disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax, attributable to Belden common stockholders — (86 ) (562 ) Net income attributable to Belden common stockholders $ 112,575 $ 66,204 $ 74,449 Denominator: Weighted average shares outstanding, basic 42,093 42,390 43,273 Effect of dilutive common stock equivalents 464 563 724 Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted 42,557 42,953 43,997

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Major Classes of Inventories	The major classes of inventories were as follows: December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Raw materials $ 90,019 $ 92,929 Work-in-process 25,166 27,730 Finished goods 99,784 97,814 Gross inventories 214,969 218,473 Excess and obsolete reserves (24,561 ) (22,531 ) Net inventories $ 190,408 $ 195,942

Property, Plant and Equipment (

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Summary of Carrying Values of Property, Plant and Equipment	The carrying values of property, plant and equipment were as follows: December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Land and land improvements $ 28,462 $ 29,235 Buildings and leasehold improvements 136,230 135,154 Machinery and equipment 499,400 483,773 Computer equipment and software 123,909 112,888 Construction in process 35,191 28,274 Gross property, plant and equipment 823,192 789,324 Accumulated depreciation (513,901 ) (478,695 ) Net property, plant and equipment $ 309,291 $ 310,629

Intangible Assets (Tables)

Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Carrying Value of Intangible Assets	The carrying values of intangible assets were as follows: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount (In thousands) (In thousands) Goodwill $ 1,385,995 $ — $ 1,385,995 $ 1,385,115 $ — $ 1,385,115 Definite-lived intangible assets subject to amortization: Customer relationships $ 309,112 $ (77,872 ) $ 231,240 $ 309,573 $ (61,641 ) $ 247,932 Developed technology 420,928 (239,233 ) 181,695 416,817 (170,576 ) 246,241 Trademarks 20,534 (10,915 ) 9,619 19,417 (7,255 ) 12,162 Backlog 12,638 (12,638 ) — 12,559 (12,559 ) — In-service research and development 22,977 (9,121 ) 13,856 14,238 (4,723 ) 9,515 Total intangible assets subject to amortization 786,189 (349,779 ) 436,410 772,604 (256,754 ) 515,850 Indefinite-lived intangible assets not subject to amortization: Trademarks 121,972 — 121,972 129,671 — 129,671 In-process research and development 1,700 — 1,700 10,350 — 10,350 Total intangible assets not subject to amortization 123,672 — 123,672 140,021 — 140,021 Intangible assets $ 909,861 $ (349,779 ) $ 560,082 $ 912,625 $ (256,754 ) $ 655,871
Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill assigned to reporting units in our reportable segments are as follows: Broadcast Solutions Enterprise Solutions Industrial Solutions Network Solutions Consolidated (In thousands) Balance at December 31, 2014 $ 550,362 $ 73,278 $ 200,053 $ 119,681 $ 943,374 Acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments 11,481 — 1,614 462,945 476,040 Translation impact (25,455 ) — (4,948 ) (3,896 ) (34,299 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 536,388 $ 73,278 $ 196,719 $ 578,730 $ 1,385,115 Acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments 8,492 — — — 8,492 Translation impact (838 ) — 80 (1,377 ) (2,135 ) Reclassify to assets held for sale — — (5,477 ) — (5,477 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 544,042 $ 73,278 $ 191,322 $ 577,353 $ 1,385,995
Changes in Carrying Amount of Trademarks	The changes in the carrying amount of indefinite-lived trademarks are as follows: Broadcast Solutions Enterprise Solutions Industrial Solutions Network Solutions Consolidated (In thousands) Balance at December 31, 2014 $ 83,120 $ 4,063 $ 10,744 $ 5,113 $ 103,040 Acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments — — — 31,000 31,000 Translation impact (2,198 ) — (1,654 ) (517 ) (4,369 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 80,922 $ 4,063 $ 9,090 $ 35,596 $ 129,671 Translation impact (4,635 ) — 40 (199 ) (4,794 ) Reclassify to assets held for sale — — (2,905 ) — (2,905 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 76,287 $ 4,063 $ 6,225 $ 35,397 $ 121,972

Accounts Payable and Accrued 45

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Carrying Value of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	The carrying values of accounts payable and accrued liabilities were as follows: December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Accounts payable $ 258,203 $ 223,514 Current deferred revenue 80,503 101,460 Wages, severance and related taxes 76,157 86,389 Accrued rebates 33,071 29,997 Employee benefits 24,395 27,482 Accrued interest 27,202 25,188 Other (individual items less than 5% of total current liabilities) 69,012 52,733 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 568,543 $ 546,763

Severance, Restructuring, and46

Severance, Restructuring, and Acquisition Integration Activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Severance, Restructuring and Integration Costs by Segment	The following tables summarize the costs by segment of the various programs described above: Year Ended December 31, 2016 Severance Other Restructuring and Integration Costs Total Costs (In thousands) Broadcast Solutions $ (116 ) $ 10,530 $ 10,414 Enterprise Solutions 636 11,326 11,962 Industrial Solutions 2,828 7,095 9,923 Network Solutions 3,734 2,737 6,471 Total $ 7,082 $ 31,688 $ 38,770 Year Ended December 31, 2015 Broadcast Solutions $ 16,694 $ 22,384 $ 39,078 Enterprise Solutions (186 ) 909 723 Industrial Solutions 3,309 2,919 6,228 Network Solutions (716 ) 1,857 1,141 Total $ 19,101 $ 28,069 $ 47,170 Year Ended December 31, 2014 Broadcast Solutions $ 20,025 $ 28,532 $ 48,557 Enterprise Solutions 2,183 1,135 3,318 Industrial Solutions 9,732 2,221 11,953 Network Solutions 5,314 1,685 6,999 Total $ 37,254 $ 33,573 $ 70,827
Summary of Severance Activity	The table below sets forth the activity that occurred for the programs described above with significant severance costs. The balances are included in accrued liabilities. Grass Valley Restructuring Industrial and Network Solutions Restructuring (In thousands) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 12,076 $ 2,947 New charges 886 2,919 Cash payments (4,404 ) (1,967 ) Foreign currency translation 167 94 Other adjustments (1,528 ) — Balance at April 3, 2016 $ 7,197 $ 3,993 New charges 251 1,489 Cash payments (3,356 ) (1,685 ) Foreign currency translation (13 ) (42 ) Other adjustments (360 ) — Balance at July 3, 2016 $ 3,719 $ 3,755 New charges 148 1,287 Cash payments (1,945 ) (743 ) Foreign currency translation 32 51 Other adjustments (262 ) — Balance at October 2, 2016 $ 1,692 $ 4,350 New charges 749 885 Cash payments (829 ) (645 ) Foreign currency translation (90 ) (259 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 1,522 $ 4,331

Long-Term Debt and Other Borr47

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Carrying Values of Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements	The carrying values of our long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements were as follows: December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Revolving credit agreement due 2018 $ — $ 50,000 Variable rate term loan due 2020 — 243,965 Senior subordinated notes: 4.125% Senior subordinated notes due 2026 209,081 — 5.25% Senior subordinated notes due 2024 200,000 200,000 5.50% Senior subordinated notes due 2023 529,146 553,835 5.50% Senior subordinated notes due 2022 700,000 700,000 9.25% Senior subordinated notes due 2019 5,221 5,221 Total senior subordinated notes 1,643,448 1,459,056 Total gross debt and other borrowing arrangements 1,643,448 1,753,021 Less unamortized debt issuance costs (23,287 ) (25,239 ) Total net debt and other borrowing arrangements 1,620,161 1,727,782 Less current maturities of Term Loan — (2,500 ) Long-term debt $ 1,620,161 $ 1,725,282
Schedule of Senior Subordinated Notes	The senior subordinated notes due 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2026 are redeemable currently, after September 1, 2017, April 15, 2018, July 15, 2019, and October 15, 2021, respectively, at the following redemption prices as a percentage of the face amount of the notes: Senior Subordinated Notes due 2019 2022 2023 2024 2026 Year Percentage Year Percentage Year Percentage Year Percentage Year Percentage 2016 101.542 % 2017 102.750 % 2018 102.750 % 2019 102.625 % 2021 102.063 % 2017 and thereafter 100.000 % 2018 101.833 % 2019 101.833 % 2020 101.750 % 2022 101.375 % 2019 100.917 % 2020 100.917 % 2021 100.875 % 2023 100.688 % 2020 and thereafter 100.000 % 2021 and thereafter 100.000 % 2022 and thereafter 100.000 % 2024 and thereafter 100.000 %
Maturities on Outstanding Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowings	Maturities on outstanding long-term debt and other borrowings during each of the five years subsequent to December 31, 2016 are as follows (in thousands): 2017 $ — 2018 — 2019 5,221 2020 — 2021 — Thereafter 1,638,227 $ 1,643,448

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Income Tax Expense	Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes: United States operations $ (25,615 ) $ (6,924 ) $ 14,042 Foreign operations 152,076 46,864 67,504 Income from continuing operations before taxes $ 126,461 $ 39,940 $ 81,546 Income tax expense (benefit): Currently payable United States federal $ 2,981 $ — $ 6,701 United States state and local (1,038 ) 1,789 1,617 Foreign 26,906 17,317 16,592 28,849 19,106 24,910 Deferred United States federal (27,677 ) (23,709 ) (9,662 ) United States state and local (3,139 ) (2,257 ) (746 ) Foreign 782 (19,708 ) (7,388 ) (30,034 ) (45,674 ) (17,796 ) Income tax expense (benefit) $ (1,185 ) $ (26,568 ) $ 7,114
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation from Continuing Operations	Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Effective income tax rate reconciliation from continuing operations: United States federal statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State and local income taxes (0.9 )% (2.6 )% 0.8 % Impact of change in tax contingencies 2.4 % (4.2 )% (7.1 )% Foreign income tax rate differences (14.0 )% (8.4 )% (17.6 )% Impact of change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance (7.3 )% (28.6 )% 4.7 % Impact of change in legal entity tax status (5.5 )% — % — % Impact of non-taxable interest income (4.9 )% (15.6 )% (9.2 )% Domestic permanent differences & tax credits (5.7 )% (42.1 )% 2.1 % (0.9 )% (66.5 )% 8.7 %
Components of Deferred Income Tax Balances	December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Components of deferred income tax balances: Deferred income tax liabilities: Plant, equipment, and intangibles $ (179,229 ) $ (203,736 ) Deferred income tax assets: Postretirement, pensions, and stock compensation 35,500 32,831 Reserves and accruals 22,795 44,345 Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards 245,135 231,892 Valuation allowances (104,771 ) (117,071 ) 198,659 191,997 Net deferred income tax asset (liability) $ 19,430 $ (11,739 )
Summary of Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	Net Operating Loss Carryforwards (In thousands) France $ 233,507 United States - various states 169,179 Luxembourg 25,033 Japan 23,651 Australia 12,819 Germany 12,686 Netherlands 8,999 Other 40,369 Total $ 526,243
Summary of Tax Credit Carryforwards	Tax Credit Carryforwards (In thousands) United States $ 95,181 Canada 17,282 Total $ 112,463
Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amounts of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: 2016 2015 (In thousands) Balance at beginning of year $ 7,293 $ 10,057 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 507 544 Additions for tax positions of prior years 2,675 638 Reductions for tax positions of prior years - Settlement — (3,765 ) Reduction for tax positions of prior years - Statute of limitations (1 ) (181 ) Balance at end of year $ 10,474 $ 7,293

Pension and Other Postretirem49

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Change in Benefit Obligation	The following tables provide a reconciliation of the changes in the plans’ benefit obligations and fair value of assets as well as a statement of the funded status and balance sheet reporting for these plans. Pension Benefits Other Benefits Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (In thousands) Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation, beginning of year $ (275,205 ) $ (300,339 ) $ (32,313 ) $ (39,169 ) Service cost (4,981 ) (5,505 ) (46 ) (52 ) Interest cost (8,909 ) (9,116 ) (1,259 ) (1,301 ) Participant contributions (106 ) (109 ) (7 ) (5 ) Actuarial gain (loss) (16,250 ) 12,108 578 1,720 Settlements 29,256 1,579 — — Curtailments 227 128 — — Foreign currency exchange rate changes 10,723 12,132 (580 ) 4,691 Benefits paid 8,764 13,917 1,589 1,803 Benefit obligation, end of year $ (256,481 ) $ (275,205 ) $ (32,038 ) $ (32,313 )
Change in Plan Assets	Pension Benefits Other Benefits Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (In thousands) Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year $ 204,372 $ 216,754 $ — $ — Actual return on plan assets 18,832 2,569 — — Employer contributions 5,698 5,706 1,582 1,798 Plan participant contributions 106 109 7 5 Settlements (28,841 ) (1,579 ) — — Foreign currency exchange rate changes (9,033 ) (5,270 ) — — Benefits paid (8,764 ) (13,917 ) (1,589 ) (1,803 ) Fair value of plan assets, end of year $ 182,370 $ 204,372 $ — $ —
Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheets	Funded status, end of year $ (74,111 ) $ (70,833 ) $ (32,038 ) $ (32,313 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheets: Prepaid benefit cost $ 3,148 $ 7,219 $ — $ — Accrued benefit liability (current) (3,022 ) (3,173 ) (1,778 ) (1,962 ) Liabilities held for sale (447 ) — — — Accrued benefit liability (noncurrent) (73,790 ) (74,879 ) (30,260 ) (30,351 ) Net funded status $ (74,111 ) $ (70,833 ) $ (32,038 ) $ (32,313 )
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs	The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit costs for the plans. Pension Benefits Other Benefits Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Components of net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ 4,981 $ 5,505 $ 5,453 $ 46 $ 52 $ 49 Interest cost 8,909 9,116 10,757 1,259 1,301 1,647 Expected return on plan assets (12,013 ) (12,518 ) (12,468 ) — — — Amortization of prior service credit (42 ) (44 ) (48 ) (42 ) (87 ) (100 ) Curtailment gain (227 ) (128 ) (359 ) — — — Settlement loss 7,630 128 — — — — Net loss recognition 2,670 5,082 4,154 86 328 315 Net periodic benefit cost $ 11,908 $ 7,141 $ 7,489 $ 1,349 $ 1,594 $ 1,911
Assumptions Used in Determining Benefit Obligations and Net Periodic Benefit Cost Amounts	The following table presents the assumptions used in determining the benefit obligations and the net periodic benefit cost amounts. Pension Benefits Other Benefits Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Weighted average assumptions for benefit obligations at year end: Discount rate 3.0 % 3.6 % 3.7 % 4.0 % Salary increase 3.3 % 3.5 % N/A N/A Weighted average assumptions for net periodic cost for the year: Discount rate 3.6 % 3.2 % 4.0 % 3.7 % Salary increase 3.5 % 3.5 % N/A N/A Expected return on assets 6.2 % 6.7 % N/A N/A Assumed health care cost trend rates: Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year N/A N/A 6.2 % 5.5 % Rate that the cost trend rate gradually declines to N/A N/A 5.0 % 5.0 % Year that the rate reaches the rate it is assumed to remain at N/A N/A 2023 2022
Effect of One Percentage - Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates	A one percentage-point change in the assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects on 2016 expense and year-end liabilities. 1% Increase 1% Decrease (In thousands) Effect on total of service and interest cost components $ 133 $ (109 ) Effect on postretirement benefit obligation 3,203 (2,640 )
Fair Values of Pension Plan Assets by Asset Category	The following table presents the fair values of the pension plan assets by asset category. December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Fair Market Value at December 31, 2016 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Fair Market Value at December 31, 2015 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) (In thousands) (In thousands) Asset Category: Equity securities(a) Large-cap fund $ 65,495 $ — $ — $ — $ 77,618 $ 3,266 $ — $ — Mid-cap fund 11,419 — — — 14,427 957 — — Small-cap fund 17,184 — — — 19,260 461 — — Debt securities(b) Government bond fund 26,151 — — — 26,827 1,387 — — Corporate bond fund 20,971 — — — 24,975 3,194 — — Fixed income fund(c) 40,958 — 40,958 — 40,989 — 40,989 — Cash & equivalents 192 192 — — 276 276 — — Total $ 182,370 $ 192 $ 40,958 $ — $ 204,372 $ 9,541 $ 40,989 $ — (a) This category includes investments in actively managed and indexed investment funds that invest in a diversified pool of equity securities of companies located in the U.S., Canada, Western Europe and other developed countries throughout the world. The Level 1 funds are valued at fair market value obtained from quoted market prices in active markets. The remaining funds are valued using the net asset value method in which an average of the market prices for the underlying investments is used to value the fund. (b) This category includes investments in investment funds that invest in U.S. treasuries; other national, state and local government bonds; and corporate bonds of highly rated companies from diversified industries. The Level 1 funds are valued at fair market value obtained from quoted market prices in active markets. The remaining funds are valued using the net asset value method in which an average of the market prices for the underlying investments is used to value the fund. (c) This category includes guaranteed insurance contracts.
Benefits Expected to be Paid in Subsequent Years from Our Pension and Other Postretirement as Well as Medicare Subsidy Receipts	The following table reflects the benefits as of December 31, 2016 expected to be paid in each of the next five years and in the aggregate for the five years thereafter from our pension and other postretirement plans. Because our other postretirement plans are unfunded, the anticipated benefits with respect to these plans will come from our own assets. Because our pension plans are primarily funded plans, the anticipated benefits with respect to these plans will come primarily from the trusts established for these plans. Pension Plans Other Plans (In thousands) 2017 $ 15,785 $ 1,811 2018 16,119 1,763 2019 16,873 1,706 2020 17,145 1,672 2021 16,176 1,636 2022-2026 79,935 8,016 Total $ 162,033 $ 16,604
Summary of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Changes in these Amounts and Expected Amortization of these Amounts as Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	The pre-tax amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost at December 31, 2016 , the changes in these amounts during the year ended December 31, 2016 , and the expected amortization of these amounts as components of net periodic benefit cost for the year ended December 31, 2016 , are as follows. Pension Benefits Other Benefits (In thousands) Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss: Net actuarial loss $ 49,260 $ 1,842 Net prior service credit (44 ) — $ 49,216 $ 1,842 Pension Benefits Other Benefits (In thousands) Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss: Net actuarial loss, beginning of year $ 51,720 $ 2,515 Amortization of actuarial loss (2,670 ) (86 ) Actuarial loss (gain) 16,023 (578 ) Asset gain (7,196 ) — Curtailment gain recognized 227 — Settlement loss recognized (7,630 ) — Currency impact (1,214 ) (9 ) Net actuarial loss, end of year $ 49,260 $ 1,842 Prior service credit, beginning of year $ (81 ) $ (40 ) Amortization credit 42 42 Currency impact (5 ) (2 ) Prior service credit, end of year $ (44 ) $ — Pension Benefits Other Benefits (In thousands) Expected 2017 amortization: Amortization of prior service credit $ (43 ) $ — Amortization of actuarial loss 2,568 69 $ 2,525 $ 69

Comprehensive Income and Accu50

Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Components of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	The accumulated balances related to each component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, are as follows: Foreign Currency Translation Component Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (In thousands) Balance at December 31, 2014 $ (2,591 ) $ (43,440 ) $ (46,031 ) Other comprehensive gain (loss) loss attributable to Belden before reclassifications (20,820 ) 4,434 (16,386 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) — 3,430 3,430 Net current period other comprehensive gain (loss) attributable to Belden (20,820 ) 7,864 (12,956 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 (23,411 ) (35,576 ) (58,987 ) Other comprehensive gain (loss) attributable to Belden before reclassifications 18,750 (5,166 ) 13,584 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) — 6,336 6,336 Net current period other comprehensive gain attributable to Belden 18,750 1,170 19,920 Balance at December 31, 2016 $ (4,661 ) $ (34,406 ) $ (39,067 )
Summary of Effects of Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table summarizes the effects of reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (In thousands) Amortization of pension and other postretirement benefit plan items: Settlement loss $ 7,630 (1 ) Actuarial losses 2,756 (1 ) Prior service credit (84 ) (1 ) Total before tax 10,302 Tax benefit (3,966 ) Total net of tax $ 6,336 (1) The amortization of these accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit costs (see Note 17).

Share-Based Compensation (Table

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Income Tax Benefit Recognized for our Share-Based Compensation Arrangements	Compensation cost charged against income, primarily selling, general and administrative expense, and the income tax benefit recognized for our share-based compensation arrangements is included below: Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Total share-based compensation cost $ 18,178 $ 17,745 $ 18,858 Income tax benefit 7,069 6,867 7,334
Fair Values for SARs and Stock Options Estimated on Grant Date Using Black-Scholes-Merton Option-Pricing Formula Which Incorporates Assumptions	We recognize compensation cost for all awards based on their fair values. The fair values for SARs are estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing formula which incorporates the assumptions noted in the following table. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility, and expected term is based on historical exercise patterns of SAR holders. The fair value of restricted stock units with service vesting conditions or performance vesting conditions is the closing market price of our common stock on the date of grant. We estimate the fair value of certain restricted stock units with market conditions using a Monte Carlo simulation valuation model with the assistance of a third party valuation firm. Compensation costs for awards with service conditions are amortized to expense using the straight-line method. Compensation costs for awards with performance conditions and graded vesting are amortized to expense using the graded attribution method. Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands, except weighted average fair value and assumptions) Weighted-average fair value of SARs and options granted $ 18.79 $ 31.22 $ 35.46 Total intrinsic value of SARs converted and options exercised 9,678 14,697 24,023 Cash received for options exercised — 30 48 Tax benefit related to share-based compensation 1,171 5,050 6,859 Weighted-average fair value of restricted stock shares and units granted 54.52 96.52 72.46 Total fair value of restricted stock shares and units vested 8,171 7,696 7,888 Expected volatility 37.47 % 35.66 % 52.63 % Expected term (in years) 5.7 5.7 5.8 Risk-free rate 1.32 % 1.59 % 1.79 % Dividend yield 0.38 % 0.22 % 0.28 %
Summary of Share Based Compensation Activity	SARs and Stock Options Restricted Shares and Units Number Weighted- Average Exercise Price Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value Number Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value (In thousands, except exercise prices, fair values, and contractual terms) Outstanding at January 1, 2016 1,189 $ 53.80 464 $ 74.50 Granted 286 52.91 195 54.52 Exercised or converted (305 ) 39.36 (159 ) 51.44 Forfeited or expired (46 ) 71.01 (46 ) 69.64 Outstanding at December 31, 2016 1,124 $ 56.79 6.9 $ 20,214 454 $ 69.55 Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2016 1,112 $ 56.66 6.9 $ 20,143 Exercisable or convertible at December 31, 2016 640 50.89 5.6 15,289

Operating Leases (Tables)

Operating Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Leases [Abstract]
Summary of Minimum Annual Lease Payments for Noncancelable Operating Leases	Minimum annual lease payments for noncancelable operating leases in effect at December 31, 2016 are as follows (in thousands): 2017 $ 26,439 2018 20,054 2019 15,843 2020 11,697 2021 9,696 Thereafter 28,799 $ 112,528

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform53

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Supplemental cash flow information is as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Income tax refunds received $ 3,838 $ 4,068 $ 12,681 Income taxes paid (26,587 ) (24,960 ) (25,308 ) Interest paid, net of amount capitalized (87,076 ) (91,496 ) (70,915 )

Quarterly Operating Results (54

Quarterly Operating Results (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Operating Results (Unaudited)	2016 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Year (In thousands, except days and per share amounts) Number of days in quarter 94 91 91 90 366 Revenues $ 541,497 $ 601,631 $ 601,109 $ 612,435 $ 2,356,672 Gross profit 225,035 248,213 245,962 261,784 980,994 Operating income 40,964 62,241 61,980 58,668 223,853 Net income 16,358 41,933 36,072 33,283 127,646 Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (99 ) (99 ) (88 ) (71 ) (357 ) Net income attributable to Belden 16,457 42,032 36,160 33,354 128,003 Less: Preferred stock dividends — — 6,695 8,733 15,428 Net income attributable to Belden common stockholders 16,457 42,032 29,465 24,621 112,575 Basic income per share attributable to Belden common stockholders: $ 0.39 $ 1.00 $ 0.70 $ 0.58 $ 2.67 Diluted income per share attributable to Belden common stockholders: $ 0.39 $ 0.99 $ 0.69 $ 0.58 $ 2.65 2015 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Year (In thousands, except days and per share amounts) Number of days in quarter 88 91 91 95 365 Revenues $ 546,957 $ 585,755 $ 579,266 $ 597,244 $ 2,309,222 Gross profit 207,649 234,276 226,131 250,117 918,173 Operating income 4,898 44,143 34,502 57,010 140,553 Income (loss) from continuing operations (19,636 ) 21,677 14,811 49,656 66,508 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax — — (242 ) — (242 ) Loss from disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax — (86 ) — — (86 ) Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest — — — (24 ) (24 ) Net income attributable to Belden stockholders (19,636 ) 21,591 14,569 49,680 66,204 Basic income (loss) per share attributable to Belden stockholders: Continuing operations $ (0.46 ) $ 0.51 $ 0.35 $ 1.18 $ 1.57 Discontinued operations — — (0.01 ) — (0.01 ) Disposal of discontinued operations — — — — — Net income $ (0.46 ) $ 0.51 $ 0.34 $ 1.18 $ 1.56 Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to Belden stockholders: Continuing operations $ (0.46 ) $ 0.50 $ 0.35 $ 1.17 $ 1.55 Discontinued operations — — (0.01 ) — (0.01 ) Disposal of discontinued operations — — — — — Net income $ (0.46 ) $ 0.50 $ 0.34 $ 1.17 $ 1.54

Summary of Significant Accoun55

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)	Jul. 05, 2011patent	Nov. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2015patent	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Reporting_Unit	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Customer	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Amount of inventory as a percentage of prior year purchases that can be returned by certain distributors					3.00%
Unprocessed adjustments recognized against gross accounts receivables					$ 23,300,000	$ 19,100,000
Bad debt expense, net of recoveries					1,500,000	(1,800,000)	$ 300,000
Accounts receivable recovered						$ 2,700,000
Number of customers with accounts receivable recovered | Customer						1
Allowance for doubtful accounts				$ 8,100,000	8,100,000	$ 8,300,000
Obsolescence and other reserves				24,561,000	$ 24,561,000	22,531,000
Number of reporting units used in qualitative assessment | Reporting_Unit					7
Number of reporting units used in quantitative assessment | Reporting_Unit					5
Goodwill qualitative assessment				811,000,000	$ 811,000,000
Impairment charges					0	0	0
Impairment charges, intangible assets					0	0	0
Accrued sales rebates				33,100,000	33,100,000	30,000,000
Royalty revenues				$ 10,300,000
Advertising costs					27,200,000	27,500,000	21,800,000
Employee service share-based compensation, tax benefit realized from exercise of stock options					1,200,000
Increase in net cash provided by operating activities					314,794,000	241,460,000	200,887,000
Decrease in net cash provided by financing activities					$ (401,704,000)	11,069,000	(330,359,000)
Minimum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of related assets					1 year
Minimum [Member] | Buildings [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of related assets					P10Y
Minimum [Member] | Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of related assets					P5Y
Minimum [Member] | Computer Equipment and Software [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of related assets					P5Y
Maximum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of related assets					25 years
Maximum [Member] | Buildings [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of related assets					40 years
Maximum [Member] | Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of related assets					12 years
Maximum [Member] | Computer Equipment and Software [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of related assets					10 years
Current Asset [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) due to adoption of ASU						6,000,000
Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) due to adoption of ASU						19,200,000
Long Term Debt Noncurrent [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) due to adoption of ASU						25,200,000
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09, Statutory Tax Withholding Component [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Increase in net cash provided by operating activities							6,900,000
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2016-09, Statutory Tax Withholding Component [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Increase in net cash provided by operating activities						5,100,000
Decrease in net cash provided by financing activities						5,100,000	6,900,000
Subsidiaries [Member] | Corning [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Patents allegedly infringed upon | patent	2
Number of patents found infringed upon | patent			2
Litigation settlement, amount		$ 61,300,000
Royalty revenues					$ 10,300,000
Broadcast Solutions [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Corning [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Royalty revenues					(4,700,000)
Reportable Segment [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Royalty revenues					5,554,000	0	0
Reportable Segment [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Corning [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Royalty revenues					5,600,000
Reportable Segment [Member] | Broadcast Solutions [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Royalty revenues					$ 5,554,000	0	$ 0
Hirschmann Jv [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage				50.00%	50.00%
Equity method investments						$ 29,500,000
Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale [Member] | Hirschmann Jv [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Equity method investments				$ 26,800,000	$ 26,800,000

Acquisitions - Additional Infor

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 07, 2016	Jan. 02, 2015	Nov. 20, 2014	Jun. 11, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets								$ 98,385,000	$ 103,791,000	$ 58,426,000
Cost of sales								1,375,678,000	1,391,049,000	1,488,816,000
Revolving Credit Agreement Mature 2018 [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revolving credit agreement due 2018	$ 0							0	50,000,000		$ 200,000,000
M2 FX Limited [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of outstanding shares acquired		100.00%
Acquisition price		$ 19,000,000
Estimated earn-out consideration	$ 0	$ 3,200,000						3,200,000
Benefit included in selling, general, and administrative expense								$ 3,200,000
Tripwire [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of outstanding shares acquired			100.00%
Acquisition price			$ 703,200,000
Fair value of acquired receivables			37,800,000
Acquired receivable, gross contractual amount			38,000,000
Post acquisition revenues									116,600,000
Post acquisition income (loss) from continuing operations									(47,800,000)
Impact on reported revenue due to reduction of acquired deferred revenue balance to fair value									50,400,000
Amortization of intangible assets									43,200,000
Compensation expense							$ 9,200,000		$ 9,200,000
Tripwire [Member] | Pro Forma [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets										3,000,000
Compensation expense										9,200,000
Tripwire [Member] | Revolving Credit Agreement Mature 2018 [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revolving credit agreement due 2018			$ 200,000,000
Coast Wire and Plastic Tech, LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of outstanding shares acquired				100.00%
Acquisition price				$ 36,000,000
Prosoft Technology, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of outstanding shares acquired					100.00%
Acquisition price					$ 104,100,000
Fair value of acquired receivables					5,900,000
Acquired receivable, gross contractual amount					6,200,000
Post acquisition revenues										31,700,000
Post acquisition income (loss) from continuing operations										(2,500,000)
Amortization of intangible assets										2,400,000
Goodwill acquired					$ 56,900,000
Period for deducting goodwill for tax purposes					15 years
Prosoft Technology, Inc. [Member] | Inventories - Obsolescence and Other Valuation Allowances [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cost of sales										1,400,000
Grass Valley [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of outstanding shares acquired						100.00%
Acquisition price						$ 218,200,000
Fair value of acquired receivables						67,400,000
Acquired receivable, gross contractual amount						$ 77,200,000
Post acquisition revenues										196,200,000
Post acquisition income (loss) from continuing operations										(58,500,000)
Amortization of intangible assets										8,600,000
Grass Valley [Member] | Inventories - Obsolescence and Other Valuation Allowances [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cost of sales										$ 6,900,000

Acquisitions - Fair Value of As

Acquisitions - Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jan. 02, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 11, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 1,385,995	$ 1,385,115		$ 943,374
Tripwire [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash			$ 2,364
Receivables			37,792
Inventories			603
Other current assets			2,453
Property, plant and equipment			10,021
Goodwill			462,215
Intangible assets			306,000
Other non-current assets			659
Total assets			822,107
Accounts payable			3,142
Accrued liabilities			12,142
Deferred revenue			8,000
Deferred income taxes			95,074
Other non-current liabilities			540
Total liabilities			118,898
Net assets			$ 703,209
Prosoft Technology, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash					$ 2,517
Receivables					5,894
Inventories					2,731
Other current assets					332
Property, plant and equipment					767
Goodwill					56,923
Intangible assets					40,800
Other non-current assets					622
Total assets					110,586
Accounts payable					2,544
Accrued liabilities					2,807
Other non-current liabilities					1,132
Total liabilities					6,483
Net assets					$ 104,103
Grass Valley [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash						$ 9,451
Receivables						67,354
Inventories						18,593
Other current assets						4,172
Property, plant and equipment						22,460
Goodwill						131,070
Intangible assets						95,500
Other non-current assets						17,101
Total assets						365,701
Accounts payable						51,276
Accrued liabilities						62,672
Deferred revenue						14,000
Postretirement benefits						16,538
Deferred income taxes						1,827
Other non-current liabilities						1,199
Total liabilities						147,512
Net assets						$ 218,189

Acquisitions - Intangible Asset

Acquisitions - Intangible Assets Related to Acquisition (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jan. 02, 2015	Jun. 11, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill				$ 1,385,995	$ 1,385,115	$ 943,374
Developed Technology [Member]
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period				5 years 3 months 18 days
Customer Relationships [Member]
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period				18 years 10 months 25 days
In-Process/Service Research and Development [Member]
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period				4 years 7 months 6 days
Tripwire [Member]
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization	$ 269,000
Goodwill	462,215
Intangible assets not subject to amortization	499,215
Total intangible assets	$ 768,215
Weighted average amortization period	7 years 8 months 12 days
Tripwire [Member] | Trademarks [Member]
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets not subject to amortization	$ 31,000
Tripwire [Member] | Developed Technology [Member]
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization	$ 210,000
Weighted average amortization period	5 years 9 months 18 days
Tripwire [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization	$ 56,000
Weighted average amortization period	15 years
Tripwire [Member] | Backlog [Member]
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization	$ 3,000
Weighted average amortization period	1 year
Tripwire [Member] | In-Process/Service Research and Development [Member]
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets not subject to amortization	$ 6,000
Prosoft Technology, Inc. [Member]
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization		$ 40,800
Goodwill		56,923
Intangible assets not subject to amortization		56,923
Total intangible assets		$ 97,723
Weighted average amortization period		14 years 9 months 18 days
Prosoft Technology, Inc. [Member] | Trademarks [Member]
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization		$ 5,000
Weighted average amortization period		5 years
Prosoft Technology, Inc. [Member] | Developed Technology [Member]
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization		$ 9,000
Weighted average amortization period		5 years
Prosoft Technology, Inc. [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization		$ 26,600
Weighted average amortization period		20 years
Prosoft Technology, Inc. [Member] | Backlog [Member]
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization		$ 200
Weighted average amortization period		3 months 18 days
Grass Valley [Member]
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization			$ 65,500
Goodwill			131,070
Intangible assets not subject to amortization			161,070
Total intangible assets			$ 226,570
Weighted average amortization period			9 years
Grass Valley [Member] | Trademarks [Member]
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets not subject to amortization			$ 22,000
Grass Valley [Member] | Developed Technology [Member]
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization			$ 37,000
Weighted average amortization period			5 years
Grass Valley [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization			$ 27,000
Weighted average amortization period			15 years
Grass Valley [Member] | Backlog [Member]
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization			$ 1,500
Weighted average amortization period			3 months 18 days
Grass Valley [Member] | In-Process/Service Research and Development [Member]
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets not subject to amortization			$ 8,000

Acquisitions - Pro Forma Effect

Acquisitions - Pro Forma Effect on Operating Results (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Tripwire [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 2,354,191	$ 2,405,198
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$ 92,104	$ 23,302
Diluted income per share from continuing operations attributable to Belden stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 2.14	$ 0.53
Grass Valley and Prosoft [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenues			$ 2,401,200
Income (loss) from continuing operations			$ 67,956
Diluted income per share from continuing operations attributable to Belden stockholders (in dollars per share)			$ 1.54

Assets Held for Sale (Narrative

Assets Held for Sale (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Impairment of assets held for sale		$ 23,931	$ 0	$ 0
Accumulated other comprehensive losses included in disposal group	$ (39,067)	(39,067)	$ (58,987)
Hirschmann Jv [Member] | Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Total sales price	39,000	39,000
Impairment of assets held for sale	23,931
Accumulated other comprehensive losses included in disposal group	$ 15,700	$ 15,700

Assets Held for Sale (Details)

Assets Held for Sale (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets [Abstract]
Impairment of assets held for sale		$ (23,931)	$ 0	$ 0
Total assets held for sale	$ 23,193	23,193	0
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities [Abstract]
Total liabilities held for sale	1,736	1,736	$ 0
Hirschmann Jv [Member] | Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale [Member]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets [Abstract]
Receivables, net	4,551	4,551
Inventories, net	2,848	2,848
Other current assets	1,131	1,131
Property, plant, and equipment	1,946	1,946
Intangible assets	4,405	4,405
Goodwill	5,477	5,477
Other long-lived assets	26,766	26,766
Total assets held for sale	47,124	47,124
Impairment of assets held for sale	(23,931)
Total assets held for sale	23,193	23,193
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued liabilities	1,288	1,288
Postretirement benefits	448	448
Total liabilities held for sale	$ 1,736	$ 1,736

Discontinued Operations - Addit

Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2010
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain/(loss) on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax	$ 0	$ 0	$ (86)	$ 0	$ 0	$ (86)	$ (562)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ 0	$ (242)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	(242)	579
Thermax and Raydex [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash proceeds from the sales of discontinued operations								$ 265,600
Gain/(loss) on disposal of discontinued operations, before income tax							(900)	211,600
Gain/(loss) on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax							(600)	$ 124,700
Trapeze [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain/(loss) on disposal of discontinued operations, before income tax						(200)			$ 88,300
Gain/(loss) on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax						(100)	$ 600		44,800
Sale price for business									$ 152,100
Escrow receivable collected						3,500
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax						$ (200)

Operating Segments and Geogra63

Operating Segments and Geographic Information Operating Segments (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of Reportable Segments	4

Operating Segments and Geogra64

Operating Segments and Geographic Information - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Segment	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Reportable Segments | Segment	4
Anixter International Inc. [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues generated from sales	$ 286.2	$ 281.9	$ 290.5
Accounts receivable outstanding	$ 26.5
Anixter International Inc. [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentage of total accounts receivable outstanding	7.00%
Anixter International Inc. [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Revenues [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percent of total revenues	12.00%	12.00%	13.00%
M2 FX Limited [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Inventories	$ 0.2

Operating Segments and Geogra65

Operating Segments and Geographic Information - Operating Segment Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Oct. 02, 2016	Jul. 03, 2016	Apr. 03, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation expense									$ 47,200	$ 46,600	$ 43,700
Amortization of intangibles									98,385	103,791	58,426
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs	$ 11,700	$ 12,800	$ 5,900	$ 8,400	$ 13,600	$ 14,100	$ 4,900	$ 14,600	38,770	47,170	70,827
Patent settlement	(10,300)
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment									53,974	54,969	45,459
Segment assets	3,806,803				3,290,602				3,806,803	3,290,602	3,232,202
Broadcast Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs									10,414	39,078	48,557
Enterprise Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs									11,962	723	3,318
Industrial Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs									9,923	6,228	11,953
Network Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs									6,471	1,141	6,999
Reportable Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues									2,357,805	2,360,583	2,320,219
Affiliate revenues									8,125	7,929	12,269
Segment EBITDA									433,189	401,666	360,342
Depreciation expense									47,208	46,551	43,736
Amortization of intangibles									98,385	103,791	58,426
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs									38,770	47,170	70,827
Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions									(2,079)	9,747	12,540
Deferred gross profit adjustments									(6,687)	(52,876)	(10,777)
Patent settlement									(5,554)	0	0
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment									53,582	53,572	42,442
Segment assets	913,998				934,280				913,998	934,280	960,782
Reportable Segment [Member] | Broadcast Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues									769,753	739,970	757,767
Affiliate revenues									744	916	821
Segment EBITDA									137,870	113,638	116,966
Depreciation expense									16,229	16,295	15,854
Amortization of intangibles									47,248	49,812	49,562
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs									10,414	39,078	48,440
Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions									(2,991)	132	8,574
Deferred gross profit adjustments									(1,774)	(2,446)	(10,777)
Patent settlement									(5,554)	0	0
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment									15,713	27,365	17,091
Segment assets	325,396				346,095				325,396	346,095	378,024
Reportable Segment [Member] | Enterprise Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues									603,188	605,910	626,614
Affiliate revenues									5,977	5,322	8,467
Segment EBITDA									101,298	100,214	89,352
Depreciation expense									13,226	12,591	14,443
Amortization of intangibles									1,718	1,720	1,827
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs									11,962	723	3,435
Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions									912	52	608
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment									22,679	10,323	13,395
Segment assets	246,564				238,400				246,564	238,400	259,344
Reportable Segment [Member] | Industrial Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues									585,476	603,350	682,374
Affiliate revenues									1,325	1,613	2,927
Segment EBITDA									101,248	99,941	106,097
Depreciation expense									11,038	11,235	11,145
Amortization of intangibles									2,394	3,154	1,236
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs									9,923	6,228	11,953
Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions									0	334	1,328
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment									10,486	8,836	10,053
Segment assets	226,306				231,265				226,306	231,265	255,997
Reportable Segment [Member] | Network Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues									399,388	411,353	253,464
Affiliate revenues									79	78	54
Segment EBITDA									92,773	87,873	47,927
Depreciation expense									6,715	6,430	2,294
Amortization of intangibles									47,025	49,105	5,801
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs									6,471	1,141	6,999
Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions									0	9,229	2,030
Deferred gross profit adjustments									4,913	50,430	0
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment									4,704	7,048	1,903
Segment assets	$ 115,732				$ 118,520				$ 115,732	$ 118,520	$ 67,417

Operating Segments and Geogra66

Operating Segments and Geographic Information - Reconciliation of Total Reportable Segments' Revenues and EBITDA to Consolidated Revenues and Consolidated Income from Continuing Operations Before Taxes (Detail) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 07, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Oct. 02, 2016	Jul. 03, 2016	Apr. 03, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 02, 2015
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Patent settlement (4)			$ 10,300,000
Consolidated Revenues			612,435,000	$ 601,109,000	$ 601,631,000	$ 541,497,000	$ 597,244,000	$ 579,266,000	$ 585,755,000	$ 546,957,000	$ 2,356,672,000	$ 2,309,222,000	$ 2,308,265,000
Amortization of intangibles											(98,385,000)	(103,791,000)	(58,426,000)
Impairment of assets held for sale											(23,931,000)	0	0
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs			(11,700,000)	(12,800,000)	(5,900,000)	(8,400,000)	(13,600,000)	(14,100,000)	(4,900,000)	(14,600,000)	(38,770,000)	(47,170,000)	(70,827,000)
Depreciation expense											(47,200,000)	(46,600,000)	(43,700,000)
Operating income			58,668,000	$ 61,980,000	$ 62,241,000	$ 40,964,000	$ 57,010,000	$ 34,502,000	$ 44,143,000	4,898,000	223,853,000	140,553,000	163,119,000
Interest expense, net											(95,050,000)	(100,613,000)	(81,573,000)
Loss on debt extinguishment											(2,342,000)	0	0
Income from continuing operations before taxes											126,461,000	39,940,000	81,546,000
Reportable Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total Segment Revenues											2,357,805,000	2,360,583,000	2,320,219,000
Deferred revenue adjustments											(6,687,000)	(51,361,000)	(11,954,000)
Patent settlement (4)											5,554,000	0	0
Consolidated Revenues											2,356,672,000	2,309,222,000	2,308,265,000
Total Segment EBITDA											433,189,000	401,666,000	360,342,000
Amortization of intangibles											(98,385,000)	(103,791,000)	(58,426,000)
Impairment of assets held for sale											(23,931,000)	0	0
Deferred gross profit adjustments											(6,687,000)	(52,876,000)	(10,777,000)
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs											(38,770,000)	(47,170,000)	(70,827,000)
Depreciation expense											(47,208,000)	(46,551,000)	(43,736,000)
Purchase accounting effects related to acquisitions											2,079,000	(9,747,000)	(12,540,000)
Income from equity method investment											1,793,000	1,770,000	3,955,000
Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Operating income											(3,781,000)	(2,748,000)	(4,872,000)
M2 FX Limited [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Adjustment to reduce earn-out liability	$ 0	$ 3,200,000									3,200,000
Acquired inventory	200,000		200,000								200,000
Tripwire [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Amortization of intangibles												(43,200,000)
Acquired inventory														$ 603,000
Compensation expense										$ 9,200,000		9,200,000
Coast Wire And Plastic Tech [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Cost of sales related to adjustment of acquired inventory												300,000
Grass Valley and Prosoft [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Cost of sales related to adjustment of acquired inventory													8,300,000
Enterprise Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs											(11,962,000)	(723,000)	(3,318,000)
Acquired inventory	$ 800,000		$ 800,000								800,000
Enterprise Solutions [Member] | Reportable Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total Segment Revenues											603,188,000	605,910,000	626,614,000
Total Segment EBITDA											101,298,000	100,214,000	89,352,000
Amortization of intangibles											(1,718,000)	(1,720,000)	(1,827,000)
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs											(11,962,000)	(723,000)	(3,435,000)
Depreciation expense											(13,226,000)	(12,591,000)	(14,443,000)
Purchase accounting effects related to acquisitions											$ (912,000)	$ (52,000)	$ (608,000)

Operating Segments and Geogra67

Operating Segments and Geographic Information - Reconciliations of Other Segment Measures to Consolidated Totals (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 3,806,803	$ 3,290,602	$ 3,232,202
Cash and cash equivalents	848,116	216,751	741,162	$ 613,304
Goodwill	1,385,995	1,385,115	943,374
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization	560,082	655,871	461,292
Deferred income taxes	33,706	34,295	60,652
Income tax receivable	0	3,787	4,953
Total acquisition of property, plant and equipment	53,974	54,969	45,459
Reportable Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total assets	913,998	934,280	960,782
Total acquisition of property, plant and equipment	53,582	53,572	42,442
Corporate assets [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total assets	64,906	60,503	59,987
Total acquisition of property, plant and equipment	$ 392	$ 1,397	$ 3,017

Operating Segments and Geogra68

Operating Segments and Geographic Information - Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets Based on Physical Location (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Oct. 02, 2016	Jul. 03, 2016	Apr. 03, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 612,435	$ 601,109	$ 601,631	$ 541,497	$ 597,244	$ 579,266	$ 585,755	$ 546,957	$ 2,356,672	$ 2,309,222	$ 2,308,265
Percent of total revenues									100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Long-lived assets	348,068				378,163				$ 348,068	$ 378,163	$ 380,711
United States [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									$ 1,283,925	$ 1,270,467	$ 1,134,721
Percent of total revenues									55.00%	55.00%	49.00%
Long-lived assets	193,263				188,032				$ 193,263	$ 188,032	$ 169,080
Canada [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									$ 159,985	$ 170,522	$ 194,149
Percent of total revenues									7.00%	7.00%	8.00%
Long-lived assets	31,278				27,315				$ 31,278	$ 27,315	$ 29,773
China [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									$ 114,605	$ 114,863	$ 132,330
Percent of total revenues									5.00%	5.00%	6.00%
Long-lived assets	30,487				62,794				$ 30,487	$ 62,794	$ 70,574
Germany [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									$ 104,214	$ 103,106	$ 120,297
Percent of total revenues									4.00%	4.00%	5.00%
Long-lived assets	32,386				35,588				$ 32,386	$ 35,588	$ 40,557
All Other [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									$ 693,943	$ 650,264	$ 726,768
Percent of total revenues									29.00%	29.00%	32.00%
Long-lived assets	$ 60,654				$ 64,434				$ 60,654	$ 64,434	$ 70,727

Noncontrolling Interest - Addit

Noncontrolling Interest - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Contribution to joint venture		$ 1,530
Additional contribution commitments to joint venture	$ 1,530
Hite [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Contribution to joint venture		$ 1,470
Ownership percentage		49.00%
Additional contribution commitments to joint venture	$ 1,470
Hite [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Variable interest entity, ownership percentage		51.00%

Income Per Share - Basis for In

Income Per Share - Basis for Income Per Share Computations (Detail) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Oct. 02, 2016	Jul. 03, 2016	Apr. 03, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations									$ 127,646	$ 66,508	$ 74,432
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	$ (71)	$ (88)	$ (99)	$ (99)	$ (24)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	(357)	(24)	0
Less: Preferred stock dividends	8,733	6,695	0	0					15,428	0	0
Income from continuing operations attributable to Belden common stockholders									112,575	66,532	74,432
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, attributable to Belden common stockholders					0	(242)	0	0	0	(242)	579
Loss from disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax, attributable to Belden common stockholders					$ 0	$ 0	$ (86)	$ 0	0	(86)	(562)
Net income attributable to Belden common stockholders	$ 24,621	$ 29,465	$ 42,032	$ 16,457					$ 112,575	$ 66,204	$ 74,449
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic (in shares)									42,093	42,390	43,273
Effect of dilutive common stock equivalents (in shares)									464	563	724
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted (in shares)									42,557	42,953	43,997

Income Per Share - Additional I

Income Per Share - Additional Information (Detail) - shares shares in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from diluted weighted average shares outstanding	0.6	0.4	0.2
Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from diluted weighted average shares outstanding	3

Inventories - Major Classes of

Inventories - Major Classes of Inventories (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 90,019	$ 92,929
Work-in-process	25,166	27,730
Finished goods	99,784	97,814
Gross inventories	214,969	218,473
Excess and obsolete reserves	(24,561)	(22,531)
Net inventories	$ 190,408	$ 195,942

Property, Plant and Equipment -

Property, Plant and Equipment - Summary of Carrying Values of Property, Plant and Equipment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	$ 823,192	$ 789,324
Accumulated depreciation	(513,901)	(478,695)
Net property, plant and equipment	309,291	310,629
Depreciation expense	47,200	46,600	$ 43,700
Land and Land Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	28,462	29,235
Buildings and Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	136,230	135,154
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	499,400	483,773
Computer Equipment and Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	123,909	112,888
Construction in Process [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	$ 35,191	$ 28,274

Intangible Assets - Carrying Va

Intangible Assets - Carrying Value of Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross carrying amount	$ 1,385,995	$ 1,385,115
Goodwill, Accumulated amortization	0	0
Goodwill, Net carrying amount	1,385,995	1,385,115	$ 943,374
Finite-lived intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	786,189	772,604
Finite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated amortization	(349,779)	(256,754)
Finite-lived intangible assets, Net carrying amount	436,410	515,850
Intangible assets, Gross carrying amount	909,861	912,625
Intangible assets, Net carrying amount	560,082	655,871	$ 461,292
Indefinite-Lived Assets Not Subject to Amortization [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated amortization	0	0
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, Carrying amount	123,672	140,021
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, Carrying amount	123,672	140,021
Customer Relationships [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	309,112	309,573
Finite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated amortization	(77,872)	(61,641)
Finite-lived intangible assets, Net carrying amount	231,240	247,932
Developed Technology [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	420,928	416,817
Finite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated amortization	(239,233)	(170,576)
Finite-lived intangible assets, Net carrying amount	181,695	246,241
Trademarks [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	20,534	19,417
Finite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated amortization	(10,915)	(7,255)
Finite-lived intangible assets, Net carrying amount	9,619	12,162
Trademarks [Member] | Indefinite-Lived Assets Not Subject to Amortization [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated amortization	0	0
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, Carrying amount	121,972	129,671
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, Carrying amount	121,972	129,671
Backlog [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	12,638	12,559
Finite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated amortization	(12,638)	(12,559)
Finite-lived intangible assets, Net carrying amount	0	0
In-Process/Service Research and Development [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	22,977	14,238
Finite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated amortization	(9,121)	(4,723)
Finite-lived intangible assets, Net carrying amount	13,856	9,515
In-Process/Service Research and Development [Member] | Indefinite-Lived Assets Not Subject to Amortization [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated amortization	0	0
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, Carrying amount	1,700	10,350
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, Carrying amount	$ 1,700	$ 10,350

Intangible Assets - Changes in

Intangible Assets - Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	$ 1,385,115	$ 943,374
Acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments	8,492	476,040
Translation impact	(2,135)	(34,299)
Reclassify to assets held for sale	(5,477)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	1,385,995	1,385,115
Broadcast Solutions [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	536,388	550,362
Acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments	8,492	11,481
Translation impact	(838)	(25,455)
Reclassify to assets held for sale	0
Goodwill, Ending Balance	544,042	536,388
Enterprise Solutions [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	73,278	73,278
Acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments	0	0
Translation impact	0	0
Reclassify to assets held for sale	0
Goodwill, Ending Balance	73,278	73,278
Industrial Solutions [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	196,719	200,053
Acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments	0	1,614
Translation impact	80	(4,948)
Reclassify to assets held for sale	(5,477)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	191,322	196,719
Network Solutions [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	578,730	119,681
Acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments	0	462,945
Translation impact	(1,377)	(3,896)
Reclassify to assets held for sale	0
Goodwill, Ending Balance	$ 577,353	$ 578,730

Intangible Assets - Changes i76

Intangible Assets - Changes in Carrying Amount of Trademarks (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 1,385,995	$ 1,385,115	$ 943,374
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	8,492	476,040
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)	(2,135)	(34,299)
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit	5,477
Broadcast Solutions [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	544,042	536,388	550,362
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	8,492	11,481
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)	(838)	(25,455)
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit	0
Enterprise Solutions [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	73,278	73,278	73,278
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	0	0
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)	0	0
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit	0
Industrial Solutions [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	191,322	196,719	200,053
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	0	1,614
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)	80	(4,948)
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit	5,477
Network Solutions [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	577,353	578,730	$ 119,681
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	0	462,945
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)	(1,377)	(3,896)
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit	0
Trademarks [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Trademarks, Beginning Balance	129,671	103,040
Acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments		31,000
Translation impact	(4,794)	(4,369)
Reclassify to assets held for sale	(2,905)
Trademarks, Ending Balance	121,972	129,671
Trademarks [Member] | Broadcast Solutions [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Trademarks, Beginning Balance	80,922	83,120
Acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments		0
Translation impact	(4,635)	(2,198)
Reclassify to assets held for sale	0
Trademarks, Ending Balance	76,287	80,922
Trademarks [Member] | Enterprise Solutions [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Trademarks, Beginning Balance	4,063	4,063
Acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments		0
Translation impact	0	0
Reclassify to assets held for sale	0
Trademarks, Ending Balance	4,063	4,063
Trademarks [Member] | Industrial Solutions [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Trademarks, Beginning Balance	9,090	10,744
Acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments		0
Translation impact	40	(1,654)
Reclassify to assets held for sale	(2,905)
Trademarks, Ending Balance	6,225	9,090
Trademarks [Member] | Network Solutions [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Trademarks, Beginning Balance	35,596	5,113
Acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments		31,000
Translation impact	(199)	(517)
Reclassify to assets held for sale	0
Trademarks, Ending Balance	$ 35,397	$ 35,596

Intangible Assets - Additional

Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Reporting_Unit	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Finite And Indefinite Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Number of reporting units used in quantitative assessment | Reporting_Unit	5
Number of reporting units used in qualitative assessment | Reporting_Unit	7
Goodwill impairment charges	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Impairment charges	0	0	0
Recognized amortization expenses	98,385,000	103,791,000	58,426,000
Estimated amortization expense in 2017	88,400,000
Estimated amortization expense in 2018	73,200,000
Estimated amortization expense in 2019	63,100,000
Estimated amortization expense in 2020	48,400,000
Estimated amortization expense in 2021	$ 18,200,000
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite And Indefinite Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-average amortization period	18 years 10 months 25 days
Developed Technology [Member]
Finite And Indefinite Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-average amortization period	5 years 3 months 18 days
Trademarks [Member]
Finite And Indefinite Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment charges	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Weighted-average amortization period	5 years
In-Process/Service Research and Development [Member]
Finite And Indefinite Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-average amortization period	4 years 7 months 6 days

Accounts Payable and Accrued 78

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities - Carrying Value of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accounts payable	$ 258,203	$ 223,514
Current deferred revenue	80,503	101,460
Wages, severance and related taxes	76,157	86,389
Accrued rebates	33,071	29,997
Employee benefits	24,395	27,482
Accrued interest	27,202	25,188
Other (individual items less than 5% of total current liabilities)	69,012	52,733
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$ 568,543	$ 546,763

Accounts Payable and Accrued 79

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts payable due to bank	$ 12.4	$ 11.8
Settlement of accounts payable outstanding	1 year

Severance, Restructuring, and80

Severance, Restructuring, and Acquisition Integration Activities Severance, Restructuring, and Acquisition Integration Activities (Tables) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Oct. 02, 2016	Jul. 03, 2016	Apr. 03, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance and other restructuring costs	$ 11,700	$ 12,800	$ 5,900	$ 8,400	$ 13,600	$ 14,100	$ 4,900	$ 14,600		$ 38,770	$ 47,170	$ 70,827
Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance Costs										7,082	19,101	37,254
Other Than Severance Costs Restructuring And Integration Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Other Restructuring Costs										31,688	28,069	33,573
Broadcast Solutions [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance and other restructuring costs										10,414	39,078	48,557
Broadcast Solutions [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance Costs										(116)	16,694	20,025
Broadcast Solutions [Member] | Other Than Severance Costs Restructuring And Integration Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Other Restructuring Costs										10,530	22,384	28,532
Enterprise Solutions [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance and other restructuring costs										11,962	723	3,318
Enterprise Solutions [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance Costs										636	(186)	2,183
Enterprise Solutions [Member] | Other Than Severance Costs Restructuring And Integration Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Other Restructuring Costs										11,326	909	1,135
Industrial Solutions [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance and other restructuring costs										9,923	6,228	11,953
Industrial Solutions [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance Costs										2,828	3,309	9,732
Industrial Solutions [Member] | Other Than Severance Costs Restructuring And Integration Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Other Restructuring Costs										7,095	2,919	2,221
Network Solutions [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance and other restructuring costs										6,471	1,141	6,999
Network Solutions [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance Costs										3,734	(716)	5,314
Network Solutions [Member] | Other Than Severance Costs Restructuring And Integration Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Other Restructuring Costs										2,737	1,857	1,685
Industrial Manufacturing Footprint Program [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance and other restructuring costs										17,800
Industrial Manufacturing Footprint Program [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Remaining									$ 15,000
Expected Savings From Restructuring									$ 10,000
Cost of Sales [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance and other restructuring costs										12,300	9,400	20,700
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance and other restructuring costs										25,700	31,700	46,500
Research and Development Expense [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance and other restructuring costs										$ 800	$ 6,100	$ 3,600

Severance, Restructuring and Ac

Severance, Restructuring and Acquisition Integration Activities - Summary of Severance Activity (Detail) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Oct. 02, 2016USD ($)	Jul. 03, 2016USD ($)	Apr. 03, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 28, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 29, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Program	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
New charges	$ 11,700	$ 12,800	$ 5,900	$ 8,400	$ 13,600	$ 14,100	$ 4,900	$ 14,600	$ 38,770	$ 47,170	$ 70,827
Grass Valley Restructuring Program [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
New charges									8,700	25,400
Savings From Restructuring					30,000
Industrial Restructuring Program [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
New charges									9,700	3,300
Expected Savings From Restructuring				18,000
Productivity Improvement Program and Acquisition Integration [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
New charges										$ 18,500
Number Of Restructuring Programs | Program										2
Reduction In Operating Expenses									18,000
Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance Costs									7,082	$ 19,101	37,254
Employee Severance [Member] | Grass Valley Restructuring Program [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	1,692	3,719	7,197	12,076					12,076
New charges	749	148	251	886
Cash payments	(829)	(1,945)	(3,356)	(4,404)
Foreign currency translation	(90)	32	(13)	167
Other adjustments		(262)	(360)	(1,528)
Ending balance	1,522	1,692	3,719	7,197	12,076				1,522	12,076
Employee Severance [Member] | Industrial Restructuring Program [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	4,350	3,755	3,993	2,947					2,947
New charges	885	1,287	1,489	2,919
Cash payments	(645)	(743)	(1,685)	(1,967)
Foreign currency translation	(259)	51	(42)	94
Other adjustments		0	0	0
Ending balance	$ 4,331	$ 4,350	$ 3,755	$ 3,993	$ 2,947				4,331	2,947
Other Than Severance Costs Restructuring And Integration Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Other Restructuring Costs									31,688	28,069	33,573
Broadcast Solutions [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
New charges									10,414	39,078	48,557
Broadcast Solutions [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance Costs									(116)	16,694	20,025
Broadcast Solutions [Member] | Other Than Severance Costs Restructuring And Integration Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Other Restructuring Costs									10,530	22,384	28,532
Enterprise Solutions [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
New charges									11,962	723	3,318
Enterprise Solutions [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance Costs									636	(186)	2,183
Enterprise Solutions [Member] | Other Than Severance Costs Restructuring And Integration Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Other Restructuring Costs									11,326	909	1,135
Industrial Solutions [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
New charges									9,923	6,228	11,953
Industrial Solutions [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance Costs									2,828	3,309	9,732
Industrial Solutions [Member] | Other Than Severance Costs Restructuring And Integration Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Other Restructuring Costs									7,095	2,919	2,221
Network Solutions [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
New charges									6,471	1,141	6,999
Network Solutions [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance Costs									3,734	(716)	5,314
Network Solutions [Member] | Other Than Severance Costs Restructuring And Integration Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Other Restructuring Costs									$ 2,737	$ 1,857	$ 1,685
Maximum [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring And Integration Cost Payable Period									60 days
M2 FX Limited [Member] | Productivity Improvement Program and Acquisition Integration [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
New charges									$ 2,600

Long-Term Debt and Other Borr82

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements - Carrying Values of Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior subordinated notes	$ 1,643,448		$ 1,459,056
Total gross debt and other borrowing arrangements	1,643,448		1,753,021
Less unamortized debt issuance costs	(23,287)		(25,239)
Total gross debt and other borrowing arrangements	1,620,161		1,727,782
Less current maturities of Term Loan	0		(2,500)
Long-term debt	1,620,161		1,725,282
Revolving Credit Agreement Mature 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit agreement due 2018	0		50,000	$ 200,000
Variable Term loan Due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate term loan due 2020	$ 0		$ 243,965
4.125% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2026 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior subordinated notes interest rate	4.125%	4.125%	4.125%
Total senior subordinated notes	$ 209,081		$ 0
5.25% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior subordinated notes interest rate	5.25%		5.25%
Total senior subordinated notes	$ 200,000		$ 200,000
5.50% Senior subordinated notes due 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior subordinated notes interest rate	5.50%		5.50%
Total senior subordinated notes	$ 529,146		$ 553,835
5.50% Senior subordinated notes due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior subordinated notes interest rate	5.50%		5.50%
Total senior subordinated notes	$ 700,000		$ 700,000
9.25% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior subordinated notes interest rate	9.25%		9.25%
Total senior subordinated notes	$ 5,221		$ 5,221

Long-Term Debt and Other Borr83

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2016USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2016EUR (€)	Oct. 10, 2016EUR (€)	Jan. 31, 2015USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2014USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2014EUR (€)	Jun. 29, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2013USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2013EUR (€)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan	$ 222,050,000	$ 200,000,000	$ 456,163,000
Loss on debt extinguishment	2,342,000	0	0
Aggregate principal amount outstanding of senior subordinated notes	1,643,448,000	1,459,100,000
Payments of debt issuance costs	3,910,000	898,000	$ 10,700,000
Total senior subordinated notes	1,643,448,000	1,459,056,000
Fair value of debt instrument	1,693,200,000	1,416,600,000
Revolving Credit Agreement Mature 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowing under line of credit facility	400,000,000
Revolving credit agreement due 2018	0	50,000,000						$ 200,000,000
Line of credit repayments made	50,000,000	$ 150,000,000
Line of credit borrowing base	$ 276,400,000
Line of credit commitment fees	0.375%
Revolving credit facility restrictive covenants fixed charge coverage ratio minimum threshold	90.00%
Revolving Credit Agreement Mature 2018 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit spread on variable rate	1.25%
Revolving Credit Agreement Mature 2018 [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit spread on variable rate	1.75%
Variable Term loan Due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan				$ 250,000,000
Quarterly amortization payments	$ 600,000
Loss on debt extinguishment	$ 2,300,000
4.125% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2026 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior subordinated notes interest rate	4.125%	4.125%			4.125%	4.125%
Total senior subordinated notes	$ 209,081,000	$ 0
4.125% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2026 [Member] | Senior Subordinate Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount outstanding of senior subordinated notes					$ 222,200,000	€ 200,000,000	€ 200,000,000
Payments of debt issuance costs	$ 3,900,000
5.25% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior subordinated notes interest rate	5.25%	5.25%
Total senior subordinated notes	$ 200,000,000	$ 200,000,000
5.25% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2024 [Member] | Senior Subordinate Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount outstanding of senior subordinated notes											$ 200,000,000
Senior subordinated notes interest rate											5.25%
Payments of debt issuance costs	4,200,000
5.5% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2023 [Member] | Senior Subordinate Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount outstanding of senior subordinated notes									$ 247,500,000	€ 200,000,000		$ 388,200,000	€ 300,000,000
Senior subordinated notes interest rate												5.50%	5.50%
Payments of debt issuance costs	12,700,000
Total senior subordinated notes	529,100,000
5.5% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2022 [Member] | Senior Subordinate Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount outstanding of senior subordinated notes	$ 700,000,000
Senior subordinated notes interest rate	5.50%
9.25% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount outstanding of senior subordinated notes	$ 5,200,000
Senior subordinated notes interest rate	9.25%	9.25%
Total senior subordinated notes	$ 5,221,000	$ 5,221,000
Effective interest rate of senior subordinated notes	9.75%

Long-Term Debt and Other Borr84

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements - Schedule of Senior Subordinated Notes (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2019 [Member] | 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	101.542%
Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2019 [Member] | 2017 and Thereafter [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	100.00%
Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2022 [Member] | 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	102.75%
Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2022 [Member] | 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	101.833%
Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2022 [Member] | 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	100.917%
Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2022 [Member] | 2020 and Thereafter [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	100.00%
Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2023 [Member] | 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	102.75%
Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2023 [Member] | 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	101.833%
Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2023 [Member] | 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	100.917%
Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2023 [Member] | 2021 and Thereafter [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	100.00%
Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2024 [Member] | 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	102.625%
Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2024 [Member] | 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	101.75%
Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2024 [Member] | 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	100.875%
Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2024 [Member] | 2022 and Thereafter [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	100.00%
Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2026 [Member] | 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	102.063%
Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2026 [Member] | 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	101.375%
Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2026 [Member] | 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	100.688%
Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2026 [Member] | 2024 and Thereafter [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	100.00%

Long-Term Debt and Other Borr85

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements - Maturities on Outstanding Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowings (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2,017	$ 0
2,018	0
2,019	5,221
2,020	0
2,021	0
Thereafter	1,638,227
Total gross debt and other borrowing arrangements	$ 1,643,448	$ 1,753,021

Net Investment Hedge (Details)

Net Investment Hedge (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2016USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2016EUR (€)	Oct. 10, 2016EUR (€)
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Face value of senior subordinated notes	$ 1,643,448,000	$ 1,459,100,000
Foreign currency translation income loss	18,687,000	$ (20,842,000)	$ (10,387,000)
4.125% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2026 [Member] | Senior Subordinate Notes [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Face value of senior subordinated notes				$ 222,200,000	€ 200,000,000	€ 200,000,000
Foreign currency translation income loss	$ 13,000,000

Income Taxes - Components of In

Income Taxes - Components of Income Tax Expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes:
United States operations	$ (25,615)	$ (6,924)	$ 14,042
Foreign operations	152,076	46,864	67,504
Income from continuing operations before taxes	126,461	39,940	81,546
Currently payable
United States federal	2,981	0	6,701
United States state and local	(1,038)	1,789	1,617
Foreign	26,906	17,317	16,592
Income tax expense (benefit)	28,849	19,106	24,910
Deferred
United States federal	(27,677)	(23,709)	(9,662)
United States state and local	(3,139)	(2,257)	(746)
Foreign	782	(19,708)	(7,388)
Deferred Income tax expense (benefit)	(30,034)	(45,674)	(17,796)
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ (1,185)	$ (26,568)	$ 7,114

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2036	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax expense (benefit) for discontinued operations	$ 0	$ 200	$ (900)
Statutory tax rates	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Foreign tax rate differences benefit in income tax	$ 17,700	$ 3,400	$ 14,400
Income tax expense tax holiday	2,900	2,500
Income tax benefit from domestic permanent differences and tax credits	13,500
Income tax benefit from foreign jurisdiction tax credits	13,300
Income tax benefit due to changes in the valuation allowance	9,200
Income tax benefit from other foreign tax credits and research and development tax credits	7,000
Net operating loss carryforwards	526,243
Net tax credit carryforwards	112,500
Operating loss carryforwards that will be used in expiration periods	183,900
Net tax credit carryforwards that will expire	112,463
Net tax credit carry forwards with indefinite carry forward period	6,500
Net tax credit carryforwards that expected to be utilized prior to expiry	110,200
Provision for U.S or additional foreign withholding taxes	590,300
Net change in reserve for uncertain tax positions	(3,200)
Balance at end of the year of unrecognized tax benefits	10,474	7,293	10,057
Estimate the range of reasonably possible changes to unrecognized tax positions	2,900
Recognized interest expense (income) and penalties of unrecognized tax benefits	(200)	0	$ (1,100)
Accrued interest expense (income) and penalties of unrecognized tax benefits	1,200	$ 1,400
Net Operating Loss Carry Forwards Expires In 2016 [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	17,300
Net Operating Loss Carry Forwards Expires In 2017 [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	13,100
Net Operating Loss Carry Forwards Expires In 2018 [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	400
2019 and 2021 [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	34,200
2022 and 2036 [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	157,500
Net Operating Loss Carry Forward Indefinite Period [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 303,700
Germany [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Statutory tax rates	28.00%
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 12,686
Canada [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Statutory tax rates	26.00%
Net tax credit carryforwards that will expire	$ 17,282
Netherlands [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Statutory tax rates	25.00%
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 8,999
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net tax credit carryforwards that will expire				$ 78,500	$ 15,400	$ 12,100

Income Taxes - Effective Income

Income Taxes - Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation from Continuing Operations (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Effective income tax rate reconciliation from continuing operations:
United States federal statutory rate (as a percent)	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State and local income taxes (as a percent)	(0.90%)	(2.60%)	0.80%
Impact of change in tax contingencies (as a percent)	2.40%	(4.20%)	(7.10%)
Foreign income tax rate differences (as a percent)	(14.00%)	(8.40%)	(17.60%)
Impact of change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance (as a percent)	(7.30%)	(28.60%)	4.70%
Impact of change in legal entity tax status (as a percent)	(5.50%)	0.00%	0.00%
Impact of non-taxable interest income (as a percent)	(4.90%)	(15.60%)	(9.20%)
Domestic permanent differences & tax credits (as a percent)	(5.70%)	(42.10%)	2.10%
Effective income tax rate reconciliation from continuing operations (as a percent)	(0.90%)	(66.50%)	8.70%

Income Taxes - Components of De

Income Taxes - Components of Deferred Income Tax Balances (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Plant, equipment, and intangibles	$ (179,229)	$ (203,736)
Deferred income tax assets:
Postretirement, pensions, and stock compensation	35,500	32,831
Reserves and accruals	22,795	44,345
Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards	245,135	231,892
Valuation allowances	(104,771)	(117,071)
Deferred tax assets	198,659	191,997
Net deferred income tax asset	$ 19,430
Net deferred income tax liability		$ (11,739)

Income Taxes - Summary of Net O

Income Taxes - Summary of Net Operating Loss Carryforwards (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	$ 526,243
France [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	233,507
United States - various states [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	169,179
Luxembourg [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	25,033
Japan [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	23,651
Australia [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	12,819
Germany [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	12,686
Netherlands [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	8,999
All Other [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	$ 40,369

Income Taxes - Summary of Tax C

Income Taxes - Summary of Tax Credit Carryforwards (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforwards	$ 112,463
United States [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforwards	95,181
Canada [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforwards	$ 17,282

Income Taxes - Reconciliation o

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amounts of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 7,293	$ 10,057
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	507	544
Additions for tax positions of prior years	2,675	638
Reductions for tax positions of prior years - Settlement	0	(3,765)
Reduction for tax positions of prior years - Statute of limitations	(1)	(181)
Balance at end of year	$ 10,474	$ 7,293

Pension and Other Postretirem94

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined contribution expense	$ 13,500	$ 12,600	$ 11,800
Accumulated benefit obligation	253,900	272,500
Project benefit obligation for the pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets	205,800	228,300
Accumulated benefit obligation for the pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of assets	203,100	225,400
Fair value of plan assets for the pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets	128,500	150,200
Projected benefit obligation of plan assets	50,700	46,900
Accumulated benefit obligation for the pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation less than plan assets	50,700	47,100
Fair value of plan assets for the pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligations less than plan assets	$ 53,900	54,100
Target asset allocation for the investment of the assets in fixed income securities minimum	75.00%
Target asset allocation for the investment of the assets in fixed income securities maximum	80.00%
Target asset allocation for the investment of the assets in equity securities minimum	20.00%
Target asset allocation for the investment of the assets in equity securities maximum	25.00%
Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target asset allocation for the investment of the assets in fixed income securities	30.00%
Target asset allocation for the investment of the assets in equity securities	60.00%
Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target asset allocation for the investment of the assets in fixed income securities	40.00%
Target asset allocation for the investment of the assets in equity securities	70.00%
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Settlement loss	$ 7,630	128	0
Pension and other postretirement plans	4,400
Other Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Settlement loss	0	$ 0	$ 0
Pension and other postretirement plans	$ 1,800

Pension and Other Postretirem95

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Change in Benefit Obligation (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Pension Benefits [Member]
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation, beginning of year	$ (275,205)	$ (300,339)
Service cost	(4,981)	(5,505)	$ (5,453)
Interest cost	(8,909)	(9,116)	(10,757)
Participant contributions	(106)	(109)
Actuarial gain (loss)	(16,250)	12,108
Settlements	29,256	1,579
Curtailments	227	128	359
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	10,723	12,132
Benefits paid	8,764	13,917
Benefit obligation, end of year	(256,481)	(275,205)	(300,339)
Other Benefits [Member]
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation, beginning of year	(32,313)	(39,169)
Service cost	(46)	(52)	(49)
Interest cost	(1,259)	(1,301)	(1,647)
Participant contributions	(7)	(5)
Actuarial gain (loss)	578	1,720
Settlements	0	0
Curtailments	0	0	0
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	(580)	4,691
Benefits paid	1,589	1,803
Benefit obligation, end of year	$ (32,038)	$ (32,313)	$ (39,169)

Pension and Other Postretirem96

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Change in Plan Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	$ 204,372
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	182,370	$ 204,372
Pension Benefits [Member]
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	204,372	216,754
Actual return on plan assets	18,832	2,569
Employer contributions	5,698	5,706
Plan participant contributions	106	109
Settlements	(28,841)	(1,579)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	(9,033)	(5,270)
Benefits paid	(8,764)	(13,917)
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	182,370	204,372
Other Benefits [Member]
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	0	0
Actual return on plan assets	0	0
Employer contributions	1,582	1,798
Plan participant contributions	7	5
Settlements	0	0
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	0	0
Benefits paid	(1,589)	(1,803)
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	$ 0	$ 0

Pension and Other Postretirem97

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Amounts recognized in the balance sheets:
Accrued benefit liability (noncurrent)	$ (104,050)	$ (105,230)
Pension Benefits [Member]
Amounts recognized in the balance sheets:
Prepaid benefit cost	3,148	7,219
Accrued benefit liability (current)	(3,022)	(3,173)
Liabilities held for sale	(447)	0
Accrued benefit liability (noncurrent)	(73,790)	(74,879)
Net funded status	(74,111)	(70,833)
Other Benefits [Member]
Amounts recognized in the balance sheets:
Prepaid benefit cost	0	0
Accrued benefit liability (current)	(1,778)	(1,962)
Liabilities held for sale	0	0
Accrued benefit liability (noncurrent)	(30,260)	(30,351)
Net funded status	$ (32,038)	$ (32,313)

Pension and Other Postretirem98

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Pension Benefits [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	$ 4,981	$ 5,505	$ 5,453
Interest cost	8,909	9,116	10,757
Expected return on plan assets	(12,013)	(12,518)	(12,468)
Amortization of prior service credit	(42)	(44)	(48)
Curtailment gain	(227)	(128)	(359)
Settlement loss	7,630	128	0
Net loss recognition	2,670	5,082	4,154
Net periodic benefit cost	11,908	7,141	7,489
Other Benefits [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	46	52	49
Interest cost	1,259	1,301	1,647
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service credit	(42)	(87)	(100)
Curtailment gain	0	0	0
Settlement loss	0	0	0
Net loss recognition	86	328	315
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 1,349	$ 1,594	$ 1,911

Pension and Other Postretirem99

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Assumptions Used in Determining Benefit Obligations and Net Periodic Benefit Cost Amounts (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Pension Benefits [Member]
Weighted average assumptions for benefit obligations at year end:
Discount rate (as a percent)	3.00%	3.60%
Salary increase (as a percent)	3.30%	3.50%
Weighted average assumptions for net periodic cost for the year:
Discount rate (as a percent)	3.60%	3.20%
Salary increase (as a percent)	3.50%	3.50%
Expected return on assets (as a percent)	6.20%	6.70%
Other Benefits [Member]
Weighted average assumptions for benefit obligations at year end:
Discount rate (as a percent)	3.70%	4.00%
Weighted average assumptions for net periodic cost for the year:
Discount rate (as a percent)	4.00%	3.70%
Assumed health care cost trend rates:
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year (as a percent)	6.20%	5.50%
Rate that the cost trend rate gradually declines to (as a percent)	5.00%	5.00%

Pension and Other Postretire100

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Effect of One Percentage - Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]
Effect on total of service and interest cost components, 1% Increase	$ 133
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation, 1% Increase	3,203
Effect on total of service and interest cost components, 1% Decrease	(109)
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation, 1% Decrease	$ (2,640)

Pension and Other Postretire101

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Fair Values of Pension Plan Assets by Asset Category (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	$ 182,370	$ 204,372
Large-Cap Fund [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	65,495	77,618
Mid-Cap Fund [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	11,419	14,427
Small-Cap Fund [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	17,184	19,260
Government Bond Fund [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	26,151	26,827
Corporate Bond Fund [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	20,971	24,975
Fixed Income Fund [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	40,958	40,989
Cash & Equivalents [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	192	276
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	192	9,541
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Large-Cap Fund [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category		3,266
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Mid-Cap Fund [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category		957
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Small-Cap Fund [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category		461
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Government Bond Fund [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category		1,387
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Corporate Bond Fund [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category		3,194
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Cash & Equivalents [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	192	276
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	40,958	40,989
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Fixed Income Fund [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	$ 40,958	$ 40,989

Pension and Other Postretire102

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Benefits Expected to be Paid in Subsequent Years from Our Pension and Other Postretirement as Well as Medicare Subsidy Receipts (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Pension Benefits [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
2,017	$ 15,785
2,018	16,119
2,019	16,873
2,020	17,145
2,021	16,176
2022-2026	79,935
Total	162,033
Other Benefits [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
2,017	1,811
2,018	1,763
2,019	1,706
2,020	1,672
2,021	1,636
2022-2026	8,016
Total	$ 16,604

Pension and Other Postretire103

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Summary of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss That Have Not Been Recognized as Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss	$ 49,260	$ 51,720
Net prior service credit	(44)	(81)
Total	49,216
Other Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss	1,842	2,515
Net prior service credit	0	$ (40)
Total	$ 1,842

Pension and Other Postretire104

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Pension Benefits [Member]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract]
Net actuarial loss, beginning of year	$ 51,720
Amortization of actuarial loss	(2,670)
Actuarial loss (gain)	16,023
Asset gain	(7,196)
Curtailment gain recognized	227
Settlement loss recognized	(7,630)	$ (128)	$ 0
Currency impact	(1,214)
Net actuarial loss, end of year	49,260	51,720
Prior service credit, beginning of year	(81)
Amortization credit	42
Currency impact	(5)
Prior service credit, end of year	(44)	(81)
Other Benefits [Member]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract]
Net actuarial loss, beginning of year	2,515
Amortization of actuarial loss	(86)
Actuarial loss (gain)	(578)
Asset gain	0
Curtailment gain recognized	0
Settlement loss recognized	0	0	$ 0
Currency impact	(9)
Net actuarial loss, end of year	1,842	2,515
Prior service credit, beginning of year	(40)
Amortization credit	42
Currency impact	(2)
Prior service credit, end of year	$ 0	$ (40)

Pension and Other Postretire105

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Expected Amortization of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss as Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Amortization of prior service credit	$ (43)
Amortization of net loss	2,568
Total	2,525
Other Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Amortization of prior service credit	0
Amortization of net loss	69
Total	$ 69

Comprehensive Income and Acc106

Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Components of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ (58,987)	$ (46,031)
Other comprehensive gain (loss) loss attributable to Belden before reclassifications	13,584	(16,386)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	6,336	3,430
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	19,920	(12,956)
Ending balance	(39,067)	(58,987)
Foreign Currency Translation Component [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(23,411)	(2,591)
Other comprehensive gain (loss) loss attributable to Belden before reclassifications	18,750	(20,820)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	18,750	(20,820)
Ending balance	(4,661)	(23,411)
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(35,576)	(43,440)
Other comprehensive gain (loss) loss attributable to Belden before reclassifications	(5,166)	4,434
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	6,336	3,430
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	1,170	7,864
Ending balance	$ (34,406)	$ (35,576)

Comprehensive Income and Acc107

Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Summary of Effects of Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Amortization of pension and other postretirement benefit plan items:
Total net of tax	$ 6,336	$ 3,430
Settlement loss [Member]
Amortization of pension and other postretirement benefit plan items:
Total before tax	7,630
Actuarial losses [Member]
Amortization of pension and other postretirement benefit plan items:
Total before tax	2,756
Prior service credit [Member]
Amortization of pension and other postretirement benefit plan items:
Total before tax	(84)
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Amortization of pension and other postretirement benefit plan items:
Total before tax	10,302
Tax benefit	(3,966)
Total net of tax	$ 6,336	$ 3,430

Share-Based Compensation - Inco

Share-Based Compensation - Income Tax Benefit Recognized for our Share-Based Compensation Arrangements (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Total share-based compensation cost	$ 18,178	$ 17,745	$ 18,858
Income tax benefit	$ 7,069	$ 6,867	$ 7,334

Share-Based Compensation - Addi

Share-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost related to all nonvested awards	$ 18.8
Unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period	1 year 7 months 6 days
SARs and Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
SAR's and stock options expiration period	10 years
Restricted Shares and Units [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Restricted Shares and Units [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	5 years

Share-Based Compensation - Fair

Share-Based Compensation - Fair Values for SARs and Stock Options Estimated on Grant Date Using Black-Scholes-Merton Option-Pricing Formula Which Incorporates Assumptions (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Weighted-average fair value of SARs and options granted (in usd per share)	$ 18.79	$ 31.22	$ 35.46
Total intrinsic value of SARs converted and options exercised	$ 9,678	$ 14,697	$ 24,023
Cash received for options exercised	0	30	48
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation	$ 1,171	$ 5,050	$ 6,859
Weighted-average fair value of restricted stock shares and units granted (in usd per share)	$ 54.52	$ 96.52	$ 72.46
Total fair value of restricted stock shares and units vested	$ 8,171	$ 7,696	$ 7,888
Expected volatility (as a percent)	37.47%	35.66%	52.63%
Expected term (in years)	5 years 8 months 12 days	5 years 8 months 12 days	5 years 9 months 18 days
Risk-free rate (as a percent)	1.32%	1.59%	1.79%
Dividend yield (as a percent)	0.38%	0.22%	0.28%

Share-Based Compensation - Summ

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Share Based Compensation Activity (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$ 54.52	$ 96.52	$ 72.46
SARs and Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at Beginning, Number (in shares)	1,189
Granted, Number (in shares)	286
Exercised or converted, Number (in shares)	(305)
Forfeited or expired, Number (in shares)	(46)
Outstanding at Ending, Number (in shares)	1,124	1,189
Vested or expected to vest at End, Number (in shares)	1,112
Exercisable or convertible at End, Number (in shares)	640
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Outstanding at Beginning, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 53.80
Granted, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	52.91
Exercised or converted, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	39.36
Forfeited or expired, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	71.01
Outstanding at End, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	56.79	$ 53.80
Vested or expected to vest at End, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	56.66
Exercisable or convertible at End, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$ 50.89
Outstanding at End, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	6 years 10 months 25 days
Vested or expected to vest at End, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	6 years 10 months 25 days
Exercisable or convertible at End, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	5 years 7 months 6 days
Outstanding at End, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 20,214
Vested or expected to vest at End, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	20,143
Exercisable or convertible at End, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 15,289
Restricted Shares and Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at Beginning, Number (in shares)	464
Granted, Number (in shares)	195
Exercised or converted, Number (in shares)	(159)
Forfeited or expired, Number (in shares)	(46)
Outstanding at End, Number (in shares)	454	464
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Outstanding at Beginning, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$ 74.50
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	54.52
Exercised or converted, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	51.44
Forfeited or expired, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	69.64
Outstanding at End, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$ 69.55	$ 74.50

Preferred Stock (Details)

Preferred Stock (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Jul. 15, 2019shares	Jul. 26, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Depository Shares [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Depository shares issued		5,200,000
Interest in preferred stock per depository share		0.01
6.75% Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Percentage of issued shares		6.75%
Offering price (in usd per share) | $ / shares		$ 100
Proceeds from offering, net | $		$ 501
Minimum [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member] | 6.75% Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock converted in to common stock	120.46
Number of common stock issued upon conversion	6,200,000
Maximum [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member] | 6.75% Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock converted in to common stock	132.50
Number of common stock issued upon conversion	6,900,000

Stockholder Rights Plan - Addit

Stockholder Rights Plan - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016purchase_rightvote$ / shares$ / Warrantshares
Equity [Abstract]
Common stock, number of preferred stock purchase rights per share of common stock held | purchase_right	1
Portion of preferred share purchase right entitled to holder | shares	0.0001
Purchase price of Preferred Stock as per plan	$ 325
Common stock, number of voting rights per share of common stock held | vote	1
Percentage common stock to acquired to exercise stock rights	20.00%
Price worth of surviving company common stock | $ / Warrant	300
Purchase price of Preferred Stock as per plan if acquired	$ 150
Redemption price of stock holder rights plan	$ 0.01
Percentage of beneficial ownership	20.00%

Share Repurchases - Additional

Share Repurchases - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended			66 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2016	Nov. 30, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Purchase of common stock					$ 200,000,000	$ 150,000,000
Payments under share repurchase program	$ 0	$ 39,053,000	$ 92,197,000
Share Repurchase Plan 2011 [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Repurchase of shares	0	700,000	1,300,000	7,400,000
Payments under share repurchase program		$ 39,100,000	$ 92,200,000	$ 350,000,000
Repurchase of shares average price per share		$ 55.95	$ 73.06	$ 47.43

Operating Leases - Additional I

Operating Leases - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease expense incurred	$ 40.3	$ 40.6	$ 32.8

Operating Leases - Summary of M

Operating Leases - Summary of Minimum Annual Lease Payments for Noncancelable Operating Leases (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
2,017	$ 26,439
2,018	20,054
2,019	15,843
2,020	11,697
2,021	9,696
Thereafter	28,799
Total	$ 112,528

Market Concentrations and Ri117

Market Concentrations and Risks - Additional Information (Detail) lb in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)lbCustomerDistributor	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)CustomerDistributor	Dec. 31, 2014CustomerDistributor
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of customers | Customer	10	10	10
Number of distributors | Distributor	6	5	5
Long-term debt	$ 1,643,448,000	$ 1,753,021,000
Fair value of debt instrument	1,693,200,000	1,416,600,000
Face value of senior subordinated notes	$ 1,643,448,000	$ 1,459,100,000
Copper [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Committed amounts to purchase | lb	1.6
Aggregate cost	$ 3,900,000
Recorded unconditional purchase obligation fixed cost	$ (100,000)
Aluminum [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Committed amounts to purchase | lb	0.5
Aggregate cost	$ 400,000
Consolidated Revenues [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	33.00%	33.00%	33.00%
Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements [Member] | Labor Force Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	21.00%
Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring within One Year [Member] | Labor Force Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	19.00%

Contingent Liabilities - Additi

Contingent Liabilities - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Standby Letters of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Loss contingency, range of possible loss, portion not accrued	$ 7.8
Bank Guaranties [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Loss contingency, range of possible loss, portion not accrued	1.7
Surety Bonds [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Loss contingency, range of possible loss, portion not accrued	$ 2.4

Supplemental Cash Flow Infor119

Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Income tax refunds received	$ 3,838	$ 4,068	$ 12,681
Income taxes paid	(26,587)	(24,960)	(25,308)
Interest paid, net of amount capitalized	$ (87,076)	$ (91,496)	$ (70,915)

Quarterly Operating Results 120

Quarterly Operating Results (Unaudited) - Quarterly Operating Results (Unaudited) (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Oct. 02, 2016	Jul. 03, 2016	Apr. 03, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of days in quarter	90 days	91 days	91 days	94 days	95 days	91 days	91 days	88 days	366 days	365 days
Revenues	$ 612,435	$ 601,109	$ 601,631	$ 541,497	$ 597,244	$ 579,266	$ 585,755	$ 546,957	$ 2,356,672	$ 2,309,222	$ 2,308,265
Gross profit	261,784	245,962	248,213	225,035	250,117	226,131	234,276	207,649	980,994	918,173	819,449
Operating income	58,668	61,980	62,241	40,964	57,010	34,502	44,143	4,898	223,853	140,553	163,119
Net income	33,283	36,072	41,933	16,358					127,646	66,180	74,449
Income (loss) from continuing operations					49,656	14,811	21,677	(19,636)		66,508
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax					0	(242)	0	0	0	(242)	579
Loss from disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax					0	0	(86)	0	0	(86)	(562)
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(71)	(88)	(99)	(99)	(24)	0	0	0	(357)	(24)	0
Net income attributable to Belden	33,354	36,160	42,032	16,457	$ 49,680	$ 14,569	$ 21,591	$ (19,636)	128,003	66,204
Less: Preferred stock dividends	8,733	6,695	0	0					15,428	0	0
Net income attributable to Belden common stockholders	$ 24,621	$ 29,465	$ 42,032	$ 16,457					$ 112,575	$ 66,204	$ 74,449
Basic income (loss) per share attributable to Belden common stockholders:
Continuing operations (in usd per share)					$ 1.18	$ 0.35	$ 0.51	$ (0.46)	$ 2.67	$ 1.57	$ 1.72
Discontinued operations (in usd per share)					0	(0.01)	0	0	0	(0.01)	0.01
Disposal of discontinued operations (in usd per share)					0	0	0	0	0	0	(0.01)
Net income (in usd per share)	$ 0.58	$ 0.70	$ 1	$ 0.39	1.18	0.34	0.51	(0.46)	2.67	1.56	1.72
Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to Belden common stockholders:
Continuing operations (in usd per share)					1.17	0.35	0.50	(0.46)	2.65	1.55	1.69
Discontinued operations (in usd per share)					0	(0.01)	0	0	0	(0.01)	0.01
Disposal of discontinued operations (in usd per share)					0	0	0	0	0	0	(0.01)
Net income (in usd per share)	$ 0.58	$ 0.69	$ 0.99	$ 0.39	$ 1.17	$ 0.34	$ 0.50	$ (0.46)	$ 2.65	$ 1.54	$ 1.69

Quarterly Operating Results 121

Quarterly Operating Results (Unaudited) - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Oct. 02, 2016	Jul. 03, 2016	Apr. 03, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Severance and other restructuring costs	$ 11,700	$ 12,800	$ 5,900	$ 8,400	$ 13,600	$ 14,100	$ 4,900	$ 14,600	$ 38,770	$ 47,170	$ 70,827
Royalty revenues	$ 10,300
Tripwire [Member]
Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Compensation expense								$ 9,200		$ 9,200