Belden (BDC) 10-Q 4 Nov 19 2019 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Oct. 31, 2019
Cover page.
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 29, 2019
Entity File Number	001-12561
Entity Registrant Name	BELDEN INC.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	36-3601505
Entity Address, Address Line One	1 North Brentwood Boulevard
Entity Address, Address Line Two	15th Floor
Entity Address, City or Town	St. Louis
Entity Address, State or Province	MO
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	63105
City Area Code	314
Local Phone Number	854-8000
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity File Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging growth company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Title of 12(b) Security	Common stock, $0.01 par value
Trading Symbol	BDC
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		45,457,559
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Entity Central Index Key	0000913142
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Transition Report	false

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 29, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 296,742	$ 420,610
Receivables, net	460,044	465,939
Inventories, net	290,995	316,418
Other current assets	74,876	55,757
Total current assets	1,122,657	1,258,724
Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated depreciation	384,183	365,970
Operating lease right-of-use assets	78,788
Goodwill	1,265,006	1,557,653
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization	471,386	511,093
Deferred income taxes	88,118	56,018
Other long-lived assets	31,857	29,863
Total assets	3,441,995	3,779,321
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	275,889	352,646
Accrued liabilities	301,599	364,276
Total current liabilities	577,488	716,922
Long-term debt	1,403,670	1,463,200
Postretirement benefits	127,090	132,791
Deferred income taxes	75,192	39,943
Long-term operating lease liabilities	73,436
Other long-term liabilities	40,309	38,877
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock	0	1
Common stock	503	503
Additional paid-in capital	807,087	1,139,395
Retained earnings	667,703	922,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(29,111)	(74,907)
Treasury stock	(307,482)	(599,845)
Total Belden stockholders’ equity	1,138,700	1,387,147
Noncontrolling interests	6,110	441
Total stockholders’ equity	1,144,810	1,387,588
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 3,441,995	$ 3,779,321

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 620,318	$ 655,774	$ 1,845,023	$ 1,929,978
Cost of sales	(384,916)	(394,917)	(1,143,870)	(1,180,931)
Gross profit	235,402	260,857	701,153	749,047
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(120,169)	(132,716)	(365,439)	(396,430)
Research and development expenses	(31,351)	(33,471)	(100,539)	(107,781)
Amortization of intangibles	(22,243)	(25,533)	(67,952)	(74,990)
Goodwill and other asset impairment	(342,146)	0	(342,146)	0
Gain from patent litigation	0	62,141	0	62,141
Operating income (loss)	(280,507)	131,278	(174,923)	231,987
Interest expense, net	(14,200)	(14,472)	(42,561)	(46,538)
Non-operating pension benefit	489	1,356	1,517	824
Loss on debt extinguishment	0	0	0	(22,990)
Income (loss) before taxes	(294,218)	118,162	(215,967)	163,283
Income tax expense	(2,797)	(32,304)	(13,580)	(46,063)
Net income (loss)	(297,015)	85,858	(229,547)	117,220
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(6)	(23)	60	(148)
Net income (loss) attributable to Belden	(297,009)	85,881	(229,607)	117,368
Less: Preferred stock dividends	971	8,732	18,437	26,198
Net income (loss) attributable to Belden common stockholders	$ (297,980)	$ 77,149	$ (248,044)	$ 91,170
Weighted average number of common shares and equivalents:
Basic (in shares)	44,444	40,510	41,090	40,960
Diluted (in shares)	44,444	47,678	41,090	41,268
Basic income per share attributable to Belden common stockholders (in usd per share)	$ (6.70)	$ 1.90	$ (6.04)	$ 2.23
Diluted income per share attributable to Belden common stockholders (in usd per share)	$ (6.70)	$ 1.80	$ (6.04)	$ 2.21
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Belden	$ (263,530)	$ 68,620	$ (183,811)	$ 129,727
Common stock dividends declared per share (in usd per share)	$ 0.05	$ 0.05	$ 0.15	$ 0.15

Condensed Consolidated Cash Flo

Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Statements (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ (229,547)	$ 117,220
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Goodwill and other asset impairment	342,146	0
Depreciation and amortization	108,328	111,896
Share-based compensation	12,115	14,657
Loss on debt extinguishment	0	22,990
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of the effects of currency exchange rate changes and acquired businesses:
Receivables	6,002	(25,338)
Inventories	32,261	(16,642)
Accounts payable	(78,346)	(81,296)
Accrued liabilities	(70,368)	(29,474)
Income taxes	(19,650)	4,463
Other assets	(9,088)	(13,267)
Other liabilities	(4,336)	(4,350)
Net cash provided by operating activities	89,517	100,859
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(74,068)	(63,451)
Cash used to acquire businesses, net of cash acquired	(50,951)	(84,580)
Proceeds from disposal of tangible assets	19	1,556
Proceeds from disposal of business	0	40,171
Net cash used for investing activities	(125,000)	(106,304)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments under share repurchase program	(50,000)	(125,000)
Cash dividends paid	(32,153)	(32,421)
Withholding tax payments for share-based payment awards	(2,063)	(2,004)
Other	(232)	0
Payments under borrowing arrangements	0	(484,757)
Debt issuance costs paid	0	(7,609)
Redemption of stockholders' rights agreement	0	(411)
Borrowings under credit arrangements	0	431,270
Net cash used for financing activities	(84,448)	(220,932)
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(3,937)	(5,704)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(123,868)	(232,081)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	420,610	561,108
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 296,742	$ 329,027

Condensed Consolidated Stockhol

Condensed Consolidated Stockholders' Equity Statement (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Mandatory Convertible	Common Stock	Additional	Retained	Treasury Stock	Accumulated Other	Non-controlling
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017		52	50,335			(8,316)
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 1,434,866	$ 1	$ 503	$ 1,123,832	$ 833,610	$ (425,685)	$ (98,026)	$ 631
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	2,570				2,618			(48)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(31,392)						(31,408)	16
Exercise of stock options, net of tax withholding forfeitures	(361)			(352)		$ (9)
Exercise of stock options, net of tax withholding forfeitures (in shares)						7
Conversion of restricted stock units into common stock, net of tax withholding forfeitures	(1,142)			(1,242)		$ 100
Conversion of restricted stock units into common stock, net of tax withholding forfeitures (in shares)						27
Share repurchase program	(75,270)					$ (75,270)
Share repurchase program (in shares)						(1,050)
Share-based compensation	3,126			3,126
Redemption of stockholders' rights agreement	(411)				(411)
Preferred stock dividends	(8,733)				(8,733)
Common stock dividends	(2,066)				(2,066)
Ending balance (in shares) at Apr. 01, 2018		52	50,335			(9,332)
Ending balance at Apr. 01, 2018	1,292,146	$ 1	$ 503	1,125,364	795,977	$ (500,864)	(129,434)	599
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017		52	50,335			(8,316)
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2017	1,434,866	$ 1	$ 503	1,123,832	833,610	$ (425,685)	(98,026)	631
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	117,220
Share repurchase program	$ (125,000)
Share repurchase program (in shares)	(1,800)
Ending balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2018		52	50,335			(10,030)
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2018	$ 1,390,302	$ 1	$ 503	1,135,699	889,189	$ (549,899)	(85,667)	476
Beginning balance (in shares) at Apr. 01, 2018		52	50,335			(9,332)
Beginning balance at Apr. 01, 2018	1,292,146	$ 1	$ 503	1,125,364	795,977	$ (500,864)	(129,434)	599
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	28,792				28,869			(77)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	61,011						61,028	(17)
Exercise of stock options, net of tax withholding forfeitures	(44)			(64)		$ 20
Exercise of stock options, net of tax withholding forfeitures (in shares)						2
Conversion of restricted stock units into common stock, net of tax withholding forfeitures	(32)			(552)		$ 520
Conversion of restricted stock units into common stock, net of tax withholding forfeitures (in shares)						19
Share repurchase program	(24,730)					$ (24,730)
Share repurchase program (in shares)						(388)
Share-based compensation	4,742			4,742
Preferred stock dividends	(8,733)				(8,733)
Common stock dividends	(2,042)				(2,042)
Ending balance (in shares) at Jul. 01, 2018		52	50,335			(9,699)
Ending balance at Jul. 01, 2018	1,351,110	$ 1	$ 503	1,129,490	814,071	$ (525,054)	(68,406)	505
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	85,858				85,881			(23)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(17,267)						(17,261)	(6)
Exercise of stock options, net of tax withholding forfeitures	(360)			(467)		$ 107
Exercise of stock options, net of tax withholding forfeitures (in shares)						11
Conversion of restricted stock units into common stock, net of tax withholding forfeitures	(65)			(113)		$ 48
Conversion of restricted stock units into common stock, net of tax withholding forfeitures (in shares)						2
Share repurchase program	$ (25,000)					$ (25,000)
Share repurchase program (in shares)	(300)					(344)
Share-based compensation	$ 6,789			6,789
Preferred stock dividends	(8,732)				(8,732)
Common stock dividends	(2,031)				(2,031)
Ending balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2018		52	50,335			(10,030)
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2018	1,390,302	$ 1	$ 503	1,135,699	889,189	$ (549,899)	(85,667)	476
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018		52	50,335			(10,939)
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2018	1,387,588	$ 1	$ 503	1,139,395	922,000	$ (599,845)	(74,907)	441
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	25,178				25,202			(24)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	29,010						29,009	1
Exercise of stock options, net of tax withholding forfeitures	(38)			(54)		$ 16
Exercise of stock options, net of tax withholding forfeitures (in shares)						1
Conversion of restricted stock units into common stock, net of tax withholding forfeitures	(1,902)			(2,570)		$ 668
Conversion of restricted stock units into common stock, net of tax withholding forfeitures (in shares)						58
Share-based compensation	2,216			2,216
Preferred stock dividends	(8,733)				(8,733)
Common stock dividends	(1,990)				(1,990)
Ending balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2019		52	50,335			(10,880)
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2019	1,431,329	$ 1	$ 503	1,138,987	936,479	$ (599,161)	(45,898)	418
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018		52	50,335			(10,939)
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2018	1,387,588	$ 1	$ 503	1,139,395	922,000	$ (599,845)	(74,907)	441
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	(229,547)
Share repurchase program	$ (50,000)
Share repurchase program (in shares)	(900)
Ending balance (in shares) at Sep. 29, 2019		0	50,335			(4,881)
Ending balance at Sep. 29, 2019	$ 1,144,810	$ 0	$ 503	807,087	667,703	$ (307,482)	(29,111)	6,110
Beginning balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2019		52	50,335			(10,880)
Beginning balance at Mar. 31, 2019	1,431,329	$ 1	$ 503	1,138,987	936,479	$ (599,161)	(45,898)	418
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	42,290				42,200			90
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(16,653)						(16,693)	40
Acquisition of business with noncontrolling interests	4,775							4,775
Exercise of stock options, net of tax withholding forfeitures	(8)			(10)		2
Conversion of restricted stock units into common stock, net of tax withholding forfeitures	(54)			(861)		$ 807
Conversion of restricted stock units into common stock, net of tax withholding forfeitures (in shares)						29
Share repurchase program	(22,815)					$ (22,815)
Share repurchase program (in shares)						(397)
Share-based compensation	5,378			5,378
Preferred stock dividends	(8,733)				(8,733)
Common stock dividends	(1,976)				(1,976)
Ending balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2019		52	50,335			(11,248)
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2019	1,433,533	$ 1	$ 503	1,143,494	967,970	$ (621,167)	(62,591)	5,323
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	(297,015)				(297,009)			(6)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	33,853						33,480	373
Acquisition of business with noncontrolling interests	420							420
Exercise of stock options, net of tax withholding forfeitures	(14)			(25)		$ 11
Exercise of stock options, net of tax withholding forfeitures (in shares)						1
Conversion of restricted stock units into common stock, net of tax withholding forfeitures	(45)			(115)		$ 70
Conversion of restricted stock units into common stock, net of tax withholding forfeitures (in shares)						2
Share repurchase program	$ (27,185)					$ (27,185)
Share repurchase program (in shares)	(500)					(493)
Share-based compensation	$ 4,521			4,521
Preferred stock conversion (in shares)		(52)				6,857
Preferred stock conversion	0	$ (1)		(340,788)		$ 340,789
Preferred stock dividends	(971)				(971)
Common stock dividends	(2,287)				(2,287)
Ending balance (in shares) at Sep. 29, 2019		0	50,335			(4,881)
Ending balance at Sep. 29, 2019	$ 1,144,810	$ 0	$ 503	$ 807,087	$ 667,703	$ (307,482)	$ (29,111)	$ 6,110

Condensed Consolidated Stockh_2

Condensed Consolidated Stockholders' Equity Statement (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Jul. 01, 2018	Apr. 01, 2018
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Common stock dividends declared per share (in usd per share)	$ 0.05	$ 0.05	$ 0.05	$ 0.05	$ 0.05	$ 0.05
Preferred stock dividends declared per share (in usd per share)	$ 18.76	$ 168.75	$ 168.75	$ 168.75	$ 168.75	$ 168.75

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include Belden Inc. and all of its subsidiaries (the Company, us, we, or our). We eliminate all significant affiliate accounts and transactions in consolidation. The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements presented as of any date other than December 31, 2018 : • Are prepared from the books and records without audit, and • Are prepared in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q and do not include all of the information required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete statements, but • Include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial statements. These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data contained in our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Business Description We are a global supplier of specialty networking solutions built around two global business platforms - Enterprise Solutions and Industrial Solutions. Our comprehensive portfolio of solutions enables customers to transmit and secure data, sound, and video for mission critical applications across complex enterprise and industrial environments. 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, which was March 31, 2019 , the 90th day of our fiscal year 2019 . Our fiscal second and third quarters each have 91 days. The nine months ended September 29, 2019 and September 30, 2018 included 272 and 273 days, respectively. 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 and during the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019 and September 30, 2018 , we utilized Level 1 inputs to determine the fair value of cash equivalents, and we utilized Level 2 and Level 3 inputs to determine the fair value of net assets acquired in business combinations (see Note 3). We did not have any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements during the nine months ended September 29, 2019 and September 30, 2018 . 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. As of September 29, 2019 , we did not have any such cash equivalents on hand. 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. 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. We accrue environmental remediation costs based on estimates of known environmental remediation exposures developed in consultation with our environmental consultants and legal counsel. 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. 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. As of September 29, 2019 , we were party to standby letters of credit, bank guaranties, and surety bonds totaling $9.7 million , $3.9 million , and $3.3 million , respectively. Revenue Recognition We recognize revenue consistent with the principles as outlined in the following five step model: (1) identify the contract with the customer, (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (3) determine the transaction price, (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) each performance obligation is satisfied. See Note 2. Subsequent Events We evaluated subsequent events after the balance sheet date through the financial statement issuance date for appropriate accounting and disclosure. See Note 17. Current-Year Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases ("ASU 2016-02"), a leasing standard for both lessees and lessors that supersedes the lease requirements in Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 840, " Leases ." Under its core principle, a lessee will recognize a right-of-use (ROU) asset and lease liability on the balance sheet for nearly all leased assets, and additional disclosures are required to enable users of financial statements to assess the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. Lessor accounting remains largely consistent with existing U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. We adopted ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019 using the permitted transition method issued in July 2018, under ASU No. 2018-11 (“ASU 2018-11”), Leases: Targeted Improvements , which provides an additional (and optional) transition method for adopting the new lease standard. Furthermore, we elected the following practical expedients and accounting policy elections upon adoption: (i) the package of practical expedients as defined in ASU 2016-02, (ii) the short-term lease accounting policy election, (iii) the practical expedient to not separate non-lease components from lease components, and (iv) the easement practical expedient, which permits an entity to continue applying its current policy for accounting for land easements that existed as of the effective date of ASU 2016-02. The adoption of ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019 resulted in the recognition of right-of-use assets of approximately $90.5 million and lease liabilities for operating leases of approximately $103.4 million on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, with no material impact to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations or Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Statement. The difference between the initial lease liabilities and the ROU assets is related primarily to previously existing lease liabilities. See Note 7 for further information regarding the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-02 on the Company's financial statements. In August 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities (“ASU 2017-12”). The new guidance better aligns an entity’s risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships through changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results. The new guidance also makes certain targeted improvements to simplify the application of hedge accounting guidance and ease the administrative burden of hedge documentation requirements and assessing hedge effectiveness. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. We adopted ASU 2017-12 effective January 1, 2019. The adoption had no impact on our results of operations. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02 (“ASU 2018-02”), Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income . ASU 2018-02 provides an option to allow reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. We adopted ASU 2018-02 effective January 1, 2019, and elected to not reclassify the income tax effects of the Act from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. The adoption had no impact on our results of operations. In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07 (“ASU 2018-07”), Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting . The amendments in ASU 2018-07 expand the scope of Topic 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation, to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from non-employees, and provide that non-employee share-based payment awards be measured at their grant-date fair value and the probability of satisfying performance conditions be taken into account when non-employee share-based payment awards contain such conditions. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. We adopted ASU 2018-07 effective January 1, 2019. The adoption had no impact on our results of operations. In August 2018, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted the final rule under SEC Release No. 33-10532, Disclosure Update and Simplification , amending certain disclosure requirements that were redundant, duplicative, overlapping, outdated or superseded. Additionally, the amendments expanded the disclosure requirements on the analysis of stockholders' equity for interim financial statements. Under the amendments, an analysis of changes in each caption of stockholders' equity presented in the balance sheet must be provided in a note or separate statement. The analysis should present a reconciliation of the beginning balance to the ending balance of each period presented. This final rule was effective on November 5, 2018. We implemented SEC Release No. 33-10532 effective January 1, 2019, which had no impact on our results of operations. Pending Adoption of Recent Accounting Pronouncements In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13 (“ASU 2016-13”), Financial Instruments - Credit Losses . The main provisions of ASU 2016-13 provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity at each reporting date, and require a financial asset (or a group of financial assets) measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The new standard will be effective for us beginning January 1, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this update will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Revenues

Revenues	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenues	Revenues Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers and in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. Taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are not included in our revenues. The following tables present our revenues disaggregated by major product category. Cable & Connectivity Networking, Software & Security Total Revenues Three Months Ended September 29, 2019 (In thousands) Enterprise Solutions $ 263,857 $ 104,223 $ 368,080 Industrial Solutions 149,537 102,701 252,238 Total $ 413,394 $ 206,924 $ 620,318 Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Enterprise Solutions $ 271,928 $ 116,923 $ 388,851 Industrial Solutions 162,460 104,463 266,923 Total $ 434,388 $ 221,386 $ 655,774 Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 Enterprise Solutions $ 765,909 $ 298,560 $ 1,064,469 Industrial Solutions 475,166 305,388 780,554 Total $ 1,241,075 $ 603,948 $ 1,845,023 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Enterprise Solutions $ 785,970 $ 348,906 $ 1,134,876 Industrial Solutions 498,062 297,040 795,102 Total $ 1,284,032 $ 645,946 $ 1,929,978 The following tables present our revenues disaggregated by geography, based on the location of the customer purchasing the product. Americas EMEA APAC Total Revenues Three Months Ended September 29, 2019 (In thousands) Enterprise Solutions $ 250,382 $ 70,949 $ 46,749 $ 368,080 Industrial Solutions 147,940 62,701 41,597 252,238 Total $ 398,322 $ 133,650 $ 88,346 $ 620,318 Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Enterprise Solutions $ 254,320 $ 72,467 $ 62,064 $ 388,851 Industrial Solutions 156,334 71,280 39,309 266,923 Total $ 410,654 $ 143,747 $ 101,373 $ 655,774 Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 Enterprise Solutions $ 706,291 $ 211,226 $ 146,952 $ 1,064,469 Industrial Solutions 454,773 207,740 118,041 780,554 Total $ 1,161,064 $ 418,966 $ 264,993 $ 1,845,023 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Enterprise Solutions $ 735,794 $ 228,394 $ 170,688 $ 1,134,876 Industrial Solutions 461,667 217,851 115,584 795,102 Total $ 1,197,461 $ 446,245 $ 286,272 $ 1,929,978 The following tables present our revenues disaggregated by products, including software products, and support and services. Products Support & Services Total Revenues Three Months Ended September 29, 2019 (In thousands) Enterprise Solutions $ 346,501 $ 21,579 $ 368,080 Industrial Solutions 231,223 21,015 252,238 Total $ 577,724 $ 42,594 $ 620,318 Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Enterprise Solutions $ 368,389 $ 20,462 $ 388,851 Industrial Solutions 243,578 23,345 266,923 Total $ 611,967 $ 43,807 $ 655,774 Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 Enterprise Solutions $ 1,004,631 $ 59,838 $ 1,064,469 Industrial Solutions 715,367 65,187 780,554 Total $ 1,719,998 $ 125,025 $ 1,845,023 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Enterprise Solutions $ 1,080,549 $ 54,327 $ 1,134,876 Industrial Solutions 723,653 71,449 795,102 Total $ 1,804,202 $ 125,776 $ 1,929,978 We generate revenues primarily by selling products that provide secure and reliable transmission of data, sound, and video for mission critical applications. We also generate revenues from providing support and professional services. We sell our products to distributors, end-users, installers, and directly to original equipment manufacturers. At times, we enter into arrangements that involve the delivery of multiple performance obligations. For these arrangements, revenue is allocated to each performance obligation based on its relative selling price and recognized when or as each performance obligation is satisfied. Most of our performance obligations related to the sale of products are satisfied at a point in time when control of the product is transferred based on the shipping terms of the arrangement. Generally, we determine relative selling price using the prices charged to customers on a standalone basis. The amount of consideration we receive and revenue we recognize varies due to rebates, returns, and price adjustments. We estimate the expected rebates, returns, and price adjustments based on an analysis of historical experience, anticipated sales demand, and trends in product pricing. We adjust our estimate of revenue at the earlier of when the most likely amount of consideration we expect to receive changes or when the consideration becomes fixed. Adjustments to revenue for performance obligations satisfied in prior periods were not significant during the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019 and September 30, 2018 . The following table presents estimated and accrued variable consideration: September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 (in thousands) Accrued rebates $ 29,468 $ 30,089 Accrued returns 14,304 9,265 Price adjustments recognized against gross accounts receivable 30,454 28,963 Depending on the terms of an arrangement, we may defer the recognition of some or all of the consideration received because we have to satisfy a future obligation. Consideration allocated to support services under a support and maintenance contract is typically paid in advance and recognized ratably over the term of the service. Consideration allocated to professional services is typically recognized when or as the services are performed depending on the terms of the arrangement. As of September 29, 2019 , total deferred revenue was $99.2 million , and of this amount, $86.5 million is expected to be recognized within the next twelve months, and the remaining $12.7 million is long-term and is expected to be recognized over a period greater than twelve months. The following table presents deferred revenue activity: Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 (In thousands) Beginning balance $ 113,347 $ 104,412 New deferrals 141,263 135,827 Revenue recognized (155,400 ) (149,400 ) Ending balance $ 99,210 $ 90,839 We expense sales commissions as incurred when the duration of the related revenue arrangement is one year or less. We capitalize sales commissions in other current and long-lived assets on our balance sheet when the original duration of the related revenue arrangement is longer than one year, and we amortize it over the related revenue arrangement period. Total capitalized sales commissions was $3.0 million as of September 29, 2019 and $2.3 million as of September 30, 2018 . The following table presents sales commissions that are recorded within selling, general and administrative expenses: Three Months ended Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 (In thousands) Sales commissions $ 5,112 $ 5,931 $ 15,881 $ 18,392

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions Opterna International Corp. We acquired 100% of the shares of Opterna International Corp. (Opterna) on April 15, 2019 for a preliminary purchase price, net of cash acquired, of $51.7 million . Of the $51.7 million purchase price, $45.5 million and $0.4 million was paid on April 15, 2019 and September 25, 2019, respectively, with cash on hand. The acquisition included a potential earnout, which is based upon future Opterna financial targets through April 15, 2021. The maximum earnout consideration is $25.0 million , but based upon a third party valuation specialist using certain assumptions in a discounted cash flow model, the estimated fair value of the earnout included in the purchase price is $5.8 million . Opterna is an international fiber optics solutions business based in Sterling, Virginia, which designs and manufactures a range of complementary fiber connectivity, cabinet, and enclosure products used in optical networks. The results of Opterna have been included in our Consolidated Financial Statements from April 15, 2019, and are reported within the Enterprise Solutions segment. Certain subsidiaries of Opterna include noncontrolling interests. Because Opterna has a controlling financial interest in these subsidiaries, they are consolidated into our financial statements. The results that are attributable to the noncontrolling interest holders are presented as net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. An immaterial amount of Opterna's revenues are generated from transactions with the noncontrolling interests. The following table summarizes the estimated, preliminary fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed as of April 15, 2019 (in thousands): Receivables $ 5,308 Inventory 7,470 Prepaid and other current assets 566 Property, plant, and equipment 1,328 Intangible assets 28,000 Goodwill 35,565 Deferred income taxes 36 Operating lease right-to-use assets 2,204 Other long-lived assets 2,070 Total assets acquired $ 82,547 Accounts payable $ 4,847 Accrued liabilities 4,346 Long-term deferred tax liability 7,342 Long-term operating lease liability 1,923 Other long-term liabilities 7,153 Total liabilities assumed $ 25,611 Net assets 56,936 Noncontrolling interests 5,195 Net assets attributable to Belden $ 51,741 The above purchase price allocation is preliminary, and is subject to revision as additional information about the fair value of individual assets and liabilities becomes available. The preliminary measurement of receivables, inventories, intangible assets, goodwill, deferred income taxes, other assets and liabilities, and noncontrolling interests are subject to change. A change in the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired or noncontrolling interests will change the amount of the purchase price allocable to goodwill. During the third quarter 2019, we recorded measurement-period adjustments that decreased goodwill by approximately $9.4 million primarily for changes in the fair value of the earnout. The impact of these adjustments to the consolidated statement of operations was immaterial. 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 preliminary fair values assigned to each class of acquired assets and assumed liabilities could materially affect the results of our operations. The preliminary fair value of acquired receivables is $5.3 million , which is equivalent to its gross contractual amount. For purposes of the above allocation, we based our preliminary estimate of the fair values for the acquired inventory, intangible assets, and noncontrolling interests on valuation studies performed by a third party valuation firm. We have estimated a preliminary 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, lost income, excess earnings, and relief from royalty to estimate the preliminary fair value of the identifiable intangible assets (Level 3 valuation). Our preliminary estimate of the fair values for the noncontrolling interests were based on the comparable EBITDA multiple valuation technique (Level 3 valuation). Goodwill and other intangible assets reflected above were determined to meet the criteria for recognition apart from tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The goodwill is primarily attributable to expansion of product offerings in the optical fiber market. Our tax basis in the acquired goodwill is zero . 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 $ 3,400 5.0 Customer relationships 22,800 15.0 Sales backlog 1,300 0.5 Trademarks 500 2.0 Total intangible assets subject to amortization $ 28,000 Intangible assets not subject to amortization: Goodwill $ 35,565 n/a Total intangible assets not subject to amortization $ 35,565 Total intangible assets $ 63,565 Weighted average amortization period 12.9 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 and pattern of consumption of the intangible asset. The useful life for the customer relationship intangible asset was based on our forecasts of estimated sales from recurring customers. The useful life of the backlog intangible asset was based on our estimate of when the ordered items would ship and control of the items transfers. The useful life for the trademarks was based on the period of time we expect to continue to go to market using the trademarks. Our consolidated revenues for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019 included $9.1 million and $ 17.9 million , respectively, from Opterna. Our consolidated loss before taxes for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019 included $ (0.2) million and $ (0.3) million , respectively, from Opterna. For the three months ended September 29, 2019, the loss before taxes included $ 3.1 million of severance and other restructuring costs, $1.4 million of amortization of intangible assets, and $(0.1) million of cost of sales related to the adjustment of acquired inventory to fair value. For the nine months ended September 29, 2019, the loss before taxes included $ 5.6 million of severance and other restructuring costs, $ 2.3 million of amortization of intangible assets, and $ 0.5 million of cost of sales related to the adjustment of acquired inventory to fair value. Our consolidated loss for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019 included $0.0 million and $ 0.1 million , respectively, of net income attributable to noncontrolling interests of Opterna. The following table illustrates the unaudited pro forma effect on operating results as if the Opterna acquisition had been completed as of January 1, 2018. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 (In thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited) Revenues $ 620,318 $ 666,048 $ 1,853,639 $ 1,957,512 Net income (loss) attributable to Belden common stockholders (295,312 ) 77,417 (242,579 ) 87,250 Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to Belden common stockholders $ (6.64 ) $ 1.62 $ (5.90 ) $ 2.11 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. FutureLink We acquired the FutureLink product line and related assets from Suttle, Inc. on April 5, 2019 for a purchase price of $5.0 million , which was funded with cash on hand. The acquisition of FutureLink allows us to offer a more complete set of fiber product offerings. The results from the acquisition of FutureLink have been included in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements from April 5, 2019, and are reported within the Enterprise Solutions segment. The acquisition of FutureLink was not material to our financial position or results of operations. Net-Tech Technology, Inc. We acquired 100% of the shares of Net-Tech Technology, Inc. (NT2) on April 25, 2018 for a purchase price of $8.5 million , which was funded with cash on hand. NT2 is an integrator of optical passive components and network optimization products used within broadband network applications where optical backhaul is used. NT2 is located in the United States. The results of NT2 have been included in our Consolidated Financial Statements from April 25, 2018, and are reported within the Enterprise Solutions segment. The NT2 acquisition was not material to our financial position or results of operations. Snell Advanced Media We acquired 100% of the outstanding ownership interest in Snell Advanced Media (SAM) on February 8, 2018 for a purchase price, net of cash acquired, of $104.6 million . Of the $104.6 million purchase price, $75.2 million was paid on February 8, 2018 and was funded with cash on hand. The acquisition included a potential earnout, which is based upon future combined earnings of SAM and Grass Valley through December 31, 2019. The maximum earnout consideration is $31.4 million , but based upon a third party valuation specialist using certain assumptions in a discounted cash flow model, the estimated fair value of the earnout included in the purchase price was $29.3 million . We assumed debt of $19.3 million and paid it off during the first quarter of 2018. During the first quarter of 2019, we signed a settlement agreement with the sellers of SAM for claims arising over the timing of the earnout consideration outlined in the purchase agreement, and as part of the settlement, the parties agreed that the maximum earnout consideration of $31.4 million would be payable during the first quarter 2020, unless earlier payment is required as per the terms of the purchase agreement. SAM designs, manufactures, and sells innovative content production and distribution systems for the broadcast and media markets. SAM is located in the United Kingdom. The results of SAM have been included in our Consolidated Financial Statements from February 8, 2018, and are reported within the Enterprise Solutions segment. The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed as of February 8, 2018 (in thousands): Receivables $ 16,551 Inventory 15,084 Prepaid and other current assets 3,799 Property, plant, and equipment 7,716 Intangible assets 51,000 Goodwill 103,466 Deferred income taxes 1,388 Other long-lived assets 3,046 Total assets acquired $ 202,050 Accounts payable $ 11,825 Accrued liabilities 25,135 Deferred revenue 8,860 Long-term debt 19,315 Postretirement benefits 31,774 Other long-term liabilities 591 Total liabilities assumed $ 97,500 Net assets $ 104,550 During 2019, we did not record any significant measurement-period adjustments. 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 $16.6 million , which is equivalent to its gross contractual amount. For purposes of the above allocation, we based our estimate of the fair values for the acquired inventory; property, plant, and equipment; intangible assets; and deferred revenue on valuation studies 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, lost income, excess earnings, and relief from royalty 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 criteria 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 SAM acquisition may be gained from helping broadcast and media content creators, aggregators and distributors significantly improve their effectiveness and efficiency during a period of rapid change in technology, viewer and advertiser behavior and business models. Our tax basis in the acquired goodwill is zero . 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 $ 36,500 5.0 Customer relationships 11,000 12.0 Sales backlog 1,900 0.3 Trademarks 1,600 0.9 Total intangible assets subject to amortization $ 51,000 Intangible assets not subject to amortization: Goodwill $ 103,466 n/a Total intangible assets not subject to amortization $ 103,466 Total intangible assets $ 154,466 Weighted average amortization period 6.2 years 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 and pattern of consumption of the intangible asset. The useful life for the customer relationship intangible asset was based on our forecasts of estimated sales from recurring customers. The useful life of the backlog intangible asset was based on our estimate of when the ordered items would ship. The useful life for the trademarks was based on the period of time we expect to continue to go to market using the trademarks. SAM is included in our Grass Valley reporting unit, and as discussed further in Note 8, during the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019, we recognized a total goodwill and other asset impairment charge of $342.1 million for the Grass Valley reporting unit. Our consolidated revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 included an estimated $25.3 million and $77.2 million , respectively, from SAM. Due to the integration of SAM into our existing business, we are unable to reasonably estimate the amount of income before taxes from SAM included in our consolidated financial statements. Our consolidated income before taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2018 included $7.1 million of severance and other restructuring costs, $3.7 million of amortization of intangible assets, and $0.6 million of cost of sales related to the adjustment of acquired inventory to fair value from SAM. Our consolidated income before taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 included $36.6 million of severance and other restructuring costs, $8.7 million of amortization of intangible assets, and $1.8 million of cost of sales related to the adjustment of acquired inventory to fair value from SAM. The following table illustrates the unaudited pro forma effect on operating results as if the SAM acquisition had been completed as of January 1, 2017. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 September 30, 2018 (In thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited) Revenues $ 659,003 $ 1,944,628 Net income attributable to Belden common stockholders 92,769 126,937 Diluted income per share attributable to Belden common stockholders $ 2.13 $ 3.08 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.

Reportable Segments

Reportable Segments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reportable Segments	Reportable Segments We are organized around two global business platforms: Enterprise Solutions and Industrial Solutions. Each of the global business platforms represents a reportable segment. The key measures of segment profit or loss 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 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income 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. 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. Enterprise Solutions Industrial Solutions Total Segments (In thousands) As of and for the three months ended September 29, 2019 Segment revenues $ 368,080 $ 252,238 $ 620,318 Affiliate revenues 927 2 929 Segment EBITDA 56,814 44,614 101,428 Depreciation expense 7,381 4,766 12,147 Amortization of intangibles 9,780 12,463 22,243 Amortization of software development intangible assets 1,161 36 1,197 Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs 4,045 — 4,045 Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions (186 ) — (186 ) Goodwill and other asset impairment 342,146 — 342,146 Segment assets 836,540 455,470 1,292,010 As of and for the three months ended September 30, 2018 Segment revenues $ 392,080 $ 266,923 $ 659,003 Affiliate revenues 1,776 15 1,791 Segment EBITDA 72,210 53,750 125,960 Depreciation expense 7,092 4,579 11,671 Amortization of intangibles 12,322 13,211 25,533 Amortization of software development intangible assets 620 — 620 Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs 9,528 2,160 11,688 Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions 821 — 821 Deferred revenue adjustments 3,229 — 3,229 Segment assets 766,505 448,626 1,215,131 As of and for the nine months ended September 29, 2019 Segment revenues $ 1,064,469 $ 780,554 $ 1,845,023 Affiliate revenues 3,190 13 3,203 Segment EBITDA 149,855 139,531 289,386 Depreciation expense 22,655 14,515 37,170 Amortization of intangibles 29,270 38,682 67,952 Amortization of software development intangible assets 3,119 87 3,206 Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs 10,904 — 10,904 Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions 1,845 — 1,845 Goodwill and other asset impairment 342,146 — 342,146 Segment assets 836,540 455,470 1,292,010 As of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 Segment revenues $ 1,142,765 $ 795,102 $ 1,937,867 Affiliate revenues 4,318 61 4,379 Segment EBITDA 199,943 153,401 353,344 Depreciation expense 21,465 14,097 35,562 Amortization of intangibles 35,301 39,689 74,990 Amortization of software development intangible assets 1,344 — 1,344 Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs 46,949 10,061 57,010 Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions 2,359 — 2,359 Deferred revenue adjustments 7,889 — 7,889 Segment assets 766,505 448,626 1,215,131 The following table is a reconciliation of the total of the reportable segments’ Revenues and EBITDA to consolidated revenues and consolidated income before taxes, respectively. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 (In thousands) Total Segment Revenues $ 620,318 $ 659,003 $ 1,845,023 $ 1,937,867 Deferred revenue adjustments (1) — (3,229 ) — (7,889 ) Consolidated Revenues $ 620,318 $ 655,774 $ 1,845,023 $ 1,929,978 Total Segment EBITDA $ 101,428 $ 125,960 $ 289,386 $ 353,344 Goodwill and other asset impairment (2) (342,146 ) — (342,146 ) — Amortization of intangibles (22,243 ) (25,533 ) (67,952 ) (74,990 ) Depreciation expense (12,147 ) (11,671 ) (37,170 ) (35,562 ) Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs (3) (4,045 ) (11,688 ) (10,904 ) (57,010 ) Amortization of software development intangible assets (1,197 ) (620 ) (3,206 ) (1,344 ) Purchase accounting effects related to acquisitions (4) 186 (821 ) (1,845 ) (2,359 ) Deferred revenue adjustments (1) — (3,229 ) — (7,889 ) Loss on sale of assets — — — (94 ) Costs related to patent litigation — (2,634 ) — (2,634 ) Gain from patent litigation — 62,141 — 62,141 Eliminations (343 ) (627 ) (1,086 ) (1,616 ) Consolidated operating income (loss) (280,507 ) 131,278 (174,923 ) 231,987 Interest expense, net (14,200 ) (14,472 ) (42,561 ) (46,538 ) Non-operating pension benefit 489 1,356 1,517 824 Loss on debt extinguishment — — — (22,990 ) Consolidated income (loss) before taxes $ (294,218 ) $ 118,162 $ (215,967 ) $ 163,283 (1) 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. See Note 3, Acquisitions , for details. (2) For the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019, we recognized a $342.1 million goodwill and other asset impairment charge for our Grass Valley reporting unit. See Note 8, Long-Lived Assets, for details . (3) See Note 9, Severance, Restructuring, and Acquisition Integration Activities, for details . (4) For the nine months ended September 29, 2019 , we recognized expenses related to the earnout consideration for the SAM acquisition. For the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019, we recognized cost of sales for the adjustment of acquired inventory to fair value related to the Opterna and FutureLink acquisitions. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , we recognized cost of sales for the adjustment of acquired inventory to fair value related to the SAM and NT2 acquisitions.

Income per Share

Income per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Income per Share	Income per Share The following table presents the basis for the income per share computations: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 (In thousands) Numerator: Net income (loss) $ (297,015 ) $ 85,858 $ (229,547 ) $ 117,220 Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests (6 ) (23 ) 60 (148 ) Less: Preferred stock dividends 971 8,732 18,437 26,198 Net income (loss) attributable to Belden common stockholders, basic (297,980 ) 77,149 (248,044 ) 91,170 Plus Preferred stock dividends — 8,732 — — Net income (loss) attributable to Belden common stockholders, diluted $ (297,980 ) $ 85,881 $ (248,044 ) $ 91,170 Denominator: Weighted average shares outstanding, basic 44,444 40,510 41,090 40,960 Assumed conversion of preferred stock into common stock — 6,857 — — Effect of dilutive common stock equivalents — 311 — 308 Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted 44,444 47,678 41,090 41,268 For the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019 , diluted weighted average shares outstanding do not include outstanding equity awards of 1.4 million and 1.2 million , respectively, because to do so would have been anti-dilutive. In addition, for both the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019 , diluted weighted average shares outstanding do not include outstanding equity awards of 0.3 million because the related performance conditions have not been satisfied. Furthermore, for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019 , diluted weighted average shares outstanding do not include the weighted average impact of 1.1 million and 4.9 million shares, respectively, related to converting preferred shares into common shares because deducting the preferred stock dividends from net income was more dilutive. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , diluted weighted average shares outstanding do not include outstanding equity awards of 0.9 million and 0.8 million , respectively, because to do so would have been anti-dilutive. In addition, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , diluted weighted average shares outstanding do not include outstanding equity awards of 0.3 million and 0.2 million , respectively, because the related performance conditions have not been satisfied. Furthermore, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , diluted weighted average shares outstanding do not include the impact of preferred shares that were converted into 6.9 million common shares, because deducting the preferred stock dividends from net income was more 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories The major classes of inventories were as follows: September 29, 2019 December 31, 2018 (In thousands) Raw materials $ 137,687 $ 146,803 Work-in-process 43,602 45,939 Finished goods 136,559 152,572 Gross inventories 317,848 345,314 Excess and obsolete reserves (26,853 ) (28,896 ) Net inventories $ 290,995 $ 316,418

Leases

Leases	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases We have operating and finance leases for properties, including manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and office space; as well as vehicles and certain equipment. We make certain judgments in determining whether a contract contains a lease in accordance with ASU 2016-02. Our leases have remaining lease terms of less than 1 year to 16 years , some of which include options to extend the lease for a period of up to 15 years and some include options to terminate the leases within 1 year. We do not assume renewals in our determination of the lease term unless the renewals are deemed to be reasonably certain as of the commencement date of the lease. Our lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material variable lease payments. We have entered into various short-term operating leases with an initial term of twelve months or less. These leases are not recorded on our balance sheet, and for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019 , the rent expense for short-term leases was not material. We have certain property and equipment lease contracts that may contain lease and non-lease components, and we have elected to utilize the practical expedient to account for these components together as a single combined lease component. As the rate implicit in most of our lease is not readily determinable, we use the incremental borrowing rate to determine the present value of the lease payments, which is unique to each leased asset, and is based upon the term of the lease, commencement date of the lease, local currency of the leased asset, and the credit rating of the legal entity leasing the asset. The components of lease expense were as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 (In thousands) Operating lease cost $ (4,505 ) $ (14,247 ) Finance lease cost Amortization of right-of-use asset $ (43 ) $ (111 ) Interest on lease liabilities (6 ) (16 ) Total finance lease cost $ (49 ) $ (127 ) Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 (In thousands) Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ (4,842 ) $ (14,978 ) Operating cash flows from finance leases (8 ) (24 ) Financing cash flows from finance leases (59 ) (232 ) Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows: September 29, 2019 (In thousands, except lease term and discount rate) Operating leases: Total operating lease right-of-use assets $ 78,788 Accrued liabilities $ 16,981 Long-term operating lease liabilities 73,436 Total operating lease liabilities $ 90,417 Finance leases: Other long-lived assets, at cost $ 723 Accumulated depreciation (592 ) Other long-lived assets, net $ 131 Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Operating leases 7 years Finance leases 2 years Weighted Average Discount Rate Operating leases 6.9 % Finance leases 5.9 % Maturities of lease liabilities as of September 29, 2019 were as follows: Operating Leases Finance Leases (In thousands) 2019 $ 6,045 $ 68 2020 23,051 229 2021 19,742 131 2022 16,107 59 2023 13,382 34 Thereafter 41,896 11 Total $ 120,223 $ 532
Leases	Leases We have operating and finance leases for properties, including manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and office space; as well as vehicles and certain equipment. We make certain judgments in determining whether a contract contains a lease in accordance with ASU 2016-02. Our leases have remaining lease terms of less than 1 year to 16 years , some of which include options to extend the lease for a period of up to 15 years and some include options to terminate the leases within 1 year. We do not assume renewals in our determination of the lease term unless the renewals are deemed to be reasonably certain as of the commencement date of the lease. Our lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material variable lease payments. We have entered into various short-term operating leases with an initial term of twelve months or less. These leases are not recorded on our balance sheet, and for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019 , the rent expense for short-term leases was not material. We have certain property and equipment lease contracts that may contain lease and non-lease components, and we have elected to utilize the practical expedient to account for these components together as a single combined lease component. As the rate implicit in most of our lease is not readily determinable, we use the incremental borrowing rate to determine the present value of the lease payments, which is unique to each leased asset, and is based upon the term of the lease, commencement date of the lease, local currency of the leased asset, and the credit rating of the legal entity leasing the asset. The components of lease expense were as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 (In thousands) Operating lease cost $ (4,505 ) $ (14,247 ) Finance lease cost Amortization of right-of-use asset $ (43 ) $ (111 ) Interest on lease liabilities (6 ) (16 ) Total finance lease cost $ (49 ) $ (127 ) Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 (In thousands) Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ (4,842 ) $ (14,978 ) Operating cash flows from finance leases (8 ) (24 ) Financing cash flows from finance leases (59 ) (232 ) Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows: September 29, 2019 (In thousands, except lease term and discount rate) Operating leases: Total operating lease right-of-use assets $ 78,788 Accrued liabilities $ 16,981 Long-term operating lease liabilities 73,436 Total operating lease liabilities $ 90,417 Finance leases: Other long-lived assets, at cost $ 723 Accumulated depreciation (592 ) Other long-lived assets, net $ 131 Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Operating leases 7 years Finance leases 2 years Weighted Average Discount Rate Operating leases 6.9 % Finance leases 5.9 % Maturities of lease liabilities as of September 29, 2019 were as follows: Operating Leases Finance Leases (In thousands) 2019 $ 6,045 $ 68 2020 23,051 229 2021 19,742 131 2022 16,107 59 2023 13,382 34 Thereafter 41,896 11 Total $ 120,223 $ 532

Long-Lived Assets

Long-Lived Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Long-Lived Assets	Long-Lived Assets Depreciation and Amortization Expense We recognized depreciation expense of $12.1 million and $37.2 million in the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019 , respectively. We recognized depreciation expense of $11.7 million and $35.6 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , respectively. We recognized amortization expense related to our intangible assets of $23.4 million and $71.2 million in the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019 . We recognized amortization expense related to our intangible assets of $26.2 million and $76.3 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , respectively. Impairment Due to its overall financial performance during the fiscal third quarter and a potential divestiture of the reporting unit, we performed an interim impairment test on the Grass Valley reporting unit, which resulted in a total goodwill and other asset impairment charge of $342.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019. The Grass Valley reporting unit is part of our Enterprise Solutions Segment. The impairment charge consisted of impairments to goodwill, customer relationships, and trademarks of $326.1 million , $14.4 million , and $1.6 million , respectively. We determined the estimated fair values of the assets and of the reporting unit by calculating the present values of their estimated future cash flows.

Severance, Restructuring, and A

Severance, Restructuring, and Acquisition Integration Activities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Severance, Restructuring, and Acquisition Integration Activities	Severance, Restructuring, and Acquisition Integration Activities Opterna and FutureLink Integration program: 2019 In 2019, we began a restructuring program to integrate Opterna and FutureLink with our existing businesses. The restructuring and integration activities were focused on achieving desired cost savings by consolidating existing and acquired facilities and other support functions. We recognized $3.1 million and $5.6 million of severance and other restructuring costs for this program during the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019 , respectively. These costs were incurred by the Enterprise Solutions segment. We do not expect to incur any more costs for this program. Grass Valley and SAM Integration Program: 2018 - 2019 In 2018, we began a restructuring program to integrate SAM with Grass Valley. The restructuring and integration activities were focused on achieving desired cost savings by consolidating existing and acquired facilities and other support functions. We did no t recognize severance and other restructuring costs for this program during the three months ended September 29, 2019 , and we recognized $3.0 million of severance and other restructuring costs for this program during the nine months ended September 29, 2019 . We recognized $7.1 million and $36.6 million of severance and other restructuring costs for this program during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , respectively. The costs were incurred by the Enterprise Solutions segment. The integration of these businesses is complete, and thus, we do not expect to incur any more costs for this program. Industrial Manufacturing Footprint Program: 2016 - 2018 In 2016, we began a program to consolidate our manufacturing footprint. The manufacturing consolidation was complete as of December 31, 2018. We recognized $4.3 million and $15.8 million of severance and other restructuring costs for this program during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 . The costs were incurred by the Enterprise Solutions and Industrial Solutions segments, as the manufacturing locations involved in the program serve both platforms. The following table summarizes the costs by segment of the various programs described above as well as other immaterial programs and acquisition integration activities: Severance Other Restructuring and Integration Costs Total Costs Three Months Ended September 29, 2019 (In thousands) Enterprise Solutions $ 269 $ 3,776 $ 4,045 Industrial Solutions — — — Total $ 269 $ 3,776 $ 4,045 Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Enterprise Solutions $ (1,283 ) $ 10,811 $ 9,528 Industrial Solutions 136 2,024 2,160 Total $ (1,147 ) $ 12,835 $ 11,688 Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 Enterprise Solutions $ 489 $ 10,415 $ 10,904 Industrial Solutions — — — Total $ 489 $ 10,415 $ 10,904 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Enterprise Solutions $ 10,097 $ 36,852 $ 46,949 Industrial Solutions 378 9,683 10,061 Total $ 10,475 $ 46,535 $ 57,010 The following table summarizes the costs of the various programs described above as well as other immaterial programs and acquisition integration activities by financial statement line item in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations: Three Months ended Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 (In thousands) Cost of sales $ 792 $ 4,820 $ 1,777 $ 21,482 Selling, general and administrative expenses 3,253 6,341 8,364 30,287 Research and development expenses — 527 763 5,241 Total $ 4,045 $ 11,688 $ 10,904 $ 57,010 The other restructuring and integration costs primarily consisted of equipment transfer, costs to consolidate operating and support facilities, retention bonuses, relocation, travel, legal, 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 . There were no significant severance accrual balances as of September 29, 2019 or December 31, 2018 .

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrow

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
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 were as follows: September 29, 2019 December 31, 2018 (In thousands) Revolving credit agreement due 2022 $ — $ — Senior subordinated notes: 3.875% Senior subordinated notes due 2028 383,460 400,050 3.375% Senior subordinated notes due 2027 493,020 514,350 4.125% Senior subordinated notes due 2026 219,120 228,600 2.875% Senior subordinated notes due 2025 328,680 342,900 Total senior subordinated notes 1,424,280 1,485,900 Less unamortized debt issuance costs (20,610 ) (22,700 ) Long-term debt $ 1,403,670 $ 1,463,200 Revolving Credit Agreement due 2022 Our Revolving Credit Agreement provides a $400.0 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, and the Netherlands. The maturity date of the Revolver is May 16, 2022. 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 0.25% . In the event we borrow more than 90% of our borrowing base, we are subject to a fixed charge coverage ratio covenant. As of September 29, 2019 , we had no borrowings outstanding on the Revolver, and our available borrowing capacity was $287.0 million . Senior Subordinated Notes We have outstanding €350.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.875% senior subordinated notes due 2028 (the 2028 Notes). The carrying value of the 2028 Notes as of September 29, 2019 is $383.5 million . The 2028 Notes are guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by our current and future domestic subsidiaries. The 2028 Notes rank equal in right of payment with our senior subordinated notes due 2027, 2026, and 2025 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 15 and September 15 of each year. We have outstanding €450.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.375% senior subordinated notes due 2027 (the 2027 Notes). The carrying value of the 2027 Notes as of September 29, 2019 is $493.0 million . The 2027 Notes are guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by our current and future domestic subsidiaries. The 2027 Notes rank equal in right of payment with our senior subordinated notes due 2028, 2026, and 2025 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 have outstanding €200.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.125% senior subordinated notes due 2026 (the 2026 Notes). The carrying value of the 2026 Notes as of September 29, 2019 is $219.1 million . The 2026 Notes are guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by our current and future domestic subsidiaries. The 2026 Notes rank equal in right of payment with our senior subordinated notes due 2028, 2027, and 2025 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 have outstanding €300.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2.875% senior subordinated notes due 2025 (the 2025 Notes). The carrying value of the 2025 Notes as of September 29, 2019 is $328.7 million . The 2025 Notes are guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by our current and future domestic subsidiaries. The 2025 Notes rank equal in right of payment with our senior subordinated notes due 2028, 2027, and 2026 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 15 and September 15 of each year. Fair Value of Long-Term Debt The fair value of our senior subordinated notes as of September 29, 2019 was approximately $1,494.8 million based on quoted prices of the debt instruments in inactive markets (Level 2 valuation). This amount represents the fair value of our senior subordinated notes with a carrying value of $1,424.3 million as of September 29, 2019

Net Investment Hedge

Net Investment Hedge	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Net Investment Hedge	Net Investment Hedge All of our euro denominated notes were issued by Belden Inc., a USD functional currency entity. As of September 29, 2019 , all of our outstanding foreign denominated debt is designated 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 the euro exchange rate. The transaction gain or loss is reported in the translation adjustment section of other comprehensive income. For the nine months ended September 29, 2019 and September 30, 2018 , the transaction gain associated with these notes that was reported in other comprehensive income was $62.1 million and $46.3 million

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes For the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019 , we recognized income tax expense of $2.8 million and $13.6 million , respectively, representing an effective tax rate of ( 1.0% ) and ( 6.3% ), respectively. The effective tax rates were impacted by an income tax benefit of $5.7 million as a result of changes in our estimated valuation allowance requirement related to foreign tax credits due to the restructuring of certain foreign operations. These effective rates are also reflective of the impact of more favorable statutory tax rates applied to the earnings of these foreign operations due to the restructuring efforts. The income tax expense for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019 was also impacted by a $5.1 million income tax benefit for the partial deductibility of the goodwill and other asset impairment charge during the period. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , we recognized income tax expense of $32.3 million and $46.1 million , respectively, representing an effective tax rate of 27.3% and 28.2% , respectively. The effective tax rate was impacted by the following significant factors: • We recognized income tax expense of $3.8 million and $4.3 million , respectively, in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 as a result of changes in our valuation allowance for the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” (the Act). • We recognized income tax expense of $1.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 as a result of a change in our valuation allowance on foreign tax credits associated with our euro debt refinancing. • We recognized an income tax benefit of $3.3 million and $4.4 million , respectively, in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 primarily related to certain foreign tax credits. • We recognized an income tax benefit of $1.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 due to a decrease in reserves for uncertain tax positions of prior years.Our income tax expense and effective tax rate in future periods may be impacted by many factors, including our geographic mix of income and changes in tax laws.

Pension and Other Postretiremen

Pension and Other Postretirement Obligations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Obligations	Pension and Other Postretirement Obligations The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit costs for our pension and other postretirement benefit plans: Pension Obligations Other Postretirement Obligations September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 (In thousands) Three Months Ended Service cost $ 1,058 $ 1,717 $ 10 $ 14 Interest cost 2,921 2,011 273 257 Expected return on plan assets (3,842 ) (4,660 ) — — Amortization of prior service credit (143 ) (37 ) — — Actuarial losses (gains) 327 1,073 (25 ) — Net periodic benefit cost $ 321 $ 104 $ 258 $ 271 Nine Months Ended Service cost $ 3,164 $ 3,792 $ 29 $ 40 Interest cost 8,869 5,792 815 781 Expected return on plan assets (11,977 ) (9,688 ) — — Amortization of prior service credit (117 ) (59 ) — — Actuarial losses (gains) 969 2,350 (76 ) — Net periodic benefit cost $ 908 $ 2,187 $ 768 $ 821

Comprehensive Income and Accumu

Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) The following table summarizes total comprehensive income: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 (In thousands) Net income (loss) $ (297,015 ) $ 85,858 $ (229,547 ) $ 117,220 Foreign currency translation gain (loss), net of $0.2 million, $0.5 million, $0.6 million, and $0.7 million tax, respectively 33,732 (17,904 ) 45,619 10,943 Adjustments to pension and postretirement liability, net of $0.0 million, $0.4 million, $0.2 million, and $0.9 million tax, respectively 120 637 591 1,409 Total comprehensive income (loss) (263,163 ) 68,591 (183,337 ) 129,572 Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests 367 (29 ) 474 (155 ) Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Belden $ (263,530 ) $ 68,620 $ (183,811 ) $ 129,727 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, 2018 $ (41,882 ) $ (33,025 ) $ (74,907 ) Other comprehensive income attributable to Belden before reclassifications 45,205 — 45,205 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income — 591 591 Net current period other comprehensive gain attributable to Belden 45,205 591 45,796 Balance at September 29, 2019 $ 3,323 $ (32,434 ) $ (29,111 ) The following table summarizes the effects of reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the nine months ended September 29, 2019 : Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (In thousands) Amortization of pension and other postretirement benefit plan items: Actuarial losses $ 893 (1) Prior service credit (117 ) (1) Total before tax 776 Tax benefit (185 ) Total net of tax $ 591 (1) The amortization of these accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit costs (see Note 13).

Preferred Stock

Preferred Stock	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
Preferred Stock	Preferred Stock In 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. We received approximately $501 million of net proceeds from this offering, which were used for general corporate purposes. On July 15, 2019, all outstanding Preferred Stock was automatically converted into shares of Belden common stock at the conversion rate of 132.50 , resulting in the issuance of approximately 6.9 million shares of Belden common stock. Upon conversion, the Preferred Stock was automatically extinguished and discharged, is no longer deemed outstanding for all purposes, and delisted from trading on the New York Stock Exchange. During the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019 , dividends on the Preferred Stock were $1.0 million and $18.4 million , respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , dividends on the Preferred Stock were $8.7 million and $26.2 million , respectively.

Share Repurchase

Share Repurchase	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
Share Repurchase	Share Repurchase On November 29, 2018, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program, which allows us to purchase up to $300.0 million of our common stock through open market repurchases, negotiated transactions, or other means, in accordance with applicable securities laws and other restrictions. This program is funded with cash on hand and cash flows from operating activities. The program does not have an expiration date and may be suspended at any time at the discretion of the Company. During the three months ended September 29, 2019 , we repurchased 0.5 million shares of our common stock under the share repurchase program for an aggregate cost of $27.2 million and an average price per share of $55.17 . During the nine months ended September 29, 2019 , we repurchased 0.9 million shares of our common stock under the share repurchase program for an aggregate cost of $50.0 million and an average price per share of $56.19 . During the three months ended September 30, 2018 , we repurchased 0.3 million shares of our common stock under a previous share repurchase program for an aggregate cost of $25.0 million and an average price per share of $72.62 . During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , we repurchased 1.8 million shares of our common stock under a previous share repurchase program for an aggregate cost of $125.0 million and an average price per share of $70.13 .

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events 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. During the fourth quarter of 2019, we committed to a plan to sell Grass Valley, and at such time, met all of the criteria to classify the assets and liabilities of this business as held for sale. As a result, the Grass Valley disposal group, which is currently part of the Enterprise Solutions segment, will be included in discontinued operations commencing in the fourth quarter. We also ceased depreciating and amortizing the assets of the disposal group once they met the held for sale criteria in the fourth quarter. We intend to complete the sale of the Grass Valley disposal group during the next twelve months. As discussed in Note 8, we recognized an impairment charge for the disposal group of $342.1 million during the third quarter of 2019, which consisted of impairments to goodwill, customer relationships, and trademarks of $326.1 million , $14.4 million , and $1.6 million , respectively. As of September 29, 2019, Grass Valley had total assets and total liabilities of $491.8 million and $194.0 million , respectively, and accumulated other comprehensive losses of $73.2 million . Cost Reduction Program During the fourth quarter, we announced a cost reduction program designed to improve performance and enhance margins by streamlining the organizational structure and investing in technology to drive productivity. The cost reduction program is expected to deliver an estimated $40.0 million annualized reduction in selling, general, and administrative expenses, with some benefit in 2020, and the full benefit realized in 2021. We expect to incur severance and other related costs as part of this program but the timing and amounts of such costs are not yet known.

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include Belden Inc. and all of its subsidiaries (the Company, us, we, or our). We eliminate all significant affiliate accounts and transactions in consolidation. The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements presented as of any date other than December 31, 2018 : • Are prepared from the books and records without audit, and • Are prepared in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q and do not include all of the information required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete statements, but • Include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial statements.
Business Description	Business Description
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, which was March 31, 2019 , the 90th day of our fiscal year 2019 . Our fiscal second and third quarters each have 91 days. The nine months ended September 29, 2019 and September 30, 2018 included 272 and 273 days, respectively.
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 and during the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019 and September 30, 2018
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. As of September 29, 2019 , we did not have any such cash equivalents on hand. 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.
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. We accrue environmental remediation costs based on estimates of known environmental remediation exposures developed in consultation with our environmental consultants and legal counsel. 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. 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.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition We recognize revenue consistent with the principles as outlined in the following five step model: (1) identify the contract with the customer, (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (3) determine the transaction price, (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) each performance obligation is satisfied. See Note 2.
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events
New Accounting Pronouncements	Current-Year Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases ("ASU 2016-02"), a leasing standard for both lessees and lessors that supersedes the lease requirements in Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 840, " Leases ." Under its core principle, a lessee will recognize a right-of-use (ROU) asset and lease liability on the balance sheet for nearly all leased assets, and additional disclosures are required to enable users of financial statements to assess the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. Lessor accounting remains largely consistent with existing U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. We adopted ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019 using the permitted transition method issued in July 2018, under ASU No. 2018-11 (“ASU 2018-11”), Leases: Targeted Improvements , which provides an additional (and optional) transition method for adopting the new lease standard. Furthermore, we elected the following practical expedients and accounting policy elections upon adoption: (i) the package of practical expedients as defined in ASU 2016-02, (ii) the short-term lease accounting policy election, (iii) the practical expedient to not separate non-lease components from lease components, and (iv) the easement practical expedient, which permits an entity to continue applying its current policy for accounting for land easements that existed as of the effective date of ASU 2016-02. The adoption of ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019 resulted in the recognition of right-of-use assets of approximately $90.5 million and lease liabilities for operating leases of approximately $103.4 million on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, with no material impact to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations or Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Statement. The difference between the initial lease liabilities and the ROU assets is related primarily to previously existing lease liabilities. See Note 7 for further information regarding the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-02 on the Company's financial statements. In August 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities (“ASU 2017-12”). The new guidance better aligns an entity’s risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships through changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results. The new guidance also makes certain targeted improvements to simplify the application of hedge accounting guidance and ease the administrative burden of hedge documentation requirements and assessing hedge effectiveness. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. We adopted ASU 2017-12 effective January 1, 2019. The adoption had no impact on our results of operations. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02 (“ASU 2018-02”), Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income . ASU 2018-02 provides an option to allow reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. We adopted ASU 2018-02 effective January 1, 2019, and elected to not reclassify the income tax effects of the Act from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. The adoption had no impact on our results of operations. In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07 (“ASU 2018-07”), Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting . The amendments in ASU 2018-07 expand the scope of Topic 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation, to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from non-employees, and provide that non-employee share-based payment awards be measured at their grant-date fair value and the probability of satisfying performance conditions be taken into account when non-employee share-based payment awards contain such conditions. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. We adopted ASU 2018-07 effective January 1, 2019. The adoption had no impact on our results of operations. In August 2018, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted the final rule under SEC Release No. 33-10532, Disclosure Update and Simplification , amending certain disclosure requirements that were redundant, duplicative, overlapping, outdated or superseded. Additionally, the amendments expanded the disclosure requirements on the analysis of stockholders' equity for interim financial statements. Under the amendments, an analysis of changes in each caption of stockholders' equity presented in the balance sheet must be provided in a note or separate statement. The analysis should present a reconciliation of the beginning balance to the ending balance of each period presented. This final rule was effective on November 5, 2018. We implemented SEC Release No. 33-10532 effective January 1, 2019, which had no impact on our results of operations. Pending Adoption of Recent Accounting Pronouncements In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13 (“ASU 2016-13”), Financial Instruments - Credit Losses . The main provisions of ASU 2016-13 provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity at each reporting date, and require a financial asset (or a group of financial assets) measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The new standard will be effective for us beginning January 1, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this update will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Revenues (Tables)

Revenues (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue	The following tables present our revenues disaggregated by major product category. Cable & Connectivity Networking, Software & Security Total Revenues Three Months Ended September 29, 2019 (In thousands) Enterprise Solutions $ 263,857 $ 104,223 $ 368,080 Industrial Solutions 149,537 102,701 252,238 Total $ 413,394 $ 206,924 $ 620,318 Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Enterprise Solutions $ 271,928 $ 116,923 $ 388,851 Industrial Solutions 162,460 104,463 266,923 Total $ 434,388 $ 221,386 $ 655,774 Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 Enterprise Solutions $ 765,909 $ 298,560 $ 1,064,469 Industrial Solutions 475,166 305,388 780,554 Total $ 1,241,075 $ 603,948 $ 1,845,023 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Enterprise Solutions $ 785,970 $ 348,906 $ 1,134,876 Industrial Solutions 498,062 297,040 795,102 Total $ 1,284,032 $ 645,946 $ 1,929,978 The following tables present our revenues disaggregated by geography, based on the location of the customer purchasing the product. Americas EMEA APAC Total Revenues Three Months Ended September 29, 2019 (In thousands) Enterprise Solutions $ 250,382 $ 70,949 $ 46,749 $ 368,080 Industrial Solutions 147,940 62,701 41,597 252,238 Total $ 398,322 $ 133,650 $ 88,346 $ 620,318 Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Enterprise Solutions $ 254,320 $ 72,467 $ 62,064 $ 388,851 Industrial Solutions 156,334 71,280 39,309 266,923 Total $ 410,654 $ 143,747 $ 101,373 $ 655,774 Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 Enterprise Solutions $ 706,291 $ 211,226 $ 146,952 $ 1,064,469 Industrial Solutions 454,773 207,740 118,041 780,554 Total $ 1,161,064 $ 418,966 $ 264,993 $ 1,845,023 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Enterprise Solutions $ 735,794 $ 228,394 $ 170,688 $ 1,134,876 Industrial Solutions 461,667 217,851 115,584 795,102 Total $ 1,197,461 $ 446,245 $ 286,272 $ 1,929,978 The following tables present our revenues disaggregated by products, including software products, and support and services. Products Support & Services Total Revenues Three Months Ended September 29, 2019 (In thousands) Enterprise Solutions $ 346,501 $ 21,579 $ 368,080 Industrial Solutions 231,223 21,015 252,238 Total $ 577,724 $ 42,594 $ 620,318 Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Enterprise Solutions $ 368,389 $ 20,462 $ 388,851 Industrial Solutions 243,578 23,345 266,923 Total $ 611,967 $ 43,807 $ 655,774 Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 Enterprise Solutions $ 1,004,631 $ 59,838 $ 1,064,469 Industrial Solutions 715,367 65,187 780,554 Total $ 1,719,998 $ 125,025 $ 1,845,023 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Enterprise Solutions $ 1,080,549 $ 54,327 $ 1,134,876 Industrial Solutions 723,653 71,449 795,102 Total $ 1,804,202 $ 125,776 $ 1,929,978
Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability	The following table presents estimated and accrued variable consideration: September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 (in thousands) Accrued rebates $ 29,468 $ 30,089 Accrued returns 14,304 9,265 Price adjustments recognized against gross accounts receivable 30,454 28,963 The following table presents deferred revenue activity: Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 (In thousands) Beginning balance $ 113,347 $ 104,412 New deferrals 141,263 135,827 Revenue recognized (155,400 ) (149,400 ) Ending balance $ 99,210 $ 90,839
Sales Commissions	The following table presents sales commissions that are recorded within selling, general and administrative expenses: Three Months ended Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 (In thousands) Sales commissions $ 5,112 $ 5,931 $ 15,881 $ 18,392

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table summarizes the estimated, preliminary fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed as of April 15, 2019 (in thousands): Receivables $ 5,308 Inventory 7,470 Prepaid and other current assets 566 Property, plant, and equipment 1,328 Intangible assets 28,000 Goodwill 35,565 Deferred income taxes 36 Operating lease right-to-use assets 2,204 Other long-lived assets 2,070 Total assets acquired $ 82,547 Accounts payable $ 4,847 Accrued liabilities 4,346 Long-term deferred tax liability 7,342 Long-term operating lease liability 1,923 Other long-term liabilities 7,153 Total liabilities assumed $ 25,611 Net assets 56,936 Noncontrolling interests 5,195 Net assets attributable to Belden $ 51,741 Receivables $ 16,551 Inventory 15,084 Prepaid and other current assets 3,799 Property, plant, and equipment 7,716 Intangible assets 51,000 Goodwill 103,466 Deferred income taxes 1,388 Other long-lived assets 3,046 Total assets acquired $ 202,050 Accounts payable $ 11,825 Accrued liabilities 25,135 Deferred revenue 8,860 Long-term debt 19,315 Postretirement benefits 31,774 Other long-term liabilities 591 Total liabilities assumed $ 97,500 Net assets $ 104,550
Schedule of Acquired Intangible Assets	The goodwill is primarily attributable to expansion of product offerings in the optical fiber market. Our tax basis in the acquired goodwill is zero . 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 $ 3,400 5.0 Customer relationships 22,800 15.0 Sales backlog 1,300 0.5 Trademarks 500 2.0 Total intangible assets subject to amortization $ 28,000 Intangible assets not subject to amortization: Goodwill $ 35,565 n/a Total intangible assets not subject to amortization $ 35,565 Total intangible assets $ 63,565 Weighted average amortization period 12.9 Fair Value Amortization Period (In thousands) (In years) Intangible assets subject to amortization: Developed technologies $ 36,500 5.0 Customer relationships 11,000 12.0 Sales backlog 1,900 0.3 Trademarks 1,600 0.9 Total intangible assets subject to amortization $ 51,000 Intangible assets not subject to amortization: Goodwill $ 103,466 n/a Total intangible assets not subject to amortization $ 103,466 Total intangible assets $ 154,466 Weighted average amortization period 6.2 years
Schedule of Pro Forma Information	The following table illustrates the unaudited pro forma effect on operating results as if the SAM acquisition had been completed as of January 1, 2017. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 September 30, 2018 (In thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited) Revenues $ 659,003 $ 1,944,628 Net income attributable to Belden common stockholders 92,769 126,937 Diluted income per share attributable to Belden common stockholders $ 2.13 $ 3.08 The following table illustrates the unaudited pro forma effect on operating results as if the Opterna acquisition had been completed as of January 1, 2018. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 (In thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited) Revenues $ 620,318 $ 666,048 $ 1,853,639 $ 1,957,512 Net income (loss) attributable to Belden common stockholders (295,312 ) 77,417 (242,579 ) 87,250 Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to Belden common stockholders $ (6.64 ) $ 1.62 $ (5.90 ) $ 2.11

Reportable Segments (Tables)

Reportable Segments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Operating Segment Information	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. Enterprise Solutions Industrial Solutions Total Segments (In thousands) As of and for the three months ended September 29, 2019 Segment revenues $ 368,080 $ 252,238 $ 620,318 Affiliate revenues 927 2 929 Segment EBITDA 56,814 44,614 101,428 Depreciation expense 7,381 4,766 12,147 Amortization of intangibles 9,780 12,463 22,243 Amortization of software development intangible assets 1,161 36 1,197 Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs 4,045 — 4,045 Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions (186 ) — (186 ) Goodwill and other asset impairment 342,146 — 342,146 Segment assets 836,540 455,470 1,292,010 As of and for the three months ended September 30, 2018 Segment revenues $ 392,080 $ 266,923 $ 659,003 Affiliate revenues 1,776 15 1,791 Segment EBITDA 72,210 53,750 125,960 Depreciation expense 7,092 4,579 11,671 Amortization of intangibles 12,322 13,211 25,533 Amortization of software development intangible assets 620 — 620 Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs 9,528 2,160 11,688 Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions 821 — 821 Deferred revenue adjustments 3,229 — 3,229 Segment assets 766,505 448,626 1,215,131 As of and for the nine months ended September 29, 2019 Segment revenues $ 1,064,469 $ 780,554 $ 1,845,023 Affiliate revenues 3,190 13 3,203 Segment EBITDA 149,855 139,531 289,386 Depreciation expense 22,655 14,515 37,170 Amortization of intangibles 29,270 38,682 67,952 Amortization of software development intangible assets 3,119 87 3,206 Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs 10,904 — 10,904 Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions 1,845 — 1,845 Goodwill and other asset impairment 342,146 — 342,146 Segment assets 836,540 455,470 1,292,010 As of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 Segment revenues $ 1,142,765 $ 795,102 $ 1,937,867 Affiliate revenues 4,318 61 4,379 Segment EBITDA 199,943 153,401 353,344 Depreciation expense 21,465 14,097 35,562 Amortization of intangibles 35,301 39,689 74,990 Amortization of software development intangible assets 1,344 — 1,344 Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs 46,949 10,061 57,010 Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions 2,359 — 2,359 Deferred revenue adjustments 7,889 — 7,889 Segment assets 766,505 448,626 1,215,131
Reconciliation of Total Reportable Segments' Revenues and EBITDA to Consolidated Revenues and Consolidated Income Before Taxes	The following table is a reconciliation of the total of the reportable segments’ Revenues and EBITDA to consolidated revenues and consolidated income before taxes, respectively. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 (In thousands) Total Segment Revenues $ 620,318 $ 659,003 $ 1,845,023 $ 1,937,867 Deferred revenue adjustments (1) — (3,229 ) — (7,889 ) Consolidated Revenues $ 620,318 $ 655,774 $ 1,845,023 $ 1,929,978 Total Segment EBITDA $ 101,428 $ 125,960 $ 289,386 $ 353,344 Goodwill and other asset impairment (2) (342,146 ) — (342,146 ) — Amortization of intangibles (22,243 ) (25,533 ) (67,952 ) (74,990 ) Depreciation expense (12,147 ) (11,671 ) (37,170 ) (35,562 ) Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs (3) (4,045 ) (11,688 ) (10,904 ) (57,010 ) Amortization of software development intangible assets (1,197 ) (620 ) (3,206 ) (1,344 ) Purchase accounting effects related to acquisitions (4) 186 (821 ) (1,845 ) (2,359 ) Deferred revenue adjustments (1) — (3,229 ) — (7,889 ) Loss on sale of assets — — — (94 ) Costs related to patent litigation — (2,634 ) — (2,634 ) Gain from patent litigation — 62,141 — 62,141 Eliminations (343 ) (627 ) (1,086 ) (1,616 ) Consolidated operating income (loss) (280,507 ) 131,278 (174,923 ) 231,987 Interest expense, net (14,200 ) (14,472 ) (42,561 ) (46,538 ) Non-operating pension benefit 489 1,356 1,517 824 Loss on debt extinguishment — — — (22,990 ) Consolidated income (loss) before taxes $ (294,218 ) $ 118,162 $ (215,967 ) $ 163,283 (1) 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. See Note 3, Acquisitions , for details. (2) For the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019, we recognized a $342.1 million goodwill and other asset impairment charge for our Grass Valley reporting unit. See Note 8, Long-Lived Assets, for details . (3) See Note 9, Severance, Restructuring, and Acquisition Integration Activities, for details . (4) For the nine months ended September 29, 2019 , we recognized expenses related to the earnout consideration for the SAM acquisition. For the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019, we recognized cost of sales for the adjustment of acquired inventory to fair value related to the Opterna and FutureLink acquisitions. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , we recognized cost of sales for the adjustment of acquired inventory to fair value related to the SAM and NT2 acquisitions.

Income per Share (Tables)

Income per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basis for Income Per Share Computations	The following table presents the basis for the income per share computations: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 (In thousands) Numerator: Net income (loss) $ (297,015 ) $ 85,858 $ (229,547 ) $ 117,220 Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests (6 ) (23 ) 60 (148 ) Less: Preferred stock dividends 971 8,732 18,437 26,198 Net income (loss) attributable to Belden common stockholders, basic (297,980 ) 77,149 (248,044 ) 91,170 Plus Preferred stock dividends — 8,732 — — Net income (loss) attributable to Belden common stockholders, diluted $ (297,980 ) $ 85,881 $ (248,044 ) $ 91,170 Denominator: Weighted average shares outstanding, basic 44,444 40,510 41,090 40,960 Assumed conversion of preferred stock into common stock — 6,857 — — Effect of dilutive common stock equivalents — 311 — 308 Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted 44,444 47,678 41,090 41,268

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Major Classes of Inventories	The major classes of inventories were as follows: September 29, 2019 December 31, 2018 (In thousands) Raw materials $ 137,687 $ 146,803 Work-in-process 43,602 45,939 Finished goods 136,559 152,572 Gross inventories 317,848 345,314 Excess and obsolete reserves (26,853 ) (28,896 ) Net inventories $ 290,995 $ 316,418

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Components of Lease Expense	The components of lease expense were as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 (In thousands) Operating lease cost $ (4,505 ) $ (14,247 ) Finance lease cost Amortization of right-of-use asset $ (43 ) $ (111 ) Interest on lease liabilities (6 ) (16 ) Total finance lease cost $ (49 ) $ (127 )
Supplemental Cash Flow Information Related To Leases	Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 (In thousands) Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ (4,842 ) $ (14,978 ) Operating cash flows from finance leases (8 ) (24 ) Financing cash flows from finance leases (59 ) (232 )
Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related To Leases	Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows: September 29, 2019 (In thousands, except lease term and discount rate) Operating leases: Total operating lease right-of-use assets $ 78,788 Accrued liabilities $ 16,981 Long-term operating lease liabilities 73,436 Total operating lease liabilities $ 90,417 Finance leases: Other long-lived assets, at cost $ 723 Accumulated depreciation (592 ) Other long-lived assets, net $ 131
Supplemental Other Information Related To Leases	Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Operating leases 7 years Finance leases 2 years Weighted Average Discount Rate Operating leases 6.9 % Finance leases 5.9 %
Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity	Maturities of lease liabilities as of September 29, 2019 were as follows: Operating Leases Finance Leases (In thousands) 2019 $ 6,045 $ 68 2020 23,051 229 2021 19,742 131 2022 16,107 59 2023 13,382 34 Thereafter 41,896 11 Total $ 120,223 $ 532
Finance Lease, Liability, Maturity	Maturities of lease liabilities as of September 29, 2019 were as follows: Operating Leases Finance Leases (In thousands) 2019 $ 6,045 $ 68 2020 23,051 229 2021 19,742 131 2022 16,107 59 2023 13,382 34 Thereafter 41,896 11 Total $ 120,223 $ 532

Severance, Restructuring, and_2

Severance, Restructuring, and Acquisition Integration Activities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Severance, Restructuring and Integration Costs by Segment	The following table summarizes the costs by segment of the various programs described above as well as other immaterial programs and acquisition integration activities: Severance Other Restructuring and Integration Costs Total Costs Three Months Ended September 29, 2019 (In thousands) Enterprise Solutions $ 269 $ 3,776 $ 4,045 Industrial Solutions — — — Total $ 269 $ 3,776 $ 4,045 Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Enterprise Solutions $ (1,283 ) $ 10,811 $ 9,528 Industrial Solutions 136 2,024 2,160 Total $ (1,147 ) $ 12,835 $ 11,688 Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 Enterprise Solutions $ 489 $ 10,415 $ 10,904 Industrial Solutions — — — Total $ 489 $ 10,415 $ 10,904 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Enterprise Solutions $ 10,097 $ 36,852 $ 46,949 Industrial Solutions 378 9,683 10,061 Total $ 10,475 $ 46,535 $ 57,010 The following table summarizes the costs of the various programs described above as well as other immaterial programs and acquisition integration activities by financial statement line item in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations: Three Months ended Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 (In thousands) Cost of sales $ 792 $ 4,820 $ 1,777 $ 21,482 Selling, general and administrative expenses 3,253 6,341 8,364 30,287 Research and development expenses — 527 763 5,241 Total $ 4,045 $ 11,688 $ 10,904 $ 57,010

Long-Term Debt and Other Borr_2

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Carrying Values of Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements	The carrying values of our long-term debt were as follows: September 29, 2019 December 31, 2018 (In thousands) Revolving credit agreement due 2022 $ — $ — Senior subordinated notes: 3.875% Senior subordinated notes due 2028 383,460 400,050 3.375% Senior subordinated notes due 2027 493,020 514,350 4.125% Senior subordinated notes due 2026 219,120 228,600 2.875% Senior subordinated notes due 2025 328,680 342,900 Total senior subordinated notes 1,424,280 1,485,900 Less unamortized debt issuance costs (20,610 ) (22,700 ) Long-term debt $ 1,403,670 $ 1,463,200

Pension and Other Postretirem_2

Pension and Other Postretirement Obligations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs	The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit costs for our pension and other postretirement benefit plans: Pension Obligations Other Postretirement Obligations September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 (In thousands) Three Months Ended Service cost $ 1,058 $ 1,717 $ 10 $ 14 Interest cost 2,921 2,011 273 257 Expected return on plan assets (3,842 ) (4,660 ) — — Amortization of prior service credit (143 ) (37 ) — — Actuarial losses (gains) 327 1,073 (25 ) — Net periodic benefit cost $ 321 $ 104 $ 258 $ 271 Nine Months Ended Service cost $ 3,164 $ 3,792 $ 29 $ 40 Interest cost 8,869 5,792 815 781 Expected return on plan assets (11,977 ) (9,688 ) — — Amortization of prior service credit (117 ) (59 ) — — Actuarial losses (gains) 969 2,350 (76 ) — Net periodic benefit cost $ 908 $ 2,187 $ 768 $ 821

Comprehensive Income and Accu_2

Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table summarizes total comprehensive income: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 (In thousands) Net income (loss) $ (297,015 ) $ 85,858 $ (229,547 ) $ 117,220 Foreign currency translation gain (loss), net of $0.2 million, $0.5 million, $0.6 million, and $0.7 million tax, respectively 33,732 (17,904 ) 45,619 10,943 Adjustments to pension and postretirement liability, net of $0.0 million, $0.4 million, $0.2 million, and $0.9 million tax, respectively 120 637 591 1,409 Total comprehensive income (loss) (263,163 ) 68,591 (183,337 ) 129,572 Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests 367 (29 ) 474 (155 ) Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Belden $ (263,530 ) $ 68,620 $ (183,811 ) $ 129,727
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, 2018 $ (41,882 ) $ (33,025 ) $ (74,907 ) Other comprehensive income attributable to Belden before reclassifications 45,205 — 45,205 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income — 591 591 Net current period other comprehensive gain attributable to Belden 45,205 591 45,796 Balance at September 29, 2019 $ 3,323 $ (32,434 ) $ (29,111 )
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) for the nine months ended September 29, 2019 : Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (In thousands) Amortization of pension and other postretirement benefit plan items: Actuarial losses $ 893 (1) Prior service credit (117 ) (1) Total before tax 776 Tax benefit (185 ) Total net of tax $ 591 (1) The amortization of these accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit costs (see Note 13).

Summary of Significant Accoun_3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019USD ($)Segment	Sep. 29, 2019USD ($)segment	Jan. 01, 2019USD ($)
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of global business platforms	2	2
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$ 78,788	$ 78,788
Operating lease liability	90,417	90,417
Standby Letters of Credit
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, range of possible loss, portion not accrued	9,700	9,700
Bank Guaranties
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, range of possible loss, portion not accrued	3,900	3,900
Surety Bonds
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, range of possible loss, portion not accrued	$ 3,300	$ 3,300
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Operating lease right-of-use assets			$ 90,500
Operating lease liability			$ 103,400

Revenues - Major Product Catego

Revenues - Major Product Category (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 620,318	$ 655,774	$ 1,845,023	$ 1,929,978
Enterprise Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	368,080	388,851	1,064,469	1,134,876
Industrial Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	252,238	266,923	780,554	795,102
Cable & Connectivity
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	413,394	434,388	1,241,075	1,284,032
Cable & Connectivity | Enterprise Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	263,857	271,928	765,909	785,970
Cable & Connectivity | Industrial Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	149,537	162,460	475,166	498,062
Networking, Software & Security
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	206,924	221,386	603,948	645,946
Networking, Software & Security | Enterprise Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	104,223	116,923	298,560	348,906
Networking, Software & Security | Industrial Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 102,701	$ 104,463	$ 305,388	$ 297,040

Revenues - Location of Customer

Revenues - Location of Customer (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 620,318	$ 655,774	$ 1,845,023	$ 1,929,978
Enterprise Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	368,080	388,851	1,064,469	1,134,876
Industrial Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	252,238	266,923	780,554	795,102
Americas
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	398,322	410,654	1,161,064	1,197,461
Americas | Enterprise Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	250,382	254,320	706,291	735,794
Americas | Industrial Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	147,940	156,334	454,773	461,667
EMEA
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	133,650	143,747	418,966	446,245
EMEA | Enterprise Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	70,949	72,467	211,226	228,394
EMEA | Industrial Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	62,701	71,280	207,740	217,851
APAC
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	88,346	101,373	264,993	286,272
APAC | Enterprise Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	46,749	62,064	146,952	170,688
APAC | Industrial Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 41,597	$ 39,309	$ 118,041	$ 115,584

Revenues - Products and Service

Revenues - Products and Services (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 620,318	$ 655,774	$ 1,845,023	$ 1,929,978
Enterprise Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	368,080	388,851	1,064,469	1,134,876
Industrial Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	252,238	266,923	780,554	795,102
Products
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	577,724	611,967	1,719,998	1,804,202
Products | Enterprise Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	346,501	368,389	1,004,631	1,080,549
Products | Industrial Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	231,223	243,578	715,367	723,653
Support & Services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	42,594	43,807	125,025	125,776
Support & Services | Enterprise Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	21,579	20,462	59,838	54,327
Support & Services | Industrial Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 21,015	$ 23,345	$ 65,187	$ 71,449

Revenues Revenues - Estimated a

Revenues Revenues - Estimated and Accrued Variable Concideration (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Accrued rebates	$ 29,468	$ 30,089
Accrued returns	14,304	9,265
Price adjustments recognized against gross accounts receivable	$ 30,454	$ 28,963

Revenues - Narrative (Details)

Revenues - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 29, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Contract with customer, deferred revenues	$ 99,210	$ 113,347	$ 90,839	$ 104,412
Contract with customer, deferred revenues, current	86,500
Contract with customer, deferred revenues, noncurrent	12,700
Deferred sales commission	$ 3,000		$ 2,300

Revenues - Deferred Revenue (De

Revenues - Deferred Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Change in Contract with Customer, Liability [Abstract]
Beginning balance	$ 113,347	$ 104,412
New deferrals	141,263	135,827
Revenue recognized	(155,400)	(149,400)
Ending balance	$ 99,210	$ 90,839

Revenues - Sales Commissions (D

Revenues - Sales Commissions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Sales commissions	$ 5,112	$ 5,931	$ 15,881	$ 18,392

Acquisitions - Additional Infor

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 25, 2019	Apr. 15, 2019	Apr. 05, 2019	Apr. 25, 2018	Feb. 08, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Jul. 01, 2018	Apr. 01, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price, net of cash acquired												$ 50,951,000	$ 84,580,000
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs						$ 4,045,000			$ 11,688,000			10,904,000	57,010,000
Amortization of intangibles						22,243,000			25,533,000			67,952,000	74,990,000
Net income (loss)						(297,015,000)	$ 42,290,000	$ 25,178,000	85,858,000	$ 28,792,000	$ 2,570,000	(229,547,000)	117,220,000
Opterna International Corp.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of outstanding shares acquired		100.00%
Purchase price, net of cash acquired		$ 51,700,000
Acquisition price paid	$ 400,000	45,500,000
Maximum earnout consideration		25,000,000
Estimated earnout consideration		5,800,000
Adjustment to goodwill						(9,400,000)
Receivables		5,308,000
Property, plant, and equipment		1,328,000
Tax basis in acquired goodwill		$ 0
Post acquisition revenue of acquiree						9,100,000						17,900,000
Post acquisition income (loss) before taxes of acquiree						(200,000)						(300,000)
Net income attributable to Belden common stockholders						(295,312,000)			77,417,000			(242,579,000)	87,250,000
Amortization of intangibles						1,400,000						2,300,000
Inventory adjustment						(100,000)						500,000
Net income (loss)						0						100,000
Net-Tech Technology, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of outstanding shares acquired				100.00%
Acquisition price paid				$ 8,500,000
Snell Advanced Media
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of outstanding shares acquired					100.00%
Acquisition price					$ 104,600,000
Acquisition price paid					75,200,000
Maximum earnout consideration					31,400,000
Estimated earnout consideration					29,300,000
Long-term debt acquired					19,315,000
Receivables					16,551,000
Property, plant, and equipment					7,716,000
Tax basis in acquired goodwill					$ 0
Post acquisition revenue of acquiree									25,300,000				77,200,000
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs									7,100,000				36,600,000
Net income attributable to Belden common stockholders									92,769,000				126,937,000
Amortization of intangibles									3,700,000				8,700,000
Inventory adjustment									$ 600,000				$ 1,800,000
Suttle, Inc. Asset Acquisition
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Asset acquisition, consideration transferred			$ 5,000,000
PPC Broadband and Opterna Integration Program
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs						$ 3,100,000						$ 5,600,000

Acquisitions - Schedule of Reco

Acquisitions - Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 29, 2019	Apr. 15, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Feb. 08, 2018
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill	$ 1,265,006		$ 1,557,653
Opterna International Corp.
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets [Abstract]
Receivables		$ 5,308
Inventory		7,470
Prepaid and other current assets		566
Property, plant, and equipment		1,328
Intangible assets		28,000
Goodwill		35,565
Deferred income taxes		36
Operating lease right-to-use assets		2,204
Other long-lived assets		2,070
Total assets acquired		82,547
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities [Abstract]
Accounts payable		4,847
Accrued liabilities		4,346
Long-term deferred tax liability		7,342
Long-term operating lease liability		1,923
Other long-term liabilities		7,153
Total liabilities assumed		25,611
Net assets		56,936
Noncontrolling interests		5,195
Net assets attributable to Belden		$ 51,741
Snell Advanced Media
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets [Abstract]
Receivables				$ 16,551
Inventory				15,084
Prepaid and other current assets				3,799
Property, plant, and equipment				7,716
Intangible assets				51,000
Goodwill				103,466
Deferred income taxes				1,388
Other long-lived assets				3,046
Total assets acquired				202,050
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities [Abstract]
Accounts payable				11,825
Accrued liabilities				25,135
Deferred revenue				8,860
Long-term debt				19,315
Postretirement benefits				31,774
Other long-term liabilities				591
Total liabilities assumed				97,500
Net assets				$ 104,550

Acquisitions - Schedule of Acqu

Acquisitions - Schedule of Acquired Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 15, 2019	Feb. 08, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill			$ 1,265,006	$ 1,557,653
Opterna International Corp.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total intangible assets subject to amortization	$ 28,000
Goodwill	35,565
Total intangible assets	$ 63,565
Amortization Period	12 years 10 months 24 days
Opterna International Corp. | Goodwill
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 35,565
Opterna International Corp. | Developed technologies
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total intangible assets subject to amortization	$ 3,400
Amortization Period	5 years
Opterna International Corp. | Customer relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total intangible assets subject to amortization	$ 22,800
Amortization Period	15 years
Opterna International Corp. | Sales backlog
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total intangible assets subject to amortization	$ 1,300
Amortization Period	15 days
Opterna International Corp. | Trademarks
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total intangible assets subject to amortization	$ 500
Amortization Period	2 years
Snell Advanced Media
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total intangible assets subject to amortization		$ 51,000
Goodwill		103,466
Total intangible assets		$ 154,466
Amortization Period		6 years 2 months 12 days
Snell Advanced Media | Goodwill
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 103,466
Snell Advanced Media | Developed technologies
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total intangible assets subject to amortization		$ 36,500
Amortization Period		5 years
Snell Advanced Media | Customer relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total intangible assets subject to amortization		$ 11,000
Amortization Period		12 years
Snell Advanced Media | Sales backlog
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total intangible assets subject to amortization		$ 1,900
Amortization Period		9 days
Snell Advanced Media | Trademarks
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total intangible assets subject to amortization		$ 1,600
Amortization Period		27 days

Acquisitions - Schedule of Pro

Acquisitions - Schedule of Pro Forma Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Opterna International Corp.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 620,318	$ 666,048	$ 1,853,639	$ 1,957,512
Net income attributable to Belden common stockholders	$ (295,312)	$ 77,417	$ (242,579)	$ 87,250
Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to Belden common stockholders (in usd per share)	$ (6.64)	$ 1.62	$ (5.90)	$ 2.11
Snell Advanced Media
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenues		$ 659,003		$ 1,944,628
Net income attributable to Belden common stockholders		$ 92,769		$ 126,937
Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to Belden common stockholders (in usd per share)		$ 2.13		$ 3.08

Reportable Segments - Additiona

Reportable Segments - Additional Information (Details) - 9 months ended Sep. 29, 2019	Segment	segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of global business platforms	2	2

Reportable Segments - Operating

Reportable Segments - Operating Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	$ 620,318	$ 655,774	$ 1,845,023	$ 1,929,978
Depreciation expense	12,100	11,700	37,200	35,600
Amortization of intangibles	22,243	25,533	67,952	74,990
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs	(4,045)	(11,688)	(10,904)	(57,010)
Goodwill and other asset impairment	342,146	0	342,146	0
Segment assets	3,441,995		3,441,995		$ 3,779,321
Enterprise Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	368,080	388,851	1,064,469	1,134,876
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs	(4,045)	(9,528)	(10,904)	(46,949)
Industrial Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	252,238	266,923	780,554	795,102
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs	0	(2,160)	0	(10,061)
Reportable Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	620,318	659,003	1,845,023	1,937,867
Segment EBITDA	101,428	125,960	289,386	353,344
Depreciation expense	12,147	11,671	37,170	35,562
Amortization of intangibles	22,243	25,533	67,952	74,990
Amortization of software development intangible assets	1,197	620	3,206	1,344
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs	(4,045)	(11,688)	(10,904)	(57,010)
Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions	(186)	821	1,845	2,359
Goodwill and other asset impairment	342,146	0	342,146	0
Deferred revenue adjustments	0	3,229	0	7,889
Segment assets	1,292,010	1,215,131	1,292,010	1,215,131
Reportable Segment | Enterprise Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	368,080	392,080	1,064,469	1,142,765
Segment EBITDA	56,814	72,210	149,855	199,943
Depreciation expense	7,381	7,092	22,655	21,465
Amortization of intangibles	9,780	12,322	29,270	35,301
Amortization of software development intangible assets	1,161	620	3,119	1,344
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs	(4,045)	(9,528)	(10,904)	(46,949)
Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions	(186)	821	1,845	2,359
Goodwill and other asset impairment	342,146		342,146
Deferred revenue adjustments		3,229		7,889
Segment assets	836,540	766,505	836,540	766,505
Reportable Segment | Industrial Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	252,238	266,923	780,554	795,102
Segment EBITDA	44,614	53,750	139,531	153,401
Depreciation expense	4,766	4,579	14,515	14,097
Amortization of intangibles	12,463	13,211	38,682	39,689
Amortization of software development intangible assets	36	0	87	0
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs	0	(2,160)	0	(10,061)
Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions	0	0	0	0
Goodwill and other asset impairment	0		0
Deferred revenue adjustments		0		0
Segment assets	455,470	448,626	455,470	448,626
Affiliate revenues | Reportable Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	929	1,791	3,203	4,379
Affiliate revenues | Reportable Segment | Enterprise Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	927	1,776	3,190	4,318
Affiliate revenues | Reportable Segment | Industrial Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	$ 2	$ 15	$ 13	$ 61

Reportable Segments - Reconcili

Reportable Segments - Reconciliation of Total Reportable Segments' Revenues and EBITDA to Consolidated Revenues and Consolidated Income Before Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Goodwill and other asset impairment	$ 342,146	$ 0	$ 342,146	$ 0
Segment revenues	620,318	655,774	1,845,023	1,929,978
Amortization of intangibles	(22,243)	(25,533)	(67,952)	(74,990)
Depreciation expense	(12,100)	(11,700)	(37,200)	(35,600)
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs	4,045	11,688	10,904	57,010
Gain from patent litigation	0	62,141	0	62,141
Operating income (loss)	(280,507)	131,278	(174,923)	231,987
Interest expense, net	(14,200)	(14,472)	(42,561)	(46,538)
Non-operating pension benefit	489	1,356	1,517	824
Loss on debt extinguishment	0	0	0	(22,990)
Consolidated income (loss) before taxes	(294,218)	118,162	(215,967)	163,283
Reportable Segment
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Deferred revenue adjustments	0	(3,229)	0	(7,889)
Total Segment EBITDA	101,428	125,960	289,386	353,344
Goodwill and other asset impairment	342,146	0	342,146	0
Segment revenues	620,318	659,003	1,845,023	1,937,867
Amortization of intangibles	(22,243)	(25,533)	(67,952)	(74,990)
Depreciation expense	(12,147)	(11,671)	(37,170)	(35,562)
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs	4,045	11,688	10,904	57,010
Purchase accounting effects related to acquisitions	(186)	821	1,845	2,359
Amortization of software development intangible assets	(1,197)	(620)	(3,206)	(1,344)
Loss on sale of assets	0	0	0	(94)
Litigation Settlement, Expense	0	(2,634)	0	(2,634)
Gain from patent litigation	0	62,141	0	62,141
Eliminations
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)	(343)	$ (627)	(1,086)	$ (1,616)
Grass Valley | Reportable Segment
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Goodwill and other asset impairment	$ 342,100		$ 342,100

Income Per Share - Basis for In

Income Per Share - Basis for Income Per Share Computations (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Numerator:
Net income (loss)	$ (297,015)	$ 85,858	$ (229,547)	$ 117,220
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(6)	(23)	60	(148)
Less: Preferred stock dividends	971	8,732	18,437	26,198
Net income (loss) attributable to Belden common stockholders	(297,980)	77,149	(248,044)	91,170
Plus Preferred stock dividends	0	8,732	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Belden common stockholders, diluted	$ (297,980)	$ 85,881	$ (248,044)	$ 91,170
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic (in shares)	44,444	40,510	41,090	40,960
Assumed conversion of preferred stock into common stock (in shares)	0	6,857	0	0
Effect of dilutive common stock equivalents (in shares)	0	311	0	308
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted (in shares)	44,444	47,678	41,090	41,268

Income Per Share - Additional I

Income Per Share - Additional Information (Details) - shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	1.4	0.9	1.2	0.8
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from diluted weighted average shares outstanding due to performance conditions not being met (in shares)	0.3	0.3		0.2
Convertible Preferred Stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	1.1		4.9	6.9

Inventories - Major Classes of

Inventories - Major Classes of Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 29, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 137,687	$ 146,803
Work-in-process	43,602	45,939
Finished goods	136,559	152,572
Gross inventories	317,848	345,314
Excess and obsolete reserves	(26,853)	(28,896)
Net inventories	$ 290,995	$ 316,418

Leases Additional Information (

Leases Additional Information (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Renewal term	15 years
Minimum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating and finance lease, term of contract	1 year
Maximum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating and finance lease, term of contract	16 years

Leases Components of Lease Expe

Leases Components of Lease Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 29, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease cost	$ (4,505)	$ (14,247)
Amortization of right-of-use asset	(43)	(111)
Interest on lease liabilities	(6)	(16)
Total finance lease cost	$ (49)	$ (127)

Leases Supplemental Cash Flow I

Leases Supplemental Cash Flow Information Related To Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 29, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$ (4,842)	$ (14,978)
Operating cash flows from finance leases	(8)	(24)
Financing cash flows from finance leases	$ (59)	$ (232)

Leases Supplemental Balance She

Leases Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related To Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 29, 2019USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Total operating lease right-of-use assets	$ 78,788
Accrued liabilities	16,981
Long-term operating lease liabilities	73,436
Total operating lease liabilities	90,417
Other long-lived assets, at cost	723
Accumulated depreciation	(592)
Other long-lived assets, net	$ 131

Leases Supplemental Other Infor

Leases Supplemental Other Information Related To Leases (Details)	Sep. 29, 2019
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term
Operating leases	7 years
Finance leases	2 years
Weighted Average Discount Rate
Operating leases	6.90%
Finance leases	5.90%

Leases Maturities of Lease Liab

Leases Maturities of Lease Liabilities (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 29, 2019USD ($)
Operating leases
2019	$ 6,045
2020	23,051
2021	19,742
2022	16,107
2023	13,382
Thereafter	41,896
Total	120,223
Finance leases
2019	68
2020	229
2021	131
2022	59
2023	34
Thereafter	11
Total	$ 532

Long-Lived Assets - Additional

Long-Lived Assets - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense	$ 12,100	$ 11,700	$ 37,200	$ 35,600
Amortization of Intangible Assets Including Amortization of Software Development	23,400	26,200	71,200	76,300
Goodwill and other asset impairment	342,146	$ 0	342,146	$ 0
Goodwill impairment	326,100		326,100
Customer relationships
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Impairment of intangible assets	14,400		14,100
Trademarks
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Impairment of intangible assets	$ 1,600		$ 1,600

Severance, Restructuring and Ac

Severance, Restructuring and Acquisition Integration Activities - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs	$ 4,045,000	$ 11,688,000	$ 10,904,000	$ 57,010,000
Maximum
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and integration cost payable period			60 days
Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs	792,000	4,820,000	$ 1,777,000	21,482,000
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs	3,253,000	6,341,000	8,364,000	30,287,000
Research and Development
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs	0	527,000	763,000	5,241,000
PPC Broadband and Opterna Integration Program
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs	3,100,000		5,600,000
Grass Valley And SAM Integration Program
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs	$ 0	7,100,000	$ 3,000,000	36,600,000
Industrial Manufacturing Footprint Program
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs		$ 4,300,000		$ 15,800,000

Severance, Restructuring and _2

Severance, Restructuring and Acquisition Integration Activities - Severance, Restructuring and Integration Costs by Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance	$ 269	$ (1,147)	$ 489	$ 10,475
Other Restructuring and Integration Costs	3,776	12,835	10,415	46,535
Total Costs	4,045	11,688	10,904	57,010
Enterprise Solutions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance	269	(1,283)	489	10,097
Other Restructuring and Integration Costs	3,776	10,811	10,415	36,852
Total Costs	4,045	9,528	10,904	46,949
Industrial Solutions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance	0	136	0	378
Other Restructuring and Integration Costs	0	2,024	0	9,683
Total Costs	$ 0	$ 2,160	$ 0	$ 10,061

Severance, Restructuring, and_3

Severance, Restructuring, and Acquisition Integration Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs	$ 4,045	$ 11,688	$ 10,904	$ 57,010
Cost of sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs	792	4,820	1,777	21,482
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs	3,253	6,341	8,364	30,287
Research and development expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs	$ 0	$ 527	$ 763	$ 5,241

Long-Term Debt and Other Borr_3

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements - Carrying Values of Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 29, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior subordinated notes	$ 1,424,280,000	$ 1,485,900,000
Less unamortized debt issuance costs	(20,610,000)	(22,700,000)
Long-term debt	1,403,670,000	1,463,200,000
Revolving credit agreement due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit agreement due 2022	$ 0	0
3.875% Senior subordinated notes due 2028
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior subordinated notes interest rate	3.875%
Total senior subordinated notes	$ 383,460,000	400,050,000
3.375% Senior subordinated notes due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior subordinated notes interest rate	3.375%
Total senior subordinated notes	$ 493,020,000	514,350,000
4.125% Senior subordinated notes due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior subordinated notes interest rate	4.125%
Total senior subordinated notes	$ 219,120,000	228,600,000
2.875% Senior subordinated notes due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior subordinated notes interest rate	2.875%
Total senior subordinated notes	$ 328,680,000	$ 342,900,000

Long-Term Debt and Other Borr_4

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements - Additional Information (Details)	May 16, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 29, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 29, 2019EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior subordinated notes		$ 1,424,280,000		$ 1,485,900,000
Senior Subordinated Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior subordinated notes		1,424,300,000
Fair value of senior subordinated notes		1,494,800,000
Revolving credit agreement due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit agreement due 2022, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 400,000,000
Commitment fee percentage	0.25%
Fixed charge coverage, minimum threshold (as a percent)	90.00%
Revolving credit agreement due 2022, borrowings outstanding		0		0
Revolving credit agreement due 2022, available borrowing capacity		$ 287,000,000
Revolving credit agreement due 2022 | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)	1.25%
Revolving credit agreement due 2022 | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)	1.75%
3.875% Senior subordinated notes due 2028
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior subordinated notes interest rate		3.875%	3.875%
Senior subordinated notes		$ 383,460,000		400,050,000
3.875% Senior subordinated notes due 2028 | Senior Subordinated Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount outstanding of senior subordinated notes | €			€ 350,000,000
Senior subordinated notes interest rate		3.875%	3.875%
3.375% Senior subordinated notes due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior subordinated notes interest rate		3.375%	3.375%
Senior subordinated notes		$ 493,020,000		514,350,000
3.375% Senior subordinated notes due 2027 | Senior Subordinated Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount outstanding of senior subordinated notes | €			€ 450,000,000
Senior subordinated notes interest rate		3.375%	3.375%
4.125% Senior subordinated notes due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior subordinated notes interest rate		4.125%	4.125%
Senior subordinated notes		$ 219,120,000		228,600,000
4.125% Senior subordinated notes due 2026 | Senior Subordinated Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount outstanding of senior subordinated notes | €			€ 200,000,000
2.875% Senior subordinated notes due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior subordinated notes interest rate		2.875%	2.875%
Senior subordinated notes		$ 328,680,000		$ 342,900,000
2.875% Senior subordinated notes due 2025 | Senior Subordinated Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount outstanding of senior subordinated notes | €			€ 300,000,000
Senior subordinated notes interest rate		2.875%	2.875%

Net Investment Hedge (Details)

Net Investment Hedge (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Cumulative translation adjustment	$ 33,732	$ (17,904)	$ 45,619	$ 10,943
Senior Subordinated Notes
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Cumulative translation adjustment	$ 6,900	$ 66,500	$ 62,100	$ 46,300

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax (benefit) expense	$ 2,797	$ 32,304	$ 13,580	$ 46,063
Effective tax rate	1.00%	(27.30%)	6.30%	(28.20%)
Change in valuation allowance income tax benefit			$ 5,700	$ 1,800
Income tax benefit for impairment	$ 5,100		5,100
Income tax expense related to debt refinance	3,800	$ 1,200	4,300	1,200
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, income tax expense	$ 3,300		$ 4,400	$ 1,200

Pension and Other Postretirem_3

Pension and Other Postretirement Obligations - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Pension Obligations
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 1,058	$ 1,717	$ 3,164	$ 3,792
Interest cost	2,921	2,011	8,869	5,792
Expected return on plan assets	(3,842)	(4,660)	(11,977)	(9,688)
Amortization of prior service credit	(143)	(37)	(117)	(59)
Actuarial losses (gains)	327	1,073	969	2,350
Net periodic benefit cost	321	104	908	2,187
Other Postretirement Obligations
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	10	14	29	40
Interest cost	273	257	815	781
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service credit	0	0	0	0
Actuarial losses (gains)	(25)	0	(76)	0
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 258	$ 271	$ 768	$ 821

Comprehensive Income and Accu_3

Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Jul. 01, 2018	Apr. 01, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (297,015)	$ 42,290	$ 25,178	$ 85,858	$ 28,792	$ 2,570	$ (229,547)	$ 117,220
Foreign currency translation gain (loss), net of $0.2 million, $0.5 million, $0.6 million, and $0.7 million tax, respectively	33,732			(17,904)			45,619	10,943
Adjustments to pension and postretirement liability, net of $0.0 million, $0.4 million, $0.2 million, and $0.9 million tax, respectively	120			637			591	1,409
Total comprehensive income (loss)	(263,163)			68,591			(183,337)	129,572
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	367			(29)			474	(155)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Belden	(263,530)			68,620			(183,811)	129,727
Foreign currency translation, tax income (loss)	200			500			600	700
Adjustments to pension and postretirement liability, tax	$ 0			$ 400			$ 200	$ 900

Comprehensive Income and Accu_4

Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Components of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Jul. 01, 2018	Apr. 01, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 1,433,533	$ 1,431,329	$ 1,387,588	$ 1,351,110	$ 1,292,146	$ 1,434,866	$ 1,387,588
Net current period other comprehensive gain attributable to Belden	33,853	(16,653)	29,010	(17,267)	61,011	(31,392)
Ending balance	1,144,810	$ 1,433,533	1,431,329	$ 1,390,302	$ 1,351,110	$ 1,292,146	1,144,810
Foreign Currency Translation Component
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			(41,882)				(41,882)
Other comprehensive income attributable to Belden before reclassifications							45,205
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income							0
Net current period other comprehensive gain attributable to Belden							45,205
Ending balance	3,323						3,323
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			(33,025)				(33,025)
Other comprehensive income attributable to Belden before reclassifications							0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income							591
Net current period other comprehensive gain attributable to Belden							591
Ending balance	(32,434)						(32,434)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			$ (74,907)				(74,907)
Other comprehensive income attributable to Belden before reclassifications							45,205
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income							591
Net current period other comprehensive gain attributable to Belden							45,796
Ending balance	$ (29,111)						$ (29,111)

Comprehensive Income and Accu_5

Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Summary of Effects of Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019USD ($)
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total net of tax	$ (591)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Actuarial losses
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total before tax	893
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Prior service credit
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total before tax	(117)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total before tax	776
Tax benefit	(185)
Total net of tax	$ 591

Preferred Stock Preferred Stock

Preferred Stock Preferred Stock (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Jul. 15, 2019shares	Sep. 29, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 29, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividends | $		$ 971	$ 8,732	$ 18,437	$ 26,198
Depository Shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Depository shares issued (in shares)						5,200,000
Interest in preferred stock per depository share						0.01
Six Point Seven Five Percentage Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Percentage of issued shares						6.75%
Offering price per share (in usd per share) | $ / shares						$ 100
Preferred stock converted in to common stock (in shares)	132.50
Number of common stock issued upon conversion (in shares)	6,900,000
Proceeds from offering, net | $						$ 501,000

Share Repurchase (Details)

Share Repurchase (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions	3 Months Ended					9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Jul. 01, 2018	Apr. 01, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Nov. 29, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount								$ 300,000,000
Shares repurchase program (in shares)	0.5		0.3			0.9	1.8
Value of shares repurchased	$ 27,185,000	$ 22,815,000	$ 25,000,000	$ 24,730,000	$ 75,270,000	$ 50,000,000	$ 125,000,000
Treasury stock acquired, average cost per share (in usd per share)	$ 55.17		$ 72.62			$ 56.19	$ 70.13

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Goodwill and other asset impairment	$ 342,146	$ 0	$ 342,146	$ 0
Goodwill impairment	326,100		326,100
Assets	3,441,995		3,441,995		$ 3,779,321
Comprehensive income (loss)	(263,530)	$ 68,620	(183,811)	$ 129,727
Customer relationships
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Impairment of intangible assets	14,400		14,100
Trademarks
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Impairment of intangible assets	1,600		1,600
Grass Valley
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Goodwill and other asset impairment	342,100
Goodwill impairment	326,100
Assets	491,800		491,800
Liabilities	194,000		$ 194,000
Comprehensive income (loss)	73,200
Grass Valley | Customer relationships
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Impairment of intangible assets	14,400
Grass Valley | Trademarks
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Impairment of intangible assets	$ 1,600

Uncategorized Items - bdc-09292

Label	Element	Value
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ (29,041,000)
Retained Earnings [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ (29,041,000)