Belden (BDC) 10-K 11 Feb 20 2019 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Feb. 05, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Cover page.
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2019
Document Transition Report	false
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
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share
Trading Symbol	BDC
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
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
Entity Public Float			$ 1,719,404,831
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		45,459,726
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Central Index Key	0000913142
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Documents Incorporated by Reference	The registrant intends to file a definitive proxy statement for its annual meeting of stockholders within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 (the “Proxy Statement”). Portions of such proxy statement are incorporated by reference into Part III.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 407,480	$ 407,454
Receivables, net	334,634	335,956
Inventories, net	231,333	265,002
Other current assets	29,172	30,590
Current assets of discontinued operations	375,135	219,722
Total current assets	1,377,754	1,258,724
Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated depreciation	345,918	310,960
Operating lease right-of-use assets	62,251
Goodwill	1,243,669	1,206,877
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization	339,505	359,931
Deferred income taxes	25,216	26,459
Other long-lived assets	12,446	13,249
Long-term assets of discontinued operations	0	603,121
Total assets	3,406,759	3,779,321
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	268,466	297,498
Accrued liabilities	283,799	272,396
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	170,279	147,028
Total current liabilities	722,544	716,922
Long-term debt	1,439,484	1,463,200
Postretirement benefits	136,227	127,748
Deferred income taxes	48,725	36,109
Long-term operating lease liabilities	55,652
Other long-term liabilities	38,308	30,140
Long-term liabilities of discontinued operations	0	17,614
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share— 2,000 shares authorized; 0 shares and 52 shares outstanding at 2019 and 2018, respectively	0	1
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share— 200,000 shares authorized; 50,335 shares issued; 45,458 and 39,396 shares outstanding at 2019 and 2018, respectively	503	503
Additional paid-in capital	811,955	1,139,395
Retained earnings	518,004	922,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(63,418)	(74,907)
Treasury stock, at cost— 4,877 and 10,939 shares at 2019 and 2018, respectively	(307,197)	(599,845)
Total Belden stockholders’ equity	959,847	1,387,147
Noncontrolling interest	5,972	441
Total stockholders’ equity	965,819	1,387,588
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 3,406,759	$ 3,779,321

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	2,000,000	2,000,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	52,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	50,335,000	50,335,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	45,458,000	39,396,000
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	4,877,000	10,939,000

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 2,131,278	$ 2,165,702	$ 2,087,185
Cost of sales	(1,337,773)	(1,335,791)	(1,284,865)
Gross profit	793,505	829,911	802,320
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(417,329)	(411,352)	(389,743)
Research and development expenses	(94,360)	(91,552)	(88,748)
Amortization of intangibles	(74,609)	(75,140)	(90,188)
Gain from patent litigation	0	62,141	0
Operating income	207,207	314,008	233,641
Interest expense, net	(55,814)	(60,839)	(82,651)
Non-operating pension benefit (cost)	1,017	(99)	(561)
Loss on debt extinguishment	0	(22,990)	(52,441)
Income from continuing operations before taxes	152,410	230,080	97,988
Income tax benefit (expense)	(42,519)	(62,936)	4,619
Income from continuing operations	109,891	167,144	102,607
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	(486,667)	(6,433)	(9,754)
Net income (loss)	(376,776)	160,711	92,853
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	239	(183)	(357)
Net income (loss) attributable to Belden	(377,015)	160,894	93,210
Less: Preferred stock dividends	18,437	34,931	34,931
Net income (loss) attributable to Belden common stockholders	$ (395,452)	$ 125,963	$ 58,279
Weighted average number of common shares and equivalents:
Basic (in shares)	42,203	40,675	42,220
Diluted (in shares)	42,416	40,956	42,643
Basic income (loss) per share attributable to Belden common stockholders:
Continuing operations attributable to Belden common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 2.16	$ 3.25	$ 1.61
Discontinued operations attributable to Belden common stockholders (in dollars per share)	(11.53)	(0.16)	(0.23)
Basic income (loss) per share attributable to Belden common stockholders:	(9.37)	3.10	1.38
Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to Belden common stockholders:
Continuing operations attributable to Belden common stockholders (in dollars per share)	2.15	3.23	1.60
Discontinued operations attributable to Belden common stockholders (in dollars per share)	(11.53)	(0.16)	(0.23)
Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to Belden stockholders:	$ (9.37)	$ 3.08	$ 1.37

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (376,776)	$ 160,711	$ 92,853
Foreign currency translation, net of tax of $1.0 million, $1.7 million, and $1.3 million, respectively	24,121	27,802	(65,046)
Adjustments to pension and postretirement liability, net of tax of $1.1 million, $1.0 million, and $2.2 million, respectively	(12,168)	(4,690)	6,071
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	11,953	23,112	(58,975)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(364,823)	183,823	33,878
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	703	(190)	(373)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Belden	$ (365,526)	$ 184,013	$ 34,251

Consolidated Statements of Co_2

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation, tax expense (benefit)	$ 1	$ 1.7	$ 1.3
Adjustments to pension and postretirement liability, tax	$ 1.1	$ 1	$ 2.2

Consolidated Cash Flow Statemen

Consolidated Cash Flow Statements - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ (376,776)	$ 160,711	$ 92,853
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Asset impairment of discontinued operations	521,441	0	0
Depreciation and amortization	139,259	148,632	149,650
Share-based compensation	17,751	18,497	14,647
Loss on debt extinguishment	0	22,990	52,441
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	(23,540)	11,300	(24,098)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of the effects of exchange rate changes, acquired businesses, and disposals:
Receivables	22,926	(21,748)	(24,931)
Inventories	44,477	(14,779)	(84,088)
Accounts payable	(41,527)	(29,401)	100,752
Accrued liabilities	(17,654)	17,238	(25,076)
Income taxes	5,497	(4,390)	5,001
Other assets	(16,118)	(18,748)	(13,255)
Other liabilities	1,157	(1,082)	11,404
Net cash provided by operating activities	276,893	289,220	255,300
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(110,002)	(97,847)	(64,261)
Cash used to acquire businesses, net of cash acquired	(74,392)	(84,580)	(166,896)
Proceeds from disposal of tangible assets	25	1,580	1,039
Proceeds from disposal of business	0	40,171	0
Net cash used for investing activities	(184,369)	(140,676)	(230,118)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments under borrowing arrangements	0	(484,757)	(1,105,892)
Payments under share repurchase program	(50,000)	(175,000)	(25,000)
Cash dividends paid	(34,439)	(43,169)	(43,376)
Debt issuance costs paid	0	(7,609)	(17,316)
Withholding tax payments for share based-payment awards	(2,149)	(2,094)	(6,564)
Redemption of stockholders' rights agreement	0	(411)	0
Other	(360)	0	0
Borrowings under credit arrangements	0	431,270	866,700
Net cash used for financing activities	(86,948)	(281,770)	(331,448)
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(301)	(7,272)	19,258
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	5,275	(140,498)	(287,008)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	420,610	561,108	848,116
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	$ 425,885	$ 420,610	$ 561,108

Consolidated Stockholders' Equi

Consolidated Stockholders' Equity Statements - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Treasury Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Non-controlling Interest
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016		52	50,335			8,155
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 1,461,316	$ 1	$ 503	$ 1,116,090	$ 783,812	$ (401,026)	$ (39,067)	$ 1,004
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	92,853				93,210			(357)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(58,975)						(58,959)	(16)
Preferred stock issuance, net	(2,838)			(2,635)		$ (203)
Preferred stock issuance, net (in shares)						55
Exercise of stock options, net of tax withholding forfeitures	(3,726)			(4,270)		$ 544
Exercise of stock options, net of tax withholding forfeitures (in shares)						97
Conversion of restricted stock units into common stock, net of tax withholding forfeitures	(25,000)					$ (25,000)
Conversion of restricted stock units into common stock, net of tax withholding forfeitures (in shares)						(313)
Share-based compensation	14,647			14,647
Redemption of stockholders' rights agreement	0
Preferred stock dividends	(34,931)				(34,931)
Common stock dividends ($0.20 per share)	(8,481)				(8,481)
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017		52	50,335			8,316
Ending 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)	160,711				160,894			(183)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	23,112						23,119	(7)
Exercise of stock options, net of tax withholding forfeitures	(765)			(883)		$ 118
Exercise of stock options, net of tax withholding forfeitures (in shares)						20
Conversion of restricted stock units into common stock, net of tax withholding forfeitures	(1,329)			(2,051)		$ 722
Conversion of restricted stock units into common stock, net of tax withholding forfeitures (in shares)						51
Share repurchase program	(175,000)					$ (175,000)
Share repurchase program (in shares)						(2,694)
Share-based compensation	18,497			18,497
Redemption of stockholders' rights agreement	(411)				(411)
Preferred stock dividends	(34,931)				(34,931)
Common stock dividends ($0.20 per share)	(8,121)				(8,121)
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018		52	50,335			10,939
Ending 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]
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principles	(29,041)				(29,041)
Net income (loss)	(376,776)				(377,015)			239
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	11,953						11,489	464
Acquisition of business with noncontrolling interests	5,195							5,195
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests	(765)			(398)				(367)
Exercise of stock options, net of tax withholding forfeitures	(111)			(291)		$ 180
Exercise of stock options, net of tax withholding forfeitures (in shares)						4
Conversion of restricted stock units into common stock, net of tax withholding forfeitures	(2,035)			(3,714)		$ 1,679
Conversion of restricted stock units into common stock, net of tax withholding forfeitures (in shares)						91
Share repurchase program	$ (50,000)					$ (50,000)
Share repurchase program (in shares)	(900)					(890)
Share-based compensation	$ 17,751			17,751
Redemption of stockholders' rights agreement	0
Preferred stock conversion (in shares)		(52)				6,857
Preferred stock conversion	0	$ (1)		(340,788)		$ 340,789
Preferred stock dividends	(18,437)				(18,437)
Common stock dividends ($0.20 per share)	(8,544)				(8,544)
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019		0	50,335			4,877
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 965,819	$ 0	$ 503	$ 811,955	$ 518,004	$ (307,197)	$ (63,418)	$ 5,972

Consolidated Stockholders' Eq_2

Consolidated Stockholders' Equity Statements (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends declared per share	$ 0.2	$ 0.20	$ 0.20

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation Business Description Belden Inc. (the Company, us, we, or our) is 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. Consolidation The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include Belden Inc. and all of its subsidiaries, including variable interest entities for which we are the primary beneficiary. We eliminate all significant affiliate accounts and transactions in consolidation. Foreign Currency For international operations with functional currencies other than the United States (U.S.) dollar, we translate assets and liabilities at current exchange rates; we translate income and expenses using average exchange rates. We report the resulting translation adjustments, as well as gains and losses from certain affiliate transactions, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a separate component of stockholders’ equity. We include exchange gains and losses on transactions in operating income. We determine the functional currency of our foreign subsidiaries based upon the currency of the primary economic environment in which each subsidiary operates. Typically, that is determined by the currency in which the subsidiary primarily generates and expends cash. We have concluded that the local currency is the functional currency for all of our material subsidiaries. Reporting Periods Our fiscal year and fiscal fourth quarter both end on December 31 . Our fiscal first quarter ends on the Sunday falling closest to 91 days after December 31. Our fiscal second and third quarters each have 91 days. Use of Estimates in the Preparation of the Financial Statements The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and operating results and the disclosure of contingencies. Actual results could differ from those estimates. We make significant estimates with respect to the collectability and valuation of receivables, the valuation of inventory, the realization of deferred tax assets, the valuation of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, the valuation of contingent liabilities, the calculation of share-based compensation, the calculation of pension and other postretirement benefits expense, and the valuation of acquired businesses. Reclassifications We have made certain reclassifications to the 2018 and 2017 Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, primarily in relation to the Grass Valley disposal group being included in discontinued operations. See Note 5.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Fair Value Measurement Accounting guidance for fair value measurements specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based upon whether the inputs to those valuation techniques reflect assumptions other market participants would use based upon market data obtained from independent sources or reflect our own assumptions of market participant valuation. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of the inputs as follows: • Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets that are unadjusted and accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities; • Level 2 – Quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, or financial instruments for which significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly; and • Level 3 – Prices or valuations that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable. During 2019 , 2018 , and 2017 we utilized Level 1 inputs to determine the fair value of cash equivalents, and Level 3 inputs to determine the fair value of net assets acquired in business combinations (see Note 4), for our annual impairment testing (see Note 12), and our impairment testing over our disposal group (see Note 5). We did not have any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements during 2019 . 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 December 31, 2019 and 2018 , 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. Accounts Receivable and Revenue Reserves We classify amounts owed to us and due within twelve months, arising from the sale of goods or services and from other business activities, as current receivables. We classify receivables due after twelve months as other long-lived assets. At the time of sale, we establish an estimated reserve for trade, promotion, and other special price reductions such as contract pricing, discounts to meet competitor pricing, and on-time payment discounts. We also adjust receivable balances for, among other things, correction of billing errors, incorrect shipments, and settlement of customer disputes. Customers are allowed to return inventory if and when certain conditions regarding the physical state of the inventory and our approval of the return are met. Certain distribution customers are allowed to return inventory at original cost, in an amount not to exceed three percent of the prior year’s purchases, in exchange for an order of equal or greater value. Until we can process these reductions, corrections, and returns (together, the Changes) through individual customer records, we estimate the amount of outstanding Changes and recognize them by reducing revenues. We base these estimates on historical and anticipated sales demand, trends in product pricing, and historical and anticipated Changes patterns. We make revisions to these estimates in the period in which the facts that give rise to each revision become known. Future market conditions might require us to take actions to further reduce prices and increase customer return authorizations. Unprocessed Changes recognized against our gross accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2019 and 2018 totaled $29.5 million and $25.5 million , respectively. Unprocessed Changes recognized as accrued liabilities at December 31, 2019 and 2018 totaled $11.0 million and $9.1 million , respectively. As of and for each of the three year periods ended December 31, 2019, we evaluated the collectability of accounts receivable based on the specific identification method. A considerable amount of judgment is required in assessing the realizability of accounts receivable, including the current creditworthiness of each customer and related aging of past due balances. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition. Through these evaluations, we may become aware of a situation where a customer may not be able to meet its financial obligations due to deterioration of its financial viability, credit ratings, or bankruptcy. We record a specific reserve for bad debts against amounts due to reduce the receivable to its estimated collectible balance. We recognized bad debt expense, net of recoveries, of $0.1 million , $0.2 million , and $0.4 million in 2019 , 2018 , and 2017 , respectively. The allowance for doubtful accounts at December 31, 2019 and 2018 totaled $2.6 million and $3.1 million , respectively. Inventories and Related Reserves Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. We determine the cost of all raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods inventories by the first in, first out method. Cost components of inventories include direct labor, applicable production overhead, and amounts paid to suppliers of materials and products as well as freight costs and, when applicable, duty costs to import the materials and products. We evaluate the realizability of our inventory on a product-by-product basis in light of historical and anticipated sales demand, technological changes, product life cycle, component cost trends, product pricing, and inventory condition. In circumstances where inventory levels are in excess of anticipated market demand, where inventory is deemed technologically obsolete or not saleable due to condition, or where inventory cost exceeds net realizable value, we record a charge to cost of sales and reduce the inventory to its net realizable value. The allowances for excess and obsolete inventories at December 31, 2019 and 2018 totaled $21.2 million and $17.4 million , respectively. Property, Plant and Equipment We record property, plant and equipment at cost. We calculate depreciation on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets ranging from 10 to 40 years for buildings, 5 to 12 years for machinery and equipment, and 5 to 10 years for computer equipment and software. Construction in process reflects amounts incurred for the configuration and build-out of property, plant and equipment and for property, plant and equipment not yet placed into service. We charge maintenance and repairs—both planned major activities and less-costly, ongoing activities—to expense as incurred. We capitalize interest costs associated with the construction of capital assets and amortize the costs over the assets’ useful lives. Depreciation expense is included in costs of sales; selling, general and administrative expenses; and research and development expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations based on the specific categorization and use of the underlying assets being depreciated. We review property, plant and equipment to determine whether an event or change in circumstances indicates the carrying values of the assets may not be recoverable. We base our evaluation on the nature of the assets, the future economic benefit of the assets, and any historical or future profitability measurements, as well as other external market conditions or factors that may be present. If such impairment indicators are present or other factors exist that indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable, we determine whether impairment has occurred through the use of an undiscounted cash flow analysis. If impairment has occurred, we recognize a loss for the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the asset. For purposes of impairment testing of long-lived assets, we have identified asset groups at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. Generally, our asset groups are based on an individual plant or operating facility level. In some circumstances, however, a combination of plants or operating facilities may be considered the asset group due to interdependence of operational activities and cash flows. Goodwill and Intangible Assets Our intangible assets consist of (a) definite-lived assets subject to amortization such as developed technology, customer relationships, certain in-service research and development, certain trademarks, backlog, and capitalized software intangible assets, and (b) indefinite-lived assets not subject to amortization such as goodwill, certain trademarks, and certain in-process research and development intangible assets. We record amortization of the definite-lived intangible assets over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which generally range from one year or less for backlog to more than 25 years for certain of our customer relationships. We determine the amortization method for our definite-lived intangible assets based on the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset are consumed. In the event we cannot reliably determine that pattern, we utilize a straight-line amortization method. We test our goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets not subject to amortization for impairment on an annual basis as of our fiscal November month-end or when indicators of impairment exist. We base our estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable, but which are not predictable with precision and therefore are inherently uncertain. Actual future results could differ from these estimates. The accounting guidance related to goodwill impairment testing allows for the performance of an optional qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Such an evaluation is made based on the weight of all available evidence and the significance of all identified events and circumstances that may influence the fair value of a reporting unit. If it is more likely than not that the fair value is less than the carrying value, then a quantitative assessment is required for the reporting unit, as described in the paragraph below. In 2019 , we did not perform a qualitative assessment over any of our reporting units. For our annual impairment test in 2019 , we performed a quantitative assessment for all ten of our reporting units included in continuing operations. Under a quantitative assessment for goodwill impairment, we determine the fair value using the income approach (using Level 3 inputs) as reconciled to our aggregate market capitalization. Under the income approach, we calculate the fair value of a reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets including goodwill assigned to that unit, goodwill is not impaired. If the carrying value of the reporting unit’s net assets including goodwill exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, then we record an impairment charge based on that difference. In addition to the income approach, we calculate the fair value of our reporting units under a market approach. The market approach measures the fair value of a reporting unit through analysis of financial multiples of comparable businesses. Consideration is given to the financial conditions and operating performance of the reporting unit being valued relative to those publicly-traded companies operating in the same or similar lines of business. The fair values of all ten reporting units tested under a quantitative approach were in excess of the carrying values as of the impairment testing date, and as a result, the goodwill balances for our continuing operations reporting units were not impaired in 2019. Furthermore, goodwill was not impaired in 2018 or 2017 . See Note 12 for further discussion. We also evaluate indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment annually or at other times if events have occurred or circumstances exist that indicate the carrying values of those assets may no longer be recoverable. We compare the fair value of the asset with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value, we recognize an impairment loss in an amount equal to that excess. We did not recognize impairment charges for our indefinite lived intangible assets in 2019 , 2018 , or 2017 . See Note 12 for further discussion. We review intangible assets subject to amortization whenever an event or change in circumstances indicates the carrying values of the assets may not be recoverable. We test intangible assets subject to amortization for impairment and estimate their fair values using the same assumptions and techniques we employ on property, plant and equipment. We did not recognize any impairment charges for amortizable intangible assets in 2019 , 2018 , or 2017 . Due to its overall financial performance during the year and discontinued operations classification, we performed interim impairment tests on the Grass Valley reporting unit, which resulted in a total asset impairment of $521.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. 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, which was based in part on the assumed proceeds from a divestiture of Grass Valley. See Note 12 for further discussion. Disposals During 2018, we sold a previously closed operating facility for net proceeds of $1.5 million and recognized a $0.6 million gain on the sale. During 2017, we sold our MCS business and a 50% ownership interest in Xuzhou Hirschmann Electronics Co. Ltd (the Hirschmann JV) for a total purchase price of $40.2 million and recognized a loss on sale of the assets of $1.0 million , which was included in selling, general and administrative expenses. This loss included $2.8 million of accumulated other comprehensive losses that were recognized as a result of the sale. The $40.2 million of proceeds from the sale was collected during 2018. The MCS business was part of the Industrial Solutions segment and operated in Germany and the United States. The Hirschmann JV was an equity method investment located in China that was not included in an operating segment. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Our pension and other postretirement benefit costs and obligations are dependent on the various actuarial assumptions used in calculating such amounts. These assumptions relate to discount rates, salary growth, long-term return on plan assets, health care cost trend rates, mortality tables, and other factors. We base the discount rate assumptions on current investment yields on high-quality corporate long-term bonds. The salary growth assumptions reflect our long-term actual experience and future or near-term outlook. We determine the long-term return on plan assets based on historical portfolio results and management’s expectation of the future economic environment. Our health care cost trend assumptions are developed based on historical cost data, the near-term outlook, and an assessment of likely long-term trends. Actual results that differ from our assumptions are accumulated and, if in excess of the lesser of 10% of the projected benefit obligation or the fair market value of plan assets, are amortized over the estimated future working life of the plan participants. Accrued Sales Rebates We grant incentive rebates to participating customers as part of our sales programs. The rebates are determined based on certain targeted sales volumes. Rebates are paid quarterly or annually in either cash or receivables credits. Until we can process these rebates through individual customer records, we estimate the amount of outstanding rebates and recognize them as accrued liabilities and reductions in our gross revenues. We base our estimates on both historical and anticipated sales demand and rebate program participation. We charge revisions to these estimates back to accrued liabilities and revenues in the period in which the facts that give rise to each revision become known. Future market conditions and product transitions might require us to take actions to increase sales rebates offered, possibly resulting in an incremental increase in accrued liabilities and an incremental reduction in revenues at the time the rebate is offered. Accrued sales rebates at December 31, 2019 and 2018 totaled $37.2 million and $41.3 million , respectively. Contingent Liabilities We have established liabilities for environmental and legal contingencies that are probable of occurrence and reasonably estimable, the amounts of which are currently not material. A significant amount of judgment and use of estimates is required to quantify our ultimate exposure in these matters. We review the valuation of these liabilities on a quarterly basis, and we adjust the balances to account for changes in circumstances for ongoing and emerging issues. We accrue environmental remediation costs based on estimates of known environmental remediation exposures developed in consultation with our environmental consultants and legal counsel, the amounts of which are not currently material. We expense environmental compliance costs, which include maintenance and operating costs with respect to ongoing monitoring programs, as incurred. We evaluate the range of potential costs to remediate environmental sites. The ultimate cost of site clean-up is difficult to predict given the uncertainties of our involvement in certain sites, uncertainties regarding the extent of the required clean-up, the availability of alternative clean-up methods, variations in the interpretation of applicable laws and regulations, the possibility of insurance recoveries with respect to certain sites, and other factors. We are, from time to time, subject to routine litigation incidental to our business. These lawsuits primarily involve claims for damages arising out of the use of our products, allegations of patent or trademark infringement, and litigation and administrative proceedings involving employment matters and commercial disputes. Assessments regarding the ultimate cost of lawsuits require judgments concerning matters such as the anticipated outcome of negotiations, the number and cost of pending and future claims, and the impact of evidentiary requirements. Based on facts currently available, we believe the disposition of the claims that are pending or asserted will not have a materially adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flow. Business Combination Accounting We allocate the consideration of an acquired business to its identifiable assets and liabilities based on estimated fair values. The excess of the consideration over the amount allocated to the assets and liabilities, if any, is recorded to goodwill. We use all available information to estimate fair values. We typically engage third party valuation specialists to assist in the fair value determination of inventories, tangible long-lived assets, and intangible assets other than goodwill. The carrying values of acquired receivables and accounts payable have historically approximated their fair values as of the business combination date. As necessary, we may engage third party specialists to assist in the estimation of fair value for certain liabilities, such as deferred revenue or postretirement benefit liabilities. We adjust the preliminary acquisition accounting, as necessary, typically up to one year after the acquisition closing date as we obtain more information regarding asset valuations and liabilities assumed. Revenue Recognition We recognize revenue 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 3. Gain from Patent Litigation On July 5, 2011, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, PPC, filed an action for patent infringement against Corning alleging that Corning infringed two of PPC’s patents. In July 2015, a jury found that Corning willfully infringed both patents. Following a series of appeals, we received a pre-tax amount of approximately $62.1 million from Corning on July 19, 2018. We recorded the $62.1 million of cash received as a pre-tax gain from patent litigation during 2018. Prior to 2018, we had not recognized any amounts in our consolidated financial statements related to this matter. On September 27, 2018, Corning filed a petition for certiorari review by the U.S. Supreme Court. On December 10, 2018, Corning’s certiorari review by the Supreme Court was denied, thus exhausting their opportunities for further appellate relief. Cost of Sales Cost of sales includes our total cost of inventory sold during the period, including material, labor, production overhead costs, variable manufacturing costs, and fixed manufacturing costs. Production overhead costs include operating supplies, applicable utility expenses, maintenance costs, and scrap. Variable manufacturing costs include inbound, interplant, and outbound freight, inventory shrinkage, and charges for excess and obsolete inventory. Fixed manufacturing costs include the costs associated with our purchasing, receiving, inspection, warehousing, distribution centers, production and inventory control, and manufacturing management. Cost of sales also includes the costs to provide maintenance and support and other professional services. Shipping and Handling Costs We recognize fees earned on the shipment of product to customers as revenues and recognize costs incurred on the shipment of product to customers as a cost of sales. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses include expenses not directly related to the production of inventory. They include all expenses related to selling and marketing our products, as well as the salary and benefit costs of associates performing the selling and marketing functions. Selling, general and administrative expenses also include salary and benefit costs, purchased services, and other costs related to our executive and administrative functions. Research and Development Costs Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising Costs Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising costs were $14.7 million , $17.0 million , and $18.0 million for 2019 , 2018 , and 2017 , respectively. Share-Based Compensation We compensate certain employees and non-employee directors with various forms of share-based payment awards and recognize compensation costs for these awards based on their fair values. We estimate the fair values of certain awards, primarily stock appreciation rights (SARs), on the grant date using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing formula, which incorporates certain assumptions regarding the expected term of an award and expected stock price volatility. We develop the expected term assumption based on the vesting period and contractual term of an award, our historical exercise and cancellation experience, our stock price history, plan provisions that require exercise or cancellation of awards after employees terminate, and the extent to which currently available information indicates that the future is reasonably expected to differ from past experience. We develop the expected volatility assumption based on historical price data for our common stock. We estimate the fair value of certain restricted stock units with service vesting conditions and performance vesting conditions based on the grant date stock price. We estimate the fair value of certain restricted stock units with market conditions using a Monte Carlo simulation valuation model with the assistance of a third party valuation firm. After calculating the aggregate fair value of an award, we use an estimated forfeiture rate to discount the amount of share-based compensation cost expected to be recognized in our operating results over the service period of the award. We develop the forfeiture assumption based on our historical pre-vesting cancellation experience. Income Taxes Income taxes are provided based on earnings reported for financial statement purposes. The provision for income taxes differs from the amounts currently payable to taxing authorities because of the recognition of revenues and expenses in different periods for income tax purposes than for financial statement purposes. Income taxes are provided as if operations in all countries, including the U.S., were stand-alone businesses filing separate tax returns. We recognize deferred tax assets resulting from tax credit carryforwards, net operating loss carryforwards, and deductible temporary differences between taxable income on our income tax returns and pretax income on our financial statements. Deferred tax assets generally represent future tax benefits to be received when these carryforwards can be applied against future taxable income or when expenses previously reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements become deductible for income tax purposes. A deferred tax asset valuation allowance is required when some portion or all of the deferred tax assets may not be realized. At December 31, 2019 the valuation allowance of $50.4 million was primarily related to net operating losses and foreign tax credits that we do not expect to realize. Our effective tax rate is based on expected income, statutory tax rates, and tax planning opportunities available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Significant judgment is required in determining our effective tax rate and in evaluating our tax positions. We establish accruals for uncertain tax positions when we believe that the full amount of the associated tax benefit may not be realized. To the extent we were to prevail in matters for which accruals have been established or would be required to pay amounts in excess of reserves, there could be a material effect on our income tax provisions in the period in which such determination is made. On December 22, 2017, the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” (the “Act”) was signed into law, making significant changes to the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. During 2019, the United States Treasury issued final and proposed regulations with respect to certain aspects related to the Act. Additional guidance provided in these regulation resulted in a tax adjustment in the fourth quarter of 2019. The total tax provision expense in 2019 included a $10.0 million tax expense associated with the increase to the valuation allowance against foreign tax credit carryovers that were no longer expect to be able to realize based upon the new proposed tax regulations. See Note 17, Income Taxes , in the accompanying notes to our consolidated financial statements. 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. 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. Excluding the impact of our Grass Valley disposal group, the adoption of ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019 resulted in the recognition of right-of-use assets of approximately $70.7 million and lease liabilities for operating leases of approximately $77.3 million on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, with no material impact to the Consolidated Statements of Operations or Consolidated Cash Flow Statements. The difference between the initial lease liabilities and the ROU assets is related primarily to previously existing lease liabilities. See Note 11 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

Revenues

Revenues	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenues	Revenues On January 1, 2018, we adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts which were not completed as of January 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under Topic 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the accounting standards in effect for those periods. We recorded a net increase to retained earnings of $2.6 million as of January 1, 2018 due to the cumulative impact of adopting Topic 606, with the impact primarily related to sales commissions and software revenues within our Industrial Solutions segment. 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. We do not evaluate a contract for a significant financing component when the time between cash collection and performance is less than one year. The following tables present our revenues disaggregated by major product category (in thousands). Cable & Connectivity Networking, Software & Security Total Revenues Year Ended December 31, 2019 Enterprise Solutions $ 1,031,687 $ 49,545 $ 1,081,232 Industrial Solutions 630,462 419,584 1,050,046 Total $ 1,662,149 $ 469,129 $ 2,131,278 Year Ended December 31, 2018 Enterprise Solutions $ 1,046,744 $ 49,156 $ 1,095,900 Industrial Solutions 662,742 407,060 1,069,802 Total $ 1,709,486 $ 456,216 $ 2,165,702 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Enterprise Solutions $ 1,024,090 $ 30,757 $ 1,054,847 Industrial Solutions 628,889 403,449 1,032,338 Total $ 1,652,979 $ 434,206 $ 2,087,185 The following tables present our revenues disaggregated by geography, based on the location of the customer purchasing the product (in thousands). Americas EMEA APAC Total Revenues Year Ended December 31, 2019 Enterprise Solutions $ 830,197 $ 135,734 $ 115,301 $ 1,081,232 Industrial Solutions 607,374 274,028 168,644 1,050,046 Total $ 1,437,571 $ 409,762 $ 283,945 $ 2,131,278 Year Ended December 31, 2018 Enterprise Solutions $ 838,874 $ 135,241 $ 121,785 $ 1,095,900 Industrial Solutions 619,790 290,538 159,474 1,069,802 Total $ 1,458,664 $ 425,779 $ 281,259 $ 2,165,702 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Enterprise Solutions $ 802,274 $ 134,270 $ 118,303 $ 1,054,847 Industrial Solutions 606,437 280,785 145,116 1,032,338 Total $ 1,408,711 $ 415,055 $ 263,419 $ 2,087,185 The following tables present our revenues disaggregated by products, including software products, and support and services (in thousands). Products Support & Services Total Revenues Year Ended December 31, 2019 Enterprise Solutions $ 1,081,232 $ — $ 1,081,232 Industrial Solutions 963,007 87,039 1,050,046 Total $ 2,044,239 $ 87,039 $ 2,131,278 Year Ended December 31, 2018 Enterprise Solutions $ 1,095,883 $ 17 $ 1,095,900 Industrial Solutions 974,029 95,773 1,069,802 Total $ 2,069,912 $ 95,790 $ 2,165,702 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Enterprise Solutions $ 1,054,847 $ — $ 1,054,847 Industrial Solutions 929,263 103,075 1,032,338 Total $ 1,984,110 $ 103,075 $ 2,087,185 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 standalone 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 standalone 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 was not significant during the year ended December 31, 2019 . The following table presents estimated and accrued variable consideration: December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 (in thousands) Accrued rebates 37,170 41,312 Accrued returns 10,974 9,137 Price adjustment recognized against gross accounts receivable 28,672 24,976 Depending on the terms of an arrangement, we may defer the recognition of a portion 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 recognized when or as the services are performed depending on the terms of the arrangement. As of December 31, 2019, total deferred revenue was $70.1 million , and of this amount, $54.3 million is expected to be recognized within the next twelve months, and the remaining $15.8 million is long-term and will be recognized over a period greater than twelve months. The following table presents deferred revenue activity (in thousands): Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 73,478 New deferrals 104,900 Revenue recognized (106,020 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 72,358 New deferrals 111,812 Revenue recognized (114,100 ) Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 70,070 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 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 $3.4 million as of December 31, 2019 and $2.9 million as of December 31, 2018 . For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we recognized $4.9 million and $4.7 million

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions Special Product Company On December 6, 2019, we purchased and assumed substantially all the assets, and certain specified liabilities of Special Product Company (SPC) for a preliminary purchase price of $23.1 million . SPC, based in Kansas City, Kansas, is a leading designer, manufacturer, and seller of outdoor cabinet products for optical fiber cable installations. The assets purchased and liabilities assumed from SPC have been included in our Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 6, 2019, and are reported within the Enterprise Solutions segment. Opterna 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, $45.9 million was paid in 2019 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 assumption 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 solution 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 Consolidated Statements of Operations. An immaterial amount of Opterna's annual revenues are generated from transactions with the noncontrolling interests. On October 25, 2019, we purchased the noncontrolling interest of one subsidiary for a purchase price of $0.8 million ; of which $0.4 million was paid at closing and the remaining $0.4 million is to be paid in 2021. 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 35,007 Deferred income taxes 69 Operating lease right-of-use assets 2,204 Other long-lived assets 2,070 Total assets acquired $ 82,022 Accounts payable $ 4,847 Accrued liabilities 4,346 Long-term deferred tax liability 6,817 Long-term operating lease liability 1,923 Other long-term liabilities 7,153 Total liabilities assumed $ 25,086 Net assets $ 56,936 Noncontrolling interest 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 lease assets and liabilities as well as deferred taxes becomes available. A change in the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired will change the amount of the purchase price allocable to goodwill. During the fourth quarter 2019, we recorded measurement-period adjustments that decreased goodwill by approximately $0.6 million primarily for changes in the fair value of certain deferred tax liabilities. 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 value assigned to each class of acquired assets and assumed liabilities could materially affect the results of our operations. The fair value of acquired receivables is $5.3 million , which is equivalent to its gross contractual amount. For the purpose of the above allocation, we based our estimate of fair value for the acquired inventory, intangible assets, and noncontrolling interests 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 post acquisition selling efforts. 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 (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 Customer relationships 22,800 15 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 $ 35,007 Total intangible assets not subject to amortization $ 35,007 Total intangible assets $ 63,007 Weighed 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 and income from continuing operations before taxes for the year ended December 31, 2019 included $26.6 million and $2.0 million from Opterna, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2019, Opterna's income before taxes included $3.0 million of amortization of intangible assets, $5.6 million of acquisition integration costs, and $0.6 million of cost of sales related to the adjustment of acquired inventory to fair value. Our consolidated income from continuing operations before taxes for the year ended December 31, 2019 included $0.1 million of net income attributable to noncontrolling interest of Opterna. The following table illustrates the unaudited pro forma effect on operating results as if the Opterna acquisition had been completed January 1, 2018. Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 (In thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited) Revenues $ 2,139,894 $ 2,213,781 Net income (loss) attributable to Belden common stockholders (389,957 ) 123,546 Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to Belden common stockholders $ (9.24 ) $ 3.02 For purposes of the pro forma disclosures, the year ended December 31, 2018 includes expenses related to the acquisition, including severance, restructuring, and acquisition costs; amortization of intangible assets; and cost of sales arising from the adjustment of inventory to fair value of $5.5 million , $3.8 million , and $0.5 million , respectively. The above unaudited pro forma information is presented for information 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

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	Discontinued Operations 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. Furthermore, we determined a divestiture of Grass Valley represents a strategic shift that is expected to have a major impact on our operations and financial results. As a result, the Grass Valley disposal group, which was included in our Enterprise Solutions segment, is now reported within discontinued operations. The Grass Valley disposal group excludes certain Grass Valley pension liabilities that we expect to retain - see Note 28. We also ceased depreciating and amortizing the assets of the disposal group once they met the held for sale criteria in the fourth quarter of 2019. We intend to complete the sale of the Grass Valley disposal group during 2020. We wrote down the carrying value of Grass Valley and recognized asset impairments totaling $521.4 million in 2019. The impairment charge consisted of impairments to goodwill, customer relationships, and trademarks of $326.1 million , $14.4 million , and $1.6 million , respectively, as well as an impairment of the disposal group of $179.3 million ( $180.4 million translated at year-end exchange rates). 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. The following table summarizes the operating results of the disposal group for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017: Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands) Revenues $ 360,496 $ 419,666 $ 301,458 Cost of sales (208,173 ) (241,164 ) (169,025 ) Gross profit 152,323 178,502 132,433 Selling, general and administrative expenses (93,796 ) (114,567 ) (71,280 ) Research and development expenses (37,172 ) (49,033 ) (45,582 ) Amortization of intangibles (12,782 ) (23,689 ) (13,808 ) Asset impairment of discontinued operations (521,441 ) — — Interest expense, net (819 ) (720 ) (250 ) Non-operating pension cost (221 ) (243 ) (153 ) Income (loss) before taxes $ (513,908 ) $ (9,750 ) $ 1,360 The disposal group recognized depreciation and amortization expense of approximately $23.7 million , $35.1 million , and $20.8 million during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. The disposal group also had capital expenditures of approximately $29.4 million , $22.6 million , and $14.9 million during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. Furthermore, the disposal group incurred stock-based compensation expense of $0.9 million , $1.4 million , and $1.5 million during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. The disposal group did not have any significant non-cash charges for investing activities during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017. The following table provides the major classes of assets and liabilities of the disposal group as of December 31, 2019 and 2018: December 31, 2019 2018 (In thousands) Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 18,405 $ 13,156 Receivables, net 117,386 129,983 Inventories, net 55,002 51,416 Other current assets 35,187 25,167 Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated depreciation 61,233 55,010 Operating lease right-of-use assets 16,902 — Goodwill 26,707 350,777 Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization 143,459 151,162 Deferred income taxes 57,469 29,559 Other long-lived assets 21,652 16,613 Impairment of disposal group (180,358 ) — Total Assets of discontinued operations $ 373,044 $ 822,843 Liabilities: Accounts payable $ 52,425 $ 55,148 Accrued liabilities 83,349 91,880 Postretirement benefits 6,224 5,043 Deferred income taxes 2,740 3,834 Long-term operating lease liabilities 20,459 — Other long-term liabilities 5,082 8,737 Total liabilities of discontinued operations $ 170,279 $ 164,642 The disposal group also had $42.3 million of accumulated other comprehensive losses as of December 31, 2019.

Operating Segments and Geograph

Operating Segments and Geographic Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Operating Segments and Geographic Information	Operating Segments and Geographic Information We are organized around two global business platforms: Enterprise Solutions and Industrial Solutions. Each of the global business platforms represents a reportable segment. The segments design, manufacture, and market a portfolio of signal transmission solutions for mission critical applications used in a variety of end markets. We sell the products manufactured by our segments through distributors or directly to systems integrators, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), end-users, and installers. The key measures of segment profit or loss reviewed by our chief operating decision maker are Segment Revenues and Segment EBITDA. Segment Revenues represent non-affiliate revenues and include revenues that would have otherwise been recorded by acquired businesses as independent entities but were not recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Operations due to the effects of purchase accounting and the associated write-down of acquired deferred revenue to fair value. Segment EBITDA excludes certain items, including depreciation expense; amortization of intangibles; asset impairment; severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs; purchase accounting effects related to acquisitions, such as the adjustment of acquired inventory and deferred revenue to fair value; and other costs. We allocate corporate expenses to the segments for purposes of measuring Segment EBITDA. Corporate expenses are allocated on the basis of each segment’s relative EBITDA prior to the allocation. Our measure of segment assets does not include cash, goodwill, intangible assets, deferred tax assets, or corporate assets. All goodwill is allocated to reporting units of our segments for purposes of impairment testing. The results of our former equity method investment in the Hirschmann JV, which we sold effective December 31, 2017, were not included in the corporate expense allocation. Operating Segment Information Enterprise Solutions Years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands) Segment revenues $ 1,081,232 $ 1,095,900 $ 1,054,847 Affiliate revenues 4,221 6,085 5,091 Segment EBITDA 162,276 190,910 196,554 Depreciation expense 20,765 19,374 19,255 Amortization of intangibles 23,500 22,255 37,245 Amortization of software development intangible assets 175 71 — Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs 11,050 14,863 28,146 Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions 592 1,690 6,133 Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 42,897 42,938 34,613 Segment assets 527,189 479,324 473,429 Industrial Solutions Years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands) Segment revenues $ 1,050,046 $ 1,069,802 $ 1,032,338 Affiliate revenues 11 81 67 Segment EBITDA 188,947 203,746 208,875 Depreciation expense 19,644 18,935 19,369 Amortization of intangibles 51,109 52,885 52,943 Amortization of software development intangible assets 350 8 — Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs 15,494 7,762 13,747 Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 34,581 29,215 13,319 Segment assets 464,418 459,647 464,683 Total Segments Years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands) Segment revenues $ 2,131,278 $ 2,165,702 $ 2,087,185 Affiliate revenues 4,232 6,166 5,158 Segment EBITDA 351,223 394,656 405,429 Depreciation expense 40,409 38,309 38,624 Amortization of intangibles 74,609 75,140 90,188 Amortization of software development intangible assets 525 79 — Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs 26,544 22,625 41,893 Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions 592 1,690 6,133 Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 77,478 72,153 47,932 Segment assets 991,607 938,971 938,112 The following table is a reconciliation of the total of the reportable segments’ Revenues and EBITDA to consolidated revenues and consolidated income from continuing operations before taxes, respectively. Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands) Total Segment Revenues $ 2,131,278 $ 2,165,702 $ 2,087,185 Deferred revenue adjustments — — — Consolidated Revenues $ 2,131,278 $ 2,165,702 $ 2,087,185 Total Segment EBITDA $ 351,223 $ 394,656 $ 405,429 Amortization of intangibles (74,609 ) (75,140 ) (90,188 ) Depreciation expense (40,409 ) (38,309 ) (38,624 ) Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs (1) (26,544 ) (22,625 ) (41,893 ) Purchase accounting effects related to acquisitions (2) (592 ) (1,690 ) (6,133 ) Amortization of software development intangible assets (525 ) (79 ) — Loss on sale of assets (3) — (94 ) (1,013 ) Costs related to patent litigation — (2,634 ) — Gain from patent litigation — 62,141 — Income from equity method investment — — 7,502 Eliminations (1,337 ) (2,218 ) (1,439 ) Consolidated operating income 207,207 314,008 233,641 Interest expense, net (55,814 ) (60,839 ) (82,651 ) Non-operating pension benefit (cost) 1,017 (99 ) (561 ) Loss on debt extinguishment — (22,990 ) (52,441 ) Consolidated income from continuing operations before taxes $ 152,410 $ 230,080 $ 97,988 (1) See Note 14, Severance, Restructuring, and Acquisition Integration Activities, for details . (2) In 2019, we collectively recognized $0.6 million of cost of sales related to purchase accounting adjustments of acquired inventory to fair value for both our SPC and Opterna acquisitions. In 2018, we made a $1.7 million adjustment to increase the earn-out liability associated with an acquisition. In 2017, we recognized $6.1 million of cost of sales related to the adjustment of acquired inventory to fair value for our Thinklogical acquisition. (3) In 2018 and 2017, we recognized a $0.1 million and $1.0 million loss on sale of assets, respectively, for the sale of our MCS business and Hirschmann JV. See Note 2. Below are reconciliations of other segment measures to the consolidated totals. Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands) Total segment assets $ 991,607 $ 938,971 $ 938,112 Cash and cash equivalents 407,480 407,454 541,350 Goodwill 1,243,669 1,206,877 1,208,587 Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization 339,505 359,931 424,932 Deferred income taxes 25,216 26,459 28,517 Corporate assets 24,147 16,786 60,865 Assets of discontinued operations 375,135 822,843 638,250 Total assets $ 3,406,759 $ 3,779,321 $ 3,840,613 Total segment acquisition of property, plant and equipment $ 77,478 $ 72,153 $ 47,932 Corporate acquisition of property, plant and equipment 3,110 3,013 1,502 Total acquisition of property, plant and equipment $ 80,588 $ 75,166 $ 49,434 Geographic Information The Company attributes foreign sales based on the location of the customer purchasing the product. The table below summarizes net sales and long-lived assets for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 for the following countries: the U.S., Canada, China, and Germany. No other individual foreign country’s net sales or long-lived assets are material to the Company. United States Canada China Germany All Other Total (In thousands, except percentages) Year ended December 31, 2019 Revenues $ 1,271,628 $ 170,683 $ 129,716 $ 105,614 $ 453,637 $ 2,131,278 Percent of total revenues 60 % 8 % 6 % 5 % 21 % 100 % Long-lived assets $ 152,214 $ 16,452 $ 40,247 $ 48,272 $ 101,179 $ 358,364 Year ended December 31, 2018 Revenues $ 1,206,401 $ 166,669 $ 107,582 $ 100,691 $ 584,359 $ 2,165,702 Percent of total revenues 56 % 8 % 5 % 4 % 27 % 100 % Long-lived assets $ 170,368 $ 13,352 $ 36,989 $ 39,724 $ 63,776 $ 324,209 Year ended December 31, 2017 Revenues $ 1,254,758 $ 167,466 $ 120,568 $ 112,976 $ 431,417 $ 2,087,185 Percent of total revenues 60 % 8 % 6 % 5 % 21 % 100 % Long-lived assets $ 210,292 $ 13,200 $ 34,647 $ 37,875 $ 49,834 $ 345,848 Major Customer Revenues generated from sales to the distributor Anixter International Inc., in both the Enterprise Solutions and Industrial Solutions segments, were $285.0 million ( 13% of revenues), $309.0 million ( 14% of revenues), and $292.2 million ( 14% of revenues) for 2019 , 2018 , and 2017 , respectively. Revenues generated from sales to both Anixter and WESCO combined were approximately $328.2 million ( 15% of revenues), $361.7 million ( 17% of revenues), and $342.8 million ( 16% of revenues) for 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. At December 31, 2019 , we had $10.2 million in accounts receivable outstanding from Anixter International Inc. This represented approximately 3% of our total accounts receivable outstanding at December 31, 2019 .

Noncontrolling Interest

Noncontrolling Interest	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Noncontrolling Interest	Noncontrolling Interest We have a 51% ownership percentage in a joint venture with Shanghai Hi-Tech Control System Co, Ltd (Hite). The purpose of the joint venture is to develop and provide certain Industrial Solutions products and integrated solutions to customers in China. Belden and Hite are committed to fund $1.53 million and $1.47 million , respectively, to the joint venture in the future. The joint venture is determined to not have sufficient equity at risk; therefore, it is considered a variable interest entity. We have determined that Belden is the primary beneficiary of the joint venture, due to both our ownership percentage and our control over the activities of the joint venture that most significantly impact its economic performance based on the terms of the joint venture agreement with Hite. Because Belden is the primary beneficiary of the joint venture, we have consolidated the joint venture in our financial statements. The results of the joint venture attributable to Hite’s ownership are presented as net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest in the consolidated statements of operations. The joint venture is not material to our consolidated financial statements as of or for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 , or 2017 . We acquired Opterna in April 2019. Certain subsidiaries of Opterna include noncontrolling interests. Because we have a controlling financial interest in these subsidiaries, they are consolidated into our financial statements. The results of these subsidiaries were consolidated into our financial statements as of the acquisition date. The results that are attributable to the noncontrolling interest holders are presented as net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. An immaterial amount of Opterna's annual revenues are generated from transactions with the noncontrolling interests. On October 25, 2019, we purchased the noncontrolling interest of one subsidiary for a purchase price of $0.8 million ; of which $0.4 million was paid at closing and the remaining $0.4 million will be paid in 2021. The subsidiaries of Opterna that include noncontrolling interests are not material to our consolidated financial statements as of or for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 or 2017.

Income Per Share

Income Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Income Per Share	Income Per Share The following table presents the basis of the income per share computation: Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands) Numerator: Income from continuing operations $ 109,891 $ 167,144 $ 102,607 Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest 239 (183 ) (357 ) Less: Preferred stock dividends 18,437 34,931 34,931 Income from continuing operations attributable to Belden common stockholders 91,215 132,396 68,033 Add: Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (486,667 ) (6,433 ) (9,754 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Belden common stockholders $ (395,452 ) $ 125,963 $ 58,279 Denominator: Weighted average shares outstanding, basic 42,203 40,675 42,220 Effect of dilutive common stock equivalents 213 281 423 Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted 42,416 40,956 42,643 Basic weighted average shares outstanding is used to calculate diluted loss per share when the numerator is a loss because using diluted weighted average shares outstanding would be anti-dilutive. For the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 , and 2017 , diluted weighted average shares outstanding do not include outstanding equity awards of 1.2 million , 0.9 million , and 0.5 million , respectively, because to do so would have been anti-dilutive. In addition, for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 , and 2017 , diluted weighted average shares outstanding do not include outstanding equity awards of 0.3 million , 0.3 million , and 0.2 million , respectively, because the related performance conditions have not been satisfied. Furthermore, for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 , and 2017 , diluted weighted average shares outstanding do not include the weighted average impact of preferred shares that are convertible into 3.7 million , 6.9 million , and 6.9 million common shares, respectively, 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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories The major classes of inventories were as follows: December 31, 2019 2018 (In thousands) Raw materials $ 98,530 $ 108,623 Work-in-process 34,717 36,460 Finished goods 119,331 137,283 Gross inventories 252,578 282,366 Excess and obsolete reserves (21,245 ) (17,364 ) Net inventories $ 231,333 $ 265,002

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment The carrying values of property, plant and equipment were as follows: December 31, 2019 2018 (In thousands) Land and land improvements $ 27,502 $ 25,902 Buildings and leasehold improvements 126,580 120,896 Machinery and equipment 558,639 523,857 Computer equipment and software 119,533 121,504 Construction in process 70,993 56,483 Gross property, plant and equipment 903,247 848,642 Accumulated depreciation (557,329 ) (537,682 ) Net property, plant and equipment $ 345,918 $ 310,960 Depreciation Expense We recognized depreciation expense in income from continuing operations of $40.4 million , $38.3 million , and $38.6 million in 2019 , 2018 , and 2017 , respectively.

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets The carrying values of intangible assets were as follows: December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount (In thousands) (In thousands) Goodwill $ 1,243,669 $ — $ 1,243,669 $ 1,206,877 $ — $ 1,206,877 Definite-lived intangible assets subject to amortization: Developed technology $ 413,310 $ (331,696 ) $ 81,614 $ 399,095 $ (280,301 ) $ 118,794 Customer relationships 297,595 (110,732 ) 186,863 258,798 (94,557 ) 164,241 Trademarks 56,393 (30,213 ) 26,180 54,897 (24,443 ) 30,454 In-service research and development 10,702 (7,160 ) 3,542 10,708 (5,336 ) 5,372 Backlog 11,335 (10,935 ) 400 9,567 (9,567 ) — Total intangible assets subject to amortization 789,335 (490,736 ) 298,599 733,065 (414,204 ) 318,861 Indefinite-lived intangible assets not subject to amortization: Trademarks 40,106 — 40,106 40,270 — 40,270 In-process research and development 800 — 800 800 — 800 Total intangible assets not subject to amortization 40,906 — 40,906 41,070 — 41,070 Intangible assets $ 830,241 $ (490,736 ) $ 339,505 $ 774,135 $ (414,204 ) $ 359,931 Segment Allocation of Goodwill and Trademarks The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill assigned to reporting units in our reportable segments are as follows: Enterprise Solutions Industrial Solutions Consolidated (In thousands) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 432,601 $ 775,986 $ 1,208,587 Acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments 2,443 — 2,443 Translation impact (462 ) (3,691 ) (4,153 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 434,582 $ 772,295 $ 1,206,877 Acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments 38,209 — 38,209 Translation impact (260 ) (1,157 ) (1,417 ) Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 472,531 $ 771,138 $ 1,243,669 The changes in the carrying amount of indefinite-lived trademarks are as follows: Enterprise Solutions Industrial Solutions Consolidated (In thousands) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 31,063 $ 9,681 $ 40,744 Translation impact — (474 ) (474 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 31,063 $ 9,207 $ 40,270 Translation impact — (164 ) (164 ) Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 31,063 $ 9,043 $ 40,106 Impairment The annual measurement date for our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment test is our fiscal November month-end. For our 2019 goodwill impairment test, we performed a quantitative assessment for all ten of our reporting units included in continuing operations and determined the estimated fair values of our reporting units by calculating the present values of their estimated future cash flows using Level 3 inputs. We did not perform a qualitative assessment over our reporting units. We determined that the fair values of the reporting units were in excess of the carrying values; therefore, we did not record any goodwill impairment for the ten reporting units. We also did not recognize any goodwill impairment in 2018 or 2017 based upon the results of our annual goodwill impairment testing. 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. Furthermore, we determined a divestiture of Grass Valley represents a strategic shift that is expected to have a major impact on our operations and financial results. As a result, the Grass Valley disposal group, which was included in our Enterprise Solutions segment, is now reported within discontinued operations. We also ceased depreciating and amortizing the assets of the disposal group once they met the held for sale criteria in the fourth quarter of 2019. During 2019, we wrote down the carrying value of Grass Valley and recognized asset impairments totaling $521.4 million , which consisted of impairments to goodwill, customer relationships, and trademarks of $326.1 million , $14.4 million , and $1.6 million , respectively, as well as an impairment of the disposal group of $179.3 million ( $180.4 million translated at year-end exchange rates). 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, which was based in part on the assumed proceeds from a divestiture of Grass Valley. Similar to the quantitative goodwill impairment test, we determined the estimated fair values of our indefinite-lived trademarks by calculating the present values of the estimated cash flows (using Level 3 inputs) attributable to the respective trademarks. We did not recognize any trademark impairment charges in 2019 , 2018 , or 2017 . Amortization Expense We recognized amortization expense in income from continuing operations of $74.6 million , $75.1 million , and $90.2 million in 2019 , 2018 , and 2017 , respectively. We expect to recognize annual amortization expense of $65.3 million in 2020 , $33.2 million in 2021 , $30.3 million in 2022 , $28.7 million in 2023 , and $26.6 million in 2024 related to our intangible assets balance as of December 31, 2019 . The weighted-average amortization period for our customer relationships, trademarks, developed technology, and in-service research and development is 18.3 , 8.5 , 6.8 , and 5.0 years , respectively.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 as of December 31, 2019, and 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 leases 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: Year Ended December 31, 2019 (In thousands) Operating Lease Cost $ 14,622 Finance Lease Cost Amortization of right-of-use asset $ 142 Interest on lease liabilities 22 Total finance lease cost $ 164 Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 (In thousands) Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 14,594 Operating cash flows from finance leases 25 Financing cash flows from finance leases 258 Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows: December 31, 2019 (In thousands, except lease term and discount rate) Operating leases: Total operating lease right-of-use assets $ 62,251 Accrued liabilities $ 13,900 Long-term operating lease liabilities 55,652 Total operating lease liabilities $ 69,552 Finance leases: Other long-lived assets, at cost $ 823 Accumulated depreciation (391 ) Other long-lived assets, net $ 432 Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Operating leases 6 years Finance leases 3 years Weighted Average Discount Rate Operating leases 6.9 % Finance leases 6.2 % The following table summarizes maturities of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2019 (in thousands): 2020 $ 19,086 2021 16,988 2022 14,128 2023 11,598 2024 9,032 Thereafter 16,655 Total $ 87,487 The following table summarizes maturities of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2018 (in thousands): 2019 $ 14,453 2020 13,335 2021 11,784 2022 10,593 2023 8,417 Thereafter 20,404 Total $ 78,986
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 as of December 31, 2019, and 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 leases 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: Year Ended December 31, 2019 (In thousands) Operating Lease Cost $ 14,622 Finance Lease Cost Amortization of right-of-use asset $ 142 Interest on lease liabilities 22 Total finance lease cost $ 164 Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 (In thousands) Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 14,594 Operating cash flows from finance leases 25 Financing cash flows from finance leases 258 Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows: December 31, 2019 (In thousands, except lease term and discount rate) Operating leases: Total operating lease right-of-use assets $ 62,251 Accrued liabilities $ 13,900 Long-term operating lease liabilities 55,652 Total operating lease liabilities $ 69,552 Finance leases: Other long-lived assets, at cost $ 823 Accumulated depreciation (391 ) Other long-lived assets, net $ 432 Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Operating leases 6 years Finance leases 3 years Weighted Average Discount Rate Operating leases 6.9 % Finance leases 6.2 % The following table summarizes maturities of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2019 (in thousands): 2020 $ 19,086 2021 16,988 2022 14,128 2023 11,598 2024 9,032 Thereafter 16,655 Total $ 87,487 The following table summarizes maturities of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2018 (in thousands): 2019 $ 14,453 2020 13,335 2021 11,784 2022 10,593 2023 8,417 Thereafter 20,404 Total $ 78,986

Accrued Liabilities

Accrued Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued Liabilities	Accrued Liabilities The carrying values of accrued liabilities were as follows: December 31, 2019 2018 (In thousands) Wages, severance and related taxes $ 58,953 $ 46,674 Current deferred revenue 54,255 62,272 Accrued rebates 37,170 41,312 Accrued interest 18,781 18,530 Employee benefits 17,791 17,984 Lease liabilities 14,072 — Other (individual items less than 5% of total current liabilities) 82,777 85,624 Accrued liabilities $ 283,799 $ 272,396

Severance, Restructuring, and A

Severance, Restructuring, and Acquisition Integration Activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Severance, Restructuring, and Acquisition Integration Activities	Severance, Restructuring, and Acquisition Integration Activities Cost Reduction Program: 2019 During the fourth quarter of 2019, we began a cost reduction program to improve performance and enhance margins by streamlining the organizational structure and investing in technology to drive productivity. We recognized approximately $19.6 million of severance costs for this program during 2019 . The costs were incurred by both of our segments, as well as our corporate office. The cost reduction program is expected to deliver an estimated $40.0 million reduction in selling, general, and administrative expenses on an annual basis, with some benefit in 2020, and the full benefit realized in 2021. We expect to incur approximately $10.0 million for this program in 2020. Opterna, FutureLink, and SPC Integration Program: 2019 In 2019, we began a restructuring program to integrate Opterna, FutureLink, and SPC 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 $6.1 million of severance and other restructuring costs for this program during 2019. The costs were incurred by the Enterprise Solutions segment. We expect to incur an additional $5.0 million for this program in 2020. Industrial Manufacturing Footprint Program: 2016-2018 In 2016, we began a program to consolidate our manufacturing footprint. The manufacturing consolidation is complete. We recognized $17.7 million and $30.6 million of severance and other restructuring costs for this program during 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $66.1 million cumulatively. 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 programs described above as well as other immaterial programs and acquisition integration activities: Severance Other Restructuring and Integration Costs Total Costs (In thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2019 Enterprise Solutions $ 5,260 $ 5,790 $ 11,050 Industrial Solutions 15,494 — 15,494 Total $ 20,754 $ 5,790 $ 26,544 Year Ended December 31, 2018 Enterprise Solutions $ 548 $ 14,314 $ 14,862 Industrial Solutions 240 7,523 7,763 Total $ 788 $ 21,837 $ 22,625 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Enterprise Solutions $ 4,165 $ 23,981 $ 28,146 Industrial Solutions 676 13,071 13,747 Total $ 4,841 $ 37,052 $ 41,893 The other restructuring and integration costs primarily consisted of equipment transfers, 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 . 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 Consolidated Statement of Operations: Years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands) Cost of sales $ 3,425 $ 17,962 $ 32,480 Selling, general and administrative expenses 23,119 4,546 9,308 Research and development expenses — 117 105 Total $ 26,544 $ 22,625 $ 41,893 Accrued Severance Our accrued severance balance was $20.2 million , $1.7 million , and $3.4 million as of December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The $20.2 million accrued severance balance at December 31, 2019 relates to the new Cost Reduction program, for which no cash payments were made during 2019; the majority of these amounts will be paid during 2020.

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrow

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 and other borrowing arrangements were as follows: December 31, 2019 2018 (In thousands) Revolving credit agreement due 2022 $ — $ — Senior subordinated notes: 3.875% Senior subordinated notes due 2028 392,910 400,050 3.375% Senior subordinated notes due 2027 505,170 514,350 4.125% Senior subordinated notes due 2026 224,520 228,600 2.875% Senior subordinated notes due 2025 336,780 342,900 Total senior subordinated notes 1,459,380 1,485,900 Less unamortized debt issuance costs (19,896 ) (22,700 ) Long-term debt $ 1,439,484 $ 1,463,200 Revolving Credit Agreement due 2022 In 2017, we entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the Revolver) to amend and restate our prior Revolving Credit Agreement. The Revolver provides a $400.0 million multi-currency asset-based revolving credit facility. 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. In 2017, we recognized a $0.8 million loss on debt extinguishment for unamortized debt issuance costs related to creditors no longer participating in the new Revolver. In connection with executing the Revolver, we also paid $2.3 million of fees to creditors and third parties that we will amortize over the remaining term of the Revolver. As of December 31, 2019 , we had no borrowings outstanding on the Revolver, and our available borrowing capacity, including the assets of the Grass Valley disposal group, was $310.6 million . Senior Subordinated Notes In March 2018, we completed an offering for €350.0 million ( $431.3 million at issuance) aggregate principal amount of 3.875% senior subordinated notes due 2028 (the 2028 Notes). The carrying value of the 2028 Notes as of December 31, 2019 is $392.9 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, which commenced on September 15, 2018. We paid approximately $7.5 million of fees associated with the issuance of the 2028 Notes, which are being amortized over the life of the 2028 Notes using the effective interest method. We used the net proceeds from this offering and cash on hand to repurchase the 2023 and 2024 Notes - see further discussion below. In July 2017, we completed an offering for €450.0 million ( $509.5 million at issuance) aggregate principal amount of 3.375% senior subordinated notes due 2027 (the 2027 Notes). The carrying value of the 2027 Notes as of December 31, 2019 is $505.2 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, which commenced on January 15, 2018. We paid approximately $8.8 million of fees associated with the issuance of the 2027 Notes, which are being amortized over the life of the 2027 Notes using the effective interest method. In October 2016, we completed an offering for €200.0 million ( $222.2 million at issuance) aggregate principal amount of 4.125% senior subordinated notes due 2026 (the 2026 Notes). The carrying value of the 2026 Notes as of December 31, 2019 is $224.5 million . The 2026 Notes are guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by our current and future domestic subsidiaries. The notes rank equal in right of payment with our senior subordinated notes due 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, which commenced on April 15, 2017. We paid approximately $3.9 million of fees associated with the issuance of the 2026 Notes, which are being amortized over the life of the 2026 Notes using the effective interest method. In September 2017, we completed an offering for €300.0 million ( $357.2 million at issuance) aggregate principal amount of 2.875% senior subordinated notes due 2025 (the 2025 Notes). The carrying value of the 2025 Notes as of December 31, 2019 is $336.8 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, which commenced on March 15, 2018. We paid approximately $6.2 million of fees associated with the issuance of the 2025 Notes, which are being amortized over the life of the 2025 Notes using the effective interest method. The senior subordinated notes due 2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028 are redeemable after September 15, 2020, October 15, 2021, July 15, 2022, and March 15, 2023, respectively, at the following redemption prices as a percentage of the face amount of the notes: Senior Subordinated Notes due 2025 2026 2027 2028 Year Percentage Year Percentage Year Percentage Year Percentage 2020 101.438 % 2021 102.063 % 2022 101.688 % 2023 101.938 % 2021 100.719 % 2022 101.375 % 2023 101.125 % 2024 101.292 % 2022 and thereafter 100.000 % 2023 100.688 % 2024 100.563 % 2025 100.646 % 2024 and thereafter 100.000 % 2025 and thereafter 100.000 % 2026 and thereafter 100.000 % Fair Value of Long-Term Debt The fair value of our senior subordinated notes as of December 31, 2019 was approximately $1,532.7 million based on quoted prices of the debt instruments in inactive markets (Level 2 valuation). This amount represents the fair values of our senior subordinated notes with a carrying value of $ 1,459.4 million as of December 31, 2019 . Maturities Maturities on outstanding long-term debt and other borrowings during each of the five years subsequent to December 31, 2019 are as follows (in thousands): 2020 $ — 2021 — 2022 — 2023 — 2024 — Thereafter 1,459,380 $ 1,459,380

Net Investment Hedge

Net Investment Hedge	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 December 31, 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 operations against adverse changes in the euro exchange rate. The transaction gain or loss is reported in the translation adjustment section of other comprehensive income, which was a gain of $26.6 million , a gain of $87.5 million , and a loss of $56.2 million

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands) Income before taxes: United States operations $ 42,833 $ 115,500 $ 80,048 Foreign operations 109,577 114,580 17,940 Income before taxes $ 152,410 $ 230,080 $ 97,988 Income tax expense (benefit): Currently payable United States federal $ 21,893 $ 31,730 $ (2,751 ) United States state and local 3,090 3,912 336 Foreign 13,859 16,968 26,807 38,842 52,610 24,392 Deferred United States federal 7,567 7,220 (17,741 ) United States state and local (1,205 ) (31 ) (7,115 ) Foreign (2,685 ) 3,137 (4,155 ) 3,677 10,326 (29,011 ) Income tax expense (benefit) $ 42,519 $ 62,936 $ (4,619 ) Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Effective income tax rate reconciliation from continuing operations: United States federal statutory rate 21.0 % 21.0 % 35.0 % State and local income taxes 1.2 % 1.5 % 0.7 % Impact of change in tax contingencies — % (0.7 )% 1.1 % Foreign income tax rate differences (8.6 )% (1.0 )% 15.1 % Impact of change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance 9.2 % 0.3 % 0.7 % Impact of non-taxable translation gain — % — % (27.7 )% Impact of non-taxable interest income — % — % (5.6 )% Domestic permanent differences and tax credits 5.1 % 1.9 % (49.0 )% Impact of tax reform — % 4.4 % 25.0 % 27.9 % 27.4 % (4.7 )% On December 22, 2017, the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” (the “Act”) was signed into law, making significant changes to the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Changes include, but are not limited to, a corporate tax rate decrease from 35% to 21% effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, the transition of U.S. international taxation from a worldwide tax system to a territorial tax system, and a one-time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of cumulative foreign earnings as of December 31, 2017. In accordance with the Act, we recorded $24.5 million as an additional income tax expense in the fourth quarter of 2017, the period in which the legislation was enacted. The total income tax expense included a $41.6 million tax benefit for the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities to the 21% rate at which they are expected to reverse, offset with a one-time tax expense on deemed repatriation of $30.8 million and a valuation allowance of $35.3 million recorded against foreign tax credit carryovers that we no longer expect to be able to realize based upon the new tax law. Additionally, Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) was issued to address the application of US GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Act. December 22, 2018 marked the end of the measurement period for purposes of SAB 118. As such, we completed our analysis based on legislative updates relating to the Act which resulted in an additional SAB 118 tax expense of $2.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2018 and a total tax expense of $10.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The total tax provision expense included an $8.0 million tax expense associated with an increase to the valuation allowance against foreign tax credit carryovers that we no longer expect to be able to realize based upon the new tax law, a $1.3 million tax expense adjustment to the transition tax on the deemed repatriation of cumulative foreign earnings, a $1.1 million tax expense resulting from a valuation allowance established on the deferred tax assets associated with stock options of covered employees, and a $0.4 million income tax benefit associated with an adjustment to the remeasurement of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities. During 2019, the United States Treasury issued final and proposed regulations with respect to certain aspects related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Acts of 2017. Additional guidance provided in these regulations resulted in a tax adjustment in the fourth quarter of 2019. The total tax provision expense in 2019 included $10.0 million tax expense associated with the increase to the valuation allowance against foreign tax credit carryovers that we no longer expect to be able to realize based upon the new proposed tax regulations. If we were to repatriate foreign cash to the U.S., we may be required to accrue and pay U.S. taxes in accordance with applicable U.S. tax rules and regulations as a result of the repatriation. However, it is our assertion to permanently reinvest the earnings of our non-U.S. subsidiaries in those operations and for continued non-U.S. growth opportunities. As a result, as of December 31, 2019, we have not made a provision for U.S. or additional foreign withholding taxes. Foreign tax rate differences resulted in an income tax expense (benefit) of $(13.1) million , $(2.4) million , and $14.7 million in 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. Additionally, in 2019, 2018 and 2017, our income tax expense was reduced by $3.9 million , $3.0 million , and $3.5 million , respectively, due to a tax holiday for our operations in St. Kitts. The tax holiday in St. Kitts is scheduled to expire in 2022 . December 31, 2019 2018 (In thousands) Components of deferred income tax balances: Deferred income tax liabilities: Plant, equipment, and intangibles $ (96,254 ) $ (98,141 ) Deferred income tax assets: Postretirement, pensions, and stock compensation 30,338 27,549 Reserves and accruals 16,371 20,641 Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards 76,456 79,703 Valuation allowances (50,420 ) (39,402 ) 72,745 88,491 Net deferred income tax liability $ (23,509 ) $ (9,650 ) During 2019 , the United States Treasury issued final and proposed regulations with respect to certain aspects related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Additional guidance provided in these regulations resulted in a change in our valuation allowance assessment in the fourth quarter of 2019. The increase in deferred tax valuation allowances is primarily due to the valuation allowance against foreign tax credit carryovers that we no longer expect to be able to realize based upon the new proposed tax regulations. As of December 31, 2019 , we had $216.6 million of gross net operating loss carryforwards and $47.1 million of tax credit carryforwards. Unless otherwise utilized, net operating loss carryforwards will expire upon the filing of the tax returns for the following respective years: $6.7 million in 2019, $22.6 million between 2020 and 2024, and $142.3 million between 2025 and 2039. Net operating losses with an indefinite carryforward period total $45.0 million . Of the $216.6 million in net operating loss carryforwards, we have determined, based on the weight of all available evidence, both positive and negative, that we will utilize $150.5 million of these net operating loss carryforwards within their respective expiration periods. A valuation allowance has been recorded on the remaining portion of the net operating loss carryforwards. Unless otherwise utilized, tax credit carryforwards of $47.1 million will expire as follows: $2.1 million between 2020 and 2024, $39.8 million between 2025 and 2039. Tax credit carryforwards with an indefinite carryforward period total $5.2 million . We have determined, based on the weight of all available evidence, both positive and negative, that we will utilize $8.3 million of these tax credit carryforwards within their respective expiration periods. A valuation allowance has been recorded on the remaining portion of the tax credit carryforwards. The following tables summarize our net operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards as of December 31, 2019 by jurisdiction: Net Operating Loss Carryforwards (In thousands) Australia $ 9,589 Germany 16,768 Japan 330 Luxembourg 86 Netherlands 14,165 Other 57,567 United Kingdom 10,854 United States - Federal and various states 107,280 Total $ 216,639 Tax Credit Carryforwards (In thousands) United States $ 45,877 Canada 1,187 Total $ 47,064 In 2019, we recognized a net $0.2 million increase to reserves for uncertain tax positions. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: 2019 2018 (In thousands) Balance at beginning of year $ 6,591 $ 6,881 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 488 749 Additions for tax positions of prior years — 1,292 Reductions for tax positions of prior years - Settlement (300 ) (1,571 ) Reduction for tax positions of prior years - Statute of limitations — (760 ) Balance at end of year $ 6,779 $ 6,591 The balance of $6.8 million at December 31, 2019 , reflects tax positions that, if recognized, would impact our effective tax rate. As of December 31, 2019 , we believe it is reasonably possible that $0.4 million of unrecognized tax benefits will change within the next twelve months primarily attributable to the expected completion of tax audits in the U.S. Our practice is to recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in interest expense and operating expenses, respectively. We do not have any accrued amounts for the payment of interest and penalties as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 . Our federal tax return for the tax years 2015 and later remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. Our state and foreign income tax returns for the tax years 2011 and later remain subject to examination by various state and foreign tax authorities.

Pension and Other Postretiremen

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits We sponsor defined benefit pension plans and defined contribution plans that cover substantially all employees in Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the U.S., and certain employees in Germany. Certain defined benefit plans in the United Kingdom are frozen and additional benefits are not being earned by the participants. We closed the U.S. defined benefit pension plan to new entrants effective January 1, 2010. Employees who were not active participants in the U.S. defined benefit pension plan on December 31, 2009, are not eligible to participate in the plan. During 2017, we sold our MCS business and its associated pension liabilities. Annual contributions to retirement plans equal or exceed the minimum funding requirements of applicable local regulations. The assets of the funded pension plans we sponsor are maintained in various trusts and are invested primarily in equity and fixed income securities. Benefits provided to employees under defined contribution plans include cash contributions by the Company based on either hours worked by the employee or a percentage of the employee’s compensation. Defined contribution expense for 2019 , 2018 , and 2017 was $12.1 million , $11.8 million , and $11.4 million , respectively. We sponsor unfunded postretirement medical and life insurance benefit plans for certain of our employees in Canada and the U.S. The medical benefit portion of the U.S. plan is only for employees who retired prior to 1989 as well as certain other employees who were near retirement and elected to receive certain benefits. The following tables provide a reconciliation of the changes in the plans’ benefit obligations and fair value of assets as well as a statement of the funded status and balance sheet reporting for these plans. Pension Benefits Other Benefits Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2019 2018 (In thousands) Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation, beginning of year $ (412,880 ) $ (266,515 ) $ (26,143 ) $ (30,333 ) Service cost (3,668 ) (4,579 ) (35 ) (47 ) Interest cost (12,261 ) (11,480 ) (960 ) (945 ) Participant contributions (86 ) (85 ) (4 ) (6 ) Actuarial gain (loss) (39,329 ) 14,968 (2,374 ) 1,681 Acquisitions — (185,692 ) — — Settlements 49 7,054 — — Plan amendments — (2,822 ) — — Foreign currency exchange rate changes (9,890 ) 23,439 (1,260 ) 2,020 Benefits paid 16,713 12,832 1,306 1,487 Benefit obligation, end of year $ (461,352 ) $ (412,880 ) $ (29,470 ) $ (26,143 ) Pension Benefits Other Benefits Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2019 2018 (In thousands) Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year $ 311,509 $ 198,000 $ — $ — Actual return on plan assets 45,896 (8,366 ) — — Employer contributions 5,673 5,363 1,302 1,481 Plan participant contributions 86 85 4 6 Acquisitions — 153,919 — — Settlements — (7,054 ) — — Foreign currency exchange rate changes 9,275 (17,606 ) — — Benefits paid (16,713 ) (12,832 ) (1,306 ) (1,487 ) Fair value of plan assets, end of year $ 355,726 $ 311,509 $ — $ — Funded status, end of year $ (105,626 ) $ (101,371 ) $ (29,470 ) $ (26,143 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheets: Prepaid benefit cost $ 5,542 $ 4,801 $ — $ — Accrued benefit liability, current (3,000 ) (3,162 ) (1,411 ) (1,405 ) Accrued benefit liability, noncurrent (108,168 ) (103,010 ) (28,059 ) (24,738 ) Net funded status $ (105,626 ) $ (101,371 ) $ (29,470 ) $ (26,143 ) The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $456.9 million and $407.0 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation, and fair value of plan assets for the pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets were $404.9 million , $400.4 million , and $293.7 million , respectively, as of December 31, 2019 and were $363.1 million , $357.4 million , and $256.9 million , respectively, as of December 31, 2018 . The accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for other postretirement benefit plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets were $29.5 million and $0 million , respectively, as of December 31, 2019 and were $26.1 million and $0 million , respectively, as of December 31, 2018 . The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit costs for the plans. Pension Benefits Other Benefits Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands) Components of net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ 3,668 $ 4,579 $ 4,767 $ 35 $ 47 $ 49 Interest cost 12,261 11,480 7,551 960 945 1,139 Expected return on plan assets (15,699 ) (16,389 ) (10,642 ) — — Amortization of prior service cost (credit) 169 (42 ) (41 ) — — Settlement loss (gain) (7 ) 1,342 (8 ) — — Net loss (gain) recognition 1,432 2,775 2,562 (133 ) (12 ) — Net periodic benefit cost $ 1,824 $ 3,745 $ 4,189 $ 862 $ 980 $ 1,188 We recorded settlement losses totaling $1.3 million during 2018. The settlement losses were the result of lump-sum payments to participants that exceeded the sum of the pension plan's respective annual service cost and interest cost amounts. The following table presents the assumptions used in determining the benefit obligations and the net periodic benefit cost amounts. Pension Benefits Other Benefits Years Ended December 31, Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Weighted average assumptions for benefit obligations at year end: Discount rate 2.2 % 3.1 % 2.9 % 3.7 % Salary increase 3.5 % 3.6 % N/A N/A Cash balance interest credit rate 4.0 % 4.7 % N/A N/A Weighted average assumptions for net periodic cost for the year: Discount rate 3.1 % 2.8 % 3.7 % 3.3 % Salary increase 3.6 % 3.6 % N/A N/A Cash balance interest credit rate 4.7 % 4.7 % N/A N/A Expected return on assets 5.0 % 5.5 % N/A N/A Assumed health care cost trend rates: Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year N/A N/A 5.6 % 5.8 % Rate that the cost trend rate gradually declines to N/A N/A 5.0 % 5.0 % Year that the rate reaches the rate it is assumed to remain at N/A N/A 2023 2025 Plan assets are invested using a total return investment approach whereby a mix of equity securities and fixed income securities are used to preserve asset values, diversify risk, and achieve our target investment return benchmark. Investment strategies and asset allocations are based on consideration of the plan liabilities, the plan’s funded status, and our financial condition. Investment performance and asset allocation are measured and monitored on an ongoing basis. Plan assets are managed in a balanced portfolio comprised of two major components: an asset growth portion and an asset protection portion. The expected role of asset growth investments is to maximize the long-term real growth of assets, while the role of asset protection investments is to generate current income, provide for more stable periodic returns, and provide some protection against a permanent loss of capital. Absent regulatory or statutory limitations, the target asset allocation for the investment of the assets for our ongoing pension plans is 30 - 50% in asset protection investments and 50 - 70% in asset growth investments and for our pension plans where the majority of the participants are in payment or terminated vested status is 50 - 75% in asset protection investments and 25 - 50% in asset growth investments. Asset growth investments include a diversified mix of U.S. and international equity, primarily invested through investment funds. Asset protection investments include government securities and investment grade corporate bonds, primarily invested through investment funds and group insurance contracts. We develop our expected long-term rate of return assumptions based on the historical rates of returns for securities and instruments of the type in which our plans invest. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets reflects the average rate of earnings expected on the invested assets and future assets to be invested to provide for the benefits included in the projected benefit obligation. We use historic plan asset returns combined with current market conditions to estimate the rate of return. The expected rate of return on plan assets is a long-term assumption based on an analysis of historical and forward looking returns considering the plan’s actual and target asset mix. The following table presents the fair values of the pension plan assets by asset category. December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Fair Market Value at December 31, 2019 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Fair Market Value at December 31, 2018 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) (In thousands) (In thousands) Asset Category: Equity securities(a) U.S. equities fund $ 131,563 $ 2,793 $ — $ — $ 96,417 $ 1,465 $ — $ — Non-U.S. equities fund 54,496 5,949 — — 47,274 5,755 — — Debt securities(b) Government bond fund 74,219 — 745 — 66,439 — 1,253 — Corporate bond fund 40,940 — 9,854 — 39,366 — 7,116 — Fixed income fund(c) 35,895 — 33,701 — 41,167 — 39,340 — Other investments(d) 9,462 — — — 17,274 — — — Cash & equivalents 9,151 167 — — 3,572 136 — — Total $ 355,726 $ 8,909 $ 44,300 $ — $ 311,509 $ 7,356 $ 47,709 $ — (a) This category includes investments in actively managed and indexed investment funds that invest in a diversified pool of equity securities of companies located in the U.S., Canada, Western Europe and other developed countries throughout the world. The funds are valued using the net asset value method in which an average of the market prices for the underlying investments is used to value the fund. Equity securities held in separate accounts are valued based on observable quoted prices on active exchanges. Funds which are valued using the net asset value method are not included in the fair value hierarchy. (b) This category includes investments in investment funds that invest in U.S. treasuries; other national, state and local government bonds; and corporate bonds of highly rated companies from diversified industries. The funds are valued using the net asset value method in which an average of the market prices for the underlying investments is used to value the fund. Funds valued using the net asset value method are not included in the fair value hierarchy. (c) This category includes guaranteed insurance contracts and annuity policies. (d) This category includes investments in hedge funds that pursue multiple strategies in order to provide diversification and balance risk/return objectives, real estate funds, and private equity funds. Funds valued using the net asset method are not included in the fair value hierarchy. The plans do not invest in individual securities. All investments are through well diversified investment funds. As a result, there are no significant concentrations of risk within the plan assets. The following table reflects the benefits as of December 31, 2019 expected to be paid in each of the next five years and in the aggregate for the five years thereafter from our pension and other postretirement plans. Because our other postretirement plans are unfunded, the anticipated benefits with respect to these plans will come from our own assets. Because our pension plans are primarily funded plans, the anticipated benefits with respect to these plans will come primarily from the trusts established for these plans. Pension Plans Other Plans (In thousands) 2020 $ 22,952 $ 1,431 2021 22,159 1,442 2022 22,595 1,450 2023 24,115 1,453 2024 22,397 1,461 2025-2029 109,442 7,447 Total $ 223,660 $ 14,684 We anticipate contributing $6.1 million and $1.4 million to our pension and other postretirement plans, respectively, during 2020. The pre-tax amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost at December 31, 2019 and the changes in these amounts during the year ended December 31, 2019 are as follows. Pension Benefits Other Benefits (In thousands) Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss: Net actuarial loss (gain) $ 56,746 $ (600 ) Net prior service cost 2,661 — $ 59,407 $ (600 ) Pension Benefits Other Benefits (In thousands) Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss: Net actuarial loss (gain), beginning of year $ 48,395 $ (3,047 ) Amortization of actuarial gain (loss) (1,432 ) 133 Actuarial loss 39,329 2,374 Asset gain (30,197 ) — Settlement gain recognized 7 — Currency impact 644 (60 ) Net actuarial loss (gain), end of year $ 56,746 $ (600 ) Prior service cost, beginning of year $ 2,725 $ — Amortization of prior service cost (169 ) — Currency impact 105 — Prior service cost, end of year $ 2,661 $ —

Comprehensive Income and Accumu

Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) The accumulated balances related to each component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, are as follows: Foreign Currency Translation Component Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (In thousands) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ (69,691 ) $ (28,335 ) $ (98,026 ) Other comprehensive gain (loss) loss attributable to Belden before reclassifications 27,809 (7,813 ) 19,996 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — 3,123 3,123 Net current period other comprehensive gain (loss) attributable to Belden 27,809 (4,690 ) 23,119 Balance at December 31, 2018 (41,882 ) (33,025 ) (74,907 ) Other comprehensive gain (loss) attributable to Belden before reclassifications 23,657 (13,281 ) 10,376 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income — 1,113 1,113 Net current period other comprehensive gain (loss) attributable to Belden 23,657 (12,168 ) 11,489 Balance at December 31, 2019 $ (18,225 ) $ (45,193 ) $ (63,418 ) The following table summarizes the effects of reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): 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: Settlement gain $ (7 ) (1 ) Actuarial losses 1,299 (1 ) Prior service cost 169 (1 ) Total before tax 1,461 Tax benefit (348 ) Total net of tax $ 1,113 (1) The amortization of these accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit costs (see Note 16).

Preferred Stock

Preferred Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
Preferred Stock	Preferred Stock In 2016, we issued 5.2 million depositary shares, each of which represented 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. For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, dividends on the Preferred Stock were $ 18.4 million , $ 34.9 million , and $ 34.9 million , respectively.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation Compensation cost charged against income, primarily selling, general and administrative expense, and the income tax benefit recognized for our share-based compensation arrangements is included below: Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands) Total share-based compensation cost $ 16,802 $ 17,143 $ 13,144 Income tax benefit 3,999 4,080 4,995 We currently have outstanding stock appreciation rights (SARs), restricted stock units with service vesting conditions, restricted stock units with performance vesting conditions, and restricted stock units with market conditions. We grant SARs with an exercise price equal to the closing market price of our common stock on the grant date. Generally, SARs may be converted into shares of our common stock in equal amounts on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date and expire 10 years from the grant date. Certain awards provide for accelerated vesting in certain circumstances, including following a change in control of the Company. Restricted stock units with service conditions generally vest 3 - 5 years from the grant date. Restricted stock units issued based on the attainment of the performance conditions generally vest on the second or third anniversary of their grant date. Restricted stock units issued based on the attainment of market conditions generally vest on the third anniversary of their grant date. We recognize compensation cost for all awards based on their fair values. The fair values for SARs are estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing formula which incorporates the assumptions noted in the following table. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility, and expected term is based on historical exercise patterns of SAR holders. The fair value of restricted stock units with service vesting conditions or performance vesting conditions is the closing market price of our common stock on the date of grant. We estimate the fair value of certain restricted stock units with market conditions using a Monte Carlo simulation valuation model with the assistance of a third party valuation firm. Compensation costs for awards with service conditions are amortized to expense using the straight-line method. Compensation costs for awards with performance conditions and graded vesting are amortized to expense using the graded attribution method. Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands, except weighted average fair value and assumptions) Weighted-average fair value of SARs and options granted $ 22.31 $ 25.19 $ 27.31 Total intrinsic value of SARs converted and options exercised 354 2,263 7,156 Tax benefit related to share-based compensation 101 113 967 Weighted-average fair value of restricted stock shares and units granted 64.61 72.54 79.96 Total fair value of restricted stock shares and units vested 10,325 5,740 10,355 Expected volatility 35.05 % 33.16 % 36.89 % Expected term (in years) 5.7 5.6 5.6 Risk-free rate 2.56 % 2.70 % 2.01 % Dividend yield 0.32 % 0.27 % 0.27 % SARs and Stock Options Restricted Shares and Units Number Weighted- Average Exercise Price Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value Number Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value (In thousands, except exercise prices, fair values, and contractual terms) Outstanding at January 1, 2019 1,289 $ 65.58 627 $ 71.66 Granted 237 61.71 353 64.61 Exercised or converted (49 ) 48.27 (170 ) 58.73 Forfeited or expired (110 ) 71.73 (73 ) 70.30 Outstanding at December 31, 2019 1,367 $ 65.04 6.2 $ (13,727 ) 737 $ 68.31 Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2019 1,349 $ 65.01 6.1 $ (13,498 ) Exercisable or convertible at December 31, 2019 936 63.88 5.1 (8,312 ) At December 31, 2019 , the total unrecognized compensation cost related to all nonvested awards was $28.2 million . That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.0 years . Historically, we have issued treasury shares, if available, to satisfy award conversions and exercises.

Stockholder Rights Plan

Stockholder Rights Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholder Rights Plan	Stockholder Rights Plan On March 27, 2018, our Board of Directors authorized the redemption of all outstanding preferred share purchase rights issued pursuant to the then existing Rights Agreement. Under the former Rights Agreement, one right was attached to each outstanding share of common stock. The rights were redeemed at a redemption price of $0.01 per right, resulting in a total payment of $0.4 million to the holders of the rights as of the close of business on March 27, 2018.

Share Repurchases

Share Repurchases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
Share Repurchases	Share Repurchases On May 25, 2017, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program, which allowed us to purchase up to $200.0 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 was funded with cash on hand and cash flows from operating activities. During 2018, we repurchased 2.7 million shares of our common stock under the program for an aggregate cost of $175.0 million and an average price per share of $64.94 . During 2017, we repurchased 0.3 million shares of our common stock under the program for an aggregate cost of $25.0 million and an average price per share of $79.75 . We utilized all $200.0 million authorized under this share repurchase program. On November 29, 2018, our Board of Directors authorized another 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. During 2018, we did not repurchase any shares of our common stock under this program. During 2019, we repurchased 0.9 million shares of our common stock under the program for an aggregate cost of $50.0 million and an average price per share of $56.19 .

Market Concentrations and Risks

Market Concentrations and Risks	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Market Concentrations and Risks	Market Concentrations and Risks Concentrations of Credit We sell our products to many customers in several markets across multiple geographic areas. The ten largest customers, of which six are distributors, constitute in aggregate approximately 39% , 40% , and 40% of revenues in 2019 , 2018 , and 2017 , respectively. Unconditional Commodity Purchase Obligations At December 31, 2019 , we were committed to purchase approximately 1.6 million pounds of copper at an aggregate fixed cost of $4.4 million . At December 31, 2019 , this fixed cost was $0.1 million less than the market cost that would be incurred on a spot purchase of the same amount of copper. The aggregate market cost was based on the current market price of copper obtained from the New York Mercantile Exchange. Labor Approximately 25% of our labor force is covered by collective bargaining agreements at various locations around the world. Approximately 22% of our labor force is covered by collective bargaining agreements that we expect to renegotiate during 2020. Fair Value of Financial Instruments Our financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, trade payables, and debt instruments. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, and trade payables at December 31, 2019 are considered representative of their respective fair values. The fair value of our senior subordinated notes at December 31, 2019 and 2018 was approximately $1,532.7 million and $1,485.0 million , respectively, based on quoted prices of the debt instruments in inactive markets (Level 2 valuation). This amount represents the fair values of our senior subordinated notes with a carrying value of $ 1,459.4 million and $ 1,485.9 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018

Contingent Liabilities

Contingent Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingent Liabilities	Contingent Liabilities General Various claims are asserted against us in the ordinary course of business including those pertaining to income tax examinations, product liability, customer, employment, vendor, and patent matters. Based on facts currently available, management believes that the disposition of the claims that are pending or asserted will not have a materially adverse effect on our financial position, operating results, or cash flow. Letters of Credit, Guarantees and Bonds At December 31, 2019 , we were party to unused standby letters of credit, bank guarantees, and surety bonds totaling $11.2 million , $4.5 million , and $3.3 million , respectively. These commitments are generally issued to secure obligations we have for a variety of commercial reasons, such as workers compensation self-insurance programs in several states and the importation and exportation of product.

Supplemental Cash Flow Informat

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Supplemental Cash Flow Information Supplemental cash flow information is as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands) Income tax refunds received $ 4,695 $ 3,920 $ 4,031 Income taxes paid (40,760 ) (52,147 ) (32,249 ) Interest paid (51,160 ) (48,519 ) (79,047 )

Quarterly Operating Results (Un

Quarterly Operating Results (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Operating Results (Unaudited)	Quarterly Operating Results (Unaudited) Our quarterly operating results summarized below are for continuing operations, and have been recast to exclude the results of our disposal group. 2019 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Year (In thousands, except days and per share amounts) Number of days in quarter 90 91 91 93 365 Revenues $ 500,140 $ 548,352 $ 533,098 $ 549,688 $ 2,131,278 Gross profit 186,856 205,072 198,805 202,772 793,505 Operating income 47,490 58,775 57,542 43,400 207,207 Income from continuing operations 27,935 41,395 38,031 2,530 109,891 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (2,757 ) 895 (335,046 ) (149,759 ) (486,667 ) Net income (loss) 25,178 42,290 (297,015 ) (147,229 ) (376,776 ) Less: Net incomce (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest (24 ) 90 (6 ) 179 239 Net income (loss) attributable to Belden 25,202 42,200 (297,009 ) (147,408 ) (377,015 ) Less: Preferred stock dividends 8,733 8,733 971 — 18,437 Net income (loss) attributable to Belden common stockholders 16,469 33,467 (297,980 ) (147,408 ) (395,452 ) Basic income (loss) per share attributable to Belden common stockholders: Continuing operations attributable to Belden common stockholders $ 0.48 $ 0.82 $ 0.83 $ 0.05 $ 2.16 Discontinued operations attributable to Belden common stockholders (0.07 ) 0.02 (7.54 ) (3.29 ) (11.53 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Belden common stockholders $ 0.42 $ 0.84 $ (6.70 ) $ (3.24 ) $ (9.37 ) Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to Belden stockholders: Continuing operations attributable to Belden common stockholders $ 0.48 $ 0.82 $ 0.83 $ 0.05 $ 2.15 Discontinued operations attributable to Belden common stockholders (0.07 ) 0.02 (7.54 ) (3.29 ) (11.53 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Belden common stockholders $ 0.42 $ 0.84 $ (6.70 ) $ (3.24 ) $ (9.37 ) Included in income from continuing operations in the first, second, third, and fourth quarters of 2019 are severance, restructuring, and integration costs of $0.0 million , $2.5 million , $3.0 million , and $21.0 million , respectively. 2018 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Year (In thousands, except days and per share amounts) Number of days in quarter 91 91 91 92 365 Revenues $ 498,715 $ 560,898 $ 554,037 $ 552,052 $ 2,165,702 Gross profit 186,359 212,057 214,501 216,994 829,911 Operating income 44,878 68,706 129,160 71,264 314,008 Income from continuing operations 3,855 40,278 87,046 35,965 167,144 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (1,285 ) (11,486 ) (1,188 ) 7,526 (6,433 ) Net income 2,570 28,792 85,858 43,491 160,711 Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (48 ) (77 ) (23 ) (35 ) (183 ) Net income attributable to Belden 2,618 28,869 85,881 43,526 160,894 Less: Preferred stock dividends 8,733 8,733 8,732 8,733 34,931 Net income (loss) attributable to Belden common stockholders (6,115 ) 20,136 77,149 34,793 125,963 Basic income (loss) per share attributable to Belden common stockholders: Continuing operations attributable to Belden common stockholders $ (0.12 ) $ 0.77 $ 1.64 $ 0.68 $ 3.25 Discontinued operations attributable to Belden common stockholders (0.03 ) (0.28 ) (0.03 ) 0.19 (0.16 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Belden common stockholders $ (0.15 ) $ 0.49 $ 1.90 $ 0.87 $ 3.10 Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to Belden stockholders: Continuing operations attributable to Belden common stockholders $ (0.12 ) $ 0.77 $ 1.64 $ 0.68 $ 3.23 Discontinued operations attributable to Belden common stockholders (0.03 ) (0.28 ) (0.03 ) 0.19 (0.16 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Belden common stockholders $ (0.15 ) $ 0.49 $ 1.62 $ 0.87 $ 3.08 Included in income from continuing operations in the first, second, third, and fourth quarters of 2018 are severance, restructuring, and integration costs of $11.2 million , $4.6 million , $4.6 million , and $2.2 million

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events On February 4, 2020, we entered into a Securities and Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) with BDC Media Acquisition LLC, an affiliate of Black Dragon Capital Investment Management, LLC (the “Buyer”), pursuant to which we agreed to sell our Grass Valley live media business (the “Business”) to the Buyer. The Agreement provides for us to receive $140 million in cash, a subordinated note with an initial face amount of $213 million (less the amount of certain pension liabilities being assumed by the Buyer), and a possible earn-out of up to $150 million in the event that the Buyer is able to earn an agreed-upon return on its equity investment. The subordinated note earns interest in-kind at the rate of 10% per annum. The note is contemplated to be a five-year instrument, but that term is subject to extension if the Buyer’s senior indebtedness is extended beyond December 31, 2025. The Agreement requires that, prior to closing, we transfer the Business’ U.K. pension obligations to one of our non-Grass Valley subsidiaries, obtain any required approvals in connection with that transfer, and fulfill various other closing conditions. We expect the sale to close in the first half of 2020. We signed a settlement agreement with the sellers ("Claimant") of Snell Advanced Media (SAM) on January 30, 2019 for claims arising over the timing of the earnout consideration outlined in the purchase agreement. SAM was acquired on February 8, 2018 and is included in the Grass Valley disposal group. As part of the settlement, the parties agreed that the earnout consideration would be payable during the first quarter 2020, unless earlier payment is required as per the terms of the purchase agreement, and Belden would immediately pay the Claimant $0.9 million for interest and fees incurred, which we recognized in selling, general, and administrative expenses in our 2018 financial statements. On January 16, 2020, we paid the sellers the full earnout consideration of $31.4 million

Schedule II - Valuation and Qua

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Beginning Balance Charged to Costs and Expenses Divestitures/ Acquisitions Charge Offs Recoveries Currency Movement Ending Balance (In thousands) Accounts Receivable— Allowance for Doubtful Accounts: 2019 $ 3,137 $ 159 $ 368 $ (969 ) $ (86 ) $ (40 ) $ 2,569 2018 3,709 353 — (567 ) (176 ) (182 ) 3,137 2017 5,112 898 38 (1,644 ) (465 ) (230 ) 3,709 Inventories— Excess and Obsolete Allowances: 2019 $ 17,364 $ 6,403 $ 452 $ (2,333 ) $ (606 ) $ (35 ) $ 21,245 2018 19,887 2,801 — (2,464 ) (2,675 ) (185 ) 17,364 2017 21,301 2,217 2,628 (5,292 ) (1,685 ) 718 19,887 Deferred Income Tax Asset— Valuation Allowance: 2019 $ 39,402 $ 12,358 $ 330 $ — $ (1,629 ) $ (41 ) $ 50,420 2018 47,636 15,626 (2 ) (22,577 ) (928 ) (353 ) $ 39,402 2017 13,124 37,670 — (2,675 ) (1,047 ) 564 $ 47,636

Basis of Presentation (Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Business Description	Business Description Belden Inc. (the Company, us, we, or our) is a global supplier of specialty networking solutions built around two
Consolidation	Consolidation The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include Belden Inc. and all of its subsidiaries, including variable interest entities for which we are the primary beneficiary. We eliminate all significant affiliate accounts and transactions in consolidation.
Foreign Currency	Foreign Currency For international operations with functional currencies other than the United States (U.S.) dollar, we translate assets and liabilities at current exchange rates; we translate income and expenses using average exchange rates. We report the resulting translation adjustments, as well as gains and losses from certain affiliate transactions, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a separate component of stockholders’ equity. We include exchange gains and losses on transactions in operating income. We determine the functional currency of our foreign subsidiaries based upon the currency of the primary economic environment in which each subsidiary operates. Typically, that is determined by the currency in which the subsidiary primarily generates and expends cash. We have concluded that the local currency is the functional currency for all of our material subsidiaries.
Reporting Periods	Reporting Periods Our fiscal year and fiscal fourth quarter both end on December 31 . Our fiscal first quarter ends on the Sunday falling closest to 91 days after December 31. Our fiscal second and third quarters each have 91 days.
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of the Financial Statements	Use of Estimates in the Preparation of the Financial Statements The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and operating results and the disclosure of contingencies. Actual results could differ from those estimates. We make significant estimates with respect to the collectability and valuation of receivables, the valuation of inventory, the realization of deferred tax assets, the valuation of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, the valuation of contingent liabilities, the calculation of share-based compensation, the calculation of pension and other postretirement benefits expense, and the valuation of acquired businesses.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications We have made certain reclassifications to the 2018 and 2017 Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, primarily in relation to the Grass Valley disposal group being included in discontinued operations. See Note 5.

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
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.
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 December 31, 2019 and 2018 , 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.
Accounts Receivable and Revenue Reserves	Accounts Receivable and Revenue Reserves We classify amounts owed to us and due within twelve months, arising from the sale of goods or services and from other business activities, as current receivables. We classify receivables due after twelve months as other long-lived assets. At the time of sale, we establish an estimated reserve for trade, promotion, and other special price reductions such as contract pricing, discounts to meet competitor pricing, and on-time payment discounts. We also adjust receivable balances for, among other things, correction of billing errors, incorrect shipments, and settlement of customer disputes. Customers are allowed to return inventory if and when certain conditions regarding the physical state of the inventory and our approval of the return are met. Certain distribution customers are allowed to return inventory at original cost, in an amount not to exceed three percent of the prior year’s purchases, in exchange for an order of equal or greater value. Until we can process these reductions, corrections, and returns (together, the Changes) through individual customer records, we estimate the amount of outstanding Changes and recognize them by reducing revenues. We base these estimates on historical and anticipated sales demand, trends in product pricing, and historical and anticipated Changes patterns. We make revisions to these estimates in the period in which the facts that give rise to each revision become known. Future market conditions might require us to take actions to further reduce prices and increase customer return authorizations. Unprocessed Changes recognized against our gross accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2019 and 2018 totaled $29.5 million and $25.5 million , respectively. Unprocessed Changes recognized as accrued liabilities at December 31, 2019 and 2018 totaled $11.0 million and $9.1 million , respectively.
Inventories and Related Reserves	Inventories and Related Reserves Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. We determine the cost of all raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods inventories by the first in, first out method. Cost components of inventories include direct labor, applicable production overhead, and amounts paid to suppliers of materials and products as well as freight costs and, when applicable, duty costs to import the materials and products.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment We record property, plant and equipment at cost. We calculate depreciation on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets ranging from 10 to 40 years for buildings, 5 to 12 years for machinery and equipment, and 5 to 10 years for computer equipment and software. Construction in process reflects amounts incurred for the configuration and build-out of property, plant and equipment and for property, plant and equipment not yet placed into service. We charge maintenance and repairs—both planned major activities and less-costly, ongoing activities—to expense as incurred. We capitalize interest costs associated with the construction of capital assets and amortize the costs over the assets’ useful lives. Depreciation expense is included in costs of sales; selling, general and administrative expenses; and research and development expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations based on the specific categorization and use of the underlying assets being depreciated. We review property, plant and equipment to determine whether an event or change in circumstances indicates the carrying values of the assets may not be recoverable. We base our evaluation on the nature of the assets, the future economic benefit of the assets, and any historical or future profitability measurements, as well as other external market conditions or factors that may be present. If such impairment indicators are present or other factors exist that indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable, we determine whether impairment has occurred through the use of an undiscounted cash flow analysis. If impairment has occurred, we recognize a loss for the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the asset. For purposes of impairment testing of long-lived assets, we have identified asset groups at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. Generally, our asset groups are based on an individual plant or operating facility level. In some circumstances, however, a combination of plants or operating facilities may be considered the asset group due to interdependence of operational activities and cash flows.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets Our intangible assets consist of (a) definite-lived assets subject to amortization such as developed technology, customer relationships, certain in-service research and development, certain trademarks, backlog, and capitalized software intangible assets, and (b) indefinite-lived assets not subject to amortization such as goodwill, certain trademarks, and certain in-process research and development intangible assets. We record amortization of the definite-lived intangible assets over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which generally range from one year or less for backlog to more than 25 years for certain of our customer relationships. We determine the amortization method for our definite-lived intangible assets based on the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset are consumed. In the event we cannot reliably determine that pattern, we utilize a straight-line amortization method. We test our goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets not subject to amortization for impairment on an annual basis as of our fiscal November month-end or when indicators of impairment exist. We base our estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable, but which are not predictable with precision and therefore are inherently uncertain. Actual future results could differ from these estimates. The accounting guidance related to goodwill impairment testing allows for the performance of an optional qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Such an evaluation is made based on the weight of all available evidence and the significance of all identified events and circumstances that may influence the fair value of a reporting unit. If it is more likely than not that the fair value is less than the carrying value, then a quantitative assessment is required for the reporting unit, as described in the paragraph below. In 2019 , we did not perform a qualitative assessment over any of our reporting units. For our annual impairment test in 2019 , we performed a quantitative assessment for all ten of our reporting units included in continuing operations. Under a quantitative assessment for goodwill impairment, we determine the fair value using the income approach (using Level 3 inputs) as reconciled to our aggregate market capitalization. Under the income approach, we calculate the fair value of a reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets including goodwill assigned to that unit, goodwill is not impaired. If the carrying value of the reporting unit’s net assets including goodwill exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, then we record an impairment charge based on that difference. In addition to the income approach, we calculate the fair value of our reporting units under a market approach. The market approach measures the fair value of a reporting unit through analysis of financial multiples of comparable businesses. Consideration is given to the financial conditions and operating performance of the reporting unit being valued relative to those publicly-traded companies operating in the same or similar lines of business. The fair values of all ten reporting units tested under a quantitative approach were in excess of the carrying values as of the impairment testing date, and as a result, the goodwill balances for our continuing operations reporting units were not impaired in 2019. Furthermore, goodwill was not impaired in 2018 or 2017 . See Note 12 for further discussion. We also evaluate indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment annually or at other times if events have occurred or circumstances exist that indicate the carrying values of those assets may no longer be recoverable. We compare the fair value of the asset with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value, we recognize an impairment loss in an amount equal to that excess. We did not recognize impairment charges for our indefinite lived intangible assets in 2019 , 2018 , or 2017 . See Note 12 for further discussion. We review intangible assets subject to amortization whenever an event or change in circumstances indicates the carrying values of the assets may not be recoverable. We test intangible assets subject to amortization for impairment and estimate their fair values using the same assumptions and techniques we employ on property, plant and equipment. We did not recognize any impairment charges for amortizable intangible assets in 2019 , 2018 , or 2017 .
Disposals	Disposals During 2018, we sold a previously closed operating facility for net proceeds of $1.5 million and recognized a $0.6 million gain on the sale. During 2017, we sold our MCS business and a 50% ownership interest in Xuzhou Hirschmann Electronics Co. Ltd (the Hirschmann JV) for a total purchase price of $40.2 million and recognized a loss on sale of the assets of $1.0 million , which was included in selling, general and administrative expenses. This loss included $2.8 million of accumulated other comprehensive losses that were recognized as a result of the sale. The $40.2 million
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Our pension and other postretirement benefit costs and obligations are dependent on the various actuarial assumptions used in calculating such amounts. These assumptions relate to discount rates, salary growth, long-term return on plan assets, health care cost trend rates, mortality tables, and other factors. We base the discount rate assumptions on current investment yields on high-quality corporate long-term bonds. The salary growth assumptions reflect our long-term actual experience and future or near-term outlook. We determine the long-term return on plan assets based on historical portfolio results and management’s expectation of the future economic environment. Our health care cost trend assumptions are developed based on historical cost data, the near-term outlook, and an assessment of likely long-term trends. Actual results that differ from our assumptions are accumulated and, if in excess of the lesser of 10% of the projected benefit obligation or the fair market value of plan assets, are amortized over the estimated future working life of the plan participants.
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 3. Accrued Sales Rebates
Contingent Liabilities	Contingent Liabilities We have established liabilities for environmental and legal contingencies that are probable of occurrence and reasonably estimable, the amounts of which are currently not material. A significant amount of judgment and use of estimates is required to quantify our ultimate exposure in these matters. We review the valuation of these liabilities on a quarterly basis, and we adjust the balances to account for changes in circumstances for ongoing and emerging issues. We accrue environmental remediation costs based on estimates of known environmental remediation exposures developed in consultation with our environmental consultants and legal counsel, the amounts of which are not currently material. We expense environmental compliance costs, which include maintenance and operating costs with respect to ongoing monitoring programs, as incurred. We evaluate the range of potential costs to remediate environmental sites. The ultimate cost of site clean-up is difficult to predict given the uncertainties of our involvement in certain sites, uncertainties regarding the extent of the required clean-up, the availability of alternative clean-up methods, variations in the interpretation of applicable laws and regulations, the possibility of insurance recoveries with respect to certain sites, and other factors. We are, from time to time, subject to routine litigation incidental to our business. These lawsuits primarily involve claims for damages arising out of the use of our products, allegations of patent or trademark infringement, and litigation and administrative proceedings involving employment matters and commercial disputes. Assessments regarding the ultimate cost of lawsuits require judgments concerning matters such as the anticipated outcome of negotiations, the number and cost of pending and future claims, and the impact of evidentiary requirements. Based on facts currently available, we believe the disposition of the claims that are pending or asserted will not have a materially adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flow.
Business Combination Accounting	Business Combination Accounting We allocate the consideration of an acquired business to its identifiable assets and liabilities based on estimated fair values. The excess of the consideration over the amount allocated to the assets and liabilities, if any, is recorded to goodwill. We use all available information to estimate fair values. We typically engage third party valuation specialists to assist in the fair value determination of inventories, tangible long-lived assets, and intangible assets other than goodwill. The carrying values of acquired receivables and accounts payable have historically approximated their fair values as of the business combination date. As necessary, we may engage third party specialists to assist in the estimation of fair value for certain liabilities, such as deferred revenue or postretirement benefit liabilities. We adjust the preliminary acquisition accounting, as necessary, typically up to one year after the acquisition closing date as we obtain more information regarding asset valuations and liabilities assumed.
Cost of Sales	Cost of Sales Cost of sales includes our total cost of inventory sold during the period, including material, labor, production overhead costs, variable manufacturing costs, and fixed manufacturing costs. Production overhead costs include operating supplies, applicable utility expenses, maintenance costs, and scrap. Variable manufacturing costs include inbound, interplant, and outbound freight, inventory shrinkage, and charges for excess and obsolete inventory. Fixed manufacturing costs include the costs associated with our purchasing, receiving, inspection, warehousing, distribution centers, production and inventory control, and manufacturing management. Cost of sales also includes the costs to provide maintenance and support and other professional services.
Shipping and Handling Costs	Shipping and Handling Costs We recognize fees earned on the shipment of product to customers as revenues and recognize costs incurred on the shipment of product to customers as a cost of sales.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses	Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses include expenses not directly related to the production of inventory. They include all expenses related to selling and marketing our products, as well as the salary and benefit costs of associates performing the selling and marketing functions. Selling, general and administrative expenses also include salary and benefit costs, purchased services, and other costs related to our executive and administrative functions.
Research and Development Costs	Research and Development Costs Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation We compensate certain employees and non-employee directors with various forms of share-based payment awards and recognize compensation costs for these awards based on their fair values. We estimate the fair values of certain awards, primarily stock appreciation rights (SARs), on the grant date using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing formula, which incorporates certain assumptions regarding the expected term of an award and expected stock price volatility. We develop the expected term assumption based on the vesting period and contractual term of an award, our historical exercise and cancellation experience, our stock price history, plan provisions that require exercise or cancellation of awards after employees terminate, and the extent to which currently available information indicates that the future is reasonably expected to differ from past experience. We develop the expected volatility assumption based on historical price data for our common stock. We estimate the fair value of certain restricted stock units with service vesting conditions and performance vesting conditions based on the grant date stock price. We estimate the fair value of certain restricted stock units with market conditions using a Monte Carlo simulation valuation model with the assistance of a third party valuation firm. After calculating the aggregate fair value of an award, we use an estimated forfeiture rate to discount the amount of share-based compensation cost expected to be recognized in our operating results over the service period of the award. We develop the forfeiture assumption based on our historical pre-vesting cancellation experience.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Income taxes are provided based on earnings reported for financial statement purposes. The provision for income taxes differs from the amounts currently payable to taxing authorities because of the recognition of revenues and expenses in different periods for income tax purposes than for financial statement purposes. Income taxes are provided as if operations in all countries, including the U.S., were stand-alone businesses filing separate tax returns. We recognize deferred tax assets resulting from tax credit carryforwards, net operating loss carryforwards, and deductible temporary differences between taxable income on our income tax returns and pretax income on our financial statements. Deferred tax assets generally represent future tax benefits to be received when these carryforwards can be applied against future taxable income or when expenses previously reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements become deductible for income tax purposes. A deferred tax asset valuation allowance is required when some portion or all of the deferred tax assets may not be realized. At December 31, 2019 the valuation allowance of $50.4 million was primarily related to net operating losses and foreign tax credits that we do not expect to realize. Our effective tax rate is based on expected income, statutory tax rates, and tax planning opportunities available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Significant judgment is required in determining our effective tax rate and in evaluating our tax positions. We establish accruals for uncertain tax positions when we believe that the full amount of the associated tax benefit may not be realized. To the extent we were to prevail in matters for which accruals have been established or would be required to pay amounts in excess of reserves, there could be a material effect on our income tax provisions in the period in which such determination is made. On December 22, 2017, the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” (the “Act”) was signed into law, making significant changes to the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. During 2019, the United States Treasury issued final and proposed regulations with respect to certain aspects related to the Act. Additional guidance provided in these regulation resulted in a tax adjustment in the fourth quarter of 2019. The total tax provision expense in 2019 included a $10.0 million tax expense associated with the increase to the valuation allowance against foreign tax credit carryovers that were no longer expect to be able to realize based upon the new proposed tax regulations. See Note 17, Income Taxes , in the accompanying notes to our consolidated financial statements.
Recent 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. 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. Excluding the impact of our Grass Valley disposal group, the adoption of ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019 resulted in the recognition of right-of-use assets of approximately $70.7 million and lease liabilities for operating leases of approximately $77.3 million on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, with no material impact to the Consolidated Statements of Operations or Consolidated Cash Flow Statements. The difference between the initial lease liabilities and the ROU assets is related primarily to previously existing lease liabilities. See Note 11 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. We expect the adoption will result in an increase to our allowance for doubtful accounts for continuing operations of approximately $1.0 million , and an increase for discontinued operations of approximately $2.0 million .

Revenues (Tables)

Revenues (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue	The following tables present our revenues disaggregated by major product category (in thousands). Cable & Connectivity Networking, Software & Security Total Revenues Year Ended December 31, 2019 Enterprise Solutions $ 1,031,687 $ 49,545 $ 1,081,232 Industrial Solutions 630,462 419,584 1,050,046 Total $ 1,662,149 $ 469,129 $ 2,131,278 Year Ended December 31, 2018 Enterprise Solutions $ 1,046,744 $ 49,156 $ 1,095,900 Industrial Solutions 662,742 407,060 1,069,802 Total $ 1,709,486 $ 456,216 $ 2,165,702 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Enterprise Solutions $ 1,024,090 $ 30,757 $ 1,054,847 Industrial Solutions 628,889 403,449 1,032,338 Total $ 1,652,979 $ 434,206 $ 2,087,185 The following tables present our revenues disaggregated by geography, based on the location of the customer purchasing the product (in thousands). Americas EMEA APAC Total Revenues Year Ended December 31, 2019 Enterprise Solutions $ 830,197 $ 135,734 $ 115,301 $ 1,081,232 Industrial Solutions 607,374 274,028 168,644 1,050,046 Total $ 1,437,571 $ 409,762 $ 283,945 $ 2,131,278 Year Ended December 31, 2018 Enterprise Solutions $ 838,874 $ 135,241 $ 121,785 $ 1,095,900 Industrial Solutions 619,790 290,538 159,474 1,069,802 Total $ 1,458,664 $ 425,779 $ 281,259 $ 2,165,702 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Enterprise Solutions $ 802,274 $ 134,270 $ 118,303 $ 1,054,847 Industrial Solutions 606,437 280,785 145,116 1,032,338 Total $ 1,408,711 $ 415,055 $ 263,419 $ 2,087,185 The following tables present our revenues disaggregated by products, including software products, and support and services (in thousands). Products Support & Services Total Revenues Year Ended December 31, 2019 Enterprise Solutions $ 1,081,232 $ — $ 1,081,232 Industrial Solutions 963,007 87,039 1,050,046 Total $ 2,044,239 $ 87,039 $ 2,131,278 Year Ended December 31, 2018 Enterprise Solutions $ 1,095,883 $ 17 $ 1,095,900 Industrial Solutions 974,029 95,773 1,069,802 Total $ 2,069,912 $ 95,790 $ 2,165,702 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Enterprise Solutions $ 1,054,847 $ — $ 1,054,847 Industrial Solutions 929,263 103,075 1,032,338 Total $ 1,984,110 $ 103,075 $ 2,087,185
Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability	The following table presents deferred revenue activity (in thousands): Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 73,478 New deferrals 104,900 Revenue recognized (106,020 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 72,358 New deferrals 111,812 Revenue recognized (114,100 ) Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 70,070 The following table presents estimated and accrued variable consideration: December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 (in thousands) Accrued rebates 37,170 41,312 Accrued returns 10,974 9,137 Price adjustment recognized against gross accounts receivable 28,672 24,976

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 35,007 Deferred income taxes 69 Operating lease right-of-use assets 2,204 Other long-lived assets 2,070 Total assets acquired $ 82,022 Accounts payable $ 4,847 Accrued liabilities 4,346 Long-term deferred tax liability 6,817 Long-term operating lease liability 1,923 Other long-term liabilities 7,153 Total liabilities assumed $ 25,086 Net assets $ 56,936 Noncontrolling interest 5,195 Net assets attributable to Belden $ 51,741
Schedule of Acquired Intangible Assets	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 Customer relationships 22,800 15 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 $ 35,007 Total intangible assets not subject to amortization $ 35,007 Total intangible assets $ 63,007 Weighed average amortization period 12.9
Schedule of Pro Forma Information	The following table illustrates the unaudited pro forma effect on operating results as if the Opterna acquisition had been completed January 1, 2018. Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 (In thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited) Revenues $ 2,139,894 $ 2,213,781 Net income (loss) attributable to Belden common stockholders (389,957 ) 123,546 Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to Belden common stockholders $ (9.24 ) $ 3.02

Discontinued Operations (Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations	The following table provides the major classes of assets and liabilities of the disposal group as of December 31, 2019 and 2018: December 31, 2019 2018 (In thousands) Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 18,405 $ 13,156 Receivables, net 117,386 129,983 Inventories, net 55,002 51,416 Other current assets 35,187 25,167 Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated depreciation 61,233 55,010 Operating lease right-of-use assets 16,902 — Goodwill 26,707 350,777 Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization 143,459 151,162 Deferred income taxes 57,469 29,559 Other long-lived assets 21,652 16,613 Impairment of disposal group (180,358 ) — Total Assets of discontinued operations $ 373,044 $ 822,843 Liabilities: Accounts payable $ 52,425 $ 55,148 Accrued liabilities 83,349 91,880 Postretirement benefits 6,224 5,043 Deferred income taxes 2,740 3,834 Long-term operating lease liabilities 20,459 — Other long-term liabilities 5,082 8,737 Total liabilities of discontinued operations $ 170,279 $ 164,642 The following table summarizes the operating results of the disposal group for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017: Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands) Revenues $ 360,496 $ 419,666 $ 301,458 Cost of sales (208,173 ) (241,164 ) (169,025 ) Gross profit 152,323 178,502 132,433 Selling, general and administrative expenses (93,796 ) (114,567 ) (71,280 ) Research and development expenses (37,172 ) (49,033 ) (45,582 ) Amortization of intangibles (12,782 ) (23,689 ) (13,808 ) Asset impairment of discontinued operations (521,441 ) — — Interest expense, net (819 ) (720 ) (250 ) Non-operating pension cost (221 ) (243 ) (153 ) Income (loss) before taxes $ (513,908 ) $ (9,750 ) $ 1,360

Operating Segments and Geogra_2

Operating Segments and Geographic Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Operating Segment Information	Operating Segment Information Enterprise Solutions Years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands) Segment revenues $ 1,081,232 $ 1,095,900 $ 1,054,847 Affiliate revenues 4,221 6,085 5,091 Segment EBITDA 162,276 190,910 196,554 Depreciation expense 20,765 19,374 19,255 Amortization of intangibles 23,500 22,255 37,245 Amortization of software development intangible assets 175 71 — Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs 11,050 14,863 28,146 Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions 592 1,690 6,133 Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 42,897 42,938 34,613 Segment assets 527,189 479,324 473,429 Industrial Solutions Years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands) Segment revenues $ 1,050,046 $ 1,069,802 $ 1,032,338 Affiliate revenues 11 81 67 Segment EBITDA 188,947 203,746 208,875 Depreciation expense 19,644 18,935 19,369 Amortization of intangibles 51,109 52,885 52,943 Amortization of software development intangible assets 350 8 — Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs 15,494 7,762 13,747 Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 34,581 29,215 13,319 Segment assets 464,418 459,647 464,683 Total Segments Years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands) Segment revenues $ 2,131,278 $ 2,165,702 $ 2,087,185 Affiliate revenues 4,232 6,166 5,158 Segment EBITDA 351,223 394,656 405,429 Depreciation expense 40,409 38,309 38,624 Amortization of intangibles 74,609 75,140 90,188 Amortization of software development intangible assets 525 79 — Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs 26,544 22,625 41,893 Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions 592 1,690 6,133 Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 77,478 72,153 47,932 Segment assets 991,607 938,971 938,112
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 from continuing operations before taxes, respectively. Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands) Total Segment Revenues $ 2,131,278 $ 2,165,702 $ 2,087,185 Deferred revenue adjustments — — — Consolidated Revenues $ 2,131,278 $ 2,165,702 $ 2,087,185 Total Segment EBITDA $ 351,223 $ 394,656 $ 405,429 Amortization of intangibles (74,609 ) (75,140 ) (90,188 ) Depreciation expense (40,409 ) (38,309 ) (38,624 ) Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs (1) (26,544 ) (22,625 ) (41,893 ) Purchase accounting effects related to acquisitions (2) (592 ) (1,690 ) (6,133 ) Amortization of software development intangible assets (525 ) (79 ) — Loss on sale of assets (3) — (94 ) (1,013 ) Costs related to patent litigation — (2,634 ) — Gain from patent litigation — 62,141 — Income from equity method investment — — 7,502 Eliminations (1,337 ) (2,218 ) (1,439 ) Consolidated operating income 207,207 314,008 233,641 Interest expense, net (55,814 ) (60,839 ) (82,651 ) Non-operating pension benefit (cost) 1,017 (99 ) (561 ) Loss on debt extinguishment — (22,990 ) (52,441 ) Consolidated income from continuing operations before taxes $ 152,410 $ 230,080 $ 97,988 (1) See Note 14, Severance, Restructuring, and Acquisition Integration Activities, for details . (2) In 2019, we collectively recognized $0.6 million of cost of sales related to purchase accounting adjustments of acquired inventory to fair value for both our SPC and Opterna acquisitions. In 2018, we made a $1.7 million adjustment to increase the earn-out liability associated with an acquisition. In 2017, we recognized $6.1 million of cost of sales related to the adjustment of acquired inventory to fair value for our Thinklogical acquisition. (3) In 2018 and 2017, we recognized a $0.1 million and $1.0 million loss on sale of assets, respectively, for the sale of our MCS business and Hirschmann JV. See Note 2.
Reconciliations of Other Segment Measures to Consolidated Totals	Below are reconciliations of other segment measures to the consolidated totals. Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands) Total segment assets $ 991,607 $ 938,971 $ 938,112 Cash and cash equivalents 407,480 407,454 541,350 Goodwill 1,243,669 1,206,877 1,208,587 Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization 339,505 359,931 424,932 Deferred income taxes 25,216 26,459 28,517 Corporate assets 24,147 16,786 60,865 Assets of discontinued operations 375,135 822,843 638,250 Total assets $ 3,406,759 $ 3,779,321 $ 3,840,613 Total segment acquisition of property, plant and equipment $ 77,478 $ 72,153 $ 47,932 Corporate acquisition of property, plant and equipment 3,110 3,013 1,502 Total acquisition of property, plant and equipment $ 80,588 $ 75,166 $ 49,434
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets Based on Physical Location	The table below summarizes net sales and long-lived assets for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 for the following countries: the U.S., Canada, China, and Germany. No other individual foreign country’s net sales or long-lived assets are material to the Company. United States Canada China Germany All Other Total (In thousands, except percentages) Year ended December 31, 2019 Revenues $ 1,271,628 $ 170,683 $ 129,716 $ 105,614 $ 453,637 $ 2,131,278 Percent of total revenues 60 % 8 % 6 % 5 % 21 % 100 % Long-lived assets $ 152,214 $ 16,452 $ 40,247 $ 48,272 $ 101,179 $ 358,364 Year ended December 31, 2018 Revenues $ 1,206,401 $ 166,669 $ 107,582 $ 100,691 $ 584,359 $ 2,165,702 Percent of total revenues 56 % 8 % 5 % 4 % 27 % 100 % Long-lived assets $ 170,368 $ 13,352 $ 36,989 $ 39,724 $ 63,776 $ 324,209 Year ended December 31, 2017 Revenues $ 1,254,758 $ 167,466 $ 120,568 $ 112,976 $ 431,417 $ 2,087,185 Percent of total revenues 60 % 8 % 6 % 5 % 21 % 100 % Long-lived assets $ 210,292 $ 13,200 $ 34,647 $ 37,875 $ 49,834 $ 345,848

Income Per Share (Tables)

Income Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basis for Income Per Share Computations	The following table presents the basis of the income per share computation: Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands) Numerator: Income from continuing operations $ 109,891 $ 167,144 $ 102,607 Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest 239 (183 ) (357 ) Less: Preferred stock dividends 18,437 34,931 34,931 Income from continuing operations attributable to Belden common stockholders 91,215 132,396 68,033 Add: Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (486,667 ) (6,433 ) (9,754 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Belden common stockholders $ (395,452 ) $ 125,963 $ 58,279 Denominator: Weighted average shares outstanding, basic 42,203 40,675 42,220 Effect of dilutive common stock equivalents 213 281 423 Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted 42,416 40,956 42,643

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Major Classes of Inventories	The major classes of inventories were as follows: December 31, 2019 2018 (In thousands) Raw materials $ 98,530 $ 108,623 Work-in-process 34,717 36,460 Finished goods 119,331 137,283 Gross inventories 252,578 282,366 Excess and obsolete reserves (21,245 ) (17,364 ) Net inventories $ 231,333 $ 265,002

Property, Plant and Equipment (

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Summary of Carrying Values of Property, Plant and Equipment	The carrying values of property, plant and equipment were as follows: December 31, 2019 2018 (In thousands) Land and land improvements $ 27,502 $ 25,902 Buildings and leasehold improvements 126,580 120,896 Machinery and equipment 558,639 523,857 Computer equipment and software 119,533 121,504 Construction in process 70,993 56,483 Gross property, plant and equipment 903,247 848,642 Accumulated depreciation (557,329 ) (537,682 ) Net property, plant and equipment $ 345,918 $ 310,960

Intangible Assets (Tables)

Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Carrying Value of Intangible Assets	The carrying values of intangible assets were as follows: December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount (In thousands) (In thousands) Goodwill $ 1,243,669 $ — $ 1,243,669 $ 1,206,877 $ — $ 1,206,877 Definite-lived intangible assets subject to amortization: Developed technology $ 413,310 $ (331,696 ) $ 81,614 $ 399,095 $ (280,301 ) $ 118,794 Customer relationships 297,595 (110,732 ) 186,863 258,798 (94,557 ) 164,241 Trademarks 56,393 (30,213 ) 26,180 54,897 (24,443 ) 30,454 In-service research and development 10,702 (7,160 ) 3,542 10,708 (5,336 ) 5,372 Backlog 11,335 (10,935 ) 400 9,567 (9,567 ) — Total intangible assets subject to amortization 789,335 (490,736 ) 298,599 733,065 (414,204 ) 318,861 Indefinite-lived intangible assets not subject to amortization: Trademarks 40,106 — 40,106 40,270 — 40,270 In-process research and development 800 — 800 800 — 800 Total intangible assets not subject to amortization 40,906 — 40,906 41,070 — 41,070 Intangible assets $ 830,241 $ (490,736 ) $ 339,505 $ 774,135 $ (414,204 ) $ 359,931
Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill assigned to reporting units in our reportable segments are as follows: Enterprise Solutions Industrial Solutions Consolidated (In thousands) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 432,601 $ 775,986 $ 1,208,587 Acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments 2,443 — 2,443 Translation impact (462 ) (3,691 ) (4,153 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 434,582 $ 772,295 $ 1,206,877 Acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments 38,209 — 38,209 Translation impact (260 ) (1,157 ) (1,417 ) Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 472,531 $ 771,138 $ 1,243,669
Changes in Carrying Amount of Trademarks	The changes in the carrying amount of indefinite-lived trademarks are as follows: Enterprise Solutions Industrial Solutions Consolidated (In thousands) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 31,063 $ 9,681 $ 40,744 Translation impact — (474 ) (474 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 31,063 $ 9,207 $ 40,270 Translation impact — (164 ) (164 ) Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 31,063 $ 9,043 $ 40,106

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Components of Lease Expense	The components of lease expense were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 (In thousands) Operating Lease Cost $ 14,622 Finance Lease Cost Amortization of right-of-use asset $ 142 Interest on lease liabilities 22 Total finance lease cost $ 164
Supplemental Cash Flow Information Related To Leases	Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 (In thousands) Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 14,594 Operating cash flows from finance leases 25 Financing cash flows from finance leases 258
Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related To Leases	Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows: December 31, 2019 (In thousands, except lease term and discount rate) Operating leases: Total operating lease right-of-use assets $ 62,251 Accrued liabilities $ 13,900 Long-term operating lease liabilities 55,652 Total operating lease liabilities $ 69,552 Finance leases: Other long-lived assets, at cost $ 823 Accumulated depreciation (391 ) Other long-lived assets, net $ 432
Supplemental Other Information Related To Leases	Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Operating leases 6 years Finance leases 3 years Weighted Average Discount Rate Operating leases 6.9 % Finance leases 6.2 %
Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity	The following table summarizes maturities of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2019 (in thousands): 2020 $ 19,086 2021 16,988 2022 14,128 2023 11,598 2024 9,032 Thereafter 16,655 Total $ 87,487
Finance Lease, Liability, Maturity	The following table summarizes maturities of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2019 (in thousands): 2020 $ 19,086 2021 16,988 2022 14,128 2023 11,598 2024 9,032 Thereafter 16,655 Total $ 87,487
Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases	The following table summarizes maturities of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2018 (in thousands): 2019 $ 14,453 2020 13,335 2021 11,784 2022 10,593 2023 8,417 Thereafter 20,404 Total $ 78,986
Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	The following table summarizes maturities of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2018 (in thousands): 2019 $ 14,453 2020 13,335 2021 11,784 2022 10,593 2023 8,417 Thereafter 20,404 Total $ 78,986

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Carrying Value of Accrued Liabilities	The carrying values of accrued liabilities were as follows: December 31, 2019 2018 (In thousands) Wages, severance and related taxes $ 58,953 $ 46,674 Current deferred revenue 54,255 62,272 Accrued rebates 37,170 41,312 Accrued interest 18,781 18,530 Employee benefits 17,791 17,984 Lease liabilities 14,072 — Other (individual items less than 5% of total current liabilities) 82,777 85,624 Accrued liabilities $ 283,799 $ 272,396

Severance, Restructuring, and_2

Severance, Restructuring, and Acquisition Integration Activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Severance, Restructuring and Integration Costs by Segment	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 Consolidated Statement of Operations: Years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands) Cost of sales $ 3,425 $ 17,962 $ 32,480 Selling, general and administrative expenses 23,119 4,546 9,308 Research and development expenses — 117 105 Total $ 26,544 $ 22,625 $ 41,893 The following table summarizes the costs by segment of the programs described above as well as other immaterial programs and acquisition integration activities: Severance Other Restructuring and Integration Costs Total Costs (In thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2019 Enterprise Solutions $ 5,260 $ 5,790 $ 11,050 Industrial Solutions 15,494 — 15,494 Total $ 20,754 $ 5,790 $ 26,544 Year Ended December 31, 2018 Enterprise Solutions $ 548 $ 14,314 $ 14,862 Industrial Solutions 240 7,523 7,763 Total $ 788 $ 21,837 $ 22,625 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Enterprise Solutions $ 4,165 $ 23,981 $ 28,146 Industrial Solutions 676 13,071 13,747 Total $ 4,841 $ 37,052 $ 41,893

Long-Term Debt and Other Borr_2

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Carrying Values of Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements	The carrying values of our long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements were as follows: December 31, 2019 2018 (In thousands) Revolving credit agreement due 2022 $ — $ — Senior subordinated notes: 3.875% Senior subordinated notes due 2028 392,910 400,050 3.375% Senior subordinated notes due 2027 505,170 514,350 4.125% Senior subordinated notes due 2026 224,520 228,600 2.875% Senior subordinated notes due 2025 336,780 342,900 Total senior subordinated notes 1,459,380 1,485,900 Less unamortized debt issuance costs (19,896 ) (22,700 ) Long-term debt $ 1,439,484 $ 1,463,200
Schedule of Senior Subordinated Notes	The senior subordinated notes due 2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028 are redeemable after September 15, 2020, October 15, 2021, July 15, 2022, and March 15, 2023, respectively, at the following redemption prices as a percentage of the face amount of the notes: Senior Subordinated Notes due 2025 2026 2027 2028 Year Percentage Year Percentage Year Percentage Year Percentage 2020 101.438 % 2021 102.063 % 2022 101.688 % 2023 101.938 % 2021 100.719 % 2022 101.375 % 2023 101.125 % 2024 101.292 % 2022 and thereafter 100.000 % 2023 100.688 % 2024 100.563 % 2025 100.646 % 2024 and thereafter 100.000 % 2025 and thereafter 100.000 % 2026 and thereafter 100.000 %
Maturities on Outstanding Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowings	Maturities on outstanding long-term debt and other borrowings during each of the five years subsequent to December 31, 2019 are as follows (in thousands): 2020 $ — 2021 — 2022 — 2023 — 2024 — Thereafter 1,459,380 $ 1,459,380

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Income Tax Expense	Years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands) Income before taxes: United States operations $ 42,833 $ 115,500 $ 80,048 Foreign operations 109,577 114,580 17,940 Income before taxes $ 152,410 $ 230,080 $ 97,988 Income tax expense (benefit): Currently payable United States federal $ 21,893 $ 31,730 $ (2,751 ) United States state and local 3,090 3,912 336 Foreign 13,859 16,968 26,807 38,842 52,610 24,392 Deferred United States federal 7,567 7,220 (17,741 ) United States state and local (1,205 ) (31 ) (7,115 ) Foreign (2,685 ) 3,137 (4,155 ) 3,677 10,326 (29,011 ) Income tax expense (benefit) $ 42,519 $ 62,936 $ (4,619 )
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation from Continuing Operations	Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Effective income tax rate reconciliation from continuing operations: United States federal statutory rate 21.0 % 21.0 % 35.0 % State and local income taxes 1.2 % 1.5 % 0.7 % Impact of change in tax contingencies — % (0.7 )% 1.1 % Foreign income tax rate differences (8.6 )% (1.0 )% 15.1 % Impact of change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance 9.2 % 0.3 % 0.7 % Impact of non-taxable translation gain — % — % (27.7 )% Impact of non-taxable interest income — % — % (5.6 )% Domestic permanent differences and tax credits 5.1 % 1.9 % (49.0 )% Impact of tax reform — % 4.4 % 25.0 % 27.9 % 27.4 % (4.7 )%
Components of Deferred Income Tax Balances	December 31, 2019 2018 (In thousands) Components of deferred income tax balances: Deferred income tax liabilities: Plant, equipment, and intangibles $ (96,254 ) $ (98,141 ) Deferred income tax assets: Postretirement, pensions, and stock compensation 30,338 27,549 Reserves and accruals 16,371 20,641 Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards 76,456 79,703 Valuation allowances (50,420 ) (39,402 ) 72,745 88,491 Net deferred income tax liability $ (23,509 ) $ (9,650 )
Summary of Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	The following tables summarize our net operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards as of December 31, 2019 by jurisdiction: Net Operating Loss Carryforwards (In thousands) Australia $ 9,589 Germany 16,768 Japan 330 Luxembourg 86 Netherlands 14,165 Other 57,567 United Kingdom 10,854 United States - Federal and various states 107,280 Total $ 216,639
Summary of Tax Credit Carryforwards	Tax Credit Carryforwards (In thousands) United States $ 45,877 Canada 1,187 Total $ 47,064
Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amounts of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: 2019 2018 (In thousands) Balance at beginning of year $ 6,591 $ 6,881 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 488 749 Additions for tax positions of prior years — 1,292 Reductions for tax positions of prior years - Settlement (300 ) (1,571 ) Reduction for tax positions of prior years - Statute of limitations — (760 ) Balance at end of year $ 6,779 $ 6,591

Pension and Other Postretirem_2

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Change in Benefit Obligation	The following tables provide a reconciliation of the changes in the plans’ benefit obligations and fair value of assets as well as a statement of the funded status and balance sheet reporting for these plans. Pension Benefits Other Benefits Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2019 2018 (In thousands) Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation, beginning of year $ (412,880 ) $ (266,515 ) $ (26,143 ) $ (30,333 ) Service cost (3,668 ) (4,579 ) (35 ) (47 ) Interest cost (12,261 ) (11,480 ) (960 ) (945 ) Participant contributions (86 ) (85 ) (4 ) (6 ) Actuarial gain (loss) (39,329 ) 14,968 (2,374 ) 1,681 Acquisitions — (185,692 ) — — Settlements 49 7,054 — — Plan amendments — (2,822 ) — — Foreign currency exchange rate changes (9,890 ) 23,439 (1,260 ) 2,020 Benefits paid 16,713 12,832 1,306 1,487 Benefit obligation, end of year $ (461,352 ) $ (412,880 ) $ (29,470 ) $ (26,143 )
Change in Plan Assets	Pension Benefits Other Benefits Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2019 2018 (In thousands) Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year $ 311,509 $ 198,000 $ — $ — Actual return on plan assets 45,896 (8,366 ) — — Employer contributions 5,673 5,363 1,302 1,481 Plan participant contributions 86 85 4 6 Acquisitions — 153,919 — — Settlements — (7,054 ) — — Foreign currency exchange rate changes 9,275 (17,606 ) — — Benefits paid (16,713 ) (12,832 ) (1,306 ) (1,487 ) Fair value of plan assets, end of year $ 355,726 $ 311,509 $ — $ —
Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheets	Funded status, end of year $ (105,626 ) $ (101,371 ) $ (29,470 ) $ (26,143 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheets: Prepaid benefit cost $ 5,542 $ 4,801 $ — $ — Accrued benefit liability, current (3,000 ) (3,162 ) (1,411 ) (1,405 ) Accrued benefit liability, noncurrent (108,168 ) (103,010 ) (28,059 ) (24,738 ) Net funded status $ (105,626 ) $ (101,371 ) $ (29,470 ) $ (26,143 )
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs	The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit costs for the plans. Pension Benefits Other Benefits Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands) Components of net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ 3,668 $ 4,579 $ 4,767 $ 35 $ 47 $ 49 Interest cost 12,261 11,480 7,551 960 945 1,139 Expected return on plan assets (15,699 ) (16,389 ) (10,642 ) — — Amortization of prior service cost (credit) 169 (42 ) (41 ) — — Settlement loss (gain) (7 ) 1,342 (8 ) — — Net loss (gain) recognition 1,432 2,775 2,562 (133 ) (12 ) — Net periodic benefit cost $ 1,824 $ 3,745 $ 4,189 $ 862 $ 980 $ 1,188
Assumptions Used in Determining Benefit Obligations and Net Periodic Benefit Cost Amounts	The following table presents the assumptions used in determining the benefit obligations and the net periodic benefit cost amounts. Pension Benefits Other Benefits Years Ended December 31, Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Weighted average assumptions for benefit obligations at year end: Discount rate 2.2 % 3.1 % 2.9 % 3.7 % Salary increase 3.5 % 3.6 % N/A N/A Cash balance interest credit rate 4.0 % 4.7 % N/A N/A Weighted average assumptions for net periodic cost for the year: Discount rate 3.1 % 2.8 % 3.7 % 3.3 % Salary increase 3.6 % 3.6 % N/A N/A Cash balance interest credit rate 4.7 % 4.7 % N/A N/A Expected return on assets 5.0 % 5.5 % N/A N/A Assumed health care cost trend rates: Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year N/A N/A 5.6 % 5.8 % Rate that the cost trend rate gradually declines to N/A N/A 5.0 % 5.0 % Year that the rate reaches the rate it is assumed to remain at N/A N/A 2023 2025
Fair Values of Pension Plan Assets by Asset Category	The following table presents the fair values of the pension plan assets by asset category. December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Fair Market Value at December 31, 2019 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Fair Market Value at December 31, 2018 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) (In thousands) (In thousands) Asset Category: Equity securities(a) U.S. equities fund $ 131,563 $ 2,793 $ — $ — $ 96,417 $ 1,465 $ — $ — Non-U.S. equities fund 54,496 5,949 — — 47,274 5,755 — — Debt securities(b) Government bond fund 74,219 — 745 — 66,439 — 1,253 — Corporate bond fund 40,940 — 9,854 — 39,366 — 7,116 — Fixed income fund(c) 35,895 — 33,701 — 41,167 — 39,340 — Other investments(d) 9,462 — — — 17,274 — — — Cash & equivalents 9,151 167 — — 3,572 136 — — Total $ 355,726 $ 8,909 $ 44,300 $ — $ 311,509 $ 7,356 $ 47,709 $ — (a) This category includes investments in actively managed and indexed investment funds that invest in a diversified pool of equity securities of companies located in the U.S., Canada, Western Europe and other developed countries throughout the world. The funds are valued using the net asset value method in which an average of the market prices for the underlying investments is used to value the fund. Equity securities held in separate accounts are valued based on observable quoted prices on active exchanges. Funds which are valued using the net asset value method are not included in the fair value hierarchy. (b) This category includes investments in investment funds that invest in U.S. treasuries; other national, state and local government bonds; and corporate bonds of highly rated companies from diversified industries. The funds are valued using the net asset value method in which an average of the market prices for the underlying investments is used to value the fund. Funds valued using the net asset value method are not included in the fair value hierarchy. (c) This category includes guaranteed insurance contracts and annuity policies. (d) This category includes investments in hedge funds that pursue multiple strategies in order to provide diversification and balance risk/return objectives, real estate funds, and private equity funds. Funds valued using the net asset method are not included in the fair value hierarchy.
Benefits Expected to be Paid in Subsequent Years from Our Pension and Other Postretirement as Well as Medicare Subsidy Receipts	The following table reflects the benefits as of December 31, 2019 expected to be paid in each of the next five years and in the aggregate for the five years thereafter from our pension and other postretirement plans. Because our other postretirement plans are unfunded, the anticipated benefits with respect to these plans will come from our own assets. Because our pension plans are primarily funded plans, the anticipated benefits with respect to these plans will come primarily from the trusts established for these plans. Pension Plans Other Plans (In thousands) 2020 $ 22,952 $ 1,431 2021 22,159 1,442 2022 22,595 1,450 2023 24,115 1,453 2024 22,397 1,461 2025-2029 109,442 7,447 Total $ 223,660 $ 14,684
Summary of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss and Changes in these Amounts	The pre-tax amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost at December 31, 2019 and the changes in these amounts during the year ended December 31, 2019 are as follows. Pension Benefits Other Benefits (In thousands) Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss: Net actuarial loss (gain) $ 56,746 $ (600 ) Net prior service cost 2,661 — $ 59,407 $ (600 ) Pension Benefits Other Benefits (In thousands) Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss: Net actuarial loss (gain), beginning of year $ 48,395 $ (3,047 ) Amortization of actuarial gain (loss) (1,432 ) 133 Actuarial loss 39,329 2,374 Asset gain (30,197 ) — Settlement gain recognized 7 — Currency impact 644 (60 ) Net actuarial loss (gain), end of year $ 56,746 $ (600 ) Prior service cost, beginning of year $ 2,725 $ — Amortization of prior service cost (169 ) — Currency impact 105 — Prior service cost, end of year $ 2,661 $ —

Comprehensive Income and Accu_2

Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
Components of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	The accumulated balances related to each component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, are as follows: Foreign Currency Translation Component Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (In thousands) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ (69,691 ) $ (28,335 ) $ (98,026 ) Other comprehensive gain (loss) loss attributable to Belden before reclassifications 27,809 (7,813 ) 19,996 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — 3,123 3,123 Net current period other comprehensive gain (loss) attributable to Belden 27,809 (4,690 ) 23,119 Balance at December 31, 2018 (41,882 ) (33,025 ) (74,907 ) Other comprehensive gain (loss) attributable to Belden before reclassifications 23,657 (13,281 ) 10,376 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income — 1,113 1,113 Net current period other comprehensive gain (loss) attributable to Belden 23,657 (12,168 ) 11,489 Balance at December 31, 2019 $ (18,225 ) $ (45,193 ) $ (63,418 )
Summary of Effects of Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table summarizes the effects of reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (In thousands) Amortization of pension and other postretirement benefit plan items: Settlement gain $ (7 ) (1 ) Actuarial losses 1,299 (1 ) Prior service cost 169 (1 ) Total before tax 1,461 Tax benefit (348 ) Total net of tax $ 1,113 (1) The amortization of these accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit costs (see Note 16).

Share-Based Compensation (Table

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Income Tax Benefit Recognized for our Share-Based Compensation Arrangements	Compensation cost charged against income, primarily selling, general and administrative expense, and the income tax benefit recognized for our share-based compensation arrangements is included below: Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands) Total share-based compensation cost $ 16,802 $ 17,143 $ 13,144 Income tax benefit 3,999 4,080 4,995
Fair Values for SARs and Stock Options Estimated on Grant Date Using Black-Scholes-Merton Option-Pricing Formula Which Incorporates Assumptions	Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands, except weighted average fair value and assumptions) Weighted-average fair value of SARs and options granted $ 22.31 $ 25.19 $ 27.31 Total intrinsic value of SARs converted and options exercised 354 2,263 7,156 Tax benefit related to share-based compensation 101 113 967 Weighted-average fair value of restricted stock shares and units granted 64.61 72.54 79.96 Total fair value of restricted stock shares and units vested 10,325 5,740 10,355 Expected volatility 35.05 % 33.16 % 36.89 % Expected term (in years) 5.7 5.6 5.6 Risk-free rate 2.56 % 2.70 % 2.01 % Dividend yield 0.32 % 0.27 % 0.27 %
Summary of Share Based Compensation Activity	SARs and Stock Options Restricted Shares and Units Number Weighted- Average Exercise Price Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value Number Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value (In thousands, except exercise prices, fair values, and contractual terms) Outstanding at January 1, 2019 1,289 $ 65.58 627 $ 71.66 Granted 237 61.71 353 64.61 Exercised or converted (49 ) 48.27 (170 ) 58.73 Forfeited or expired (110 ) 71.73 (73 ) 70.30 Outstanding at December 31, 2019 1,367 $ 65.04 6.2 $ (13,727 ) 737 $ 68.31 Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2019 1,349 $ 65.01 6.1 $ (13,498 ) Exercisable or convertible at December 31, 2019 936 63.88 5.1 (8,312 )

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform_2

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Supplemental cash flow information is as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands) Income tax refunds received $ 4,695 $ 3,920 $ 4,031 Income taxes paid (40,760 ) (52,147 ) (32,249 ) Interest paid (51,160 ) (48,519 ) (79,047 )

Quarterly Operating Results (_2

Quarterly Operating Results (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Operating Results (Unaudited)	2019 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Year (In thousands, except days and per share amounts) Number of days in quarter 90 91 91 93 365 Revenues $ 500,140 $ 548,352 $ 533,098 $ 549,688 $ 2,131,278 Gross profit 186,856 205,072 198,805 202,772 793,505 Operating income 47,490 58,775 57,542 43,400 207,207 Income from continuing operations 27,935 41,395 38,031 2,530 109,891 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (2,757 ) 895 (335,046 ) (149,759 ) (486,667 ) Net income (loss) 25,178 42,290 (297,015 ) (147,229 ) (376,776 ) Less: Net incomce (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest (24 ) 90 (6 ) 179 239 Net income (loss) attributable to Belden 25,202 42,200 (297,009 ) (147,408 ) (377,015 ) Less: Preferred stock dividends 8,733 8,733 971 — 18,437 Net income (loss) attributable to Belden common stockholders 16,469 33,467 (297,980 ) (147,408 ) (395,452 ) Basic income (loss) per share attributable to Belden common stockholders: Continuing operations attributable to Belden common stockholders $ 0.48 $ 0.82 $ 0.83 $ 0.05 $ 2.16 Discontinued operations attributable to Belden common stockholders (0.07 ) 0.02 (7.54 ) (3.29 ) (11.53 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Belden common stockholders $ 0.42 $ 0.84 $ (6.70 ) $ (3.24 ) $ (9.37 ) Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to Belden stockholders: Continuing operations attributable to Belden common stockholders $ 0.48 $ 0.82 $ 0.83 $ 0.05 $ 2.15 Discontinued operations attributable to Belden common stockholders (0.07 ) 0.02 (7.54 ) (3.29 ) (11.53 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Belden common stockholders $ 0.42 $ 0.84 $ (6.70 ) $ (3.24 ) $ (9.37 ) Included in income from continuing operations in the first, second, third, and fourth quarters of 2019 are severance, restructuring, and integration costs of $0.0 million , $2.5 million , $3.0 million , and $21.0 million , respectively. 2018 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Year (In thousands, except days and per share amounts) Number of days in quarter 91 91 91 92 365 Revenues $ 498,715 $ 560,898 $ 554,037 $ 552,052 $ 2,165,702 Gross profit 186,359 212,057 214,501 216,994 829,911 Operating income 44,878 68,706 129,160 71,264 314,008 Income from continuing operations 3,855 40,278 87,046 35,965 167,144 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (1,285 ) (11,486 ) (1,188 ) 7,526 (6,433 ) Net income 2,570 28,792 85,858 43,491 160,711 Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (48 ) (77 ) (23 ) (35 ) (183 ) Net income attributable to Belden 2,618 28,869 85,881 43,526 160,894 Less: Preferred stock dividends 8,733 8,733 8,732 8,733 34,931 Net income (loss) attributable to Belden common stockholders (6,115 ) 20,136 77,149 34,793 125,963 Basic income (loss) per share attributable to Belden common stockholders: Continuing operations attributable to Belden common stockholders $ (0.12 ) $ 0.77 $ 1.64 $ 0.68 $ 3.25 Discontinued operations attributable to Belden common stockholders (0.03 ) (0.28 ) (0.03 ) 0.19 (0.16 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Belden common stockholders $ (0.15 ) $ 0.49 $ 1.90 $ 0.87 $ 3.10 Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to Belden stockholders: Continuing operations attributable to Belden common stockholders $ (0.12 ) $ 0.77 $ 1.64 $ 0.68 $ 3.23 Discontinued operations attributable to Belden common stockholders (0.03 ) (0.28 ) (0.03 ) 0.19 (0.16 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Belden common stockholders $ (0.15 ) $ 0.49 $ 1.62 $ 0.87 $ 3.08

Basis of Presentation - Additio

Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Details) - 12 months ended Dec. 31, 2019	Segment	segment
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	2	2

Summary of Significant Accoun_3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Details)	Jan. 01, 2020USD ($)	Jul. 19, 2018USD ($)	Jul. 05, 2011patent	Jul. 31, 2015patent	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)Reporting_Unit	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Feb. 04, 2020USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2019USD ($)
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Amount of inventory as a percentage of prior year purchases that can be returned by certain distributors							3.00%
Unprocessed adjustments recognized against gross accounts receivables					$ 25,500,000		$ 29,500,000	$ 25,500,000
Unprocessed adjustments recognized against accounts accrued liabilities					9,100,000		11,000,000	9,100,000
Bad debt expense, net of recoveries							100,000	200,000	$ 400,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts					3,100,000		2,600,000	3,100,000
Obsolescence and other reserves					17,364,000		$ 21,245,000	17,364,000
Number of reporting units used in quantitative assessment | Reporting_Unit							10
Accumulated other comprehensive losses recognized as result of sale of equity method investment					74,907,000		$ 63,418,000	74,907,000
Proceeds from disposal of business							0	40,171,000	0
Accrued sales rebates					41,312,000		37,170,000	41,312,000
Gain from patent litigation							0	62,141,000	0
Advertising costs							14,700,000	17,000,000	18,000,000
Valuation allowances					39,402,000		50,420,000	39,402,000
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, income tax expense						$ 24,500,000
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities								400,000	41,600,000
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, transition tax for accumulated foreign earnings, income tax expense								1,300,000	30,800,000
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, valuation allowance against foreign tax credit carryforward							(10,000,000)	8,000,000	35,300,000
SAB 118 Tax Expense					2,900,000			10,000,000
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, income tax expense related to employee compensation								1,100,000
Goodwill impairment							0	0	0
Indefinite lived intangible asset impairment							0	0	0
Amortizable intangible asset impairment							0	0	0
Operating lease, asset							62,251,000
Operating lease, liability							69,552,000
Subsidiaries | Corning
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of patents allegedly infringed upon | patent			2
Proceeds from settlement		$ 62,100,000
Number of patents found infringed upon | patent				2
Grass Valley
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Impairment of the disposal group							521,400,000
Grass Valley | Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Impairment of the disposal group							521,441,000	0	0
Goodwill impairment							$ 326,100,000
Previously Closed Operating Facility | Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Disposition, sales price					$ 1,500,000			1,500,000
Gain on disposal								600,000
Hirschmann Jv | Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Disposition, sales price						40,200,000			40,200,000
Equity method investment, realized loss on disposal									1,000,000
Accumulated other comprehensive losses recognized as result of sale of equity method investment						$ 2,800,000			$ 2,800,000
Proceeds from disposal of business								$ 40,200,000
Minimum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of definite-lived intangible assets							1 year
Maximum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of definite-lived intangible assets							25 years
Buildings | Minimum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of property, plant, and equipment							P10Y
Buildings | Maximum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of property, plant, and equipment							P40Y
Machinery and equipment | Minimum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of property, plant, and equipment							P5Y
Machinery and equipment | Maximum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of property, plant, and equipment							P12Y
Computer Equipment and Software | Minimum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of property, plant, and equipment							P5Y
Computer Equipment and Software | Maximum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of property, plant, and equipment							P10Y
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Operating lease, asset											$ 70,700,000
Operating lease, liability											$ 77,300,000
Subsequent Event | Grass Valley | Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Disposition, sales price										$ 140,000,000
Subsequent Event | Scenario, Forecast | Accounting Standards Update 2016-13
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Incease to allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 1,000,000
Increase to allowance for doubtful account, discontinued operations	$ 2,000,000
Hirschmann Jv
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage						50.00%			50.00%

Revenues - Narrative (Details)

Revenues - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 29, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jul. 01, 2018	Apr. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 01, 2018
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in retained earnings	$ 518,004				$ 922,000				$ 518,004	$ 922,000
Revenues	549,688	$ 533,098	$ 548,352	$ 500,140	552,052	$ 554,037	$ 560,898	$ 498,715	2,131,278	2,165,702	$ 2,087,185
Accrued rebates	37,170				41,312				37,170	41,312
Accrued returns	10,974				9,137				10,974	9,137
Price adjustment recognized against gross accounts receivable									28,672	24,976
Contract with customer, deferred revenues	70,070				72,358				70,070	72,358	73,478
Contract with customer, revenue recognized									114,100		$ 106,020
Contract with customer, deferred revenues, current	54,255				62,272				54,255	62,272
Contract with customer, deferred revenues, noncurrent	15,800								15,800
Deferred sales commission	$ 3,400				$ 2,900				3,400	2,900
Sales commissions									$ 4,900	$ 4,700
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in retained earnings												$ 2,600

Revenues - Major Product Catego

Revenues - Major Product Category (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 29, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jul. 01, 2018	Apr. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 549,688	$ 533,098	$ 548,352	$ 500,140	$ 552,052	$ 554,037	$ 560,898	$ 498,715	$ 2,131,278	$ 2,165,702	$ 2,087,185
Enterprise Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									1,081,232	1,095,900	1,054,847
Industrial Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									1,050,046	1,069,802	1,032,338
Cable And Connectivity
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									1,662,149	1,709,486	1,652,979
Cable And Connectivity | Enterprise Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									1,031,687	1,046,744	1,024,090
Cable And Connectivity | Industrial Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									630,462	662,742	628,889
Networking, Software & Security
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									469,129	456,216	434,206
Networking, Software & Security | Enterprise Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									49,545	49,156	30,757
Networking, Software & Security | Industrial Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									$ 419,584	$ 407,060	$ 403,449

Revenues - Location of Customer

Revenues - Location of Customer (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 29, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jul. 01, 2018	Apr. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 549,688	$ 533,098	$ 548,352	$ 500,140	$ 552,052	$ 554,037	$ 560,898	$ 498,715	$ 2,131,278	$ 2,165,702	$ 2,087,185
Enterprise Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									1,081,232	1,095,900	1,054,847
Industrial Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									1,050,046	1,069,802	1,032,338
Americas
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									1,437,571	1,458,664	1,408,711
Americas | Enterprise Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									830,197	838,874	802,274
Americas | Industrial Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									607,374	619,790	606,437
EMEA
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									409,762	425,779	415,055
EMEA | Enterprise Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									135,734	135,241	134,270
EMEA | Industrial Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									274,028	290,538	280,785
APAC
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									283,945	281,259	263,419
APAC | Enterprise Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									115,301	121,785	118,303
APAC | Industrial Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									$ 168,644	$ 159,474	$ 145,116

Revenues - Products and Service

Revenues - Products and Services (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 29, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jul. 01, 2018	Apr. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 549,688	$ 533,098	$ 548,352	$ 500,140	$ 552,052	$ 554,037	$ 560,898	$ 498,715	$ 2,131,278	$ 2,165,702	$ 2,087,185
Enterprise Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									1,081,232	1,095,900	1,054,847
Industrial Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									1,050,046	1,069,802	1,032,338
Products
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									2,044,239	2,069,912	1,984,110
Products | Enterprise Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									1,081,232	1,095,883	1,054,847
Products | Industrial Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									963,007	974,029	929,263
Support And Services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									87,039	95,790	103,075
Support And Services | Enterprise Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									0	17	0
Support And Services | Industrial Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									$ 87,039	$ 95,773	$ 103,075

Revenues - Estimated and Accrue

Revenues - Estimated and Accrued Variable Concideration (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Accrued rebates	$ 37,170	$ 41,312
Accrued returns	10,974	9,137
Price adjustment recognized against gross accounts receivable	$ 28,672	$ 24,976

Revenues Revenues - Deferred Re

Revenues Revenues - Deferred Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2017
Change in Contract with Customer, Liability [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 72,358
New deferrals	111,812	$ 104,900
Revenue recognized	(114,100)	(106,020)
Ending Balance	$ 70,070	$ 73,478

Acquisitions - Additional Infor

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 06, 2019	Oct. 25, 2019	Apr. 15, 2019	Apr. 05, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 29, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jul. 01, 2018	Apr. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash used to acquire businesses, net of cash acquired														$ 74,392	$ 84,580	$ 166,896
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs					$ 21,000	$ 3,000	$ 2,500	$ 0	$ 2,200	$ 4,600	$ 4,600	$ 11,200		26,544	22,625	41,893
Amortization of intangibles														74,609	75,140	90,188
Net income (loss)					(147,229)	$ (297,015)	$ 42,290	$ 25,178	$ 43,491	$ 85,858	$ 28,792	$ 2,570		(376,776)	160,711	$ 92,853
Special Product Company (SPC)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash used to acquire businesses, net of cash acquired	$ 23,100
Opterna International Corp.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash used to acquire businesses, net of cash acquired			$ 51,700
Percentage of outstanding shares acquired			100.00%
Acquisition price paid														45,900
Maximum earnout consideration			$ 25,000
Estimated earnout consideration			5,800
Payments to acquire interest in subsidiaries		$ 400
Noncontrolling interest, purchase price		$ 800
Long-term debt acquired			6,817
Goodwill, purchase accounting adjustments					(600)
Fair value of acquired receivables			$ 5,308		$ 5,300									5,300
Post acquisition revenue of acquiree														26,600
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs															5,500
Amortization of intangibles														3,000	3,800
Inventory adjustment														600	$ 500
Post acquisition income (loss) before taxes of acquiree														2,000
Net income (loss)														100
PPC Broadband and Opterna Integration Program
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs														6,100
Acquisition integration costs														$ 5,600
Suttle, Inc. Asset Acquisition
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Asset acquisition, consideration transferred				$ 5,000
Scenario, Forecast | Opterna International Corp.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to acquire interest in subsidiaries													$ 400

Acquisitions - Schedule of Reco

Acquisitions - Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Apr. 15, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill	$ 1,243,669		$ 1,206,877	$ 1,208,587
Opterna International Corp.
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets [Abstract]
Receivables	$ 5,300	$ 5,308
Inventory		7,470
Prepaid and other current assets		566
Property, plant, and equipment		1,328
Intangible assets		28,000
Goodwill		35,007
Deferred income taxes		69
Operating lease right-of-use assets		2,204
Other long-lived assets		2,070
Total assets acquired		82,022
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities [Abstract]
Accounts payable		4,847
Deferred revenue		4,346
Long-term debt		6,817
Long-term operating lease liability		1,923
Other long-term liabilities		7,153
Total liabilities assumed		25,086
Net assets		56,936
Noncontrolling interest		5,195
Net assets attributable to Belden		$ 51,741

Acquisitions - Schedule of Acq

Acquisitions - Schedule of Acquired Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 15, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 1,243,669	$ 1,206,877	$ 1,208,587
Developed technology
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization Period		6 years 9 months 18 days
Customer relationships
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization Period		18 years 3 months 18 days
Trademarks
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization Period		8 years 6 months
Opterna International Corp.
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total intangible assets subject to amortization	$ 28,000
Goodwill	35,007
Total intangible assets	$ 63,007
Amortization Period	12 years 10 months 24 days
Opterna International Corp. | Goodwill
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 35,007
Opterna International Corp. | Developed technology
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total intangible assets subject to amortization	$ 3,400
Amortization Period	5 years
Opterna International Corp. | Customer relationships
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total intangible assets subject to amortization	$ 22,800
Amortization Period	15 years
Opterna International Corp. | Sales backlog
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total intangible assets subject to amortization	$ 1,300
Amortization Period	6 months
Opterna International Corp. | Trademarks
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total intangible assets subject to amortization	$ 500
Amortization Period	2 years

Acquisitions - Schedule of Pro

Acquisitions - Schedule of Pro Forma Information (Details) - Opterna International Corp. - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 2,139,894	$ 2,213,781
Net income attributable to Belden common stockholders	$ (389,957)	$ 123,546
Diluted income per share attributable to Belden common stockholders	$ (9.24)	$ 3.02

Discontinued Operations - Addit

Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	$ 23,700,000	$ 35,100,000	$ 20,800,000
Goodwill impairment	0	0	0
Capital expenditure	29,400,000	22,600,000	14,900,000
Share-based compensation expense	900,000	1,400,000	1,500,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	42,300,000
Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Impairment of the disposal group	179,300,000
Translation exchange rates	180,400,000
Grass Valley
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Impairment of the disposal group	521,400,000
Grass Valley | Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Impairment of the disposal group	521,441,000	$ 0	$ 0
Goodwill impairment	326,100,000
Impairment of the disposal group	179,300,000
Translation exchange rates	180,400,000
Customer relationships | Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Impairment of intangible assets	14,400,000
Customer relationships | Grass Valley | Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Impairment of intangible assets	14,400,000
Trademarks | Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Impairment of intangible assets	1,600,000
Trademarks | Grass Valley | Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Impairment of intangible assets	$ 1,600,000

Discontinued Operations - Opera

Discontinued Operations - Operating Results of the Disposal Group (Details) - Grass Valley - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Asset impairment charges	$ (521,400)
Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenues	360,496	$ 419,666	$ 301,458
Cost of sales	(208,173)	(241,164)	(169,025)
Gross profit	152,323	178,502	132,433
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(93,796)	(114,567)	(71,280)
Research and development expenses	(37,172)	(49,033)	(45,582)
Amortization of intangibles	(12,782)	(23,689)	(13,808)
Asset impairment charges	(521,441)	0	0
Interest expense, net	(819)	(720)	(250)
Non-operating pension cost	(221)	(243)	(153)
Income (loss) before taxes	$ (513,908)	$ (9,750)	$ 1,360

Discontinued Operations - Asset

Discontinued Operations - Assets and Liabilities of the Disposal Group (Details) - Grass Valley - Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 18,405	$ 13,156
Receivables, net	117,386	129,983
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Inventory	55,002	51,416
Other current assets	35,187	25,167
Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated depreciation	61,233	55,010
Operating lease right-of-use assets	16,902
Goodwill	26,707	350,777
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization	143,459	151,162
Deferred income taxes	57,469	29,559
Other long-lived assets	21,652	16,613
Impairment of disposal group	(180,358)	0
Total Assets of discontinued operations	373,044	822,843
Liabilities:
Accounts payable	52,425	55,148
Accrued liabilities	83,349	91,880
Postretirement benefits	6,224	5,043
Deferred income taxes	2,740	3,834
Long-term operating lease liabilities	20,459
Other long-term liabilities	5,082	8,737
Total liabilities of discontinued operations	$ 170,279	$ 164,642

Operating Segments and Geogra_3

Operating Segments and Geographic Information - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 29, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Jul. 01, 2018USD ($)	Apr. 01, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)Segment	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)segment	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments									2			2
Revenues	$ 549,688	$ 533,098	$ 548,352	$ 500,140	$ 552,052	$ 554,037	$ 560,898	$ 498,715		$ 2,131,278			$ 2,165,702	$ 2,087,185
Anixter International Inc.
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues										285,000			$ 309,000	$ 292,200
Accounts receivable outstanding	$ 10,200								$ 10,200	$ 10,200	$ 10,200	$ 10,200
Anixter International Inc. | Customer Concentration Risk
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentage of total accounts receivable outstanding	3.00%								3.00%	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%
Anixter International Inc. | Customer Concentration Risk | Revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percent of total revenues											13.00%		14.00%	14.00%
Anixter International Inc and WESCO
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues										$ 328,200			$ 361,700	$ 342,800
Anixter International Inc and WESCO | Customer Concentration Risk | Revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percent of total revenues											15.00%		17.00%	16.00%

Operating Segments and Geogra_4

Operating Segments and Geographic Information - Operating Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 29, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jul. 01, 2018	Apr. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 549,688	$ 533,098	$ 548,352	$ 500,140	$ 552,052	$ 554,037	$ 560,898	$ 498,715	$ 2,131,278	$ 2,165,702	$ 2,087,185
Depreciation expense									40,400	38,300	38,600
Amortization of intangibles									74,609	75,140	90,188
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs	21,000	$ 3,000	$ 2,500	$ 0	2,200	$ 4,600	$ 4,600	$ 11,200	26,544	22,625	41,893
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment									110,002	97,847	64,261
Segment assets	3,406,759				3,779,321				3,406,759	3,779,321	3,840,613
Enterprise Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									1,081,232	1,095,900	1,054,847
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs									11,050	14,862	28,146
Industrial Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									1,050,046	1,069,802	1,032,338
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs									15,494	7,763	13,747
Reportable Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									2,131,278	2,165,702	2,087,185
Segment EBITDA									351,223	394,656	405,429
Depreciation expense									40,409	38,309	38,624
Amortization of intangibles									74,609	75,140	90,188
Amortization of software development intangible assets									525	79	0
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs									26,544	22,625	41,893
Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions									592	1,690	6,133
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment									77,478	72,153	47,932
Segment assets	991,607				938,971				991,607	938,971	938,112
Reportable Segment | Enterprise Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment EBITDA									162,276	190,910	196,554
Depreciation expense									20,765	19,374	19,255
Amortization of intangibles									23,500	22,255	37,245
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs									11,050	14,863	28,146
Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions									592	1,690	6,133
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment									42,897	42,938	34,613
Segment assets	527,189				479,324				527,189	479,324	473,429
Reportable Segment | Industrial Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment EBITDA									188,947	203,746	208,875
Depreciation expense									19,644	18,935	19,369
Amortization of intangibles									51,109	52,885	52,943
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs									15,494	7,762	13,747
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment									34,581	29,215	13,319
Segment assets	$ 464,418				$ 459,647				464,418	459,647	464,683
Software Development | Reportable Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amortization of intangibles									525	79	0
Software Development | Reportable Segment | Enterprise Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amortization of software development intangible assets									175	71	0
Software Development | Reportable Segment | Industrial Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amortization of software development intangible assets									350	8	0
Segment revenues | Reportable Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									2,131,278	2,165,702	2,087,185
Segment revenues | Reportable Segment | Enterprise Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									1,081,232	1,095,900	1,054,847
Segment revenues | Reportable Segment | Industrial Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									1,050,046	1,069,802	1,032,338
Affiliate revenues | Reportable Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									4,232	6,166	5,158
Affiliate revenues | Reportable Segment | Enterprise Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									4,221	6,085	5,091
Affiliate revenues | Reportable Segment | Industrial Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									$ 11	$ 81	$ 67

Operating Segments and Geogra_5

Operating Segments and Geographic Information - Reconciliation of Total Reportable Segments' Revenues and EBITDA to Consolidated Revenues and Consolidated Income Before Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 29, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jul. 01, 2018	Apr. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total Segment Revenues	$ 549,688	$ 533,098	$ 548,352	$ 500,140	$ 552,052	$ 554,037	$ 560,898	$ 498,715	$ 2,131,278	$ 2,165,702	$ 2,087,185
Amortization of intangibles									(74,609)	(75,140)	(90,188)
Depreciation expense									(40,400)	(38,300)	(38,600)
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs	(21,000)	(3,000)	(2,500)	0	(2,200)	(4,600)	(4,600)	(11,200)	(26,544)	(22,625)	(41,893)
Gain from patent litigation									0	(62,141)	0
Operating income	$ 43,400	$ 57,542	$ 58,775	$ 47,490	$ 71,264	$ 129,160	$ 68,706	$ 44,878	207,207	314,008	233,641
Interest expense, net									(55,814)	(60,839)	(82,651)
Non-operating pension benefit (cost)									1,017	(99)	(561)
Loss on debt extinguishment									0	(22,990)	(52,441)
Consolidated income from continuing operations before taxes									152,410	230,080	97,988
Reportable Segment
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total Segment Revenues									2,131,278	2,165,702	2,087,185
Deferred revenue adjustments									0	0	0
Total Segment EBITDA									351,223	394,656	405,429
Amortization of intangibles									(74,609)	(75,140)	(90,188)
Depreciation expense									(40,409)	(38,309)	(38,624)
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs									(26,544)	(22,625)	(41,893)
Purchase accounting effects related to acquisitions									592	1,690	6,133
Amortization of software development intangible assets									(525)	(79)	0
Loss on sale of assets (3)									0	94	1,013
Costs related to patent litigation									0	(2,634)	0
Gain from patent litigation									0	(62,141)	0
Income from equity method investment									0	0	7,502
Operating income									207,207	314,008	233,641
Interest expense, net									(55,814)	(60,839)	(82,651)
Eliminations
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Operating income									(1,337)	(2,218)	(1,439)
Enterprise Solutions
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total Segment Revenues									1,081,232	1,095,900	1,054,847
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs									(11,050)	(14,862)	(28,146)
Enterprise Solutions | Reportable Segment
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total Segment EBITDA									162,276	190,910	196,554
Amortization of intangibles									(23,500)	(22,255)	(37,245)
Depreciation expense									(20,765)	(19,374)	(19,255)
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs									(11,050)	(14,863)	(28,146)
Purchase accounting effects related to acquisitions									592	1,690	6,133
Segment revenues | Reportable Segment
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total Segment Revenues									2,131,278	2,165,702	2,087,185
Segment revenues | Enterprise Solutions | Reportable Segment
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total Segment Revenues									$ 1,081,232	$ 1,095,900	$ 1,054,847

Operating Segments and Geogra_6

Operating Segments and Geographic Information - Reconciliations of Other Segment Measures to Consolidated Totals (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total segment assets	$ 3,406,759	$ 3,779,321	$ 3,840,613
Cash and cash equivalents	407,480	407,454	541,350
Goodwill	1,243,669	1,206,877	1,208,587
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization	339,505	359,931	424,932
Deferred income taxes	25,216	26,459	28,517
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment From Continuing Operations	80,588	75,166	49,434
Reportable Segment
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total segment assets	991,607	938,971	938,112
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment From Continuing Operations	77,478	72,153	47,932
Corporate assets
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total segment assets	24,147	16,786	60,865
Assets of discontinued operations	375,135	822,843	638,250
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment From Continuing Operations	$ 3,110	$ 3,013	$ 1,502

Operating Segments and Geogra_7

Operating Segments and Geographic Information - Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets Based on Physical Location (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 29, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jul. 01, 2018	Apr. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total Segment Revenues	$ 549,688	$ 533,098	$ 548,352	$ 500,140	$ 552,052	$ 554,037	$ 560,898	$ 498,715	$ 2,131,278	$ 2,165,702	$ 2,087,185
Percent of total revenues									100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Long-lived assets	358,364				324,209				$ 358,364	$ 324,209	$ 345,848
United States
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total Segment Revenues									$ 1,271,628	$ 1,206,401	$ 1,254,758
Percent of total revenues									60.00%	56.00%	60.00%
Long-lived assets	152,214				170,368				$ 152,214	$ 170,368	$ 210,292
Canada
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total Segment Revenues									$ 170,683	$ 166,669	$ 167,466
Percent of total revenues									8.00%	8.00%	8.00%
Long-lived assets	16,452				13,352				$ 16,452	$ 13,352	$ 13,200
China
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total Segment Revenues									$ 129,716	$ 107,582	$ 120,568
Percent of total revenues									6.00%	5.00%	6.00%
Long-lived assets	40,247				36,989				$ 40,247	$ 36,989	$ 34,647
Germany
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total Segment Revenues									$ 105,614	$ 100,691	$ 112,976
Percent of total revenues									5.00%	4.00%	5.00%
Long-lived assets	48,272				39,724				$ 48,272	$ 39,724	$ 37,875
Other
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total Segment Revenues									$ 453,637	$ 584,359	$ 431,417
Percent of total revenues									21.00%	27.00%	21.00%
Long-lived assets	$ 101,179				$ 63,776				$ 101,179	$ 63,776	$ 49,834

Noncontrolling Interest - Addit

Noncontrolling Interest - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Variable Interest Entity, primary beneficiary Belden
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Additional contribution commitments to joint venture	$ 1,530
Hite
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Additional contribution commitments to joint venture	$ 1,470
Hite | Hite | Variable Interest Entity, primary beneficiary Belden
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Variable interest entity, ownership percentage	51.00%

Income Per Share - Basis for In

Income Per Share - Basis for Income Per Share Computations (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 29, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jul. 01, 2018	Apr. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Numerator:
Income from continuing operations	$ 2,530	$ 38,031	$ 41,395	$ 27,935	$ 35,965	$ 87,046	$ 40,278	$ 3,855	$ 109,891	$ 167,144	$ 102,607
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	179	(6)	90	(24)	(35)	(23)	(77)	(48)	239	(183)	(357)
Less: Preferred stock dividends	0	971	8,733	8,733	8,733	8,732	8,733	8,733	18,437	34,931	34,931
Income from continuing operations attributable to Belden common stockholders									91,215	132,396	68,033
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	(149,759)	(335,046)	895	(2,757)	7,526	(1,188)	(11,486)	(1,285)	(486,667)	(6,433)	(9,754)
Net income (loss) attributable to Belden common stockholders	$ (147,408)	$ (297,980)	$ 33,467	$ 16,469	$ 34,793	$ 77,149	$ 20,136	$ (6,115)	$ (395,452)	$ 125,963	$ 58,279
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic (in shares)									42,203	40,675	42,220
Effect of dilutive common stock equivalents (in shares)									213	281	423
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted (in shares)									42,416	40,956	42,643

Income Per Share - Additional I

Income Per Share - Additional Information (Details) - shares shares in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	1.2	0.9	0.5
Anti-dilutive shares excluded form diluted weighted average shares outstanding due to performance conditions not 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)	3.7	6.9	6.9

Inventories - Major Classes of

Inventories - Major Classes of Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 98,530	$ 108,623
Work-in-process	34,717	36,460
Finished goods	119,331	137,283
Gross inventories	252,578	282,366
Excess and obsolete reserves	(21,245)	(17,364)
Net inventories	$ 231,333	$ 265,002

Property, Plant and Equipment -

Property, Plant and Equipment - Summary of Carrying Values of Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	$ 903,247	$ 848,642
Accumulated depreciation	(557,329)	(537,682)
Net property, plant and equipment	345,918	310,960
Land and land improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	27,502	25,902
Buildings and leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	126,580	120,896
Machinery and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	558,639	523,857
Computer equipment and software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	119,533	121,504
Construction in process
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	$ 70,993	$ 56,483

Property, Plant and Equipment_2

Property, Plant and Equipment - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation expense	$ 40.4	$ 38.3	$ 38.6

Intangible Assets - Carrying Va

Intangible Assets - Carrying Value of Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross carrying amount	$ 1,243,669	$ 1,206,877
Goodwill, Accumulated Amortization	0	0
Goodwill, Net Carrying Amount	1,243,669	1,206,877	$ 1,208,587
Finite-lived intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	789,335	733,065
Finite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(490,736)	(414,204)
Finite-lived intangible assets, Net Carrying Amount	298,599	318,861
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, Carrying Amount	40,906	41,070
Intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	830,241	774,135
Intangible assets, Net Carrying Amount	339,505	359,931	$ 424,932
Trademarks
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, Carrying Amount	40,106	40,270
In-process research and development
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, Carrying Amount	800	800
Developed technology
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	413,310	399,095
Finite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(331,696)	(280,301)
Finite-lived intangible assets, Net Carrying Amount	81,614	118,794
Customer relationships
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	297,595	258,798
Finite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(110,732)	(94,557)
Finite-lived intangible assets, Net Carrying Amount	186,863	164,241
Trademarks
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	56,393	54,897
Finite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(30,213)	(24,443)
Finite-lived intangible assets, Net Carrying Amount	26,180	30,454
In-process research and development
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	10,702	10,708
Finite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(7,160)	(5,336)
Finite-lived intangible assets, Net Carrying Amount	3,542	5,372
Backlog
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	11,335	9,567
Finite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(10,935)	(9,567)
Finite-lived intangible assets, Net Carrying Amount	$ 400	$ 0

Leases Additional Information (

Leases Additional Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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

Intangible Assets - Changes in

Intangible Assets - Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	$ 1,206,877	$ 1,208,587
Acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments	38,209	2,443
Translation impact	(1,417)	(4,153)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	1,243,669	1,206,877
Enterprise Solutions
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	434,582	432,601
Acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments	38,209	2,443
Translation impact	(260)	(462)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	472,531	434,582
Industrial Solutions
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	772,295	775,986
Acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments	0	0
Translation impact	(1,157)	(3,691)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	$ 771,138	$ 772,295

Leases Components of Lease Expe

Leases Components of Lease Expense (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease cost	$ (14,622)
Amortization of right-of-use asset	(142)
Interest on lease liabilities	(22)
Total finance lease cost	$ (164)

Intangible Assets - Changes i_2

Intangible Assets - Changes in Carrying Amount of Trademarks (Details) - Trademarks - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Trademarks, Beginning Balance	$ 40,270	$ 40,744
Translation impact	(164)	(474)
Trademarks, Ending Balance	40,106	40,270
Enterprise Solutions
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Trademarks, Beginning Balance	31,063	31,063
Translation impact	0	0
Trademarks, Ending Balance	31,063	31,063
Industrial Solutions
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Trademarks, Beginning Balance	9,207	9,681
Translation impact	(164)	(474)
Trademarks, Ending Balance	$ 9,043	$ 9,207

Leases Supplemental Cash Flow I

Leases Supplemental Cash Flow Information Related To Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$ (14,594)
Operating cash flows from finance leases	(25)
Financing cash flows from finance leases	$ (258)

Intangible Assets - Additional

Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)Reporting_Unit	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Finite And Indefinite Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangibles	$ 74,609,000	$ 75,140,000	$ 90,188,000
Number of reporting units used in quantitative assessment | Reporting_Unit	10
Goodwill impairment charges	$ 0	0	0
Amortization expense in income from continuing operations	74,600,000	75,100,000	90,200,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Estimated amortization expense in 2020	65,300,000
Estimated amortization expense in 2021	33,200,000
Estimated amortization expense in 2022	30,300,000
Estimated amortization expense in 2023	28,700,000
Estimated amortization expense in 2024	26,600,000
Trademark, net carrying amount	298,599,000	318,861,000
Indefinite lived intangible asset impairment	$ 0	0	0
Customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Weighted-average amortization period	18 years 3 months 18 days
Trademark, net carrying amount	$ 186,863,000	164,241,000
Trademarks
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Weighted-average amortization period	8 years 6 months
Trademark, net carrying amount	$ 26,180,000	30,454,000
Indefinite lived intangible asset impairment	$ 0	0	0
Developed technology
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Weighted-average amortization period	6 years 9 months 18 days
Trademark, net carrying amount	$ 81,614,000	118,794,000
In-process research and development
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Weighted-average amortization period	5 years
Trademark, net carrying amount	$ 3,542,000	5,372,000
Grass Valley
Finite And Indefinite Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of the disposal group	521,400,000
Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Impairment of the disposal group	179,300,000
Translation exchange rates	180,400,000
Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale | Customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Impairment of intangible assets	14,400,000
Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale | Trademarks
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Impairment of intangible assets	1,600,000
Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale | Grass Valley
Finite And Indefinite Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of the disposal group	521,441,000	$ 0	$ 0
Goodwill impairment charges	326,100,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Impairment of the disposal group	179,300,000
Translation exchange rates	180,400,000
Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale | Grass Valley | Customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Impairment of intangible assets	14,400,000
Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale | Grass Valley | Trademarks
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Impairment of intangible assets	$ 1,600,000

Leases Supplemental Balance She

Leases Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related To Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$ 62,251
Accrued liabilities	13,900
Long-term operating lease liabilities	55,652
Total operating lease liabilities	69,552
Other long-lived assets, at cost	823
Accumulated depreciation	(391)
Other long-lived assets, net	$ 432

Leases Supplemental Other Infor

Leases Supplemental Other Information Related To Leases (Details)	Dec. 31, 2019
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term
Operating leases	6 years
Finance leases	3 years
Weighted Average Discount Rate
Operating leases	6.90%
Finance leases	6.20%

Leases Maturities of Lease Liab

Leases Maturities of Lease Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Operating and Finance Leases
2020	$ 19,086
2021	16,988
2022	14,128
2023	11,598
2024	9,032
Thereafter	16,655
Total	$ 87,487
Operating and Capital Leases
2019		$ 14,453
2020		13,335
2021		11,784
2022		10,593
2023		8,417
Thereafter		20,404
Total		$ 78,986

Accrued Liabilities - Carrying

Accrued Liabilities - Carrying Value of Accrued Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Accrued Liabilities and Other Liabilities [Abstract]
Wages, severance and related taxes	$ 58,953	$ 46,674
Current deferred revenue	54,255	62,272
Accrued rebates	37,170	41,312
Accrued interest	18,781	18,530
Employee benefits	17,791	17,984
Lease liabilities	14,072	0
Other (individual items less than 5% of total current liabilities)	82,777	85,624
Accrued liabilities	$ 283,799	$ 272,396

Severance, Restructuring, and_3

Severance, Restructuring, and Acquisition Integration Activities Severance, Restructuring, and Acquisition Integration Activities - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended			36 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 29, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jul. 01, 2018	Apr. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2020
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs	$ 21,000	$ 3,000	$ 2,500	$ 0	$ 2,200	$ 4,600	$ 4,600	$ 11,200	$ 26,544	$ 22,625	$ 41,893
Restructuring and integration cost payable period									60 days
Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs									$ 3,425	17,962	32,480
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs									23,119	4,546	9,308
Research and Development
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs									0	117	105
Cost Reduction Program
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs									19,600
Expected cost	40,000								40,000
Expected restructuring cost remaining	10,000								10,000
PPC Broadband and Opterna Integration Program
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs									6,100
Industrial Manufacturing Footprint Program
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs										17,700	30,600	$ 66,100
Scenario, Forecast | PPC Broadband and Opterna Integration Program
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Expected restructuring cost remaining													$ 5,000
Employee Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	20,200				$ 1,700				20,200	$ 1,700	$ 3,400	$ 1,700
Employee Severance | Cost Reduction Program
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	$ 20,200								$ 20,200

Severance, Restructuring, and_4

Severance, Restructuring, and Acquisition Integration Activities Severance, Restructuring, and Acquisition Integration Activities - Severance, Restructuring and Integration Costs by Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 29, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jul. 01, 2018	Apr. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance									$ 20,754	$ 788	$ 4,841
Other Restructuring and Integration Costs									5,790	21,837	37,052
Total Costs	$ 21,000	$ 3,000	$ 2,500	$ 0	$ 2,200	$ 4,600	$ 4,600	$ 11,200	26,544	22,625	41,893
Enterprise Solutions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance									5,260	548	4,165
Other Restructuring and Integration Costs									5,790	14,314	23,981
Total Costs									11,050	14,862	28,146
Industrial Solutions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance									15,494	240	676
Other Restructuring and Integration Costs									0	7,523	13,071
Total Costs									$ 15,494	$ 7,763	$ 13,747

Severance, Restructuring, and_5

Severance, Restructuring, and Acquisition Integration Activities - Costs of Various Programs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 29, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jul. 01, 2018	Apr. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs	$ 21,000	$ 3,000	$ 2,500	$ 0	$ 2,200	$ 4,600	$ 4,600	$ 11,200	$ 26,544	$ 22,625	$ 41,893
Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs									3,425	17,962	32,480
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs									23,119	4,546	9,308
Research and Development
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs									$ 0	$ 117	$ 105

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 ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Jul. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior subordinated notes	$ 1,459,380	$ 1,485,900
Less unamortized debt issuance costs	(19,896)	(22,700)
Long-term debt	1,439,484	1,463,200
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	$ 392,910	400,050
3.375% Senior subordinated notes due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior subordinated notes interest rate	3.375%
Total senior subordinated notes	$ 505,170	514,350
4.125% Senior subordinated notes due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior subordinated notes interest rate	4.125%					4.125%
Total senior subordinated notes	$ 224,520	228,600
2.875% Senior subordinated notes due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior subordinated notes interest rate	2.875%
Total senior subordinated notes	$ 336,780	$ 342,900
Senior Subordinated Notes | 3.875% Senior subordinated notes due 2028
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior subordinated notes interest rate			3.875%
Senior Subordinated Notes | 3.375% Senior subordinated notes due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior subordinated notes interest rate					3.375%
Senior Subordinated Notes | 2.875% Senior subordinated notes due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior subordinated notes interest rate				2.875%

Long-Term Debt and Other Borr_4

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements - Additional Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017EUR (€)	Jul. 31, 2017USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2017EUR (€)	Oct. 31, 2016USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2016EUR (€)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loss on debt extinguishment	$ 0	$ 22,990,000	$ 52,441,000
Senior subordinated notes	1,459,380,000	1,485,900,000
Senior Subordinated Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fair value of debt instrument	1,532,700,000	1,485,000,000
Revolving credit agreement due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity			$ 400,000,000
Commitment fee percentage			0.25%
Fixed charge coverage, minimum threshold (as a percent)			90.00%
Loss on debt extinguishment			$ 800,000
Revolving credit agreement due 2022, execution fees			$ 2,300,000
Revolving credit agreement due 2022, borrowings outstanding	0	0
Revolving credit agreement due 2022, available borrowing capacity	$ 310,600,000
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%
Senior subordinated notes	$ 392,910,000	400,050,000
3.875% Senior subordinated notes due 2028 | Senior Subordinated Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit agreement due 2022, execution fees				$ 7,500,000						$ 3,900,000
Aggregate principal amount outstanding of senior subordinated notes				$ 431,300,000	€ 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%
Senior subordinated notes	$ 505,170,000	514,350,000
3.375% Senior subordinated notes due 2027 | Senior Subordinated Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit agreement due 2022, execution fees								$ 8,800,000
Aggregate principal amount outstanding of senior subordinated notes								$ 509,500,000	€ 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%	4.125%
Senior subordinated notes	$ 224,520,000	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										$ 222,200,000	€ 200,000,000
2.875% Senior subordinated notes due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior subordinated notes interest rate	2.875%
Senior subordinated notes	$ 336,780,000	$ 342,900,000
2.875% Senior subordinated notes due 2025 | Senior Subordinated Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit agreement due 2022, execution fees						$ 6,200,000
Aggregate principal amount outstanding of senior subordinated notes						$ 357,200,000	€ 300,000,000
Senior subordinated notes interest rate						2.875%	2.875%

Long-Term Debt and Other Borr_5

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements - Schedule of Senior Subordinated Notes (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
2020 | Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	101.438%
2021 | Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	100.719%
2021 | Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	102.063%
2022 | Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	101.375%
2022 | Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	101.688%
2023 | Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	100.688%
2023 | Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	101.125%
2023 | Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2028
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	101.938%
2024 | Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	100.563%
2024 | Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2028
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	101.292%
2025 | Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2028
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	100.646%
2022 And Thereafter | Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	100.00%
2024 and Thereafter | Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	100.00%
2025 and Thereafter | Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	100.00%
2026 and Thereafter | Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2028
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	100.00%

Long-Term Debt and Other Borr_6

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements - Maturities on Outstanding Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowings (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2020	$ 0
2021	0
2022	0
2023	0
2024	0
Thereafter	1,459,380
Total gross debt and other borrowing arrangements	$ 1,459,380

Net Investment Hedge Net Invest

Net Investment Hedge Net Investment Hedge (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Cumulative translation adjustment	$ 24,121	$ 27,802	$ (65,046)
Senior Subordinated Notes
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Cumulative translation adjustment	$ 26,600	$ 87,500	$ (56,200)

Income Taxes - Components of In

Income Taxes - Components of Income Tax Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income before taxes:
United States operations	$ 42,833	$ 115,500	$ 80,048
Foreign operations	109,577	114,580	17,940
Income from continuing operations before taxes	152,410	230,080	97,988
Currently payable
United States federal	21,893	31,730	(2,751)
United States state and local	3,090	3,912	336
Foreign	13,859	16,968	26,807
Income tax expense (benefit)	38,842	52,610	24,392
Deferred
United States federal	7,567	7,220	(17,741)
United States state and local	(1,205)	(31)	(7,115)
Foreign	(2,685)	3,137	(4,155)
Deferred Income tax expense (benefit)	3,677	10,326	(29,011)
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 42,519	$ 62,936	$ (4,619)

Income Taxes - Effective Income

Income Taxes - Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation from Continuing Operations (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Effective income tax rate reconciliation from continuing operations:
United States federal statutory rate	21.00%	21.00%	35.00%
State and local income taxes	1.20%	1.50%	0.70%
Impact of change in tax contingencies	0.00%	(0.70%)	1.10%
Foreign income tax rate differences	(8.60%)	(1.00%)	15.10%
Impact of change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance	9.20%	0.30%	0.70%
Impact of non-taxable translation gain	0.00%	0.00%	(27.70%)
Impact of non-taxable interest income	0.00%	0.00%	(5.60%)
Domestic permanent differences and tax credits	5.10%	1.90%	(49.00%)
Impact of tax reform	0.00%	4.40%	25.00%
Effective income tax rate reconciliation from continuing operations	27.90%	27.40%	(4.70%)

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2038	Dec. 31, 2022
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, income tax expense		$ 24,500,000
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities				$ 400,000	$ 41,600,000
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, transition tax for accumulated foreign earnings, income tax expense				1,300,000	30,800,000
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, valuation allowance against foreign tax credit carryforward			$ (10,000,000)	8,000,000	35,300,000
SAB 118 Tax Expense	$ 2,900,000			10,000,000
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, income tax expense related to employee compensation				1,100,000
Foreign tax rate differences benefit in income tax			(13,100,000)	(2,400,000)	14,700,000
Income tax expense reduction due to tax holiday			3,900,000	3,000,000	3,500,000
Net tax credit carryforwards			47,100,000
Net operating loss carryforwards			216,639,000
Operating loss carryforwards that will be used in expiration periods			150,500,000
Net tax credit carryforwards that will expire			47,064,000
Net tax credit carry forwards with indefinite carry forward period			5,200,000
Net tax credit carryforwards that expected to be utilized prior to expiry			8,300,000
Net decrease in reserve for uncertain tax positions			200,000
Balance at end of the year of unrecognized tax benefits	6,591,000	$ 6,881,000	6,779,000	6,591,000	$ 6,881,000
Estimate the range of reasonably possible changes to unrecognized tax positions			400,000
Accrued interest expense (income) and penalties of unrecognized tax benefits	$ 0		0	$ 0
Scenario, Forecast
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net tax credit carryforwards that will expire						$ 39,800,000	$ 2,100,000
Net Operating Loss Carry Forwards Expires In 2018
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards			6,700,000
Net Operating Loss Carry Forwards Expires Between Two Thousand Twenty And Two Thousand Twenty Two
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards			22,600,000
Net Operating Loss Carry Forwards Expires Between Two Thousand Twenty Three And Two Thousand Thirty Eight
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards			142,300,000
Net Operating Loss Carry Forward Indefinite Period
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards			$ 45,000,000

Income Taxes - Components of De

Income Taxes - Components of Deferred Income Tax Balances (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Plant, equipment, and intangibles	$ (96,254)	$ (98,141)
Deferred income tax assets:
Postretirement, pensions, and stock compensation	30,338	27,549
Reserves and accruals	16,371	20,641
Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards	76,456	79,703
Valuation allowances	(50,420)	(39,402)
Deferred tax assets	72,745	88,491
Net deferred income tax asset	$ (23,509)	$ (9,650)

Income Taxes - Summary of Net O

Income Taxes - Summary of Net Operating Loss Carryforwards (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	$ 216,639
Australia
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	9,589
Germany
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	16,768
Japan
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	330
Luxembourg
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	86
Netherlands
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	14,165
Other
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	57,567
United Kingdom
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	10,854
United States - Federal and various states
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	$ 107,280

Income Taxes - Summary of Tax C

Income Taxes - Summary of Tax Credit Carryforwards (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforwards	$ 47,064
United States
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforwards	45,877
Canada
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforwards	$ 1,187

Income Taxes - Reconciliation o

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amounts of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 6,591	$ 6,881
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	488	749
Additions for tax positions of prior years	0	1,292
Reductions for tax positions of prior years - Settlement	(300)	(1,571)
Reduction for tax positions of prior years - Statute of limitations	0	(760)
Balance at end of year	$ 6,779	$ 6,591

Pension and Other Postretirem_3

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined contribution expense	$ 12,100	$ 11,800	$ 11,400
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 456,900	407,000
Target asset allocation for the investment of the assets in fixed income securities minimum	50.00%
Target asset allocation for the investment of the assets in fixed income securities maximum	75.00%
Target asset allocation for the investment of the assets in equity securities minimum	25.00%
Target asset allocation for the investment of the assets in equity securities maximum	50.00%
Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target asset allocation for the investment of the assets in fixed income securities	30.00%
Target asset allocation for the investment of the assets in equity securities	50.00%
Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target asset allocation for the investment of the assets in fixed income securities	50.00%
Target asset allocation for the investment of the assets in equity securities	70.00%
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plans with projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets, projected benefit obligation	$ 293,700	363,100
Pension plans with projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets, accumulated benefit obligation	400,400	357,400
Pension plans with projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets, fair value of plan assets	404,900	256,900
Settlement loss (gain)	7	1,300
Anticipated pension and other postretirement plans contributions, next fiscal year	6,100
Other Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Other postretirement plans with accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets, accumulated benefit obligation	29,500	26,100
Other postretirement plans with accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets, fair value of plan assets	0	$ 0
Settlement loss (gain)	0
Anticipated pension and other postretirement plans contributions, next fiscal year	$ 1,400

Pension and Other Postretirem_4

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Change in Benefit Obligation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Pension Benefits
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation, beginning of year	$ (412,880)	$ (266,515)
Service cost	(3,668)	(4,579)	$ (4,767)
Interest cost	(12,261)	(11,480)	(7,551)
Participant contributions	(86)	(85)
Actuarial gain (loss)	(39,329)	14,968
Acquisitions	0	(185,692)
Settlements	49	7,054
Plan amendments	0	(2,822)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	(9,890)	23,439
Benefits paid	16,713	12,832
Benefit obligation, end of year	(461,352)	(412,880)	(266,515)
Other Benefits
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation, beginning of year	(26,143)	(30,333)
Service cost	(35)	(47)	(49)
Interest cost	(960)	(945)	(1,139)
Participant contributions	(4)	(6)
Actuarial gain (loss)	(2,374)	1,681
Acquisitions	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Plan amendments	0	0
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	(1,260)	2,020
Benefits paid	1,306	1,487
Benefit obligation, end of year	$ (29,470)	$ (26,143)	$ (30,333)

Pension and Other Postretirem_5

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Change in Plan Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	$ 311,509
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	355,726	$ 311,509
Pension Benefits
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	311,509	198,000
Actual return on plan assets	45,896	(8,366)
Employer contributions	5,673	5,363
Plan participant contributions	86	85
Acquisitions	0	153,919
Settlements	0	(7,054)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	9,275	(17,606)
Benefits paid	(16,713)	(12,832)
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	355,726	311,509
Other Benefits
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	0	0
Actual return on plan assets	0	0
Employer contributions	1,302	1,481
Plan participant contributions	4	6
Acquisitions	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	0	0
Benefits paid	(1,306)	(1,487)
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	$ 0	$ 0

Pension and Other Postretirem_6

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Amounts recognized in the balance sheets:
Accrued benefit liability, noncurrent	$ (136,227)	$ (127,748)
Pension Benefits
Amounts recognized in the balance sheets:
Prepaid benefit cost	5,542	4,801
Accrued benefit liability, current	(3,000)	(3,162)
Accrued benefit liability, noncurrent	(108,168)	(103,010)
Net funded status	(105,626)	(101,371)
Other Benefits
Amounts recognized in the balance sheets:
Prepaid benefit cost	0	0
Accrued benefit liability, current	(1,411)	(1,405)
Accrued benefit liability, noncurrent	(28,059)	(24,738)
Net funded status	$ (29,470)	$ (26,143)

Pension and Other Postretirem_7

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Pension Benefits
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	$ 3,668	$ 4,579	$ 4,767
Interest cost	12,261	11,480	7,551
Expected return on plan assets	(15,699)	(16,389)	(10,642)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	169	(42)	(41)
Settlement loss (gain)	(7)	1,342	(8)
Net loss (gain) recognition	1,432	2,775	2,562
Net periodic benefit cost	1,824	3,745	4,189
Other Benefits
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	35	47	49
Interest cost	960	945	1,139
Expected return on plan assets	0		0
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	0		0
Settlement loss (gain)	0		0
Net loss (gain) recognition	(133)	(12)	0
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 862	$ 980	$ 1,188

Pension and Other Postretirem_8

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Assumptions Used in Determining Benefit Obligations and Net Periodic Benefit Cost Amounts (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Pension Benefits
Weighted average assumptions for benefit obligations at year end:
Discount rate	2.20%	3.10%
Salary increase	3.50%	3.60%
Weighted average assumptions for net periodic cost for the year:
Discount rate	3.10%	2.80%
Salary increase	3.60%	3.60%
Expected return on assets	5.00%	5.50%
Other Benefits
Weighted average assumptions for benefit obligations at year end:
Discount rate	2.90%	3.70%
Weighted average assumptions for net periodic cost for the year:
Discount rate	3.70%	3.30%
Assumed health care cost trend rates:
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year	5.60%	5.80%
Rate that the cost trend rate gradually declines to	5.00%	5.00%
Cash & equivalents | Pension Benefits
Weighted average assumptions for benefit obligations at year end:
Cash balance interest credit rate	4.00%	4.70%
Weighted average assumptions for net periodic cost for the year:
Cash balance interest credit rate	4.70%	4.70%

Pension and Other Postretirem_9

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Fair Values of Pension Plan Assets by Asset Category (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	$ 355,726	$ 311,509
U.S. equities fund
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	131,563	96,417
Non-U.S. equities fund
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	54,496	47,274
Government bond fund
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	74,219	66,439
Corporate bond fund
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	40,940	39,366
Fixed income fund
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	35,895	41,167
Other investments
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	9,462	17,274
Cash & equivalents
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	9,151	3,572
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	8,909	7,356
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | U.S. equities fund
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	2,793	1,465
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Non-U.S. equities fund
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	5,949	5,755
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Government bond fund
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Corporate bond fund
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Fixed income fund
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Other investments
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Cash & equivalents
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	167	136
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	44,300	47,709
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) | U.S. equities fund
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	0	0
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Non-U.S. equities fund
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	0	0
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Government bond fund
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	745	1,253
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Corporate bond fund
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	9,854	7,116
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Fixed income fund
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	33,701	39,340
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Other investments
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	0	0
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Cash & equivalents
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | U.S. equities fund
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Non-U.S. equities fund
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Government bond fund
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Corporate bond fund
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Fixed income fund
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Other investments
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Cash & equivalents
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	$ 0	$ 0

Pension and Other Postretire_10

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Benefits Expected to be Paid in Subsequent Years from Our Pension and Other Postretirement as Well as Medicare Subsidy Receipts (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Pension Benefits
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
2020	$ 22,952
2021	22,159
2022	22,595
2023	24,115
2024	22,397
2025-2029	109,442
Total	223,660
Other Benefits
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
2020	1,431
2021	1,442
2022	1,450
2023	1,453
2024	1,461
2025-2029	7,447
Total	$ 14,684

Pension and Other Postretire_11

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Summary of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss That Have Not Been Recognized as Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss (gain)	$ 56,746	$ 48,395
Net prior service cost	2,661	2,725
Total	59,407
Other Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss (gain)	(600)	(3,047)
Net prior service cost	0	$ 0
Total	$ (600)

Pension and Other Postretire_12

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Pension Benefits
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract]
Net actuarial loss (gain), beginning of year	$ 48,395
Amortization of actuarial gain (loss)	(1,432)
Actuarial loss	39,329
Asset gain	(30,197)
Settlement gain recognized	(7)	$ (1,300)
Currency impact	644
Net actuarial loss (gain), end of year	56,746	48,395
Prior service cost, beginning of year	2,725
Amortization of prior service cost	(169)	42	$ 41
Currency impact	105
Prior service cost, end of year	2,661	2,725
Other Benefits
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract]
Net actuarial loss (gain), beginning of year	(3,047)
Amortization of actuarial gain (loss)	133
Actuarial loss	2,374
Asset gain	0
Settlement gain recognized	0
Currency impact	(60)
Net actuarial loss (gain), end of year	(600)	(3,047)
Prior service cost, beginning of year	0
Amortization of prior service cost	0		$ 0
Currency impact	0
Prior service cost, end of year	$ 0	$ 0

Comprehensive Income and Accu_3

Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Components of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 1,387,588	$ 1,434,866
Ending balance	965,819	1,387,588
Foreign Currency Translation Component
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(41,882)	(69,691)
Other comprehensive gain (loss) loss attributable to Belden before reclassifications	23,657	27,809
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0
Net current period other comprehensive gain (loss) attributable to Belden	23,657	27,809
Ending balance	(18,225)	(41,882)
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(33,025)	(28,335)
Other comprehensive gain (loss) loss attributable to Belden before reclassifications	(13,281)	(7,813)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	1,113	3,123
Net current period other comprehensive gain (loss) attributable to Belden	(12,168)	(4,690)
Ending balance	(45,193)	(33,025)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(74,907)	(98,026)
Other comprehensive gain (loss) loss attributable to Belden before reclassifications	10,376	19,996
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	1,113	3,123
Net current period other comprehensive gain (loss) attributable to Belden	11,489	23,119
Ending balance	$ (63,418)	$ (74,907)

Comprehensive Income and Accu_4

Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Summary of Effects of Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Settlement gain
Amortization of pension and other postretirement benefit plan items:
Total before tax	$ (7)
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
Amortization of pension and other postretirement benefit plan items:
Total net of tax	(1,113)	$ (3,123)
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Actuarial losses
Amortization of pension and other postretirement benefit plan items:
Total before tax	1,299
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Prior service cost
Amortization of pension and other postretirement benefit plan items:
Total before tax	169
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
Amortization of pension and other postretirement benefit plan items:
Total before tax	1,461
Tax benefit	(348)
Total net of tax	$ 1,113

Preferred Stock (Details)

Preferred Stock (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands

Jul. 15, 2019shares

Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)

Sep. 29, 2019USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)

Jul. 01, 2018USD ($)

Apr. 01, 2018USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares

Jul. 26, 2016

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Preferred stock dividends | $

$ 0

$ 971

$ 8,733

$ 8,733

$ 8,733

$ 8,732

$ 8,733

$ 8,733

$ 18,437

$ 34,931

$ 34,931

Depository Shares

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Depository shares issued

5,200,000

Preferred stock ownership interest

0.01

6.75% Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Percentage of issued shares

6.75%

Offering price (in usd per share) | $ / shares

$ 100

Proceeds from offering, net | $

$ 501,000

Preferred stock converted in to common stock (in shares)

132.50

Number of common stock issued upon conversion (in shares)

6,900,000

Share-Based Compensation - Inco

Share-Based Compensation - Income Tax Benefit Recognized for our Share-Based Compensation Arrangements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Total share-based compensation cost	$ 16,802	$ 17,143	$ 13,144
Income tax benefit	$ 3,999	$ 4,080	$ 4,995

Share-Based Compensation - Addi

Share-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost related to all nonvested awards	$ 28.2
Unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period	2 years
SARs and Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
SAR's and stock options expiration period	10 years
Restricted Shares and Units | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Restricted Shares and Units | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	5 years

Share-Based Compensation - Fair

Share-Based Compensation - Fair Values for SARs and Stock Options Estimated on Grant Date Using Black-Scholes-Merton Option-Pricing Formula Which Incorporates Assumptions (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Weighted-average fair value of SARs and options granted (in usd per share)	$ 22.31	$ 25.19	$ 27.31
Total intrinsic value of SARs converted and options exercised	$ 354	$ 2,263	$ 7,156
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation	$ 101	$ 113	$ 967
Weighted-average fair value of restricted stock shares and units granted (in usd per share)	$ 64.61	$ 72.54	$ 79.96
Total fair value of restricted stock shares and units vested	$ 10,325	$ 5,740	$ 10,355
Expected volatility	35.05%	33.16%	36.89%
Expected term (in years)	5 years 8 months 12 days	5 years 7 months 6 days	5 years 7 months 6 days
Risk-free rate	2.56%	2.70%	2.01%
Dividend yield	0.32%	0.27%	0.27%

Share-Based Compensation - Summ

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Share Based Compensation Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$ 64.61	$ 72.54	$ 79.96
SARs and Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at Beginning, Number (in shares)	1,289
Granted, Number (in shares)	237
Exercised or converted, Number (in shares)	(49)
Forfeited or expired, Number (in shares)	(110)
Outstanding at Ending, Number (in shares)	1,367	1,289
Vested or expected to vest at End, Number (in shares)	1,349
Exercisable or convertible at End, Number (in shares)	936
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Outstanding at Beginning, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 65.58
Granted, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	61.71
Exercised or converted, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	48.27
Forfeited or expired, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	71.73
Outstanding at End, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	65.04	$ 65.58
Vested or expected to vest at End, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	65.01
Exercisable or convertible at End, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$ 63.88
Outstanding at End, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	6 years 2 months 12 days
Vested or expected to vest at End, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	6 years 1 month 6 days
Exercisable or convertible at End, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	5 years 1 month 6 days
Outstanding at End, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ (13,727)
Vested or expected to vest at End, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	(13,498)
Exercisable or convertible at End, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ (8,312)
Restricted Shares and Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at Beginning, Number (in shares)	627
Granted, Number (in shares)	353
Exercised or converted, Number (in shares)	(170)
Forfeited or expired, Number (in shares)	(73)
Outstanding at End, Number (in shares)	737	627
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Outstanding at Beginning, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$ 71.66
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	64.61
Exercised or converted, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	58.73
Forfeited or expired, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	70.30
Outstanding at End, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$ 68.31	$ 71.66

Stockholder Rights Plan (Detail

Stockholder Rights Plan (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Mar. 27, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Redemption price per share (in USD per share)	$ 0.01
Preferred stock conversion	$ 400	$ 0	$ 411	$ 0

Share Repurchases (Details)

Share Repurchases (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Nov. 29, 2018	May 25, 2017
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Shares repurchased	0.9
Value of shares repurchased	$ 50,000,000	$ 175,000,000
Treasury stock acquired, average cost per share (in usd per share)	$ 56.19
5/25/2017 Share Repurchase Program
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount (in usd)					$ 200,000,000
Shares repurchased		2.7	0.3
Value of shares repurchased		$ 175,000,000	$ 25,000,000
Treasury stock acquired, average cost per share (in usd per share)		$ 64.94	$ 79.75
Amount remaining of authorized amount for repurchase under the share repurchase program (in usd)	$ 0
11/29/2018 Share Repurchase Program
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount (in usd)				$ 300,000,000
Shares repurchased	0

Market Concentrations and Ris_2

Market Concentrations and Risks (Details) $ in Thousands, lb in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)lbDistributorCustomer	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)DistributorCustomer	Dec. 31, 2017DistributorCustomer
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of customers | Customer	10	10	10
Number of distributors | Distributor	6	6	6
Total senior subordinated notes	$ 1,459,380	$ 1,485,900
Senior Subordinated Notes
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Fair value of debt instrument	$ 1,532,700	$ 1,485,000
Copper
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Committed amounts to purchase (in pounds) | lb	1.6
Committed amounts to purchase (in usd)	$ 4,400
Gain (loss) on unconditional purchase obligation	$ 100
Customer Concentration Risk | Consolidated Revenues
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	39.00%	40.00%	40.00%
Labor Force Concentration Risk | Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	25.00%
Labor Force Concentration Risk | Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring within One Year
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	22.00%

Contingent Liabilities (Details

Contingent Liabilities (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Standby Letters of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Loss contingency, range of possible loss, portion not accrued	$ 11.2
Bank Guaranties
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Loss contingency, range of possible loss, portion not accrued	4.5
Surety Bonds
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Loss contingency, range of possible loss, portion not accrued	$ 3.3

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform_3

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Income tax refunds received	$ 4,695	$ 3,920	$ 4,031
Income taxes paid	(40,760)	(52,147)	(32,249)
Interest paid	$ (51,160)	$ (48,519)	$ (79,047)

Quarterly Operating Results (_3

Quarterly Operating Results (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 29, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jul. 01, 2018	Apr. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of days in quarter	93 days	91 days	91 days	90 days	92 days	91 days	91 days	91 days	365 days	365 days
Revenues	$ 549,688	$ 533,098	$ 548,352	$ 500,140	$ 552,052	$ 554,037	$ 560,898	$ 498,715	$ 2,131,278	$ 2,165,702	$ 2,087,185
Gross profit	202,772	198,805	205,072	186,856	216,994	214,501	212,057	186,359	793,505	829,911	802,320
Operating income	43,400	57,542	58,775	47,490	71,264	129,160	68,706	44,878	207,207	314,008	233,641
Income from continuing operations	2,530	38,031	41,395	27,935	35,965	87,046	40,278	3,855	109,891	167,144	102,607
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	(149,759)	(335,046)	895	(2,757)	7,526	(1,188)	(11,486)	(1,285)	(486,667)	(6,433)	(9,754)
Net income (loss)	(147,229)	(297,015)	42,290	25,178	43,491	85,858	28,792	2,570	(376,776)	160,711	92,853
Less: Net incomce (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	179	(6)	90	(24)	(35)	(23)	(77)	(48)	239	(183)	(357)
Net income (loss) attributable to Belden	(147,408)	(297,009)	42,200	25,202	43,526	85,881	28,869	2,618	(377,015)	160,894	93,210
Less: Preferred stock dividends	0	971	8,733	8,733	8,733	8,732	8,733	8,733	18,437	34,931	34,931
Net income (loss) attributable to Belden common stockholders	$ (147,408)	$ (297,980)	$ 33,467	$ 16,469	$ 34,793	$ 77,149	$ 20,136	$ (6,115)	$ (395,452)	$ 125,963	$ 58,279
Basic income (loss) per share attributable to Belden common stockholders:	$ (3.24)	$ (6.70)	$ 0.84	$ 0.42	$ 0.87	$ 1.90	$ 0.49	$ (0.15)	$ (9.37)	$ 3.10	$ 1.38
Continuing operations attributable to Belden common stockholders (in dollars per share)	0.05	0.83	0.82	0.48	0.68	1.64	0.77	(0.12)	2.16	3.25	1.61
Discontinued operations attributable to Belden common stockholders (in dollars per share)	(3.29)	(7.54)	0.02	(0.07)	0.19	(0.03)	(0.28)	(0.03)	(11.53)	(0.16)	(0.23)
Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to Belden stockholders:	(3.24)	(6.70)	0.84	0.42	0.87	1.62	0.49	(0.15)	(9.37)	3.08	1.37
Continuing operations attributable to Belden common stockholders (in dollars per share)	0.05	0.83	0.82	0.48	0.68	1.64	0.77	(0.12)	2.15	3.23	1.60
Discontinued operations attributable to Belden common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ (3.29)	$ (7.54)	$ 0.02	$ (0.07)	$ 0.19	$ (0.03)	$ (0.28)	$ (0.03)	$ (11.53)	$ (0.16)	$ (0.23)

Quarterly Operating Results (_4

Quarterly Operating Results (Unaudited) - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 29, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jul. 01, 2018	Apr. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs	$ 21,000	$ 3,000	$ 2,500	$ 0	$ 2,200	$ 4,600	$ 4,600	$ 11,200	$ 26,544	$ 22,625	$ 41,893

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Feb. 04, 2020	Jan. 16, 2020	Dec. 31, 2018
Grass Valley | Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Events [Line Items]
Disposition, sales price	$ 140
Consideration, notes receivable	213
Maximum earnout consideration	$ 150
Consideration, notes receivable, interest rate	10.00%
Note receivable, term	5 years
Snell Advanced Media
Subsequent Events [Line Items]
Acquisition cost expensed			$ 0.9
Snell Advanced Media | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Events [Line Items]
Payment for contingent consideration liability		$ 31.4

Schedule II - Valuation and Q_2

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounts Receivable - Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 3,137	$ 3,709	$ 5,112
Charged to Costs and Expenses	159	353	898
Divestitures/ Acquisitions	368	0	38
Charge Offs	(969)	(567)	(1,644)
Recoveries	(86)	(176)	(465)
Currency Movement	(40)	(182)	(230)
Ending Balance	2,569	3,137	3,709
Inventories - Excess and Obsolete Allowances
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	17,364	19,887	21,301
Charged to Costs and Expenses	6,403	2,801	2,217
Divestitures/ Acquisitions	452	0	2,628
Charge Offs	(2,333)	(2,464)	(5,292)
Recoveries	(606)	(2,675)	(1,685)
Currency Movement	(35)	(185)	718
Ending Balance	21,245	17,364	19,887
Deferred Income Tax Asset - Valuation Allowance
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	39,402	47,636	13,124
Charged to Costs and Expenses	12,358	15,626	37,670
Divestitures/ Acquisitions	330	(2)	0
Charge Offs	0	(22,577)	(2,675)
Recoveries	(1,629)	(928)	(1,047)
Currency Movement	(41)	(353)	564
Ending Balance	$ 50,420	$ 39,402	$ 47,636