| Document and Entity Information Document | May 01, 2020 | Apr. 29, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | ||
| Document Type | 8-K | |
| Document Period End Date | May 1, 2020 | |
| Entity Registrant Name | Belden Inc. | |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000913142 | |
| Amendment Flag | false | |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE | |
| Entity File Number | 001-12561 | |
| 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 | |
| Written Communications | false | |
| Soliciting Material | false | |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false | |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common stock, $0.01 par value | |
| Trading Symbol | BDC | |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE | |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
