Belden (BDC) 10-K 25 Feb 16 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Feb. 23, 2016	Jun. 28, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	BDC
Entity Registrant Name	BELDEN INC.
Entity Central Index Key	913,142
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		41,987,913
Entity Public Float			$ 3,125,920,926

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 216,751	$ 741,162
Receivables, net	387,386	379,777
Inventories, net	195,942	228,398
Other current assets	43,085	42,656
Total current assets	843,164	1,391,993
Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated depreciation	310,629	316,385
Goodwill	1,385,115	943,374
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization	655,871	461,292
Deferred income taxes	34,295	60,652
Other long-lived assets	86,767	86,974
Total assets	3,315,841	3,260,670
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	223,514	272,439
Accrued liabilities	323,249	248,072
Current maturities of long-term debt	2,500	2,500
Total current liabilities	549,263	523,011
Long-term debt	1,750,521	1,765,422
Postretirement benefits	105,230	122,627
Deferred income taxes	46,034	11,015
Other long-term liabilities	$ 39,270	$ 31,409
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share- 2,000 shares authorized; no shares outstanding
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share- 200,000 shares authorized; 50,335 shares issued; 41,981 and 42,464 shares outstanding at 2015 and 2014, respectively	$ 503	$ 503
Additional paid-in capital	605,660	595,389
Retained earnings	679,716	621,896
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(58,987)	(46,031)
Treasury stock, at cost- 8,354 and 7,871 shares at 2015 and 2014, respectively	(402,793)	(364,571)
Total Belden stockholders' equity	824,099	807,186
Noncontrolling interest	1,424
Total stockholders' equity	825,523	807,186
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 3,315,841	$ 3,260,670

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	2,000,000	2,000,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	50,335,000	50,335,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	41,981,000	42,464,000
Treasury stock, shares	8,354,000	7,871,000

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 2,309,222	$ 2,308,265	$ 2,069,193
Cost of sales	(1,391,049)	(1,488,816)	(1,364,764)
Gross profit	918,173	819,449	704,429
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(527,288)	(487,945)	(378,009)
Research and development	(148,311)	(113,914)	(83,277)
Amortization of intangibles	(103,791)	(58,426)	(50,803)
Income from equity method investment	1,770	3,955	8,922
Operating income	140,553	163,119	201,262
Interest expense, net	(100,613)	(81,573)	(72,601)
Loss on debt extinguishment			(1,612)
Income from continuing operations before taxes	39,940	81,546	127,049
Income tax benefit (expense)	26,568	(7,114)	(22,315)
Income from continuing operations	66,508	74,432	104,734
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(242)	579	(1,421)
Loss from disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax	(86)	(562)
Net income	66,180	74,449	103,313
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(24)
Net income attributable to Belden stockholders	$ 66,204	$ 74,449	$ 103,313
Weighted average number of common shares and equivalents:
Basic	42,390	43,273	43,871
Diluted	42,953	43,997	44,737
Basic income (loss) per share attributable to Belden stockholders:
Continuing operations	$ 1.57	$ 1.72	$ 2.39
Discontinued operations	(0.01)	0.01	(0.03)
Disposal of discontinued operations		(0.01)
Net income	1.56	1.72	2.36
Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to Belden stockholders:
Continuing operations	1.55	1.69	2.34
Discontinued operations	(0.01)	0.01	(0.03)
Disposal of discontinued operations		(0.01)
Net income	$ 1.54	$ 1.69	$ 2.31

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 66,180	$ 74,449	$ 103,313
Foreign currency translation, net of tax of $1.3 million, $1.8 million, and $2.2 million, respectively	(20,842)	(10,387)	(20,720)
Adjustments to pension and postretirement liability, net of tax of $3.1 million, $3.6 million, and $14.0 million, respectively	7,864	(6,463)	22,104
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(12,978)	(16,850)	1,384
Comprehensive income	53,202	57,599	104,697
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(46)
Comprehensive income attributable to Belden stockholders	$ 53,248	$ 57,599	$ 104,697

Consolidated Statements of Com6

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation, tax expense (benefit)	$ (1.3)	$ (1.8)	$ (2.2)
Adjustments to pension and postretirement liability, tax	$ 3.1	$ (3.6)	$ 14

Consolidated Cash Flow Statemen

Consolidated Cash Flow Statements - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 66,180	$ 74,449	$ 103,313
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	150,342	102,162	94,451
Share-based compensation	17,745	18,858	14,854
Loss on debt extinguishment			1,612
Income from equity method investment	(1,770)	(3,955)	(8,922)
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation	(5,050)	(6,859)	(10,734)
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	(45,674)	(17,796)	5,457
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of the effects of currency exchange rate changes and acquired businesses:
Receivables	6,066	(15,810)	(18,132)
Inventories	19,204	(2,260)	6,872
Accounts payable	(38,907)	28,120	12,994
Accrued liabilities	59,214	(5,598)	31,690
Accrued taxes	11,981	9,058	(89,427)
Other assets	(3,070)	10,223	4,542
Other liabilities	149	3,436	16,031
Net cash provided by operating activities	236,410	194,028	164,601
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash used to acquire businesses, net of cash acquired	(695,345)	(347,817)	(9,979)
Capital expenditures	(54,969)	(45,459)	(40,209)
Proceeds from disposal of tangible assets	533	1,884	3,169
Proceeds from (payments for) disposal of business	3,527	(956)	3,735
Net cash used for investing activities	(746,254)	(392,348)	(43,284)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings under credit arrangements	200,000	456,163	637,595
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation	5,050	6,859	10,734
Contribution from noncontrolling interest	1,470
Debt issuance costs paid	(898)	(10,700)	(17,376)
Cash dividends paid	(8,395)	(8,699)	(6,678)
Withholding tax payments for share based payment awards, net of proceeds from the exercise of stock options	(11,693)	(11,708)	(3,019)
Payments under share repurchase program	(39,053)	(92,197)	(93,750)
Payments under borrowing arrangements	(152,500)	(2,500)	(434,743)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities	(6,019)	337,218	92,763
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(8,548)	(11,040)	4,129
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(524,411)	127,858	218,209
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	741,162	613,304	395,095
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 216,751	$ 741,162	$ 613,304

Consolidated Stockholders' Equi

Consolidated Stockholders' Equity Statements - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 811,860	$ 503	$ 598,180	$ 461,756	$ (218,014)	$ (30,565)
Beginning balance, Treasury shares at Dec. 31, 2012					(6,167)
Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2012		50,335
Net income	103,313			103,313
Foreign currency translation	(20,720)					(20,720)
Adjustments to pension and postretirement liability, net of $3.1 million, $3.6 million, and $14.0 million tax, respectively	22,104					22,104
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	1,384
Exercise of stock options, net of tax withholding forfeitures	(184)		(31,003)		$ 30,819
Exercise of stock options, net of tax withholding forfeitures, shares					879
Conversion of restricted stock units into common stock, net of tax withholding forfeitures	(2,815)		(7,012)		$ 4,197
Conversion of restricted stock units into common stock, net of tax withholding forfeitures, shares					120
Share repurchase program	(93,750)				$ (93,750)
Share repurchase program, shares					(1,712)
Share-based compensation	25,588		25,588
Dividends ($0.20 per share)	(8,855)			(8,855)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2013	836,541	$ 503	585,753	556,214	$ (276,748)	(29,181)
Ending balance, Treasury shares at Dec. 31, 2013					(6,880)
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013		50,335
Net income	74,449			74,449
Foreign currency translation	(10,387)					(10,387)
Adjustments to pension and postretirement liability, net of $3.1 million, $3.6 million, and $14.0 million tax, respectively	(6,463)					(6,463)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(16,850)
Exercise of stock options, net of tax withholding forfeitures	(9,728)		(12,123)		$ 2,395
Exercise of stock options, net of tax withholding forfeitures, shares					194
Conversion of restricted stock units into common stock, net of tax withholding forfeitures	(1,979)		(3,958)		$ 1,979
Conversion of restricted stock units into common stock, net of tax withholding forfeitures, shares					77
Share repurchase program	(92,197)				$ (92,197)
Share repurchase program, shares					(1,262)
Share-based compensation	25,717		25,717
Dividends ($0.20 per share)	(8,767)			(8,767)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 807,186	$ 503	595,389	621,896	$ (364,571)	(46,031)
Ending balance, Treasury shares at Dec. 31, 2014	(7,871)				(7,871)
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2014		50,335
Contribution from noncontrolling interest	$ 1,470						$ 1,470
Net income	66,180			66,204			(24)
Foreign currency translation	(20,842)					(20,820)	(22)
Adjustments to pension and postretirement liability, net of $3.1 million, $3.6 million, and $14.0 million tax, respectively	7,864					7,864
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(12,978)
Exercise of stock options, net of tax withholding forfeitures	(6,166)		(6,070)		$ (96)
Exercise of stock options, net of tax withholding forfeitures, shares					100
Conversion of restricted stock units into common stock, net of tax withholding forfeitures	(5,527)		(6,454)		$ 927
Conversion of restricted stock units into common stock, net of tax withholding forfeitures, shares					115
Share repurchase program	(39,053)				$ (39,053)
Share repurchase program, shares					(698)
Share-based compensation	22,795		22,795
Dividends ($0.20 per share)	(8,384)			(8,384)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 824,099	$ 503	$ 605,660	$ 679,716	$ (402,793)	$ (58,987)	$ 1,424
Ending balance, Treasury shares at Dec. 31, 2015	(8,354)				(8,354)
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2015		50,335

Consolidated Stockholders' Equ9

Consolidated Stockholders' Equity Statements (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation, tax expense (benefit)	$ (1.3)	$ (1.8)	$ (2.2)
Adjustments to pension and postretirement liability, tax expense	$ 3.1	$ (3.6)	$ 14
Dividends declared per share	$ 0.20	$ 0.20	$ 0.2

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Note 1: Basis of Presentation Business Description Belden Inc. (the Company, us, we, or our) is an innovative signal transmission solutions company built around five global business platforms – Broadcast Solutions, Enterprise Connectivity Solutions, Industrial Connectivity Solutions, Industrial IT Solutions, and Network Security Solutions. Our comprehensive portfolio of signal transmission solutions provides industry leading secure and reliable transmission of data, sound, and video for mission critical applications. We sell our products to distributors, end-users, installers, and directly to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Consolidation The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include Belden Inc. and all of its subsidiaries, including variable interest entities for which we are the primary beneficiary. We eliminate all significant affiliate accounts and transactions in consolidation. Foreign Currency For international operations with functional currencies other than the United States (U.S.) dollar, we translate assets and liabilities at current exchange rates; we translate income and expenses using average exchange rates. We report the resulting translation adjustments, as well as gains and losses from certain affiliate transactions, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a separate component of stockholders’ equity. We include exchange gains and losses on transactions in operating income. We determine the functional currency of our foreign subsidiaries based upon the currency of the primary economic environment in which each subsidiary operates. Typically, that is determined by the currency in which the subsidiary primarily generates and expends cash. We have concluded that the local currency is the functional currency for all of our material subsidiaries. Reporting Periods Our fiscal year and fiscal fourth quarter both end on December 31. Our fiscal first quarter ends on the Sunday falling closest to 91 days after December 31. Our fiscal second and third quarters each have 91 days. Use of Estimates in the Preparation of the Financial Statements The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and operating results and the disclosure of contingencies. Actual results could differ from those estimates. We make significant estimates with respect to the collectability and valuation of receivables, the valuation of inventory, the realization of deferred tax assets, the valuation of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, the valuation of contingent liabilities, the calculation of share-based compensation, the calculation of pension and other postretirement benefits expense, and the valuation of acquired businesses. Reclassifications We have made certain reclassifications to the 2014 and 2013 Consolidated Financial Statements with no impact to reported net income in order to conform to the 2015 presentation.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Fair Value Measurement Accounting guidance for fair value measurements specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based upon whether the inputs to those valuation techniques reflect assumptions other market participants would use based upon market data obtained from independent sources or reflect our own assumptions of market participant valuation. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of the inputs as follows: • Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets that are unadjusted and accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities; • Level 2 – Quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, or financial instruments for which significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly; and • Level 3 – Prices or valuations that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, we utilized Level 1 inputs to determine the fair value of cash equivalents. During 2015, 2014, and 2013, we utilized Level 3 inputs to determine the fair value of net assets acquired in business combinations (see Note 3) and for our annual impairment testing (see Note 10). We did not have any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements during 2015. Cash and Cash Equivalents We classify cash on hand and deposits in banks, including commercial paper, money market accounts, and other investments with an original maturity of three months or less, that we hold from time to time, as cash and cash equivalents. We periodically have cash equivalents consisting of short-term money market funds and other investments. The primary objective of our investment activities is to preserve our capital for the purpose of funding operations. We do not enter into investments for trading or speculative purposes. As of December 31, 2015, we did not have any such cash equivalents on hand. The fair value of these cash equivalents as of December 31, 2014 was $1.2 million, which was based on quoted market prices in active markets (i.e., Level 1 valuation). Accounts Receivable We classify amounts owed to us and due within twelve months, arising from the sale of goods or services in the normal course of business, as current receivables. We classify receivables due after twelve months as other long-lived assets. At the time of sale, we establish an estimated reserve for trade, promotion, and other special price reductions such as contract pricing, discounts to meet competitor pricing, and on-time payment discounts. We also adjust receivable balances for, among other things, correction of billing errors, incorrect shipments, and settlement of customer disputes. Customers are allowed to return inventory if and when certain conditions regarding the physical state of the inventory and our approval of the return are met. Certain distribution customers are allowed to return inventory at original cost, in an amount not to exceed three percent of the prior year’s purchases, in exchange for an order of equal or greater value. Until we can process these reductions, corrections, and returns (together, the Changes) through individual customer records, we estimate the amount of outstanding Changes and recognize them by reducing revenues and accounts receivable. We also adjust inventory and cost of sales for the estimated level of returns. We base these estimates on historical and anticipated sales demand, trends in product pricing, and historical and anticipated Changes patterns. We make revisions to these estimates in the period in which the facts that give rise to each revision become known. Future market conditions might require us to take actions to further reduce prices and increase customer return authorizations. Unprocessed Changes recognized against our gross accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2015 and 2014 totaled $19.1 million and $17.6 million, respectively. We evaluate the collectability of accounts receivable based on the specific identification method. A considerable amount of judgment is required in assessing the realizability of accounts receivable, including the current creditworthiness of each customer and related aging of the past due balances. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition. Through these evaluations, we may become aware of a situation where a customer may not be able to meet its financial obligations due to deterioration of its financial viability, credit ratings, or bankruptcy. We record a specific reserve for bad debts against amounts due to reduce the receivable to its estimated collectible balance. We recognized bad debt expense, net of recoveries, of ($1.8 million), $0.3 million, and $0.2 million in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. In 2015, we recovered approximately $2.7 million of accounts receivable from one significant customer. The allowance for doubtful accounts at December 31, 2015 and 2014 totaled $8.3 million and $11.5 million, respectively. Inventories and Related Reserves Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. We determine the cost of all raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods inventories by the first in, first out method. Cost components of inventories include direct labor, applicable production overhead, and amounts paid to suppliers of materials and products as well as freight costs and, when applicable, duty costs to import the materials and products. We evaluate the realizability of our inventory on a product-by-product basis in light of historical and anticipated sales demand, technological changes, product life cycle, component cost trends, product pricing, and inventory condition. In circumstances where inventory levels are in excess of anticipated market demand, where inventory is deemed technologically obsolete or not saleable due to condition, or where inventory cost exceeds net realizable value, we record a charge to cost of sales and reduce the inventory to its net realizable value. The allowances for excess and obsolete inventories at December 31, 2015 and 2014 totaled $22.5 million and $31.8 million, respectively. The decrease in the allowance for excess and obsolete inventories was primarily due to physical disposal of inventory for which an allowance had been recorded previously. Property, Plant and Equipment We record property, plant and equipment at cost. We calculate depreciation on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets ranging from 10 to 40 years for buildings, 5 to 12 years for machinery and equipment, and 5 to 10 years for computer equipment and software. Construction in process reflects amounts incurred for the configuration and build-out of property, plant and equipment and for property, plant and equipment not yet placed into service. We charge maintenance and repairs—both planned major activities and less-costly, ongoing activities—to expense as incurred. We capitalize interest costs associated with the construction of capital assets and amortize the costs over the assets’ useful lives. Depreciation expense is included in costs of sales; selling, general and administrative expenses; and research and development expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations based on the specific categorization and use of the underlying assets being depreciated. We review property, plant and equipment to determine whether an event or change in circumstances indicates the carrying values of the assets may not be recoverable. We base our evaluation on the nature of the assets, the future economic benefit of the assets, and any historical or future profitability measurements, as well as other external market conditions or factors that may be present. If such impairment indicators are present or other factors exist that indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable, we determine whether impairment has occurred through the use of an undiscounted cash flow analysis. If impairment has occurred, we recognize a loss for the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the asset. For purposes of impairment testing of long-lived assets, we have identified asset groups at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. Generally, our asset groups are based on an individual plant or operating facility level. In some circumstances, however, a combination of plants or operating facilities may be considered the asset group due to interdependence of operational activities and cash flows. Goodwill and Intangible Assets Our intangible assets consist of (a) definite-lived assets subject to amortization such as developed technology, customer relationships, certain in-service research and development, certain trademarks, and backlog, and (b) indefinite-lived assets not subject to amortization such as goodwill, certain in-process research and development, and certain trademarks. We record amortization of the definite-lived intangible assets over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which generally range from one year or less for backlog to more than 25 years for certain of our customer relationships. We determine the amortization method for our definite-lived intangible assets based on the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset are consumed. In the event we cannot reliably determine that pattern, we utilize a straight-line amortization method. We test our goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets not subject to amortization for impairment on an annual basis during the fourth quarter or when indicators of impairment exist. We base our estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable, but which are not predictable with precision and therefore are inherently uncertain. Actual future results could differ from these estimates. The accounting guidance related to goodwill impairment testing allows for the performance of an optional qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Such an evaluation is made based on the weight of all available evidence and the significance of all identified events and circumstances that may influence the fair value of a reporting unit. If it is more likely than not that the fair value is less than the carrying value, then a quantitative assessment is required for the reporting unit, as described in the paragraph below. In 2015, we performed a qualitative assessment for six of our reporting units, which collectively represented approximately $636 million of our consolidated goodwill balance. For those reporting units for which we performed a qualitative assessment, we determined that it was more likely than not that the fair value was greater than the carrying value, and therefore, we did not perform the calculation of fair value for these reporting units as described in the paragraph below. For our annual impairment test in 2015, we performed a quantitative assessment for four of our reporting units. Under a quantitative assessment for goodwill impairment, we determine the fair value using the income approach (using Level 3 inputs) as reconciled to our aggregate market capitalization. Under the income approach, we calculate the fair value of a reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets including goodwill assigned to that unit, goodwill is not impaired. If the carrying value of the reporting unit’s net assets including goodwill exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, then we determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, then an impairment of goodwill has occurred and we recognize an impairment loss for the difference between the carrying amount and the implied fair value of goodwill as a component of operating income. In addition to the income approach, we calculate the fair value of our reporting units under a market approach. The market approach measures the fair value of a reporting unit through analysis of financial multiples (revenues or EBITDA) of comparable businesses. Consideration is given to the financial conditions and operating performance of the reporting unit being valued relative to those publicly-traded companies operating in the same or similar lines of business. The fair values of the four reporting units tested under a quantitative approach were substantially in excess of the carrying values as of the impairment testing date. We did not recognize any goodwill impairment in 2015, 2014, or 2013. See Note 10 for further discussion. We also evaluate indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment annually or at other times if events have occurred or circumstances exist that indicate the carrying values of those assets may no longer be recoverable. We compare the fair value of the asset with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value, we recognize an impairment loss in an amount equal to that excess. We did not recognize impairment charges for our indefinite lived intangible assets in 2015, 2014, or 2013. See Note 10 for further discussion. We review intangible assets subject to amortization whenever an event or change in circumstances indicates the carrying values of the assets may not be recoverable. We test intangible assets subject to amortization for impairment and estimate their fair values using the same assumptions and techniques we employ on property, plant and equipment. We did not recognize any impairment charges for amortizable intangible assets in 2015, 2014, or 2013. Equity Method Investment We have a 50% ownership interest in Xuzhou Hirschmann Electronics Co. Ltd (the Hirschmann JV), which we acquired in connection with our 2007 acquisition of Hirschmann Automation and Control GmbH. The Hirschmann JV is an entity located in China that supplies load-moment indicators to the mobile crane market. We account for this investment using the equity method of accounting. The carrying value included in other long-lived assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets of our investment in the Hirschmann JV as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 is $29.5 million and $33.4 million, respectively. 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, 2015 and 2014 totaled $30.0 million and $31.5 million, respectively. Contingent Liabilities We have established liabilities for environmental and legal contingencies that are probable of occurrence and reasonably estimable, the amounts of which are currently not material. A significant amount of judgment and use of estimates is required to quantify our ultimate exposure in these matters. We review the valuation of these liabilities on a quarterly basis, and we adjust the balances to account for changes in circumstances for ongoing and emerging issues. We accrue environmental remediation costs based on estimates of known environmental remediation exposures developed in consultation with our environmental consultants and legal counsel, the amounts of which are not currently material. We expense environmental compliance costs, which include maintenance and operating costs with respect to ongoing monitoring programs, as incurred. We evaluate the range of potential costs to remediate environmental sites. The ultimate cost of site clean-up is difficult to predict given the uncertainties of our involvement in certain sites, uncertainties regarding the extent of the required clean-up, the availability of alternative clean-up methods, variations in the interpretation of applicable laws and regulations, the possibility of insurance recoveries with respect to certain sites, and other factors. We are, from time to time, subject to routine litigation incidental to our business. These lawsuits primarily involve claims for damages arising out of the use of our products, allegations of patent or trademark infringement, and litigation and administrative proceedings involving employment matters and commercial disputes. Assessments regarding the ultimate cost of lawsuits require judgments concerning matters such as the anticipated outcome of negotiations, the number and cost of pending and future claims, and the impact of evidentiary requirements. Based on facts currently available, we believe the disposition of the claims that are pending or asserted will not have a materially adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flow. Business Combination Accounting We allocate the purchase price of an acquired business to its identifiable assets and liabilities based on estimated fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the amount allocated to the assets and liabilities, if any, is recorded to goodwill. We use all available information to estimate fair values. We typically engage third party valuation specialists to assist in the fair value determination of inventories, tangible long-lived assets, and intangible assets other than goodwill. The carrying values of acquired receivables and accounts payable have historically approximated their fair values as of the business combination date. As necessary, we may engage third party specialists to assist in the estimation of fair value for certain liabilities, such as deferred revenue or postretirement benefit liabilities. We adjust the preliminary purchase price allocation, as necessary, typically up to one year after the acquisition closing date as we obtain more information regarding asset valuations and liabilities assumed. Revenue Recognition We recognize revenue when all of the following circumstances are satisfied: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (2) price is fixed or determinable, (3) collectability is reasonably assured, and (4) delivery has occurred. Delivery occurs in the period in which the customer takes title and assumes the risks and rewards of ownership of the products specified in the customer’s purchase order or sales agreement. At times, we enter into arrangements that involve the delivery of multiple elements. For these arrangements, when the elements can be separated, the revenue is allocated to each deliverable based on that element’s relative selling price and recognized based on the period of delivery for each element. Generally, we determine relative selling price using our best estimate of selling price, unless we have established vendor specific objective evidence (VSOE) or third party evidence of fair value exists for such arrangements. We record revenue net of estimated rebates, price allowances, invoicing adjustments, and product returns. We record revisions to these estimates in the period in which the facts that give rise to each revision become known. We have certain products subject to the accounting guidance on software revenue recognition. For such products, software license revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery of the product has occurred, the fee is fixed or determinable, collection is probable and VSOE of the fair value of undelivered elements exists. As substantially all of the software licenses are sold in multiple-element arrangements that include either support and maintenance or both support and maintenance and professional services, we use the residual method to determine the amount of software license revenue to be recognized. Under the residual method, consideration is allocated to undelivered elements based upon VSOE of the fair value of those elements, with the residual of the arrangement fee allocated to and recognized as software license revenue. In our Network Security Solutions segment, we have established VSOE of the fair value of support and maintenance, subscription-based software licenses, and professional services. Software license revenue is generally recognized upon delivery of the software if all revenue recognition criteria are met. Revenue allocated to support services under our Network Security Solutions support and maintenance contracts is paid in advance and recognized ratably over the term of the service. Revenue allocated to subscription-based software and remote ongoing operational services is also paid in advance and recognized ratably over the term of the service. Revenue allocated to professional services, including remote implementation services, is recognized as the services are performed. Cost of Sales Cost of sales includes our total cost of inventory sold during the period, including material, labor, production overhead costs, variable manufacturing costs, and fixed manufacturing costs. Production overhead costs include operating supplies, applicable utility expenses, maintenance costs, and scrap. Variable manufacturing costs include inbound, interplant, and outbound freight, inventory shrinkage, and charges for excess and obsolete inventory. Fixed manufacturing costs include the costs associated with our purchasing, receiving, inspection, warehousing, distribution centers, production and inventory control, and manufacturing management. Cost of sales also includes the costs to provide maintenance and support and other professional services. Shipping and Handling Costs We recognize fees earned on the shipment of product to customers as revenues and recognize costs incurred on the shipment of product to customers as a cost of sales. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses include expenses not directly related to the production of inventory. They include all expenses related to selling and marketing our products, as well as the salary and benefit costs of associates performing the selling and marketing functions. Selling, general and administrative expenses also include salary and benefit costs, purchased services, and other costs related to our executive and administrative functions. Research and Development Costs Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising Costs Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising costs were $27.5 million, $21.8 million, and $17.8 million for 2015, 2014, and 2013, 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 Income Taxes Income taxes are provided based on earnings reported for financial statement purposes. The provision for income taxes differs from the amounts currently payable to taxing authorities because of the recognition of revenues and expenses in different periods for income tax purposes than for financial statement purposes. Income taxes are provided as if operations in all countries, including the U.S., were stand-alone businesses filing separate tax returns. We have determined that all undistributed earnings from our international subsidiaries will not be remitted to the U.S. in the foreseeable future and, therefore, no additional provision for U.S. taxes has been made on foreign earnings. We recognize deferred tax assets resulting from tax credit carryforwards, net operating loss carryforwards, and deductible temporary differences between taxable income on our income tax returns and pretax income on our financial statements. Deferred tax assets generally represent future tax benefits to be received when these carryforwards can be applied against future taxable income or when expenses previously reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements become deductible for income tax purposes. A deferred tax asset valuation allowance is required when some portion or all of the deferred tax assets may not be realized. Our effective tax rate is based on expected income, statutory tax rates, and tax planning opportunities available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Significant judgment is required in determining our effective tax rate and in evaluating our tax positions. We establish accruals for uncertain tax positions when we believe that the full amount of the associated tax benefit may not be realized. To the extent we were to prevail in matters for which accruals have been established or would be required to pay amounts in excess of reserves, there could be a material effect on our income tax provisions in the period in which such determination is made. Current-Year Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes Pending Adoption of Recent Accounting Pronouncements In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, S implifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs , Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements . In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers In August 2014, the FASB issued disclosure guidance that requires us to evaluate, at each annual and interim period, whether substantial doubt exists about our ability to continue as a going concern, and if applicable, to provide related disclosures. The new guidance will be effective for us for the year ending December 31, 2016. This guidance is not currently expected to have a material effect on our financial statement disclosures upon adoption, although the ultimate impact will be dependent on our financial condition and expected operating outlook at such time.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Note 3: Acquisitions Tripwire We acquired 100% of the outstanding ownership interest in Tripwire, Inc. (Tripwire) on January 2, 2015 for a purchase price of $703.2 million. The purchase price was funded with cash on hand and $200.0 million of borrowings under our revolving credit agreement (see Note 13). Tripwire is a leading global provider of advanced threat, security and compliance solutions. Tripwire’s solutions enable enterprises, service providers, manufacturers, and government agencies to detect, prevent, and respond to growing security threats. Tripwire is headquartered in Portland, Oregon. The results of Tripwire have been included in our Consolidated Financial Statements from January 2, 2015. We have determined that Tripwire is a reportable segment, Network Security Solutions. The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed as of January 2, 2015 (in thousands). Cash $ 2,364 Receivables 37,792 Inventories 603 Other current assets 2,453 Property, plant and equipment 10,021 Goodwill 462,215 Intangible assets 306,000 Other non-current assets 659 Total assets $ 822,107 Accounts payable $ 3,142 Accrued liabilities 12,142 Deferred revenue 8,000 Deferred income taxes 95,074 Other non-current liabilities 540 Total liabilities $ 118,898 Net assets $ 703,209 A single estimate of fair value results from a complex series of judgments about future events and uncertainties and relies heavily on estimates and assumptions. The judgments we have used in estimating the fair values assigned to each class of acquired assets and assumed liabilities could materially affect the results of our operations. The most significant change to the final purchase price allocation presented in the table above as compared to the preliminary purchase price allocation as of September 27, 2015 was a reduction of goodwill of approximately $15.8 million, primarily due to a reduction in the estimated fair value of acquired deferred tax liabilities. The fair value of acquired receivables is $37.8 million, with a gross contractual amount of $38.0 million. We do not expect to collect $0.2 million of the acquired receivables. For purposes of the above allocation, we based our estimate of the fair value for the acquired intangible assets, property, plant and equipment, and deferred revenue on a valuation study performed by a third party valuation firm. We used various valuation methods including discounted cash flows to estimate the fair value of the identifiable intangible assets and deferred revenue (Level 3 valuation). To determine the value of the acquired property, plant, and equipment, we used various valuation methods, including both the market approach, which considers sales prices of similar assets in similar conditions (Level 2 valuation), and the cost approach, which considers the cost to replace the asset adjusted for depreciation (Level 3 valuation). Goodwill and other intangible assets reflected above were determined to meet the criterion for recognition apart from tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The goodwill is primarily attributable to expected synergies and the assembled workforce. The expected synergies for the Tripwire acquisition primarily consist of an expanded product portfolio with network security solutions that can be marketed to our existing broadcast, enterprise, and industrial customers. We do not have tax basis in the goodwill, and therefore, the goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. The intangible assets related to the acquisition consisted of the following: Estimated Fair Amortization (In thousands) (In years) Intangible assets subject to amortization: Developed technology $ 210,000 5.8 Customer relationships 56,000 15.0 Backlog 3,000 1.0 Total intangible assets subject to amortization 269,000 Intangible assets not subject to amortization: Goodwill 462,215 Trademarks 31,000 In-process research and development 6,000 Total intangible assets not subject to amortization 499,215 Total intangible assets $ 768,215 Weighted average amortization period 7.7 The amortizable intangible assets reflected in the table above were determined by us to have finite lives. The useful life for the developed technology intangible asset was based on the estimated time that the technology provides us with a competitive advantage and thus approximates the period of consumption of the intangible asset. The useful life for the customer relationship intangible asset was based on our forecasts of customer turnover. The useful life of the backlog intangible asset was based on our estimate of when the ordered items would ship. Trademarks have been determined by us to have indefinite lives and are not being amortized, based on our expectation that the trademarked products will generate cash flows for us for an indefinite period. We expect to maintain use of trademarks on existing products and introduce new products in the future that will also display the trademarks, thus extending their lives indefinitely. In-process research and development assets are considered indefinite-lived intangible assets until the completion or abandonment of the associated research and development efforts. Upon completion of the development process, we will make a determination of the useful life of the asset and begin amortizing the assets over that period. If the project is abandoned, we will write-off the asset at such time. Our consolidated revenues and consolidated income from continuing operations before taxes for the year ended December 31, 2015 included $116.6 million of revenues and a $47.8 million loss from continuing operations before taxes from Tripwire. Consolidated revenues in the year ended December 31, 2015 were negatively impacted by approximately $50.4 million due to the reduction of the acquired deferred revenue balance to fair value. Our consolidated income from continuing operations before taxes for the year ended December 31, 2015 included $43.2 million of amortization of intangible assets and $9.2 million of compensation expense related to the accelerated vesting of acquiree stock based compensation awards. The following table illustrates the unaudited pro forma effect on operating results as if the Tripwire acquisition had been completed as of January 1, 2014. Years Ended December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited) Revenues $ 2,354,191 $ 2,405,198 Income from continuing operations 92,104 23,302 Diluted income per share from continuing operations attributable to Belden stockholders $ 2.14 $ 0.53 For purposes of the pro forma disclosures, the year ended December 31, 2014 includes nonrecurring expenses from the effects of purchase accounting, including the compensation expense from the accelerated vesting of acquiree stock compensation awards of $9.2 million and amortization of the sales backlog intangible asset of $3.0 million. The above unaudited pro forma financial information is presented for informational purposes only and does not purport to represent what our results of operations would have been had we completed the acquisition on the date assumed, nor is it necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected in future periods. Pro forma adjustments exclude cost savings from any synergies resulting from the acquisition. Coast Wire and Plastic Tech We acquired 100% of the outstanding ownership interest in Coast Wire and Plastic Tech., LLC (Coast) on November 20, 2014 for cash of $36.0 million. Coast is a developer and manufacturer of customized wire and cable solutions used in high-end medical device, military and defense, and industrial applications. Coast is located in Carson, California. The results of Coast have been included in our Consolidated Financial Statements from November 20, 2014, and are reported within the Industrial Connectivity segment. The Coast acquisition was not material to our financial position or results of operations reported as of and for the year ended December 31, 2014. ProSoft Technology, Inc. We acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of ProSoft Technology, Inc. (ProSoft) on June 11, 2014 for cash of $104.1 million. ProSoft is a leading manufacturer of industrial networking products that translate between disparate automation systems, including the various protocols used by different automation vendors. The results of ProSoft have been included in our Consolidated Financial Statements from June 11, 2014, and are reported within the Industrial IT segment. ProSoft is headquartered in Bakersfield, California. The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed as of June 11, 2014 (in thousands). Cash $ 2,517 Receivables 5,894 Inventories 2,731 Other current assets 332 Property, plant and equipment 767 Goodwill 56,923 Intangible assets 40,800 Other non-current assets 622 Total assets $ 110,586 Accounts payable $ 2,544 Accrued liabilities 2,807 Other non-current liabilities 1,132 Total liabilities $ 6,483 Net assets $ 104,103 A single estimate of fair value results from a complex series of judgments about future events and uncertainties and relies heavily on estimates and assumptions. The judgments we have used in estimating the fair values assigned to each class of acquired assets and assumed liabilities could materially affect the results of our operations. There were no significant changes to the final purchase price allocation presented in the table above as compared to the preliminary purchase price allocation of December 31, 2014. The fair value of acquired receivables is $5.9 million, with a gross contractual amount of $6.2 million. We do not expect to collect $0.3 million of the acquired receivables. For purposes of the above allocation, we based our estimate of the fair value of the acquired inventory and intangible assets on a valuation study performed by a third party valuation firm. We have estimated a fair value adjustment for inventories based on the estimated selling price of the work-in-process and finished goods acquired at the closing date less the sum of the costs to complete the work-in-process, the costs of disposal, and a reasonable profit allowance for our post acquisition selling efforts. We used various valuation methods including discounted cash flows to estimate the fair value of the identifiable intangible assets (Level 3 valuation). Goodwill and other intangible assets reflected above were determined to meet the criterion for recognition apart from tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The goodwill is primarily attributable to expected synergies and the assembled workforce. The expected synergies for the ProSoft acquisition primarily consist of expanded access to the Industrial IT market and channel partners. Our tax basis in the acquired goodwill is $56.9 million. The goodwill balance we recorded is deductible for tax purposes over a period of 15 years up to the amount of the tax basis. The intangible assets related to the acquisition consisted of the following: Fair Value Amortization (In thousands) (In years) Intangible assets subject to amortization: Customer relationships $ 26,600 20.0 Developed technologies 9,000 5.0 Trademarks 5,000 5.0 Backlog 200 0.3 Total intangible assets subject to amortization 40,800 Intangible assets not subject to amortization: Goodwill 56,923 Total intangible assets not subject to amortization 56,923 Total intangible assets $ 97,723 Weighted average amortization period 14.8 The amortizable intangible assets reflected in the table above were determined by us to have finite lives. The useful life for the developed technologies intangible asset was based on the estimated time that the technology provides us with a competitive advantage and thus approximates the period of consumption of the intangible asset. The useful life for the customer relationship intangible asset was based on our forecasts of customer turnover. The useful life for the trademarks was based on the period of time we expect to continue to go to market using the trademarks. The useful life of the backlog intangible asset was based on our estimate of when the ordered items would ship. Our consolidated revenues and consolidated income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes for the year ended December 31, 2014 included $31.7 million and ($2.5) million, respectively, from ProSoft. Our consolidated income from continuing operations before taxes for the year ended December 31, 2014 included $2.4 million of amortization of intangible assets and $1.4 million of cost of sales related to the adjustment of acquired inventory to fair value. Grass Valley We acquired 100% of the outstanding ownership interest in Grass Valley USA, LLC and GVBB Holdings S.a.r.l., (collectively, Grass Valley) on March 31, 2014 for cash of $218.2 million. Grass Valley is a leading provider of innovative technologies for the broadcast industry, including production switchers, cameras, servers, and editing solutions. Grass Valley is headquartered in Hillsboro, Oregon, with significant locations throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. The results of Grass Valley have been included in our Consolidated Financial Statements from March 31, 2014, and are reported within the Broadcast segment. The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed as of March 31, 2014 (in thousands): Cash $ 9,451 Receivables 67,354 Inventories 18,593 Other current assets 4,172 Property, plant and equipment 22,460 Goodwill 131,070 Intangible assets 95,500 Other non-current assets 17,101 Total assets $ 365,701 Accounts payable $ 51,276 Accrued liabilities 62,672 Deferred revenue 14,000 Postretirement benefits 16,538 Deferred income taxes 1,827 Other non-current liabilities 1,199 Total liabilities $ 147,512 Net assets $ 218,189 A single estimate of fair value results from a complex series of judgments about future events and uncertainties and relies heavily on estimates and assumptions. The judgments we have used in estimating the fair values assigned to each class of acquired assets and assumed liabilities could materially affect the results of our operations. The most significant change to the final purchase price allocation presented in the table above as compared to the preliminary purchase price allocation as of December 31, 2014 was an increase of goodwill of $11.5 million, primarily due to an increase in the estimated fair value of acquired accrued liabilities and deferred tax liabilities. The fair value of acquired receivables is $67.4 million, with a gross contractual amount of $77.2 million. We do not expect to collect $9.8 million of the acquired receivables. For purposes of the above allocation, we based our estimate of the fair value of the acquired inventory, property, plant, and equipment, intangible assets, and deferred revenue on a valuation study performed by a third party valuation firm. We have estimated a fair value adjustment for inventories based on the estimated selling price of the work-in-process and finished goods acquired at the closing date less the sum of the costs to complete the work-in-process, the costs of disposal, and a reasonable profit allowance for our post acquisition selling efforts. To determine the value of the acquired property, plant, and equipment, we used various valuation methods, including both the market approach, which considers sales prices of similar assets in similar conditions (Level 2 valuation), and the cost approach, which considers the cost to replace the asset adjusted for depreciation (Level 3 valuation). We used various valuation methods including discounted cash flows to estimate the fair value of the identifiable intangible assets and deferred revenue (Level 3 valuation). Goodwill and other intangible assets reflected above were determined to meet the criterion for recognition apart from tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The goodwill is primarily attributable to expected synergies and the assembled workforce. The expected synergies for the Grass Valley acquisition primarily consist of cost savings from the ability to consolidate existing and acquired operating facilities and other support functions, as well as expanded access to the Broadcast market. Our estimated tax basis in the acquired goodwill is not significant. The intangible assets related to the acquisition consisted of the following: Fair Value Amortization (In thousands) (In years) Intangible assets subject to amortization: Developed technologies $ 37,000 5.0 Customer relationships 27,000 15.0 Backlog 1,500 0.3 Total intangible assets subject to amortization 65,500 Intangible assets not subject to amortization: Goodwill 131,070 Trademarks 22,000 In-process research and development 8,000 Total intangible assets not subject to amortization 161,070 Total intangible assets $ 226,570 Weighted average amortization period 9.0 The amortizable intangible assets reflected in the table above were determined by us to have finite lives. The useful life for the developed technologies intangible asset was based on the estimated time that the technology provides us with a competitive advantage and thus approximates the period of consumption of the intangible asset. The useful life for the customer relationship intangible asset was based on our forecasts of customer turnover. The useful life of the backlog intangible asset was based on our estimate of when the ordered items would ship. Trademarks have been determined by us to have indefinite lives and are not being amortized, based on our expectation that the trademarked products will generate cash flows for us for an indefinite period. We expect to maintain use of trademarks on existing products and introduce new products in the future that will also display the trademarks, thus extending their lives indefinitely. In-process research and development assets are considered indefinite-lived intangible assets until the completion or abandonment of the associated research and development efforts. Upon completion of the development process, we will make a determination of the useful life of the asset and begin amortizing the assets over that period. If the project is abandoned, we will write-off the asset at such time. Our consolidated revenues and consolidated income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes for the year ended December 31, 2014 included $196.2 million and ($58.5) million, respectively, from Grass Valley. Our consolidated income from continuing operations before taxes for the year ended December 31, 2014 included $8.6 million of amortization of intangible assets and $6.9 million of cost of sales related to the adjustment of acquired inventory to fair value. We also recognized certain severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs in the 2014 related to Grass Valley. See Note 12. The following table illustrates the unaudited pro forma effect on operating results as if the Grass Valley and ProSoft acquisitions had been completed as of January 1, 2013. Years ended December 31, 2014 2013 (In thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited) Revenues $ 2,401,200 $ 2,420,099 Income from continuing operations 67,956 66,874 Diluted income per share from continuing operations attributable to Belden stockholders $ 1.54 $ 1.49 For purposes of the pro forma disclosures, the year ended December 31, 2013 includes nonrecurring expenses from the effects of purchase accounting, including the cost of sales arising from the adjustments of inventory to fair value of $8.3 million, amortization of the sales backlog intangible assets of $1.7 million, and Belden’s transaction costs of $1.6 million. The above unaudited pro forma financial information is presented for informational purposes only and does not purport to represent what our results of operations would have been had we completed the acquisition on the date assumed, nor is it necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected in future periods. Pro forma adjustments exclude cost savings from any synergies resulting from the acquisition. Softel Limited We acquired Softel Limited (Softel) for $9.1 million, net of cash acquired, on January 25, 2013. Softel is a key technology supplier to the media sector with a portfolio of technologies well aligned with industry trends and growing demand. Softel is located in the United Kingdom. The results of Softel have been included in our Consolidated Financial Statements from January 25, 2013, and are reported within the Broadcast segment. The Softel acquisition was not material to our financial position or results of operations reported as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	Note 4: Discontinued Operations In 2012, we sold our Thermax and Raydex cable business for $265.6 million in cash and recognized a pre-tax gain of $211.6 million ($124.7 million net of tax). At the time the transaction closed, we received $265.6 million in cash, subject to a working capital adjustment. In 2014, we recognized a $0.9 million ($0.6 million net of tax) loss from disposal of discontinued operations related to this business as a result of settling the working capital adjustment and other matters. In 2013, we recognized a $1.4 million loss from discontinued operations for income tax expense related to this disposed business. In 2010, we completed the sale of Trapeze Networks, Inc. (Trapeze) for $152.1 million and recognized a pre-tax gain of $88.3 million ($44.8 million after-tax). At the time the transaction closed, we received $136.9 million in cash, and the remaining $15.2 million was placed in escrow as partial security for our indemnity obligations under the sale agreement. During 2013, we collected a partial settlement of $4.2 million from the escrow. During 2015, we agreed to a final settlement with the buyer of Trapeze regarding the escrow, and collected $3.5 million of the escrow receivable and recognized a $0.2 million ($0.1 million net of tax) loss from disposal of discontinued operations. Additionally, we recognized a $0.2 million net loss from discontinued operations for income tax expense related to this disposed business in 2015. In 2014, we recognized $0.6 million of income from discontinued operations due to the reversal of an uncertain tax position liability related to this disposed business.

Operating Segments and Geograph

Operating Segments and Geographic Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Operating Segments and Geographic Information	Note 5: Operating Segments and Geographic Information We are organized around five global business platforms: Broadcast, Enterprise Connectivity, Industrial Connectivity, Industrial IT, and Network Security. The Network Security platform was formed with our acquisition of Tripwire in January 2015. We have determined that each of the global business platforms represents a reportable segment. The segments design, manufacture, and market a portfolio of signal transmission solutions for mission critical applications used in a variety of end markets, including broadcast, enterprise, and industrial. We sell the products manufactured by our segments principally through distributors or directly to systems integrators, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), end-users, and installers. Effective January 1, 2015, the key measures of segment profit or loss reviewed by our chief operating decision maker are Segment Revenues and Segment EBITDA. Segment Revenues represent non-affiliate revenues and include revenues that would have otherwise been recorded by acquired businesses as independent entities but were not recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Operations due to the effects of purchase accounting and the associated write-down of acquired deferred revenue to fair value. Segment EBITDA excludes certain items, including depreciation expense; amortization of intangibles; asset impairment; severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs; purchase accounting effects related to acquisitions, such as the adjustment of acquired inventory and deferred revenue to fair value; and other costs. We allocate corporate expenses to the segments for purposes of measuring Segment EBITDA. Corporate expenses are allocated on the basis of each segment’s relative EBITDA prior to the allocation. The prior period presentation has been updated accordingly. Our measure of segment assets does not include cash, goodwill, intangible assets, deferred tax assets, or corporate assets. All goodwill is allocated to reporting units of our segments for purposes of impairment testing. The results of our equity method investment in the Hirschmann JV are analyzed separately from the results of our operating segments, and they are not included in the corporate expense allocation. Operating Segment Information Broadcast Solutions Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Segment revenues $ 900,637 $ 928,586 $ 679,197 Affiliate revenues 1,371 1,381 933 Segment EBITDA 142,428 140,367 109,541 Depreciation expense 17,103 16,553 18,422 Amortization of intangibles 50,989 50,739 46,005 Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs 39,078 48,557 12,128 Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions 132 8,574 6,550 Deferred gross profit adjustments 2,446 10,777 11,337 Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 27,900 17,912 10,526 Segment assets 394,197 430,991 294,454 Enterprise Connectivity Solutions Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Segment revenues $ 445,243 $ 455,795 $ 493,129 Affiliate revenues 5,322 8,467 9,823 Segment EBITDA 71,508 66,035 62,165 Depreciation expense 11,783 13,744 12,469 Amortization of intangibles 543 650 543 Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs 723 3,318 400 Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions 52 608 — Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 9,788 12,574 11,749 Segment assets 190,298 206,377 223,073 Industrial Connectivity Solutions Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Segment revenues $ 603,350 $ 682,374 $ 680,643 Affiliate revenues 1,613 2,927 1,901 Segment EBITDA 99,941 106,097 104,655 Depreciation expense 11,235 11,145 10,308 Amortization of intangibles 3,154 1,236 1,085 Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs 6,228 11,953 700 Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions 334 1,328 — Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 8,836 10,053 14,496 Segment assets 231,265 255,997 259,400 Industrial IT Solutions Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Segment revenues $ 244,303 $ 253,464 $ 231,521 Affiliate revenues 70 54 208 Segment EBITDA 43,253 47,927 45,719 Depreciation expense 2,293 2,294 2,449 Amortization of intangibles 5,859 5,801 3,170 Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs 169 6,999 1,660 Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions 32 2,030 — Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 2,039 1,903 2,020 Segment assets 55,285 67,417 56,658 Network Security Solutions Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Segment revenues $ 167,050 $ — $ — Affiliate revenues 8 — — Segment EBITDA 44,620 — — Depreciation expense 4,137 — — Amortization of intangibles 43,246 — — Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs 972 — — Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions 9,197 — — Deferred gross profit adjustments 50,430 — — Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 5,009 — — Segment assets 63,235 — — Total Segments Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Segment revenues $ 2,360,583 $ 2,320,219 $ 2,084,490 Affiliate revenues 8,384 12,829 12,865 Segment EBITDA 401,750 360,426 322,080 Depreciation expense 46,551 43,736 43,648 Amortization of intangibles 103,791 58,426 50,803 Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs 47,170 70,827 14,888 Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions 9,747 12,540 6,550 Deferred gross profit adjustments 52,876 10,777 11,337 Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 53,572 42,442 38,791 Segment assets 934,280 960,782 833,585 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, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Total Segment Revenues $ 2,360,583 $ 2,320,219 $ 2,084,490 Deferred revenue adjustments (1) (51,361 ) (11,954 ) (15,297 ) Consolidated Revenues $ 2,309,222 $ 2,308,265 $ 2,069,193 Total Segment EBITDA $ 401,750 $ 360,426 $ 322,080 Amortization of intangibles (103,791 ) (58,426 ) (50,803 ) Deferred gross profit adjustments (1) (52,876 ) (10,777 ) (11,337 ) Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs (2) (47,170 ) (70,827 ) (14,888 ) Depreciation expense (46,551 ) (43,736 ) (43,648 ) Purchase accounting effects related to acquisitions (3) (9,747 ) (12,540 ) (6,550 ) Income from equity method investment 1,770 3,955 8,922 Gain on sale of assets — — 1,278 Eliminations (2,832 ) (4,956 ) (3,792 ) Consolidated operating income 140,553 163,119 201,262 Interest expense, net (100,613 ) (81,573 ) (72,601 ) Loss on debt extinguishment — — (1,612 ) Consolidated income from continuing operations before taxes $ 39,940 $ 81,546 $ 127,049 (1) For the year ended December 31, 2015, both our consolidated revenues and gross profit were negatively impacted by the reduction of the acquired deferred revenue balance to fair value associated with our acquisition of Tripwire. See Note 3, Acquisitions. (2) See Note 12, Severance, Restructuring, and Acquisition Integration Activities, . (3) For the year ended December 31, 2015, we recognized $9.2 million of compensation expense related to the accelerated vesting of acquiree stock based compensation awards associated with our acquisition of Tripwire. In addition, we recognized $ 0.3 million of cost of sales related to the adjustment of acquired inventory to fair value related to our acquisition of Coast. For the year ended December 31, 2014, we recognized $8.3 million of cost of sales related to the adjustment of acquired inventory to fair value for our acquisitions of Grass Valley and ProSoft. Below are reconciliations of other segment measures to the consolidated totals. Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Total segment assets $ 934,280 $ 960,782 $ 833,585 Cash and cash equivalents 216,751 741,162 613,304 Goodwill 1,385,115 943,374 773,048 Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization 655,871 461,292 376,976 Deferred income taxes 34,295 60,652 54,801 Income tax receivable 3,787 4,953 12,169 Corporate assets 85,742 88,455 87,870 Total assets $ 3,315,841 $ 3,260,670 $ 2,751,753 Total segment acquisition of property, plant and equipment $ 53,572 $ 42,442 $ 38,791 Corporate acquisition of property, plant and equipment 1,397 3,017 1,418 Total acquisition of property, plant and equipment $ 54,969 $ 45,459 $ 40,209 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, 2015, 2014 and 2013 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, 2015 Revenues $ 1,270,467 $ 170,522 $ 114,863 $ 103,106 $ 650,264 $ 2,309,222 Percent of total revenues 55% 7% 5% 4% 29% 100% Long-lived assets $ 207,265 $ 27,315 $ 62,794 $ 35,588 $ 64,434 $ 397,396 Year ended December 31, 2014 Revenues $ 1,134,721 $ 194,149 $ 132,330 $ 120,297 $ 726,768 $ 2,308,265 Percent of total revenues 49% 8% 6% 5% 32% 100% Long-lived assets $ 191,728 $ 29,773 $ 70,574 $ 40,557 $ 70,727 $ 403,359 Year ended December 31, 2013 Revenues $ 1,032,190 $ 195,387 $ 126,461 $ 108,745 $ 606,410 $ 2,069,193 Percent of total revenues 50% 9% 6% 5% 30% 100% Long-lived assets $ 170,813 $ 27,458 $ 76,949 $ 45,702 $ 59,275 $ 380,197 Major Customer Revenues generated from sales to the distributor Anixter International Inc., primarily in the Industrial Connectivity and Enterprise Connectivity segments, were $281.9 million (12% of revenues), $290.5 million (13% of revenues), and $289.9 million (14% of revenues) for 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. At December 31, 2015, we had $31.1 million in accounts receivable outstanding from Anixter International Inc. This represented approximately 8% of our total accounts receivable outstanding at December 31, 2015.

Noncontrolling Interest

Noncontrolling Interest	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Noncontrolling Interest	Note 6: Noncontrolling Interest In 2015, we entered into a joint venture agreement with Shanghai Hi-Tech Control System Co, Ltd (Hite). The purpose of the joint venture is to develop and provide certain Industrial IT products and integrated solutions to customers in China. Belden and Hite contributed $1.53 million and $1.47 million, respectively, to the joint venture in 2015, reflecting ownership percentages of 51% and 49%, respectively. Belden and Hite are committed to fund an additional $1.53 million and $1.47 million to the joint venture in the future. The joint venture is determined to not have sufficient equity at risk; therefore, it is considered a variable interest entity. We have determined that Belden is the primary beneficiary of the joint venture, due to both our ownership percentage and our control over the activities of the joint venture that most significantly impact its economic performance based on the terms of the joint venture agreement with Hite. Because Belden is the primary beneficiary of the joint venture, we have consolidated the joint venture in our financial statements. The results of the joint venture attributable to Hite’s ownership are presented as net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in the consolidated statements of operations. The joint venture is not material to our consolidated financial statements as of or for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Income Per Share

Income Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Income Per Share	Note 7: Income Per Share The following table presents the basis of the income per share computation: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Numerator for basic and diluted income per share: Income from continuing operations $ 66,508 $ 74,432 $ 104,734 Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (24 ) — — Income from continuing operations attributable to Belden stockholders 66,532 74,432 104,734 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, attributable to Belden stockholders (242 ) 579 (1,421 ) Loss from disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax, attributable to Belden stockholders (86 ) (562 ) — Net income attributable to Belden stockholders $ 66,204 $ 74,449 $ 103,313 Denominator: Weighted average shares outstanding, basic 42,390 43,273 43,871 Effect of dilutive common stock equivalents 563 724 866 Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted 42,953 43,997 44,737 For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, diluted weighted average shares outstanding do not include outstanding equity awards of 0.4 million, 0.2 million, and 0.2 million, respectively, because to do so would have been anti-dilutive. For purposes of calculating basic earnings per share, unvested restricted stock units are not included in the calculation of basic weighted average shares outstanding until all necessary conditions have been satisfied and issuance of the shares underlying the restricted stock units is no longer contingent. Necessary conditions are not satisfied until the vesting date, at which time holders of our restricted stock units receive shares of our common stock. For purposes of calculating diluted earnings per share, unvested restricted stock units are included to the extent that they are dilutive. In determining whether unvested restricted stock units are dilutive, each issuance of restricted stock units is considered separately. Once a restricted stock unit has vested, it is included in the calculation of both basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding.

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Note 8: Inventories The major classes of inventories were as follows: December 31, 2015 2014 (In thousands) Raw materials $ 92,929 $ 106,955 Work-in-process 27,730 31,611 Finished goods 97,814 121,655 Gross inventories 218,473 260,221 Excess and obsolete reserves (22,531 ) (31,823 ) Net inventories $ 195,942 $ 228,398

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	Note 9: Property, Plant and Equipment The carrying values of property, plant and equipment were as follows: December 31, 2015 2014 (In thousands) Land and land improvements $ 29,235 $ 31,879 Buildings and leasehold improvements 135,154 131,534 Machinery and equipment 483,773 472,543 Computer equipment and software 112,888 96,546 Construction in process 28,274 33,726 Gross property, plant and equipment 789,324 766,228 Accumulated depreciation (478,695 ) (449,843 ) Net property, plant and equipment $ 310,629 $ 316,385 Disposals During 2015, we sold certain property, plant and equipment of the Industrial Connectivity segment for $0.4 million and recognized a $0.3 million loss on the sale. During 2014, we sold certain property, plant and equipment of the Broadcast segment for $1.9 million. There was no gain or loss on the sale. During 2013, we sold certain real estate of the Broadcast segment for $1.0 million and recognized a $0.3 million loss on the sale. We also sold certain real estate of the Enterprise Connectivity segment for $2.1 million. There was no gain or loss on the sale. Impairment We did not recognize any impairment losses in 2015, 2014, or 2013. Depreciation Expense We recognized depreciation expense in income from continuing operations of $46.6 million, $43.7 million, and $43.6 million in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	Note 10: Intangible Assets The carrying values of intangible assets were as follows: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Gross Accumulated Net Gross Accumulated Net (In thousands) (In thousands) Goodwill $ 1,385,115 $ — $ 1,385,115 $ 943,374 $ — $ 943,374 Definite-lived intangible assets subject to amortization: Customer relationships $ 309,573 $ (61,641 ) $ 247,932 $ 261,914 $ (46,457 ) $ 215,457 Developed technology 416,817 (170,576 ) 246,241 213,017 (102,996 ) 110,021 Trademarks 19,417 (7,255 ) 12,162 19,438 (3,687 ) 15,751 Backlog 12,559 (12,559 ) — 10,406 (9,627 ) 779 In-service research and development 14,238 (4,723 ) 9,515 10,340 (2,777 ) 7,563 Total intangible assets subject to amortization 772,604 (256,754 ) 515,850 515,115 (165,544 ) 349,571 Indefinite-lived intangible assets not subject to amortization: Trademarks 129,671 — 129,671 103,040 — 103,040 In-process research and development 10,350 — 10,350 8,681 — 8,681 Total intangible assets not subject to amortization 140,021 — 140,021 111,721 — 111,721 Intangible assets $ 912,625 $ (256,754 ) $ 655,871 $ 626,836 $ (165,544 ) $ 461,292 Segment Allocation of Goodwill and Trademarks The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill assigned to reporting units in our reportable segments are as follows: Broadcast Enterprise Industrial Industrial Network Consolidated (In thousands) Balance at December 31, 2013 $ 466,375 $ 50,136 $ 187,975 $ 68,562 $ — $ 773,048 Acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments 119,918 — 16,442 56,194 — 192,554 Translation impact (12,789 ) — (4,364 ) (5,075 ) — (22,228 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 $ 573,504 $ 50,136 $ 200,053 $ 119,681 $ — $ 943,374 Acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments 11,481 — 1,614 730 462,215 476,040 Translation impact (25,455 ) — (4,948 ) (3,896 ) — (34,299 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 559,530 $ 50,136 $ 196,719 $ 116,515 $ 462,215 $ 1,385,115 The changes in the carrying amount of indefinite-lived trademarks are as follows: Broadcast Enterprise Industrial Industrial Network Consolidated (In thousands) Balance at December 31, 2013 $ 70,127 $ — $ 12,193 $ 9,690 $ — $ 92,010 Reclassify to definite-lived (2,700 ) — — (3,900 ) — (6,600 ) Acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments 22,000 — — — — 22,000 Translation impact (2,244 ) — (1,449 ) (677 ) — (4,370 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 $ 87,183 $ — $ 10,744 $ 5,113 $ — $ 103,040 Acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments — — — — 31,000 31,000 Translation impact (2,198 ) — (1,654 ) (517 ) — (4,369 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 84,985 $ — $ 9,090 $ 4,596 $ 31,000 $ 129,671 Impairment The annual measurement date for our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment test is our fiscal November month-end. For our 2015 goodwill impairment test, we performed a quantitative assessment for four of our reporting units and determined the estimated fair values of our reporting units by calculating the present values of their estimated future cash flows. We determined that the fair values of the reporting units were substantially in excess of the carrying values; therefore, we did not record any goodwill impairment for the four reporting units. We performed a qualitative assessment for the remaining six of our reporting units, and we determined that it was more likely than not that the fair value was greater than the carrying value. Therefore, we did not record any goodwill impairment for the six reporting units. We also did not recognize any goodwill impairment in 2014 or 2013 based on the results of our annual goodwill impairment testing. Similar to the quantitative goodwill impairment test, we determined the estimated fair values of our indefinite-lived trademarks by calculating the present values of the estimated cash flows (using Level 3 inputs) attributable to the respective trademarks. We did not recognize any trademark impairment charges in 2015, 2014, or 2013. Amortization Expense We recognized amortization expense in income from continuing operations of $103.8 million, $58.4 million, and $50.8 million in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. We expect to recognize annual amortization expense of $95.1 million in 2016, $86.2 million in 2017, $71.0 million in 2018, $62.5 million in 2019, and $47.1 million in 2020 related to our intangible assets balance as of December 31, 2015. The weighted-average amortization period for our customer relationships, developed technology, trademarks, and in-service research and development is 18.8 years, 5.3 years, 5.0 years, and 4.6 years, respectively.

Accounts Payable and Accrued Li

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	Note 11: Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities The carrying values of accounts payable and accrued liabilities were as follows: December 31, 2015 2014 (In thousands) Accounts payable $ 223,514 $ 272,439 Current deferred revenue 101,460 45,139 Wages, severance and related taxes 86,389 70,256 Accrued rebates 29,997 31,506 Employee benefits 27,482 25,158 Accrued interest 25,188 26,741 Other (individual items less than 5% of total current liabilities) 52,733 49,272 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 546,763 $ 520,511 The majority of our accounts payable balance is due to trade creditors. Our accounts payable balance as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 included $11.8 million and $14.7 million, respectively, of amounts due to banks under a commercial acceptance draft program. All accounts payable outstanding under the commercial acceptance draft program are expected to be settled within one year. See further discussion of the accrued severance balance in Note 12 below.

Severance, Restructuring, and A

Severance, Restructuring, and Acquisition Integration Activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Severance, Restructuring, and Acquisition Integration Activities	Note 12: Severance, Restructuring, and Acquisition Integration Activities Industrial Restructuring Program: 2015 Both our Industrial Connectivity and Industrial IT segments have been negatively impacted by a decline in sales volume. Global demand for industrial products has been negatively impacted by the strengthened U.S. dollar and lower energy prices. Our customers have reduced capital spending in response to these conditions, and we expect these conditions to continue to impact our industrial segments. In response to these current industrial market conditions, we began to execute a restructuring program in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2015 to further reduce our cost structure. We recognized approximately $3.3 million of severance and other restructuring costs for this program during 2015. We expect to incur approximately $9 million of additional severance and other restructuring costs for this program, the majority of which will be incurred in the first fiscal quarter of 2016. We expect the restructuring program to generate approximately $18 million of savings on an annualized basis, which we expect to begin to realize in the first fiscal quarter of 2016. Grass Valley Restructuring Program: 2015 Our Broadcast segment has been negatively impacted by a decline in sales volume for our broadcast technology infrastructure products sold by our Grass Valley brand. Outside of the U.S., demand for these products has been impacted by the relative price increase of our products due to the strengthened U.S. dollar as well as the impact of weaker economic conditions which have resulted in lower capital spending. Within the U.S., demand for these products has been impacted by deferred capital spending. We believe broadcast customers have deferred their capital spending as they navigate through a number of important industry transitions and a changing media landscape. In response to these current broadcast market conditions, we began to execute a restructuring program beginning in the third fiscal quarter of 2015 to further reduce our cost structure. We recognized approximately $25.4 million of severance and other restructuring costs for this program during 2015. We expect to incur approximately $4 million of additional severance and other restructuring costs for this program, the majority of which will be incurred in the first fiscal quarter of 2016. We expect the restructuring program to generate approximately $30 million of savings on an annualized basis, which we began to realize in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2015. Productivity Improvement Program and Acquisition Integration: 2014-2015 In 2014, we began a productivity improvement program and the integration of our acquisition of Grass Valley. The productivity improvement program focused on improving the productivity of our sales, marketing, finance, and human resources functions relative to our peers. The majority of the costs for the productivity improvement program related to the Industrial Connectivity, Enterprise, and Industrial IT segments. We expected the productivity improvement program to reduce our operating expenses by approximately $18 million on an annualized basis, and we are substantially realizing such benefits. The restructuring and integration activities related to our acquisition of Grass Valley focused on achieving desired cost savings by consolidating existing and acquired operating facilities and other support functions. The Grass Valley costs related to our Broadcast segment. We substantially completed the productivity improvement program and the integration activities in the second fiscal quarter of 2015. In 2015, we recorded severance, restructuring, and integration costs of $18.5 million related to these two significant programs, as well as other cost reduction actions and the integration of our acquisitions of ProSoft, Coast, and Tripwire. We recorded $70.8 million of such costs in 2014. Other Programs: 2013 During 2013, we recorded severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs of $14.9 million. The majority of these costs were recorded in our Broadcast segment. These costs were incurred primarily as a result of facility consolidation in New York for recently acquired locations and other acquisition integration activities. These activities were in connection with our integration activities for the 2012 acquisition of PPC Broadband, Inc. The following tables summarize the costs by segment of the various programs described above: Year Ended December 31, 2015 Severance Other Total Costs (In thousands) Broadcast Solutions $ 16,694 $ 22,384 $ 39,078 Enterprise Connectivity Solutions (186 ) 909 723 Industrial Connectivity Solutions 3,309 2,919 6,228 Industrial IT Solutions (728 ) 897 169 Network Security Solutions 12 960 972 Total $ 19,101 $ 28,069 $ 47,170 Year Ended December 31, 2014 Broadcast Solutions $ 20,025 $ 28,532 $ 48,557 Enterprise Connectivity Solutions 2,183 1,135 3,318 Industrial Connectivity Solutions 9,732 2,221 11,953 Industrial IT Solutions 5,314 1,685 6,999 Total $ 37,254 $ 33,573 $ 70,827 Year Ended December 31, 2013 Broadcast Solutions $ 4,112 $ 8,016 $ 12,128 Enterprise Connectivity Solutions — 400 400 Industrial Connectivity Solutions — 700 700 Industrial IT Solutions 1,318 342 1,660 Total $ 5,430 $ 9,458 $ 14,888 The other restructuring and integration costs in 2015 and 2014 primarily consisted of costs of integrating manufacturing operations, such as relocating inventory on a global basis, retention bonuses, relocation, travel, reserves for inventory obsolescence as a result of product line integration, costs to consolidate operating and support facilities, and other costs. The other restructuring and integration costs in 2013 included relocation, equipment transfer, and other costs. The majority of the other restructuring and integration costs related to these actions were paid as incurred or are payable within the next 60 days. Of the total severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs recognized during 2015, $9.4 million, $31.7 million, and $6.1 million were included in cost of sales; selling, general and administrative expenses; and research and development, respectively. Of the total severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs recognized during 2014, $20.7 million, $46.5 million, and $3.6 million were included in cost of sales; selling, general and administrative expenses; and research and development, respectively. Of the total severance and other restructuring costs recognized during 2013, $7.1 million, $6.5 million, and $1.3 million were included in cost of sales; selling, general and administrative expenses; and research and development, respectively. We continue to review our business strategies and evaluate potential new restructuring actions. This could result in additional restructuring costs in future periods. Accrued Severance The table below sets forth severance activity that occurred for the four significant programs described above. The balances are included in accrued liabilities. Productivity Grass Grass Valley Industrial (In thousands) Balance at December 31, 2014 $ 7,141 $ 5,579 $ — $ — New charges 887 2,165 — — Cash payments (1,455 ) (2,370 ) — — Foreign currency translation (408 ) (302 ) — — Other adjustments (170 ) — — — Balance at March 29, 2015 $ 5,995 $ 5,072 $ — $ — New charges 22 — — — Cash payments (1,268 ) (1,709 ) — — Foreign currency translation 97 10 — — Other adjustments — (1,590 ) — — Balance at June 28, 2015 $ 4,846 $ 1,783 $ — $ — New charges 99 — 11,978 — Cash payments (987 ) (946 ) (755 ) — Foreign currency translation (29 ) — — — Balance at September 27, 2015 $ 3,929 $ 837 $ 11,223 $ — New charges — — 3,960 2,728 Cash payments (831 ) (397 ) (2,979 ) (282 ) Foreign currency translation (64 ) (27 ) (119 ) 15 Other adjustments (818 ) — — 182 Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 2,216 $ 413 $ 12,085 $ 2,643 The other adjustments in the three months ended March 29, 2015 and June 28, 2015 were the result of changes in estimates. We experienced higher than expected voluntary turnover, and as a result, certain approved severance actions were not taken. The other adjustments in the three months ended December 31, 2015 were changes in estimates, as actual amounts paid were less than estimated. We expect the remaining amounts of these liabilities to be paid during 2016.

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrow

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements	Note 13: Long-Term The carrying values of our long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements were as follows: December 31, 2015 2014 (In thousands) Revolving credit agreement due 2018 $ 50,000 $ — Variable rate term loan due 2020 243,965 246,375 Senior subordinated notes: 5.25% Senior subordinated notes due 2024 200,000 200,000 5.50% Senior subordinated notes due 2023 553,835 616,326 5.50% Senior subordinated notes due 2022 700,000 700,000 9.25% Senior subordinated notes due 2019 5,221 5,221 Total senior subordinated notes 1,459,056 1,521,547 Total debt and other borrowing arrangements 1,753,021 1,767,922 Less current maturities of Term Loan (2,500 ) (2,500 ) Long-term debt $ 1,750,521 $ 1,765,422 Revolving Credit Agreement due 2018 Our revolving credit agreement provides a $400 million multi-currency asset-based revolving credit facility (the Revolver). The borrowing base under the Revolver includes eligible accounts receivable; inventory; and property, plant and equipment of certain of our subsidiaries in the U.S., Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK. In January 2015, we borrowed $200.0 million under the Revolver in order to fund a portion of the purchase price for the acquisition of Tripwire (see Note 3). In the fourth fiscal quarter, we repaid $150.0 million of the Revolver borrowings, and as of December 31, 2015, we had $50.0 million remaining borrowings outstanding under the Revolver. As of December 31, 2015, our available borrowing capacity was $242.5 million. The Revolver matures in 2018. Interest on outstanding borrowings is variable, based upon LIBOR or other similar indices in foreign jurisdictions, plus a spread that ranges from 1.25%—1.75%, depending upon our leverage position. The interest rate as of December 31, 2015 was 2.13%. We pay a commitment fee on our available borrowing capacity of 0.375%. In the event we borrow more than 90% of our borrowing base, we are subject to a fixed charge coverage ratio covenant. Variable Rate Term Loan due 2020 In 2013, we borrowed $250.0 million under a Term Loan Credit Agreement (the Term Loan). The Term Loan is secured on a second lien basis by the assets securing the Revolving Credit Agreement due 2018 discussed above and on a first lien basis by the stock of certain of our subsidiaries. The borrowings under the Term Loan are scheduled to mature in 2020 and require quarterly amortization payments of approximately $0.6 million. Interest under the Term Loan is variable, based upon the three-month LIBOR plus an applicable spread. The interest rate as of December 31, 2015 was 3.25%. We paid approximately $3.9 million of fees associated with the Term Loan, which are being amortized over the life of the Term Loan using the effective interest method. Senior Subordinated Notes In June 2014, we issued $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.25% senior subordinated notes due 2024 (the 2024 Notes). The 2024 Notes are guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by certain of our subsidiaries. The 2024 Notes rank equal in right of payment with our senior subordinated notes due 2023, 2022, and 2019 and with any future subordinated debt, and they are subordinated to all of our senior debt and the senior debt of our subsidiary guarantors, including our Term Loan and Revolver. Interest is payable semiannually on January 15 and July 15 of each year. We paid approximately $4.2 million of fees associated with the issuance of the 2024 Notes, which are being amortized over the life of the 2024 Notes using the effective interest method. We used the net proceeds from the transaction for general corporate purposes. In March 2013, we issued €300.0 million ($388.2 million at issuance) aggregate principal amount of 5.5% senior subordinated notes due 2023 (the 2023 Notes). In November 2014, we issued an additional €200.0 million ($247.5 million at issuance) aggregate principal amount of 2023 Notes. The carrying value of the 2023 Notes as of December 31, 2015 is $553.8 million. The 2023 Notes are guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by certain of our subsidiaries. The notes rank equal in right of payment with our senior subordinated notes due 2024, 2022, and 2019 and with any future subordinated debt, and they are subordinated to all of our senior debt and the senior debt of our subsidiary guarantors, including our Term Loan and Revolver. Interest is payable semiannually on April 15 and October 15 of each year. We paid $12.7 million of fees associated with the issuance of the 2023 Notes, which are being amortized over the life of the notes using the effective interest method. We used the net proceeds from the transactions to repay amounts outstanding under the revolving credit component of our previously outstanding Senior Secured Facility and for general corporate purposes. We have outstanding $700.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.5% senior subordinated notes due 2022 (the 2022 Notes). The 2022 Notes are guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by certain of our subsidiaries. The 2022 Notes rank equal in right of payment with our senior subordinated notes due 2024, 2023, and 2019, and with any future subordinated debt, and they are subordinated to all of our senior debt and the senior debt of our subsidiary guarantors, including our Term Loan and Revolver. Interest is payable semiannually on March 1 and September 1 of each year. We have outstanding $5.2 million aggregate principal amount of our senior subordinated notes due 2019 (the 2019 Notes). The 2019 Notes have a coupon interest rate of 9.25% and an effective interest rate of 9.75%. The interest on the 2019 Notes is payable semiannually on June 15 and December 15. The 2019 notes are guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by certain of our subsidiaries. The notes rank equal in right of payment with our senior subordinated notes due 2024, 2023, and 2022, and with any future senior subordinated debt, and are subordinated to all of our senior debt and the senior debt of our subsidiary guarantors, including our Term Loan and Revolver. The senior subordinated notes due 2019, 2022, 2023, and 2024 are redeemable currently and after September 1, 2017, April 15, 2018, and July 15, 2019, respectively, at the following redemption prices as a percentage of the face amount of the notes: Senior Subordinated Notes due 2019 2022 2023 2024 Year Percentage Year Percentage Year Percentage Year Percentage 2016 101.542 % 2017 102.750 % 2018 102.750 % 2019 102.625 % 2017 and thereafter 100.000 % 2018 101.833 % 2019 101.833 % 2020 101.750 % 2019 100.917 % 2020 100.917 % 2021 100.875 % 2020 and thereafter 100.000 % 2021 and thereafter 100.000 % 2022 and thereafter 100.000 % Fair Value of Long-Term Debt The fair value of our senior subordinated notes as of December 31, 2015 was approximately $1,416.6 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 $1,459.1 million as of December 31, 2015. We believe the fair value of our Term Loan and the balance outstanding under our Revolver approximate book value. Maturities Maturities on outstanding long-term debt and other borrowings during each of the five years subsequent to December 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands): 2016 $ 2,500 2017 2,500 2018 52,500 2019 7,721 2020 233,965 Thereafter 1,453,835 $ 1,753,021

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note 14: Income Taxes Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes: United States operations $ (6,924 ) $ 14,042 $ 31,678 Foreign operations 46,864 67,504 95,371 Income from continuing operations before taxes $ 39,940 $ 81,546 $ 127,049 Income tax expense (benefit): Currently payable United States federal $ — $ 6,701 $ (4,493 ) United States state and local 1,789 1,617 (26 ) Foreign 17,317 16,592 21,377 19,106 24,910 16,858 Deferred United States federal (23,709 ) (9,662 ) 3,575 United States state and local (2,257 ) (746 ) 1,593 Foreign (19,708 ) (7,388 ) 289 (45,674 ) (17,796 ) 5,457 Income tax expense (benefit) $ (26,568 ) $ 7,114 $ 22,315 In addition to the above income tax expense (benefit) associated with continuing operations, we also recorded income tax expense (benefit) associated with discontinued operations of $0.2 million, ($0.9 million), and $1.4 million in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Effective income tax rate reconciliation from continuing operations: United States federal statutory rate 35.0% 35.0% 35.0% State and local income taxes (2.6% ) 0.8% 1.5% Impact of change in tax contingencies (4.2% ) (7.1% ) 3.8% Foreign income tax rate differences (8.4% ) (17.6% ) (12.1% ) Impact of change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance (28.6% ) 4.7% (0.6% ) Domestic permanent differences & tax credits (57.7% ) (7.1% ) (10.0% ) (66.5% ) 8.7% 17.6% In 2015, the most significant difference between the U.S. federal statutory tax rate and our effective tax rate was the impact of domestic permanent differences and tax credits. We recognized a total income tax benefit from domestic permanent differences and tax credits of $23.0 million in 2015. Approximately $18.0 million of that benefit stems from being able to recognize a significant balance of foreign tax credits related to one of our foreign jurisdictions as a result of implementing a tax planning strategy, net of the U.S. income tax consequences. We were also able to recognize other foreign tax credits and research and development tax credits in 2015, which represented the remaining $5.0 million of tax benefit from domestic permanent differences and tax credits. An additional significant factor impacting the income tax benefit for 2015 was the reduction of a deferred tax valuation allowance related to certain net operating loss carryforwards in one of our foreign jurisdictions. Based on implemented tax planning strategies, the net operating loss carryforwards have become fully realizable, and we realized a net tax benefit of $11.4 million related to changes in the valuation allowance. In 2015, 2014, and 2013, a significant difference between the U.S. federal statutory tax rate and our effective tax rate was the impact of foreign tax rate differences. The statutory tax rates associated with our foreign earnings are generally lower than the statutory U.S. tax rate of 35%. The foreign tax rate differences are most significant in Germany, Canada, and the Netherlands, which have statutory tax rates of approximately 28%, 26%, and 25%, respectively. Foreign tax rate differences resulted in an income tax benefit of $3.4 million, $14.4 million, and $15.4 million in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. Additionally, in 2015 and 2014, our income tax expense was reduced by $2.5 million and $2.0 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, 2015 2014 (In thousands) Components of deferred income tax balances: Deferred income tax liabilities: Plant, equipment, and intangibles $ (203,736 ) $ (90,413 ) Deferred income tax assets: Postretirement, pensions, and stock compensation 32,831 34,656 Reserves and accruals 44,345 44,809 Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards 231,892 217,902 Valuation allowances (117,071 ) (157,317 ) 191,997 140,050 Net deferred income tax asset (liability) $ (11,739 ) $ 49,637 The increase in deferred income tax liabilities during 2015 is primarily due to the acquisition of Tripwire; see further discussion in Note 3. The decrease in our deferred tax valuation allowance is primarily due to certain net operating loss carryforwards becoming fully realizable, as discussed above, as well as the impact of foreign currency translation. The deferred tax valuation allowance also decreased due to a reduction in both the estimated amount of acquired deferred tax assets and the related valuation allowance for our 2014 acquisition of Grass Valley. As of December 31, 2015, we had $606.6 million of net operating loss carryforwards and $85.9 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: $24.4 million in 2015, $27.1 million in 2016, $17.0 million in 2017, $27.6 million between 2018 and 2020, and $169.9 million between 2021 and 2035. Net operating losses with an indefinite carryforward period total $340.6 million. Of the $606.6 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 $206.8 million of these net operating loss carryforwards within their respective expiration periods. Unless otherwise utilized, tax credit carryforwards of $85.9 million will expire as follows: $27.7 million between 2018 and 2020, and $51.8 million between 2021 and 2035. Tax credit carryforwards with an indefinite carryforward period total $6.4 million. We have determined, based on the weight of all available evidence, both positive and negative, that we will utilize $83.6 million of these tax credit carryforwards within their respective expiration periods. The following tables summarize our net operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards as of December 31, 2015 by jurisdiction: Net Operating Loss Carryforwards (In thousands) France $ 244,105 United States - various states 202,985 Germany 63,576 Netherlands 24,583 Japan 24,412 Australia 13,027 Other 33,913 Total $ 606,601 Tax Credit Carryforwards (In thousands) United States $ 68,189 Canada 17,679 Total $ 85,868 It is our practice and intention to reinvest the earnings of our non-U.S. subsidiaries in those operations. As a result, as of December 31, 2015, we have not made a provision for U.S. or additional foreign withholding taxes on approximately $611.1 million of the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries that are considered permanent in duration. Generally, such amounts become subject to U.S. taxation upon the remittance of dividends and under certain other circumstances. It is not practical to estimate the amount of the deferred tax liability related to investments in these foreign subsidiaries that would be payable if we were not indefinitely reinvested. In 2015, we recognized a net $2.8 million decrease to reserves for uncertain tax positions. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: 2015 2014 (In thousands) Balance at beginning of year $ 10,057 $ 18,639 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 544 663 Additions for tax positions of prior years 638 73 Reductions for tax positions of prior years - Settlement (3,765 ) (7,907 ) Reduction for tax positions of prior years - Statute of limitations (181 ) (1,411 ) Balance at end of year $ 7,293 $ 10,057 The majority of the reductions for tax positions of prior years relates to the settlement of income tax audits in both domestic and foreign jurisdictions. The balance of $7.3 million at December 31, 2015, reflects tax positions that, if recognized, would impact our effective tax rate. As of December 31, 2015, we believe it is reasonably possible that $2.7 million of unrecognized tax benefits will change within the next twelve months primarily attributable to the expected completion of tax audits in foreign jurisdictions. Our practice is to recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in interest expense and operating expenses, respectively. During 2015, we did not recognize any interest expense related to uncertain tax positions. During 2014 and 2013, we recognized approximately ($1.1) million and $1.7 million, respectively, in interest expense (reduction of interest expense). We have approximately $1.4 million and $1.7 million accrued for the payment of interest and penalties as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Our federal, state, and foreign income tax returns for the tax years 2010 and later remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and by various state and foreign tax authorities.

Pension and Other Postretiremen

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	Note 15: Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits We sponsor defined benefit pension plans and defined contribution plans that cover substantially all employees in Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the U.S., and certain employees in Germany. Grass Valley, which was acquired in 2014, also sponsors defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans that cover substantially all employees in the U.S., as well as certain employees in France and Japan. We closed the U.S. defined benefit pension plan to new entrants effective January 1, 2010. Employees who were not active participants in the U.S. defined benefit pension plan on December 31, 2009, are not eligible to participate in the plan. Annual contributions to retirement plans equal or exceed the minimum funding requirements of applicable local regulations. The assets of the funded pension plans we sponsor are maintained in various trusts and are invested primarily in equity and fixed income securities. Benefits provided to employees under defined contribution plans include cash contributions by the Company based on either hours worked by the employee or a percentage of the employee’s compensation. Defined contribution expense for 2015, 2014, and 2013 was $12.6 million, $11.8 million, and $11.1 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, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation, beginning of year $ (300,339 ) $ (258,423 ) $ (39,169 ) $ (46,614 ) Service cost (5,505 ) (5,453 ) (52 ) (49 ) Interest cost (9,116 ) (10,757 ) (1,301 ) (1,647 ) Participant contributions (109 ) (109 ) (5 ) (7 ) Actuarial gain (loss) 12,108 (28,971 ) 1,720 4,392 Acquisitions — (25,283 ) — — Settlements 1,579 — — — Curtailments 128 359 — — Foreign currency exchange rate changes 12,132 13,708 4,691 2,704 Benefits paid 13,917 14,590 1,803 2,052 Benefit obligation, end of year $ (275,205 ) $ (300,339 ) $ (32,313 ) $ (39,169 ) Pension Benefits Other Benefits Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year $ 216,754 $ 198,367 $ — $ — Actual return on plan assets 2,569 20,223 — — Employer contributions 5,706 7,992 1,798 2,045 Plan participant contributions 109 109 5 7 Acquisitions — 9,360 — — Settlements (1,579 ) — — — Foreign currency exchange rate changes (5,270 ) (4,707 ) — — Benefits paid (13,917 ) (14,590 ) (1,803 ) (2,052 ) Fair value of plan assets, end of year $ 204,372 $ 216,754 $ — $ — Funded status, end of year $ (70,833) $ (83,585) $ (32,313) $ (39,169) Amounts recongized in the balance sheets: Prepaid benefit cost $ 7,219 $ 5,689 $ — $ — Accrued benefit liability (current) (3,173 ) (3,628 ) (1,962 ) (2,188 ) Accrued benefit liability (noncurrent) (74,879 ) (85,646 ) (30,351 ) (36,981 ) Net funded status $ (70,833 ) $ (83,585 ) $ (32,313 ) $ (39,169 ) The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $272.5 million and $296.4 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation, and fair value of plan assets for the pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets were $228.3 million, $225.4 million, and $150.2 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2015, and were $247.5 million, $243.9 million, and $158.2 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2014. The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation, and fair value of plan assets for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation less than plan assets were $46.9 million, $47.1 million, and $54.1 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2015, and were $52.8 million, $52.5 million, and $58.5 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2014. The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit costs for the plans. Pension Benefits Other Benefits Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Components of net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ 5,505 $ 5,453 $ 5,554 $ 52 $ 49 $ 125 Interest cost 9,116 10,757 9,310 1,301 1,647 1,910 Expected return on plan assets (12,518 ) (12,468 ) (11,066 ) — — — Amortization of prior service credit (44 ) (48 ) (54 ) (87 ) (100 ) (108 ) Curtailment gain (128 ) (359 ) — — — — Settlement loss 128 — — — — — Net loss recognition 5,082 4,154 6,388 328 315 932 Net periodic benefit cost $ 7,141 $ 7,489 $ 10,132 $ 1,594 $ 1,911 $ 2,859 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, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Weighted average assumptions for benefit obligations at year end: Discount rate 3.6% 3.2% 4.0% 3.7% Salary increase 3.5% 3.3% N/A N/A Weighted average assumptions for net periodic cost for the year: Discount rate 3.2% 4.1% 3.7% 4.4% Salary increase 3.5% 3.9% N/A N/A Expected return on assets 6.7% 6.7% N/A N/A Assumed health care cost trend rates: Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year N/A N/A 5.5% 5.5% Rate that the cost trend rate gradually declines to N/A N/A 5.0% 5.0% Year that the rate reaches the rate it is assumed to remain at N/A N/A 2022 2016 A one percentage-point change in the assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects on 2015 expense and year-end liabilities. 1% Increase 1% Decrease (In thousands) Effect on total of service and interest cost components $ 134 $ (110 ) Effect on postretirement benefit obligation $ 2,996 $ (2,484 ) Plan assets are invested using a total return investment approach whereby a mix of equity securities and fixed income securities are used to preserve asset values, diversify risk, and achieve our target investment return benchmark. Investment strategies and asset allocations are based on consideration of the plan liabilities, the plan’s funded status, and our financial condition. Investment performance and asset allocation are measured and monitored on an ongoing basis. Plan assets are managed in a balanced portfolio comprised of two major components: an equity portion and a fixed income portion. The expected role of equity investments is to maximize the long-term real growth of assets, while the role of fixed income investments is to generate current income, provide for more stable periodic returns, and provide some protection against a prolonged decline in the market value of equity investments. Absent regulatory or statutory limitations, the target asset allocation for the investment of the assets for our ongoing pension plans is 30-40% in fixed income securities and 60-70% in equity securities and for our pension plans where the majority of the participants are in payment or terminated vested status is 75-80% in fixed income securities and 20-25% in equity securities. Equity securities include U.S. and international equity, primarily invested through investment funds. Fixed income securities include government securities and investment grade corporate bonds, primarily invested through investment funds and group insurance contracts. We develop our expected long-term rate of return assumptions based on the historical rates of returns for equity and fixed income securities of the type in which our plans invest. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets reflects the average rate of earnings expected on the invested assets and future assets to be invested to provide for the benefits included in the projected benefit obligation. We use historic plan asset returns combined with current market conditions to estimate the rate of return. The expected rate of return on plan assets is a long-term assumption based on an analysis of historical and forward looking returns considering the plan’s actual and target asset mix. The following table presents the fair values of the pension plan assets by asset category. December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Fair Market Quoted Prices (Level 1) Significant (Level 2) Significant (Level 3) Fair Market Quoted Prices (Level 1) Significant (Level 2) Significant (Level 3) (In thousands) (In thousands) Asset Category: Equity securities (a) Large-cap fund $ 77,618 $ 3,266 $ 74,352 $ — $ 82,816 $ 3,414 $ 79,402 $ — Mid-cap 14,427 957 13,470 — 15,276 1,448 13,828 — Small-cap 19,260 461 18,799 — 19,952 312 19,640 — Debt securities (b) Government bond fund 26,827 1,387 25,440 — 29,121 1,244 27,877 — Corporate bond fund 24,975 3,194 21,781 — 27,485 3,815 23,670 — Fixed income fund (c) 40,989 — 40,989 — 41,975 — 41,975 — Cash & equivalents 276 276 — — 129 129 — — Total $ 204,372 $ 9,541 $ 194,831 $ — $ 216,754 $ 10,362 $ 206,392 $ — (a) This category includes investments in actively managed and indexed investment funds that invest in a diversified pool of equity securities of companies located in the U.S., Canada, Western Europe and other developed countries throughout the world. The Level 1 funds are valued at fair market value obtained from quoted market prices in active markets. The Level 2 funds are valued using the net asset value method in which an average of the market prices for the underlying investments is used to value the fund. (b) This category includes investments in investment funds that invest in U.S. treasuries; other national, state and local government bonds; and corporate bonds of highly rated companies from diversified industries. The Level 1 funds are valued at fair market value obtained from quoted market prices in active markets. The Level 2 funds are valued using the net asset value method in which an average of the market prices for the underlying investments is used to value the fund. (c) This category includes guaranteed insurance contracts. 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, 2015 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 as well as Medicare subsidy receipts. 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 Other Plans Medicare (In thousands) 2016 $ 16,173 $ 2,097 $ 87 2017 17,795 2,044 80 2018 17,886 1,970 72 2019 18,816 1,890 65 2020 17,170 1,827 57 2021-2025 94,434 8,569 188 Total $ 182,274 $ 18,397 $ 549 We anticipate contributing $5.2 million and $2.0 million to our pension and other postretirement plans, respectively, during 2016. The pre-tax amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost at December 31, 2015, the changes in these amounts during the year ended December 31, 2015, and the expected amortization of these amounts as components of net periodic benefit cost for the year ended December 31, 2016 are as follows. Pension Other (In thousands) Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss: Net actuarial loss $ 51,720 $ 2,515 Net prior service credit (81) (40) $ 51,639 $ 2,475 Pension Other (In thousands) Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss: Net actuarial loss, beginning of year $ 61,333 $ 4,679 Amortization cost (5,082) (328) Curtailment gain recognized 128 — Settlement loss recognized (128) — Actuarial gain (12,236) (1,720) Asset loss 9,949 — Currency impact (2,244) (116) Net actuarial loss, end of year $ 51,720 $ 2,515 Prior service credit, beginning of year $ (94) $ (143) Amortization credit 44 87 Currency impact (31) 16 Prior service credit, end of year $ (81) $ (40) Pension Other (In thousands) Expected 2016 amortization: Amortization of prior service credit $ (43) $ (40) Amortization of net loss 2,709 220 $ 2,666 $ 180

Comprehensive Income and Accumu

Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Note 16: Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) The following table summarizes total comprehensive income: Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Net income $ 66,180 $ 74,449 $ 103,313 Foreign currency translation loss, net of $1.3 million, $1.8 million, and $2.2 million tax, respectively (20,842) (10,387) (20,720) Adjustments to pension and postretirement liability, net of $3.1 million, $3.6 million, and $14.0 million tax, respectively 7,864 (6,463) 22,104 Total comprehensive income 53,202 57,599 104,697 Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (46) — — Comprehensive income attributable to Belden stockholders $ 53,248 $ 57,599 $ 104,697 The accumulated balances related to each component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, are as follows: Foreign Currency Pension and Other Accumulated (In thousands) Balance at December 31, 2013 $ 7,796 $ (36,977 ) $ (29,181 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (10,387 ) (9,120 ) (19,507 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) — 2,657 2,657 Net current period other comprehensive loss (10,387 ) (6,463 ) (16,850 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 (2,591 ) (43,440 ) (46,031 ) Other comprehensive loss attributable to Belden stockholders before reclassifications (20,820 ) 4,434 (16,386 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) — 3,430 3,430 Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable to Belden stockholders (20,820 ) 7,864 (12,956 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ (23,411 ) $ (35,576 ) $ (58,987 ) The following table summarizes the effects of reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): Amount Reclassified from Affected Line Item in the (In thousands) Amortization of pension and other postretirement benefit plan items: Actuarial losses $ 5,410 (1) Prior service credit (131) (1) Total before tax 5,279 Tax benefit (1,849) Total net of tax $ 3,430 (1) The amortization of these accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit costs (see Note 15).

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation	Note 17: 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, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Total share-based compensation cost $ 17,745 $ 18,858 $ 14,854 Income tax benefit 6,867 7,334 5,777 We currently have outstanding stock appreciation rights (SARs), stock options, restricted stock units with service vesting conditions, restricted stock units with performance vesting conditions, and restricted stock units with market conditions. We grant SARs and stock options with an exercise price equal to the closing market price of our common stock on the grant date. Generally, SARs and stock options 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 as follows: 1) 50% on the second anniversary of their grant date and 50% on the third anniversary, or 2) 100% on the 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 and stock options 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 option 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, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands, except weighted average fair value and assumptions) Weighted-average fair value of SARs and options granted $ 31.22 $ 35.46 $ 24.63 Total intrinsic value of SARs converted and options exercised 14,697 24,023 47,058 Cash received for options exercised 30 48 14,030 Tax benefit related to share-based compensation 5,050 6,859 10,734 Weighted-average fair value of restricted stock shares and units granted 96.52 72.46 50.38 Total fair value of restricted stock shares and units vested 7,696 7,888 9,032 Expected volatility 35.66 % 52.63 % 53.94 % Expected term (in years) 5.7 5.8 6.1 Risk-free rate 1.59 % 1.79 % 1.04 % Dividend yield 0.22 % 0.28 % 0.40 % SARs and Stock Options Restricted Shares and Units Number Weighted- Price Weighted- Aggregate Number Weighted- Grant-Date (In thousands, except exercise prices, fair values, and contractual terms) Outstanding at January 1, 2015 1,305 $ 44.60 493 $ 54.76 Granted 236 88.79 183 96.52 Exercised or converted (320 ) 40.03 (178 ) 43.11 Forfeited or expired (32 ) 73.60 (34 ) 70.99 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 1,189 $ 53.80 7.0 $ (7,280 ) 464 $ 74.50 Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2015 1,169 $ 53.51 7.0 $ (6,811 ) Exercisable or convertible at December 31, 2015 730 41.06 6.0 4,831 At December 31, 2015, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to all nonvested awards was $22.6 million. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 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, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholder Rights Plan	Note 18: Stockholder Rights Plan Under our Stockholder Rights Plan, each share of our common stock generally has “attached” to it one preferred share purchase right. Each right, when exercisable, entitles the holder to purchase 1/1000th of a share of our Junior Participating Preferred Stock Series A at a purchase price of $150.00 (subject to adjustment). Each 1/1000th of a share of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock will be substantially equivalent to one share of our common stock and will be entitled to one vote, voting together with the shares of common stock. The rights will become exercisable only if, without the prior approval of the Board of Directors, a person or group of persons acquires or announces the intention to acquire 20% or more of our common stock. If we are acquired through a merger or other business combination transaction, each right will entitle the holder to purchase $300.00 worth of the surviving company’s common stock for $150.00 (subject to adjustment). In addition, if a person or group of persons acquires 20% or more of our common stock, each right not owned by the 20% or greater shareholder would permit the holder to purchase $300.00 worth of our common stock for $150.00 (subject to adjustment). The rights are redeemable, at our option, at $0.01 per right at any time prior to an announcement of a beneficial owner of 20% or more of our common stock then outstanding. The rights expire on December 9, 2016.

Share Repurchases

Share Repurchases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Share Repurchases	Note 19: Share Repurchases In July 2011, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program, which allowed us to purchase up to $150.0 million of our common stock through open market repurchases, negotiated transactions, or other means, in accordance with applicable securities laws and other restrictions. In November 2012, our Board of Directors authorized an extension of the share repurchase program, which allowed us to purchase up to an additional $200.0 million of our common stock. This program was funded by cash on hand and cash flows from operating activities. The program did not have an expiration date and could have been suspended at any time at the discretion of the Company. From inception of the program to December 31, 2015, we repurchased 7.4 million shares of our common stock under the program for an aggregate cost of $350.0 million and an average price of $47.43. In 2015, we repurchased 0.7 million shares of our common stock under the share repurchase program for an aggregate cost of $39.1 million and an average price per share of $55.95. The repurchase activities in 2015 utilized all remaining authorized amounts under the share repurchase program. In 2014, we repurchased 1.3 million shares of our common stock under the program for an aggregate cost of $92.2 million and an average price of $73.06 per share. In 2013, we repurchased 1.7 million shares of our common stock under the program for an aggregate cost of $93.8 million and an average price of $54.76 per share.

Operating Leases

Operating Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Operating Leases	Note 20: Operating Leases Operating lease expense incurred primarily for manufacturing and office space, machinery, and equipment was $40.6 million, $32.8 million, and $26.5 million in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. Minimum annual lease payments for noncancelable operating leases in effect at December 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands): 2016 $ 24,331 2017 17,270 2018 13,580 2019 10,845 2020 8,490 Thereafter 18,958 $ 93,474 Certain of our operating leases include step rent provisions and rent escalations. We include these step rent provisions and rent escalations in our minimum lease payments obligations and recognize them as a component of rental expense on a straight-line basis over the minimum lease term.

Market Concentrations and Risks

Market Concentrations and Risks	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Market Concentrations and Risks	Note 21: 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 five are distributors, constitute in aggregate approximately 33%, 33%, and 36% of revenues in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. Unconditional Commodity Purchase Obligations At December 31, 2015, we were committed to purchase approximately 2.4 million pounds of copper at an aggregate fixed cost of $5.6 million. At December 31, 2015, this fixed cost was $0.4 million more than the market cost that would be incurred on a spot purchase of the same amount of copper. The aggregate market cost was based on the current market price of copper obtained from the New York Mercantile Exchange. In addition, at December 31, 2015, we were committed to purchase 0.5 million pounds of aluminum at an aggregate fixed cost of $0.4 million. At December 31, 2015, this fixed cost approximated the market cost that would be incurred on a spot purchase of the same amount of aluminum. These commitments will mature in 2016 and early 2017. Labor Approximately 22% of our labor force is covered by collective bargaining agreements at various locations around the world. Approximately 19% of our labor force is covered by collective bargaining agreements that we expect to renegotiate during 2016. 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, 2015 are considered representative of their respective fair values. The carrying amount of our debt instruments at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $1,753.0 million and $1,767.9 million, respectively. The fair value of our senior subordinated notes at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was approximately $1,416.6 million and $1,529.4 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 $1,459.1 million and $1,521.5 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. We believe the fair value of our Term Loan and the balance outstanding under our Revolver approximate book value.

Contingent Liabilities

Contingent Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingent Liabilities	Note 22: 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, 2015, we were party to unused standby letters of credit, bank guarantees, and surety bonds totaling $8.2 million, $3.0 million, and $2.4 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, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Note 23: Supplemental Cash Flow Information Supplemental cash flow information is as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Income tax refunds received $ 4,068 $ 12,681 $ 11,165 Income taxes paid (24,960 ) (25,308 ) (79,778 ) Interest paid, net of amount capitalized (91,496 ) (70,915 ) (60,340 )

Quarterly Operating Results (Un

Quarterly Operating Results (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Operating Results (Unaudited)	Note 24: Quarterly Operating Results (Unaudited) 2015 1 st 2 nd 3 rd 4 th Year (In thousands, except days and per share amounts) Number of days in quarter 88 91 91 95 365 Revenues $ 546,957 $ 585,755 $ 579,266 $ 597,244 $ 2,309,222 Gross profit 207,649 234,276 226,131 250,117 918,173 Operating income 4,898 44,143 34,502 57,010 140,553 Income (loss) from continuing operations (19,636 ) 21,677 14,811 49,656 66,508 Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax — — (242 ) — (242 ) Loss from disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax — (86 ) — — (86 ) Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest — — — (24 ) (24 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Belden stockholders (19,636 ) 21,591 14,569 49,680 66,204 Basic income (loss) per share attributable to Belden stockholders: Continuing operations $ (0.46 ) $ 0.51 $ 0.35 $ 1.18 $ 1.57 Discontinued operations — — (0.01 ) — (0.01 ) Disposal of discontinued operations — — — — — Net income $ (0.46 ) $ 0.51 $ 0.34 $ 1.18 $ 1.56 Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to Belden stockholders: Continuing operations $ (0.46 ) $ 0.50 $ 0.35 $ 1.17 $ 1.55 Discontinued operations — — (0.01 ) — (0.01 ) Disposal of discontinued operations — — — — — Net income $ (0.46 ) $ 0.50 $ 0.34 $ 1.17 $ 1.54 2014 1 st 2 nd 3 rd 4 th Year (In thousands, except days and per share amounts) Number of days in quarter 89 91 91 94 365 Revenues $ 487,690 $ 600,891 $ 610,774 $ 608,910 $ 2,308,265 Gross profit 175,717 204,385 221,732 217,615 819,449 Operating income 49,511 12,326 58,011 43,271 163,119 Income from continuing operations 25,156 15 33,847 15,414 74,432 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax — — — 579 579 Loss from disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax (562 ) — — — (562 ) Net income attributable to Belden stockholders 24,594 15 33,847 15,993 74,449 Basic income (loss) per share attributable to Belden stockholders: Continuing operations $ 0.58 $ — $ 0.78 $ 0.36 $ 1.72 Discontinued operations — — — 0.01 0.01 Disposal of discontinued operations (0.01 ) — — — (0.01 ) Net income $ 0.57 $ — $ 0.78 $ 0.37 $ 1.72 Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to Belden stockholders: Continuing operations $ 0.57 $ — $ 0.77 $ 0.35 $ 1.69 Discontinued operations — — — 0.01 0.01 Disposal of discontinued operations (0.01 ) — — — (0.01 ) Net income $ 0.56 $ — $ 0.77 $ 0.36 $ 1.69 Included in the first, second, third, and fourth quarters of 2015 are severance, restructuring, and integration costs of $14.6 million, $4.9 million, $14.1 million, and $13.6 million, respectively. In addition, the first quarter of 2015 includes $9.2 million of compensation expense related to the accelerated vesting of acquiree stock based compensation awards related to our acquisition of Tripwire. Included in the first, second, third, and fourth quarters of 2014 are severance, restructuring, and integration costs of $1.4 million, $38.2 million, $9.2 million, and $22.0 million, respectively. The second quarter of 2014 also includes $7.4 million of purchase accounting effects related to acquisitions, primarily the adjustment of acquired inventory to fair value.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Note 25: Subsequent Events On January 7, 2016, we acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of M2FX Limited (M2FX), a leading manufacturer of fiber optic cable and fiber protection solutions. M2FX’s fiber based solutions will enhance the product portfolio of our broadband connectivity business. The initial cash paid for M2FX was approximately $16 million. The purchase price remains preliminary in nature and subject to additional consideration of up to $9 million. We are in the preliminary phase of the purchase accounting process, including obtaining third party valuations of certain tangible and intangible assets acquired. As such, the purchase accounting process is incomplete and we cannot provide the required disclosures of the estimated fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired for this business combination. We do not expect the M2FX acquisition to be material to our financial position or results of operations.

Schedule II - Valuation and Qua

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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: 2015 $ 11,503 $ 2,561 $ 40 $ (803 ) $ (4,353 ) $ (667 ) $ 8,281 2014 3,390 1,184 9,845 (1,867 ) (889 ) (160 ) 11,503 2013 4,163 733 448 (1,391 ) (520 ) (43 ) 3,390 Inventories— Excess and Obsolete Allowances: 2015 $ 31,823 $ 3,001 $ 2,755 $ (12,744 ) $ (1,407 ) $ (897 ) $ 22,531 2014 21,317 7,994 14,167 (10,908 ) (1,413 ) 666 31,823 2013 23,954 5,632 — (7,211 ) (1,009 ) (49 ) 21,317 Deferred Income Tax Asset— Valuation Allowance: 2015 $ 157,317 $ 2,840 $ (14,425 ) $ (1,823 ) $ (13,988 ) $ (12,850 ) $ 117,071 2014 10,165 4,252 143,513 — (415 ) (198 ) 157,317 2013 7,498 496 3,064 — (899 ) 6 10,165 All other financial statement schedules not included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are omitted because they are not applicable.

Basis of Presentation (Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Business Description	Business Description Belden Inc. (the Company, us, we, or our) is an innovative signal transmission solutions company built around five global business platforms – Broadcast Solutions, Enterprise Connectivity Solutions, Industrial Connectivity Solutions, Industrial IT Solutions, and Network Security Solutions. Our comprehensive portfolio of signal transmission solutions provides industry leading secure and reliable transmission of data, sound, and video for mission critical applications. We sell our products to distributors, end-users, installers, and directly to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
Consolidation	Consolidation The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include Belden Inc. and all of its subsidiaries, including variable interest entities for which we are the primary beneficiary. We eliminate all significant affiliate accounts and transactions in consolidation.
Foreign Currency	Foreign Currency For international operations with functional currencies other than the United States (U.S.) dollar, we translate assets and liabilities at current exchange rates; we translate income and expenses using average exchange rates. We report the resulting translation adjustments, as well as gains and losses from certain affiliate transactions, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a separate component of stockholders’ equity. We include exchange gains and losses on transactions in operating income. We determine the functional currency of our foreign subsidiaries based upon the currency of the primary economic environment in which each subsidiary operates. Typically, that is determined by the currency in which the subsidiary primarily generates and expends cash. We have concluded that the local currency is the functional currency for all of our material subsidiaries.
Reporting Periods	Reporting Periods Our fiscal year and fiscal fourth quarter both end on December 31. Our fiscal first quarter ends on the Sunday falling closest to 91 days after December 31. Our fiscal second and third quarters each have 91 days.
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of the Financial Statements	Use of Estimates in the Preparation of the Financial Statements The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and operating results and the disclosure of contingencies. Actual results could differ from those estimates. We make significant estimates with respect to the collectability and valuation of receivables, the valuation of inventory, the realization of deferred tax assets, the valuation of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, the valuation of contingent liabilities, the calculation of share-based compensation, the calculation of pension and other postretirement benefits expense, and the valuation of acquired businesses.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications We have made certain reclassifications to the 2014 and 2013 Consolidated Financial Statements with no impact to reported net income in order to conform to the 2015 presentation.
Fair Value Measurement	Fair Value Measurement Accounting guidance for fair value measurements specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based upon whether the inputs to those valuation techniques reflect assumptions other market participants would use based upon market data obtained from independent sources or reflect our own assumptions of market participant valuation. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of the inputs as follows: • Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets that are unadjusted and accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities; • Level 2 – Quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, or financial instruments for which significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly; and • Level 3 – Prices or valuations that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, we utilized Level 1 inputs to determine the fair value of cash equivalents. During 2015, 2014, and 2013, we utilized Level 3 inputs to determine the fair value of net assets acquired in business combinations (see Note 3) and for our annual impairment testing (see Note 10). We did not have any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements during 2015.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents We classify cash on hand and deposits in banks, including commercial paper, money market accounts, and other investments with an original maturity of three months or less, that we hold from time to time, as cash and cash equivalents. We periodically have cash equivalents consisting of short-term money market funds and other investments. The primary objective of our investment activities is to preserve our capital for the purpose of funding operations. We do not enter into investments for trading or speculative purposes. As of December 31, 2015, we did not have any such cash equivalents on hand. The fair value of these cash equivalents as of December 31, 2014 was $1.2 million, which was based on quoted market prices in active markets (i.e., Level 1 valuation).
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable We classify amounts owed to us and due within twelve months, arising from the sale of goods or services in the normal course of business, as current receivables. We classify receivables due after twelve months as other long-lived assets. At the time of sale, we establish an estimated reserve for trade, promotion, and other special price reductions such as contract pricing, discounts to meet competitor pricing, and on-time payment discounts. We also adjust receivable balances for, among other things, correction of billing errors, incorrect shipments, and settlement of customer disputes. Customers are allowed to return inventory if and when certain conditions regarding the physical state of the inventory and our approval of the return are met. Certain distribution customers are allowed to return inventory at original cost, in an amount not to exceed three percent of the prior year’s purchases, in exchange for an order of equal or greater value. Until we can process these reductions, corrections, and returns (together, the Changes) through individual customer records, we estimate the amount of outstanding Changes and recognize them by reducing revenues and accounts receivable. We also adjust inventory and cost of sales for the estimated level of returns. We base these estimates on historical and anticipated sales demand, trends in product pricing, and historical and anticipated Changes patterns. We make revisions to these estimates in the period in which the facts that give rise to each revision become known. Future market conditions might require us to take actions to further reduce prices and increase customer return authorizations. Unprocessed Changes recognized against our gross accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2015 and 2014 totaled $19.1 million and $17.6 million, respectively. We evaluate the collectability of accounts receivable based on the specific identification method. A considerable amount of judgment is required in assessing the realizability of accounts receivable, including the current creditworthiness of each customer and related aging of the past due balances. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition. Through these evaluations, we may become aware of a situation where a customer may not be able to meet its financial obligations due to deterioration of its financial viability, credit ratings, or bankruptcy. We record a specific reserve for bad debts against amounts due to reduce the receivable to its estimated collectible balance. We recognized bad debt expense, net of recoveries, of ($1.8 million), $0.3 million, and $0.2 million in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. In 2015, we recovered approximately $2.7 million of accounts receivable from one significant customer. The allowance for doubtful accounts at December 31, 2015 and 2014 totaled $8.3 million and $11.5 million, respectively.
Inventories and Related Reserves	Inventories and Related Reserves Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. We determine the cost of all raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods inventories by the first in, first out method. Cost components of inventories include direct labor, applicable production overhead, and amounts paid to suppliers of materials and products as well as freight costs and, when applicable, duty costs to import the materials and products. We evaluate the realizability of our inventory on a product-by-product basis in light of historical and anticipated sales demand, technological changes, product life cycle, component cost trends, product pricing, and inventory condition. In circumstances where inventory levels are in excess of anticipated market demand, where inventory is deemed technologically obsolete or not saleable due to condition, or where inventory cost exceeds net realizable value, we record a charge to cost of sales and reduce the inventory to its net realizable value. The allowances for excess and obsolete inventories at December 31, 2015 and 2014 totaled $22.5 million and $31.8 million, respectively. The decrease in the allowance for excess and obsolete inventories was primarily due to physical disposal of inventory for which an allowance had been recorded previously.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment We record property, plant and equipment at cost. We calculate depreciation on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets ranging from 10 to 40 years for buildings, 5 to 12 years for machinery and equipment, and 5 to 10 years for computer equipment and software. Construction in process reflects amounts incurred for the configuration and build-out of property, plant and equipment and for property, plant and equipment not yet placed into service. We charge maintenance and repairs—both planned major activities and less-costly, ongoing activities—to expense as incurred. We capitalize interest costs associated with the construction of capital assets and amortize the costs over the assets’ useful lives. Depreciation expense is included in costs of sales; selling, general and administrative expenses; and research and development expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations based on the specific categorization and use of the underlying assets being depreciated. We review property, plant and equipment to determine whether an event or change in circumstances indicates the carrying values of the assets may not be recoverable. We base our evaluation on the nature of the assets, the future economic benefit of the assets, and any historical or future profitability measurements, as well as other external market conditions or factors that may be present. If such impairment indicators are present or other factors exist that indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable, we determine whether impairment has occurred through the use of an undiscounted cash flow analysis. If impairment has occurred, we recognize a loss for the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the asset. For purposes of impairment testing of long-lived assets, we have identified asset groups at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. Generally, our asset groups are based on an individual plant or operating facility level. In some circumstances, however, a combination of plants or operating facilities may be considered the asset group due to interdependence of operational activities and cash flows.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets Our intangible assets consist of (a) definite-lived assets subject to amortization such as developed technology, customer relationships, certain in-service research and development, certain trademarks, and backlog, and (b) indefinite-lived assets not subject to amortization such as goodwill, certain in-process research and development, and certain trademarks. We record amortization of the definite-lived intangible assets over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which generally range from one year or less for backlog to more than 25 years for certain of our customer relationships. We determine the amortization method for our definite-lived intangible assets based on the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset are consumed. In the event we cannot reliably determine that pattern, we utilize a straight-line amortization method. We test our goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets not subject to amortization for impairment on an annual basis during the fourth quarter or when indicators of impairment exist. We base our estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable, but which are not predictable with precision and therefore are inherently uncertain. Actual future results could differ from these estimates. The accounting guidance related to goodwill impairment testing allows for the performance of an optional qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Such an evaluation is made based on the weight of all available evidence and the significance of all identified events and circumstances that may influence the fair value of a reporting unit. If it is more likely than not that the fair value is less than the carrying value, then a quantitative assessment is required for the reporting unit, as described in the paragraph below. In 2015, we performed a qualitative assessment for six of our reporting units, which collectively represented approximately $636 million of our consolidated goodwill balance. For those reporting units for which we performed a qualitative assessment, we determined that it was more likely than not that the fair value was greater than the carrying value, and therefore, we did not perform the calculation of fair value for these reporting units as described in the paragraph below. For our annual impairment test in 2015, we performed a quantitative assessment for four of our reporting units. Under a quantitative assessment for goodwill impairment, we determine the fair value using the income approach (using Level 3 inputs) as reconciled to our aggregate market capitalization. Under the income approach, we calculate the fair value of a reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets including goodwill assigned to that unit, goodwill is not impaired. If the carrying value of the reporting unit’s net assets including goodwill exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, then we determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, then an impairment of goodwill has occurred and we recognize an impairment loss for the difference between the carrying amount and the implied fair value of goodwill as a component of operating income. In addition to the income approach, we calculate the fair value of our reporting units under a market approach. The market approach measures the fair value of a reporting unit through analysis of financial multiples (revenues or EBITDA) of comparable businesses. Consideration is given to the financial conditions and operating performance of the reporting unit being valued relative to those publicly-traded companies operating in the same or similar lines of business. The fair values of the four reporting units tested under a quantitative approach were substantially in excess of the carrying values as of the impairment testing date. We did not recognize any goodwill impairment in 2015, 2014, or 2013. See Note 10 for further discussion. We also evaluate indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment annually or at other times if events have occurred or circumstances exist that indicate the carrying values of those assets may no longer be recoverable. We compare the fair value of the asset with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value, we recognize an impairment loss in an amount equal to that excess. We did not recognize impairment charges for our indefinite lived intangible assets in 2015, 2014, or 2013. See Note 10 for further discussion. We review intangible assets subject to amortization whenever an event or change in circumstances indicates the carrying values of the assets may not be recoverable. We test intangible assets subject to amortization for impairment and estimate their fair values using the same assumptions and techniques we employ on property, plant and equipment. We did not recognize any impairment charges for amortizable intangible assets in 2015, 2014, or 2013.
Equity Method Investment	Equity Method Investment We have a 50% ownership interest in Xuzhou Hirschmann Electronics Co. Ltd (the Hirschmann JV), which we acquired in connection with our 2007 acquisition of Hirschmann Automation and Control GmbH. The Hirschmann JV is an entity located in China that supplies load-moment indicators to the mobile crane market. We account for this investment using the equity method of accounting. The carrying value included in other long-lived assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets of our investment in the Hirschmann JV as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 is $29.5 million and $33.4 million, respectively.
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Our pension and other postretirement benefit costs and obligations are dependent on the various actuarial assumptions used in calculating such amounts. These assumptions relate to discount rates, salary growth, long-term return on plan assets, health care cost trend rates, mortality tables, and other factors. We base the discount rate assumptions on current investment yields on high-quality corporate long-term bonds. The salary growth assumptions reflect our long-term actual experience and future or near-term outlook. We determine the long-term return on plan assets based on historical portfolio results and management’s expectation of the future economic environment. Our health care cost trend assumptions are developed based on historical cost data, the near-term outlook, and an assessment of likely long-term trends. Actual results that differ from our assumptions are accumulated and, if in excess of the lesser of 10% of the projected benefit obligation or the fair market value of plan assets, are amortized over the estimated future working life of the plan participants.
Accrued Sales Rebates	Accrued Sales Rebates We grant incentive rebates to participating customers as part of our sales programs. The rebates are determined based on certain targeted sales volumes. Rebates are paid quarterly or annually in either cash or receivables credits. Until we can process these rebates through individual customer records, we estimate the amount of outstanding rebates and recognize them as accrued liabilities and reductions in our gross revenues. We base our estimates on both historical and anticipated sales demand and rebate program participation. We charge revisions to these estimates back to accrued liabilities and revenues in the period in which the facts that give rise to each revision become known. Future market conditions and product transitions might require us to take actions to increase sales rebates offered, possibly resulting in an incremental increase in accrued liabilities and an incremental reduction in revenues at the time the rebate is offered. Accrued sales rebates at December 31, 2015 and 2014 totaled $30.0 million and $31.5 million, respectively.
Contingent Liabilities	Contingent Liabilities We have established liabilities for environmental and legal contingencies that are probable of occurrence and reasonably estimable, the amounts of which are currently not material. A significant amount of judgment and use of estimates is required to quantify our ultimate exposure in these matters. We review the valuation of these liabilities on a quarterly basis, and we adjust the balances to account for changes in circumstances for ongoing and emerging issues. We accrue environmental remediation costs based on estimates of known environmental remediation exposures developed in consultation with our environmental consultants and legal counsel, the amounts of which are not currently material. We expense environmental compliance costs, which include maintenance and operating costs with respect to ongoing monitoring programs, as incurred. We evaluate the range of potential costs to remediate environmental sites. The ultimate cost of site clean-up is difficult to predict given the uncertainties of our involvement in certain sites, uncertainties regarding the extent of the required clean-up, the availability of alternative clean-up methods, variations in the interpretation of applicable laws and regulations, the possibility of insurance recoveries with respect to certain sites, and other factors. We are, from time to time, subject to routine litigation incidental to our business. These lawsuits primarily involve claims for damages arising out of the use of our products, allegations of patent or trademark infringement, and litigation and administrative proceedings involving employment matters and commercial disputes. Assessments regarding the ultimate cost of lawsuits require judgments concerning matters such as the anticipated outcome of negotiations, the number and cost of pending and future claims, and the impact of evidentiary requirements. Based on facts currently available, we believe the disposition of the claims that are pending or asserted will not have a materially adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flow.
Business Combination Accounting	Business Combination Accounting We allocate the purchase price of an acquired business to its identifiable assets and liabilities based on estimated fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the amount allocated to the assets and liabilities, if any, is recorded to goodwill. We use all available information to estimate fair values. We typically engage third party valuation specialists to assist in the fair value determination of inventories, tangible long-lived assets, and intangible assets other than goodwill. The carrying values of acquired receivables and accounts payable have historically approximated their fair values as of the business combination date. As necessary, we may engage third party specialists to assist in the estimation of fair value for certain liabilities, such as deferred revenue or postretirement benefit liabilities. We adjust the preliminary purchase price allocation, as necessary, typically up to one year after the acquisition closing date as we obtain more information regarding asset valuations and liabilities assumed.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition We recognize revenue when all of the following circumstances are satisfied: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (2) price is fixed or determinable, (3) collectability is reasonably assured, and (4) delivery has occurred. Delivery occurs in the period in which the customer takes title and assumes the risks and rewards of ownership of the products specified in the customer’s purchase order or sales agreement. At times, we enter into arrangements that involve the delivery of multiple elements. For these arrangements, when the elements can be separated, the revenue is allocated to each deliverable based on that element’s relative selling price and recognized based on the period of delivery for each element. Generally, we determine relative selling price using our best estimate of selling price, unless we have established vendor specific objective evidence (VSOE) or third party evidence of fair value exists for such arrangements. We record revenue net of estimated rebates, price allowances, invoicing adjustments, and product returns. We record revisions to these estimates in the period in which the facts that give rise to each revision become known. We have certain products subject to the accounting guidance on software revenue recognition. For such products, software license revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery of the product has occurred, the fee is fixed or determinable, collection is probable and VSOE of the fair value of undelivered elements exists. As substantially all of the software licenses are sold in multiple-element arrangements that include either support and maintenance or both support and maintenance and professional services, we use the residual method to determine the amount of software license revenue to be recognized. Under the residual method, consideration is allocated to undelivered elements based upon VSOE of the fair value of those elements, with the residual of the arrangement fee allocated to and recognized as software license revenue. In our Network Security Solutions segment, we have established VSOE of the fair value of support and maintenance, subscription-based software licenses, and professional services. Software license revenue is generally recognized upon delivery of the software if all revenue recognition criteria are met. Revenue allocated to support services under our Network Security Solutions support and maintenance contracts is paid in advance and recognized ratably over the term of the service. Revenue allocated to subscription-based software and remote ongoing operational services is also paid in advance and recognized ratably over the term of the service. Revenue allocated to professional services, including remote implementation services, is recognized as the services are performed.
Cost of Sales	Cost of Sales Cost of sales includes our total cost of inventory sold during the period, including material, labor, production overhead costs, variable manufacturing costs, and fixed manufacturing costs. Production overhead costs include operating supplies, applicable utility expenses, maintenance costs, and scrap. Variable manufacturing costs include inbound, interplant, and outbound freight, inventory shrinkage, and charges for excess and obsolete inventory. Fixed manufacturing costs include the costs associated with our purchasing, receiving, inspection, warehousing, distribution centers, production and inventory control, and manufacturing management. Cost of sales also includes the costs to provide maintenance and support and other professional services.
Shipping and Handling Costs	Shipping and Handling Costs We recognize fees earned on the shipment of product to customers as revenues and recognize costs incurred on the shipment of product to customers as a cost of sales.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses	Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses include expenses not directly related to the production of inventory. They include all expenses related to selling and marketing our products, as well as the salary and benefit costs of associates performing the selling and marketing functions. Selling, general and administrative expenses also include salary and benefit costs, purchased services, and other costs related to our executive and administrative functions.
Research and Development Costs	Research and Development Costs Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising costs were $27.5 million, $21.8 million, and $17.8 million for 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.
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
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Income taxes are provided based on earnings reported for financial statement purposes. The provision for income taxes differs from the amounts currently payable to taxing authorities because of the recognition of revenues and expenses in different periods for income tax purposes than for financial statement purposes. Income taxes are provided as if operations in all countries, including the U.S., were stand-alone businesses filing separate tax returns. We have determined that all undistributed earnings from our international subsidiaries will not be remitted to the U.S. in the foreseeable future and, therefore, no additional provision for U.S. taxes has been made on foreign earnings. We recognize deferred tax assets resulting from tax credit carryforwards, net operating loss carryforwards, and deductible temporary differences between taxable income on our income tax returns and pretax income on our financial statements. Deferred tax assets generally represent future tax benefits to be received when these carryforwards can be applied against future taxable income or when expenses previously reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements become deductible for income tax purposes. A deferred tax asset valuation allowance is required when some portion or all of the deferred tax assets may not be realized. Our effective tax rate is based on expected income, statutory tax rates, and tax planning opportunities available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Significant judgment is required in determining our effective tax rate and in evaluating our tax positions. We establish accruals for uncertain tax positions when we believe that the full amount of the associated tax benefit may not be realized. To the extent we were to prevail in matters for which accruals have been established or would be required to pay amounts in excess of reserves, there could be a material effect on our income tax provisions in the period in which such determination is made.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Current-Year Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes Pending Adoption of Recent Accounting Pronouncements In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, S implifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs , Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements . In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers In August 2014, the FASB issued disclosure guidance that requires us to evaluate, at each annual and interim period, whether substantial doubt exists about our ability to continue as a going concern, and if applicable, to provide related disclosures. The new guidance will be effective for us for the year ending December 31, 2016. This guidance is not currently expected to have a material effect on our financial statement disclosures upon adoption, although the ultimate impact will be dependent on our financial condition and expected operating outlook at such time.

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Tripwire [Member]
Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed as of January 2, 2015 (in thousands). Cash $ 2,364 Receivables 37,792 Inventories 603 Other current assets 2,453 Property, plant and equipment 10,021 Goodwill 462,215 Intangible assets 306,000 Other non-current assets 659 Total assets $ 822,107 Accounts payable $ 3,142 Accrued liabilities 12,142 Deferred revenue 8,000 Deferred income taxes 95,074 Other non-current liabilities 540 Total liabilities $ 118,898 Net assets $ 703,209
Intangible Assets Related to Acquisition	The intangible assets related to the acquisition consisted of the following: Estimated Fair Amortization (In thousands) (In years) Intangible assets subject to amortization: Developed technology $ 210,000 5.8 Customer relationships 56,000 15.0 Backlog 3,000 1.0 Total intangible assets subject to amortization 269,000 Intangible assets not subject to amortization: Goodwill 462,215 Trademarks 31,000 In-process research and development 6,000 Total intangible assets not subject to amortization 499,215 Total intangible assets $ 768,215 Weighted average amortization period 7.7
Pro Forma Effect on Operating Results	The following table illustrates the unaudited pro forma effect on operating results as if the Tripwire acquisition had been completed as of January 1, 2014. Years Ended December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited) Revenues $ 2,354,191 $ 2,405,198 Income from continuing operations 92,104 23,302 Diluted income per share from continuing operations attributable to Belden stockholders $ 2.14 $ 0.53
Prosoft Technology, Inc. [Member]
Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed as of June 11, 2014 (in thousands). Cash $ 2,517 Receivables 5,894 Inventories 2,731 Other current assets 332 Property, plant and equipment 767 Goodwill 56,923 Intangible assets 40,800 Other non-current assets 622 Total assets $ 110,586 Accounts payable $ 2,544 Accrued liabilities 2,807 Other non-current liabilities 1,132 Total liabilities $ 6,483 Net assets $ 104,103
Intangible Assets Related to Acquisition	The intangible assets related to the acquisition consisted of the following: Fair Value Amortization (In thousands) (In years) Intangible assets subject to amortization: Customer relationships $ 26,600 20.0 Developed technologies 9,000 5.0 Trademarks 5,000 5.0 Backlog 200 0.3 Total intangible assets subject to amortization 40,800 Intangible assets not subject to amortization: Goodwill 56,923 Total intangible assets not subject to amortization 56,923 Total intangible assets $ 97,723 Weighted average amortization period 14.8
Grass Valley [Member]
Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed as of March 31, 2014 (in thousands): Cash $ 9,451 Receivables 67,354 Inventories 18,593 Other current assets 4,172 Property, plant and equipment 22,460 Goodwill 131,070 Intangible assets 95,500 Other non-current assets 17,101 Total assets $ 365,701 Accounts payable $ 51,276 Accrued liabilities 62,672 Deferred revenue 14,000 Postretirement benefits 16,538 Deferred income taxes 1,827 Other non-current liabilities 1,199 Total liabilities $ 147,512 Net assets $ 218,189
Intangible Assets Related to Acquisition	The intangible assets related to the acquisition consisted of the following: Fair Value Amortization (In thousands) (In years) Intangible assets subject to amortization: Developed technologies $ 37,000 5.0 Customer relationships 27,000 15.0 Backlog 1,500 0.3 Total intangible assets subject to amortization 65,500 Intangible assets not subject to amortization: Goodwill 131,070 Trademarks 22,000 In-process research and development 8,000 Total intangible assets not subject to amortization 161,070 Total intangible assets $ 226,570 Weighted average amortization period 9.0
Grass Valley and Prosoft [Member]
Pro Forma Effect on Operating Results	The following table illustrates the unaudited pro forma effect on operating results as if the Grass Valley and ProSoft acquisitions had been completed as of January 1, 2013. Years ended December 31, 2014 2013 (In thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited) Revenues $ 2,401,200 $ 2,420,099 Income from continuing operations 67,956 66,874 Diluted income per share from continuing operations attributable to Belden stockholders $ 1.54 $ 1.49

Operating Segments and Geogra38

Operating Segments and Geographic Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Operating Segment Information	Operating Segment Information Broadcast Solutions Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Segment revenues $ 900,637 $ 928,586 $ 679,197 Affiliate revenues 1,371 1,381 933 Segment EBITDA 142,428 140,367 109,541 Depreciation expense 17,103 16,553 18,422 Amortization of intangibles 50,989 50,739 46,005 Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs 39,078 48,557 12,128 Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions 132 8,574 6,550 Deferred gross profit adjustments 2,446 10,777 11,337 Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 27,900 17,912 10,526 Segment assets 394,197 430,991 294,454 Enterprise Connectivity Solutions Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Segment revenues $ 445,243 $ 455,795 $ 493,129 Affiliate revenues 5,322 8,467 9,823 Segment EBITDA 71,508 66,035 62,165 Depreciation expense 11,783 13,744 12,469 Amortization of intangibles 543 650 543 Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs 723 3,318 400 Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions 52 608 — Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 9,788 12,574 11,749 Segment assets 190,298 206,377 223,073 Industrial Connectivity Solutions Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Segment revenues $ 603,350 $ 682,374 $ 680,643 Affiliate revenues 1,613 2,927 1,901 Segment EBITDA 99,941 106,097 104,655 Depreciation expense 11,235 11,145 10,308 Amortization of intangibles 3,154 1,236 1,085 Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs 6,228 11,953 700 Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions 334 1,328 — Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 8,836 10,053 14,496 Segment assets 231,265 255,997 259,400 Industrial IT Solutions Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Segment revenues $ 244,303 $ 253,464 $ 231,521 Affiliate revenues 70 54 208 Segment EBITDA 43,253 47,927 45,719 Depreciation expense 2,293 2,294 2,449 Amortization of intangibles 5,859 5,801 3,170 Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs 169 6,999 1,660 Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions 32 2,030 — Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 2,039 1,903 2,020 Segment assets 55,285 67,417 56,658 Network Security Solutions Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Segment revenues $ 167,050 $ — $ — Affiliate revenues 8 — — Segment EBITDA 44,620 — — Depreciation expense 4,137 — — Amortization of intangibles 43,246 — — Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs 972 — — Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions 9,197 — — Deferred gross profit adjustments 50,430 — — Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 5,009 — — Segment assets 63,235 — — Total Segments Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Segment revenues $ 2,360,583 $ 2,320,219 $ 2,084,490 Affiliate revenues 8,384 12,829 12,865 Segment EBITDA 401,750 360,426 322,080 Depreciation expense 46,551 43,736 43,648 Amortization of intangibles 103,791 58,426 50,803 Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs 47,170 70,827 14,888 Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions 9,747 12,540 6,550 Deferred gross profit adjustments 52,876 10,777 11,337 Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 53,572 42,442 38,791 Segment assets 934,280 960,782 833,585
Reconciliation of Total Reportable Segments' Revenues and EBITDA to Consolidated Revenues and Consolidated Income from Continuing Operations Before Taxes	The following table is a reconciliation of the total of the reportable segments’ Revenues and EBITDA to consolidated revenues and consolidated income from continuing operations before taxes, respectively. Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Total Segment Revenues $ 2,360,583 $ 2,320,219 $ 2,084,490 Deferred revenue adjustments (1) (51,361 ) (11,954 ) (15,297 ) Consolidated Revenues $ 2,309,222 $ 2,308,265 $ 2,069,193 Total Segment EBITDA $ 401,750 $ 360,426 $ 322,080 Amortization of intangibles (103,791 ) (58,426 ) (50,803 ) Deferred gross profit adjustments (1) (52,876 ) (10,777 ) (11,337 ) Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs (2) (47,170 ) (70,827 ) (14,888 ) Depreciation expense (46,551 ) (43,736 ) (43,648 ) Purchase accounting effects related to acquisitions (3) (9,747 ) (12,540 ) (6,550 ) Income from equity method investment 1,770 3,955 8,922 Gain on sale of assets — — 1,278 Eliminations (2,832 ) (4,956 ) (3,792 ) Consolidated operating income 140,553 163,119 201,262 Interest expense, net (100,613 ) (81,573 ) (72,601 ) Loss on debt extinguishment — — (1,612 ) Consolidated income from continuing operations before taxes $ 39,940 $ 81,546 $ 127,049 (1) For the year ended December 31, 2015, both our consolidated revenues and gross profit were negatively impacted by the reduction of the acquired deferred revenue balance to fair value associated with our acquisition of Tripwire. See Note 3, Acquisitions. (2) See Note 12, Severance, Restructuring, and Acquisition Integration Activities, . (3) For the year ended December 31, 2015, we recognized $9.2 million of compensation expense related to the accelerated vesting of acquiree stock based compensation awards associated with our acquisition of Tripwire. In addition, we recognized $ 0.3 million of cost of sales related to the adjustment of acquired inventory to fair value related to our acquisition of Coast. For the year ended December 31, 2014, we recognized $8.3 million of cost of sales related to the adjustment of acquired inventory to fair value for our acquisitions of Grass Valley and ProSoft.
Reconciliations of Other Segment Measures to Consolidated Totals	Below are reconciliations of other segment measures to the consolidated totals. Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Total segment assets $ 934,280 $ 960,782 $ 833,585 Cash and cash equivalents 216,751 741,162 613,304 Goodwill 1,385,115 943,374 773,048 Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization 655,871 461,292 376,976 Deferred income taxes 34,295 60,652 54,801 Income tax receivable 3,787 4,953 12,169 Corporate assets 85,742 88,455 87,870 Total assets $ 3,315,841 $ 3,260,670 $ 2,751,753 Total segment acquisition of property, plant and equipment $ 53,572 $ 42,442 $ 38,791 Corporate acquisition of property, plant and equipment 1,397 3,017 1,418 Total acquisition of property, plant and equipment $ 54,969 $ 45,459 $ 40,209
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, 2015, 2014 and 2013 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, 2015 Revenues $ 1,270,467 $ 170,522 $ 114,863 $ 103,106 $ 650,264 $ 2,309,222 Percent of total revenues 55% 7% 5% 4% 29% 100% Long-lived assets $ 207,265 $ 27,315 $ 62,794 $ 35,588 $ 64,434 $ 397,396 Year ended December 31, 2014 Revenues $ 1,134,721 $ 194,149 $ 132,330 $ 120,297 $ 726,768 $ 2,308,265 Percent of total revenues 49% 8% 6% 5% 32% 100% Long-lived assets $ 191,728 $ 29,773 $ 70,574 $ 40,557 $ 70,727 $ 403,359 Year ended December 31, 2013 Revenues $ 1,032,190 $ 195,387 $ 126,461 $ 108,745 $ 606,410 $ 2,069,193 Percent of total revenues 50% 9% 6% 5% 30% 100% Long-lived assets $ 170,813 $ 27,458 $ 76,949 $ 45,702 $ 59,275 $ 380,197

Income Per Share (Tables)

Income Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Numerator for basic and diluted income per share: Income from continuing operations $ 66,508 $ 74,432 $ 104,734 Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (24 ) — — Income from continuing operations attributable to Belden stockholders 66,532 74,432 104,734 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, attributable to Belden stockholders (242 ) 579 (1,421 ) Loss from disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax, attributable to Belden stockholders (86 ) (562 ) — Net income attributable to Belden stockholders $ 66,204 $ 74,449 $ 103,313 Denominator: Weighted average shares outstanding, basic 42,390 43,273 43,871 Effect of dilutive common stock equivalents 563 724 866 Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted 42,953 43,997 44,737

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Major Classes of Inventories	The major classes of inventories were as follows: December 31, 2015 2014 (In thousands) Raw materials $ 92,929 $ 106,955 Work-in-process 27,730 31,611 Finished goods 97,814 121,655 Gross inventories 218,473 260,221 Excess and obsolete reserves (22,531 ) (31,823 ) Net inventories $ 195,942 $ 228,398

Property, Plant and Equipment (

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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, 2015 2014 (In thousands) Land and land improvements $ 29,235 $ 31,879 Buildings and leasehold improvements 135,154 131,534 Machinery and equipment 483,773 472,543 Computer equipment and software 112,888 96,546 Construction in process 28,274 33,726 Gross property, plant and equipment 789,324 766,228 Accumulated depreciation (478,695 ) (449,843 ) Net property, plant and equipment $ 310,629 $ 316,385

Intangible Assets (Tables)

Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Carrying Value of Intangible Assets	The carrying values of intangible assets were as follows: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Gross Accumulated Net Gross Accumulated Net (In thousands) (In thousands) Goodwill $ 1,385,115 $ — $ 1,385,115 $ 943,374 $ — $ 943,374 Definite-lived intangible assets subject to amortization: Customer relationships $ 309,573 $ (61,641 ) $ 247,932 $ 261,914 $ (46,457 ) $ 215,457 Developed technology 416,817 (170,576 ) 246,241 213,017 (102,996 ) 110,021 Trademarks 19,417 (7,255 ) 12,162 19,438 (3,687 ) 15,751 Backlog 12,559 (12,559 ) — 10,406 (9,627 ) 779 In-service research and development 14,238 (4,723 ) 9,515 10,340 (2,777 ) 7,563 Total intangible assets subject to amortization 772,604 (256,754 ) 515,850 515,115 (165,544 ) 349,571 Indefinite-lived intangible assets not subject to amortization: Trademarks 129,671 — 129,671 103,040 — 103,040 In-process research and development 10,350 — 10,350 8,681 — 8,681 Total intangible assets not subject to amortization 140,021 — 140,021 111,721 — 111,721 Intangible assets $ 912,625 $ (256,754 ) $ 655,871 $ 626,836 $ (165,544 ) $ 461,292
Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill assigned to reporting units in our reportable segments are as follows: Broadcast Enterprise Industrial Industrial Network Consolidated (In thousands) Balance at December 31, 2013 $ 466,375 $ 50,136 $ 187,975 $ 68,562 $ — $ 773,048 Acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments 119,918 — 16,442 56,194 — 192,554 Translation impact (12,789 ) — (4,364 ) (5,075 ) — (22,228 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 $ 573,504 $ 50,136 $ 200,053 $ 119,681 $ — $ 943,374 Acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments 11,481 — 1,614 730 462,215 476,040 Translation impact (25,455 ) — (4,948 ) (3,896 ) — (34,299 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 559,530 $ 50,136 $ 196,719 $ 116,515 $ 462,215 $ 1,385,115
Changes in Carrying Amount of Trademarks	The changes in the carrying amount of indefinite-lived trademarks are as follows: Broadcast Enterprise Industrial Industrial Network Consolidated (In thousands) Balance at December 31, 2013 $ 70,127 $ — $ 12,193 $ 9,690 $ — $ 92,010 Reclassify to definite-lived (2,700 ) — — (3,900 ) — (6,600 ) Acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments 22,000 — — — — 22,000 Translation impact (2,244 ) — (1,449 ) (677 ) — (4,370 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 $ 87,183 $ — $ 10,744 $ 5,113 $ — $ 103,040 Acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments — — — — 31,000 31,000 Translation impact (2,198 ) — (1,654 ) (517 ) — (4,369 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 84,985 $ — $ 9,090 $ 4,596 $ 31,000 $ 129,671

Accounts Payable and Accrued 43

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Carrying Value of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	The carrying values of accounts payable and accrued liabilities were as follows: December 31, 2015 2014 (In thousands) Accounts payable $ 223,514 $ 272,439 Current deferred revenue 101,460 45,139 Wages, severance and related taxes 86,389 70,256 Accrued rebates 29,997 31,506 Employee benefits 27,482 25,158 Accrued interest 25,188 26,741 Other (individual items less than 5% of total current liabilities) 52,733 49,272 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 546,763 $ 520,511

Severance, Restructuring, and44

Severance, Restructuring, and Acquisition Integration Activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Severance, Restructuring and Integration Costs by Segment	The following tables summarize the costs by segment of the various programs described above: Year Ended December 31, 2015 Severance Other Total Costs (In thousands) Broadcast Solutions $ 16,694 $ 22,384 $ 39,078 Enterprise Connectivity Solutions (186 ) 909 723 Industrial Connectivity Solutions 3,309 2,919 6,228 Industrial IT Solutions (728 ) 897 169 Network Security Solutions 12 960 972 Total $ 19,101 $ 28,069 $ 47,170 Year Ended December 31, 2014 Broadcast Solutions $ 20,025 $ 28,532 $ 48,557 Enterprise Connectivity Solutions 2,183 1,135 3,318 Industrial Connectivity Solutions 9,732 2,221 11,953 Industrial IT Solutions 5,314 1,685 6,999 Total $ 37,254 $ 33,573 $ 70,827 Year Ended December 31, 2013 Broadcast Solutions $ 4,112 $ 8,016 $ 12,128 Enterprise Connectivity Solutions — 400 400 Industrial Connectivity Solutions — 700 700 Industrial IT Solutions 1,318 342 1,660 Total $ 5,430 $ 9,458 $ 14,888
Summary of Severance Activity	The table below sets forth severance activity that occurred for the four significant programs described above. The balances are included in accrued liabilities. Productivity Grass Grass Valley Industrial (In thousands) Balance at December 31, 2014 $ 7,141 $ 5,579 $ — $ — New charges 887 2,165 — — Cash payments (1,455 ) (2,370 ) — — Foreign currency translation (408 ) (302 ) — — Other adjustments (170 ) — — — Balance at March 29, 2015 $ 5,995 $ 5,072 $ — $ — New charges 22 — — — Cash payments (1,268 ) (1,709 ) — — Foreign currency translation 97 10 — — Other adjustments — (1,590 ) — — Balance at June 28, 2015 $ 4,846 $ 1,783 $ — $ — New charges 99 — 11,978 — Cash payments (987 ) (946 ) (755 ) — Foreign currency translation (29 ) — — — Balance at September 27, 2015 $ 3,929 $ 837 $ 11,223 $ — New charges — — 3,960 2,728 Cash payments (831 ) (397 ) (2,979 ) (282 ) Foreign currency translation (64 ) (27 ) (119 ) 15 Other adjustments (818 ) — — 182 Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 2,216 $ 413 $ 12,085 $ 2,643

Long-Term Debt and Other Borr45

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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, 2015 2014 (In thousands) Revolving credit agreement due 2018 $ 50,000 $ — Variable rate term loan due 2020 243,965 246,375 Senior subordinated notes: 5.25% Senior subordinated notes due 2024 200,000 200,000 5.50% Senior subordinated notes due 2023 553,835 616,326 5.50% Senior subordinated notes due 2022 700,000 700,000 9.25% Senior subordinated notes due 2019 5,221 5,221 Total senior subordinated notes 1,459,056 1,521,547 Total debt and other borrowing arrangements 1,753,021 1,767,922 Less current maturities of Term Loan (2,500 ) (2,500 ) Long-term debt $ 1,750,521 $ 1,765,422
Schedule of Senior Subordinated Notes	the following redemption prices as a percentage of the face amount of the notes: Senior Subordinated Notes due 2019 2022 2023 2024 Year Percentage Year Percentage Year Percentage Year Percentage 2016 101.542 % 2017 102.750 % 2018 102.750 % 2019 102.625 % 2017 and thereafter 100.000 % 2018 101.833 % 2019 101.833 % 2020 101.750 % 2019 100.917 % 2020 100.917 % 2021 100.875 % 2020 and thereafter 100.000 % 2021 and thereafter 100.000 % 2022 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, 2015 are as follows (in thousands): 2016 $ 2,500 2017 2,500 2018 52,500 2019 7,721 2020 233,965 Thereafter 1,453,835 $ 1,753,021

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Income Tax Expense	Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes: United States operations $ (6,924 ) $ 14,042 $ 31,678 Foreign operations 46,864 67,504 95,371 Income from continuing operations before taxes $ 39,940 $ 81,546 $ 127,049 Income tax expense (benefit): Currently payable United States federal $ — $ 6,701 $ (4,493 ) United States state and local 1,789 1,617 (26 ) Foreign 17,317 16,592 21,377 19,106 24,910 16,858 Deferred United States federal (23,709 ) (9,662 ) 3,575 United States state and local (2,257 ) (746 ) 1,593 Foreign (19,708 ) (7,388 ) 289 (45,674 ) (17,796 ) 5,457 Income tax expense (benefit) $ (26,568 ) $ 7,114 $ 22,315
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation from Continuing Operations	Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Effective income tax rate reconciliation from continuing operations: United States federal statutory rate 35.0% 35.0% 35.0% State and local income taxes (2.6% ) 0.8% 1.5% Impact of change in tax contingencies (4.2% ) (7.1% ) 3.8% Foreign income tax rate differences (8.4% ) (17.6% ) (12.1% ) Impact of change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance (28.6% ) 4.7% (0.6% ) Domestic permanent differences & tax credits (57.7% ) (7.1% ) (10.0% ) (66.5% ) 8.7% 17.6%
Components of Deferred Income Tax Balances	December 31, 2015 2014 (In thousands) Components of deferred income tax balances: Deferred income tax liabilities: Plant, equipment, and intangibles $ (203,736 ) $ (90,413 ) Deferred income tax assets: Postretirement, pensions, and stock compensation 32,831 34,656 Reserves and accruals 44,345 44,809 Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards 231,892 217,902 Valuation allowances (117,071 ) (157,317 ) 191,997 140,050 Net deferred income tax asset (liability) $ (11,739 ) $ 49,637
Summary of Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	The following tables summarize our net operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards as of December 31, 2015 by jurisdiction: Net Operating Loss Carryforwards (In thousands) France $ 244,105 United States - various states 202,985 Germany 63,576 Netherlands 24,583 Japan 24,412 Australia 13,027 Other 33,913 Total $ 606,601
Summary of Tax Credit Carryforwards	Tax Credit Carryforwards (In thousands) United States $ 68,189 Canada 17,679 Total $ 85,868
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: 2015 2014 (In thousands) Balance at beginning of year $ 10,057 $ 18,639 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 544 663 Additions for tax positions of prior years 638 73 Reductions for tax positions of prior years - Settlement (3,765 ) (7,907 ) Reduction for tax positions of prior years - Statute of limitations (181 ) (1,411 ) Balance at end of year $ 7,293 $ 10,057

Pension and Other Postretirem47

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Change in Benefit Obligation	The following tables provide a reconciliation of the changes in the plans’ benefit obligations and fair value of assets as well as a statement of the funded status and balance sheet reporting for these plans. Pension Benefits Other Benefits Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation, beginning of year $ (300,339 ) $ (258,423 ) $ (39,169 ) $ (46,614 ) Service cost (5,505 ) (5,453 ) (52 ) (49 ) Interest cost (9,116 ) (10,757 ) (1,301 ) (1,647 ) Participant contributions (109 ) (109 ) (5 ) (7 ) Actuarial gain (loss) 12,108 (28,971 ) 1,720 4,392 Acquisitions — (25,283 ) — — Settlements 1,579 — — — Curtailments 128 359 — — Foreign currency exchange rate changes 12,132 13,708 4,691 2,704 Benefits paid 13,917 14,590 1,803 2,052 Benefit obligation, end of year $ (275,205 ) $ (300,339 ) $ (32,313 ) $ (39,169 )
Change in Plan Assets	Pension Benefits Other Benefits Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year $ 216,754 $ 198,367 $ — $ — Actual return on plan assets 2,569 20,223 — — Employer contributions 5,706 7,992 1,798 2,045 Plan participant contributions 109 109 5 7 Acquisitions — 9,360 — — Settlements (1,579 ) — — — Foreign currency exchange rate changes (5,270 ) (4,707 ) — — Benefits paid (13,917 ) (14,590 ) (1,803 ) (2,052 ) Fair value of plan assets, end of year $ 204,372 $ 216,754 $ — $ — Funded status, end of year $ (70,833) $ (83,585) $ (32,313) $ (39,169)
Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheets	Amounts recongized in the balance sheets: Prepaid benefit cost $ 7,219 $ 5,689 $ — $ — Accrued benefit liability (current) (3,173 ) (3,628 ) (1,962 ) (2,188 ) Accrued benefit liability (noncurrent) (74,879 ) (85,646 ) (30,351 ) (36,981 ) Net funded status $ (70,833 ) $ (83,585 ) $ (32,313 ) $ (39,169 )
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, 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Components of net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ 5,505 $ 5,453 $ 5,554 $ 52 $ 49 $ 125 Interest cost 9,116 10,757 9,310 1,301 1,647 1,910 Expected return on plan assets (12,518 ) (12,468 ) (11,066 ) — — — Amortization of prior service credit (44 ) (48 ) (54 ) (87 ) (100 ) (108 ) Curtailment gain (128 ) (359 ) — — — — Settlement loss 128 — — — — — Net loss recognition 5,082 4,154 6,388 328 315 932 Net periodic benefit cost $ 7,141 $ 7,489 $ 10,132 $ 1,594 $ 1,911 $ 2,859
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, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Weighted average assumptions for benefit obligations at year end: Discount rate 3.6% 3.2% 4.0% 3.7% Salary increase 3.5% 3.3% N/A N/A Weighted average assumptions for net periodic cost for the year: Discount rate 3.2% 4.1% 3.7% 4.4% Salary increase 3.5% 3.9% N/A N/A Expected return on assets 6.7% 6.7% N/A N/A Assumed health care cost trend rates: Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year N/A N/A 5.5% 5.5% Rate that the cost trend rate gradually declines to N/A N/A 5.0% 5.0% Year that the rate reaches the rate it is assumed to remain at N/A N/A 2022 2016
Effect of One Percentage - Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates	A one percentage-point change in the assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects on 2015 expense and year-end liabilities. 1% Increase 1% Decrease (In thousands) Effect on total of service and interest cost components $ 134 $ (110 ) Effect on postretirement benefit obligation $ 2,996 $ (2,484 )
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, 2015 December 31, 2014 Fair Market Quoted Prices (Level 1) Significant (Level 2) Significant (Level 3) Fair Market Quoted Prices (Level 1) Significant (Level 2) Significant (Level 3) (In thousands) (In thousands) Asset Category: Equity securities (a) Large-cap fund $ 77,618 $ 3,266 $ 74,352 $ — $ 82,816 $ 3,414 $ 79,402 $ — Mid-cap 14,427 957 13,470 — 15,276 1,448 13,828 — Small-cap 19,260 461 18,799 — 19,952 312 19,640 — Debt securities (b) Government bond fund 26,827 1,387 25,440 — 29,121 1,244 27,877 — Corporate bond fund 24,975 3,194 21,781 — 27,485 3,815 23,670 — Fixed income fund (c) 40,989 — 40,989 — 41,975 — 41,975 — Cash & equivalents 276 276 — — 129 129 — — Total $ 204,372 $ 9,541 $ 194,831 $ — $ 216,754 $ 10,362 $ 206,392 $ — (a) This category includes investments in actively managed and indexed investment funds that invest in a diversified pool of equity securities of companies located in the U.S., Canada, Western Europe and other developed countries throughout the world. The Level 1 funds are valued at fair market value obtained from quoted market prices in active markets. The Level 2 funds are valued using the net asset value method in which an average of the market prices for the underlying investments is used to value the fund. (b) This category includes investments in investment funds that invest in U.S. treasuries; other national, state and local government bonds; and corporate bonds of highly rated companies from diversified industries. The Level 1 funds are valued at fair market value obtained from quoted market prices in active markets. The Level 2 funds are valued using the net asset value method in which an average of the market prices for the underlying investments is used to value the fund. (c) This category includes guaranteed insurance contracts.
Benefits Expected to be Paid in Subsequent Years from Our Pension and Other Postretirement as Well as Medicare Subsidy Receipts	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 Other Plans Medicare (In thousands) 2016 $ 16,173 $ 2,097 $ 87 2017 17,795 2,044 80 2018 17,886 1,970 72 2019 18,816 1,890 65 2020 17,170 1,827 57 2021-2025 94,434 8,569 188 Total $ 182,274 $ 18,397 $ 549
Summary of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Changes in these Amounts and Expected Amortization of these Amounts as Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	The pre-tax amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost at December 31, 2015, the changes in these amounts during the year ended December 31, 2015, and the expected amortization of these amounts as components of net periodic benefit cost for the year ended December 31, 2016 are as follows. Pension Other (In thousands) Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss: Net actuarial loss $ 51,720 $ 2,515 Net prior service credit (81) (40) $ 51,639 $ 2,475 Pension Other (In thousands) Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss: Net actuarial loss, beginning of year $ 61,333 $ 4,679 Amortization cost (5,082) (328) Curtailment gain recognized 128 — Settlement loss recognized (128) — Actuarial gain (12,236) (1,720) Asset loss 9,949 — Currency impact (2,244) (116) Net actuarial loss, end of year $ 51,720 $ 2,515 Prior service credit, beginning of year $ (94) $ (143) Amortization credit 44 87 Currency impact (31) 16 Prior service credit, end of year $ (81) $ (40) Pension Other (In thousands) Expected 2016 amortization: Amortization of prior service credit $ (43) $ (40) Amortization of net loss 2,709 220 $ 2,666 $ 180

Comprehensive Income and Accu48

Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Total Comprehensive Income	The following table summarizes total comprehensive income: Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Net income $ 66,180 $ 74,449 $ 103,313 Foreign currency translation loss, net of $1.3 million, $1.8 million, and $2.2 million tax, respectively (20,842) (10,387) (20,720) Adjustments to pension and postretirement liability, net of $3.1 million, $3.6 million, and $14.0 million tax, respectively 7,864 (6,463) 22,104 Total comprehensive income 53,202 57,599 104,697 Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (46) — — Comprehensive income attributable to Belden stockholders $ 53,248 $ 57,599 $ 104,697
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 Pension and Other Accumulated (In thousands) Balance at December 31, 2013 $ 7,796 $ (36,977 ) $ (29,181 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (10,387 ) (9,120 ) (19,507 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) — 2,657 2,657 Net current period other comprehensive loss (10,387 ) (6,463 ) (16,850 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 (2,591 ) (43,440 ) (46,031 ) Other comprehensive loss attributable to Belden stockholders before reclassifications (20,820 ) 4,434 (16,386 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) — 3,430 3,430 Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable to Belden stockholders (20,820 ) 7,864 (12,956 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ (23,411 ) $ (35,576 ) $ (58,987 )
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 Affected Line Item in the (In thousands) Amortization of pension and other postretirement benefit plan items: Actuarial losses $ 5,410 (1) Prior service credit (131) (1) Total before tax 5,279 Tax benefit (1,849) Total net of tax $ 3,430 (1) The amortization of these accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit costs (see Note 15).

Share-Based Compensation (Table

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Total share-based compensation cost $ 17,745 $ 18,858 $ 14,854 Income tax benefit 6,867 7,334 5,777
Fair Values for SARs and Stock Options Estimated on Grant Date Using Black-Scholes-Merton Option-Pricing Formula Which Incorporates Assumptions	We recognize compensation cost for all awards based on their fair values. The fair values for SARs and stock options 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 option 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, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands, except weighted average fair value and assumptions) Weighted-average fair value of SARs and options granted $ 31.22 $ 35.46 $ 24.63 Total intrinsic value of SARs converted and options exercised 14,697 24,023 47,058 Cash received for options exercised 30 48 14,030 Tax benefit related to share-based compensation 5,050 6,859 10,734 Weighted-average fair value of restricted stock shares and units granted 96.52 72.46 50.38 Total fair value of restricted stock shares and units vested 7,696 7,888 9,032 Expected volatility 35.66 % 52.63 % 53.94 % Expected term (in years) 5.7 5.8 6.1 Risk-free rate 1.59 % 1.79 % 1.04 % Dividend yield 0.22 % 0.28 % 0.40 %
Summary of Share Based Compensation Activity	SARs and Stock Options Restricted Shares and Units Number Weighted- Price Weighted- Aggregate Number Weighted- Grant-Date (In thousands, except exercise prices, fair values, and contractual terms) Outstanding at January 1, 2015 1,305 $ 44.60 493 $ 54.76 Granted 236 88.79 183 96.52 Exercised or converted (320 ) 40.03 (178 ) 43.11 Forfeited or expired (32 ) 73.60 (34 ) 70.99 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 1,189 $ 53.80 7.0 $ (7,280 ) 464 $ 74.50 Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2015 1,169 $ 53.51 7.0 $ (6,811 ) Exercisable or convertible at December 31, 2015 730 41.06 6.0 4,831

Operating Leases (Tables)

Operating Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Summary of Minimum Annual Lease Payments for Noncancelable Operating Leases	Minimum annual lease payments for noncancelable operating leases in effect at December 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands): 2016 $ 24,331 2017 17,270 2018 13,580 2019 10,845 2020 8,490 Thereafter 18,958 $ 93,474

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform51

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Supplemental cash flow information is as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Income tax refunds received $ 4,068 $ 12,681 $ 11,165 Income taxes paid (24,960 ) (25,308 ) (79,778 ) Interest paid, net of amount capitalized (91,496 ) (70,915 ) (60,340 )

Quarterly Operating Results (52

Quarterly Operating Results (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Operating Results (Unaudited)	2015 1 st 2 nd 3 rd 4 th Year (In thousands, except days and per share amounts) Number of days in quarter 88 91 91 95 365 Revenues $ 546,957 $ 585,755 $ 579,266 $ 597,244 $ 2,309,222 Gross profit 207,649 234,276 226,131 250,117 918,173 Operating income 4,898 44,143 34,502 57,010 140,553 Income (loss) from continuing operations (19,636 ) 21,677 14,811 49,656 66,508 Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax — — (242 ) — (242 ) Loss from disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax — (86 ) — — (86 ) Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest — — — (24 ) (24 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Belden stockholders (19,636 ) 21,591 14,569 49,680 66,204 Basic income (loss) per share attributable to Belden stockholders: Continuing operations $ (0.46 ) $ 0.51 $ 0.35 $ 1.18 $ 1.57 Discontinued operations — — (0.01 ) — (0.01 ) Disposal of discontinued operations — — — — — Net income $ (0.46 ) $ 0.51 $ 0.34 $ 1.18 $ 1.56 Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to Belden stockholders: Continuing operations $ (0.46 ) $ 0.50 $ 0.35 $ 1.17 $ 1.55 Discontinued operations — — (0.01 ) — (0.01 ) Disposal of discontinued operations — — — — — Net income $ (0.46 ) $ 0.50 $ 0.34 $ 1.17 $ 1.54 2014 1 st 2 nd 3 rd 4 th Year (In thousands, except days and per share amounts) Number of days in quarter 89 91 91 94 365 Revenues $ 487,690 $ 600,891 $ 610,774 $ 608,910 $ 2,308,265 Gross profit 175,717 204,385 221,732 217,615 819,449 Operating income 49,511 12,326 58,011 43,271 163,119 Income from continuing operations 25,156 15 33,847 15,414 74,432 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax — — — 579 579 Loss from disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax (562 ) — — — (562 ) Net income attributable to Belden stockholders 24,594 15 33,847 15,993 74,449 Basic income (loss) per share attributable to Belden stockholders: Continuing operations $ 0.58 $ — $ 0.78 $ 0.36 $ 1.72 Discontinued operations — — — 0.01 0.01 Disposal of discontinued operations (0.01 ) — — — (0.01 ) Net income $ 0.57 $ — $ 0.78 $ 0.37 $ 1.72 Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to Belden stockholders: Continuing operations $ 0.57 $ — $ 0.77 $ 0.35 $ 1.69 Discontinued operations — — — 0.01 0.01 Disposal of discontinued operations (0.01 ) — — — (0.01 ) Net income $ 0.56 $ — $ 0.77 $ 0.36 $ 1.69

Basis of Presentation - Additio

Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Guideline used to determine the end date of first quarter				91 days
Reporting period	95 days	91 days	91 days	88 days	94 days	91 days	91 days	89 days	365 days	365 days

Summary of Significant Accoun54

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)CustomerReporting_Unit	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Original maturity period of cash and cash equivalents	Three months or less
Fair value of cash and cash equivalents based on quoted market prices in active markets Level 1 valuation	$ 0	$ 1,200,000
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	$ 19,100,000	17,600,000
Bad debt expense, net of recoveries	(1,800,000)	300,000	$ 200,000
Accounts receivable recovered	$ 2,700,000
Number of customers with accounts receivable recovered | Customer	1
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 8,300,000	11,500,000
Obsolescence and other reserves	22,531,000	31,823,000
Goodwill qualitative assessment	636,000,000
Impairment charges	$ 0	0	0
Percentage of projected benefit obligation	Lesser of 10%
Accrued sales rebates	$ 30,000,000	31,500,000
Advertising costs	27,500,000	21,800,000	17,800,000
Decrease in total current assets		22,100,000
Increase in non-current deferred tax assets		20,000,000
Increase (Decrease) in accrued liabilities	$ (59,214,000)	5,598,000	$ (31,690,000)
Increase in non-current deferred tax liabilities		200,000
Qualitative Assessment [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of Reporting Units | Reporting_Unit	6
Quantitative Assessment [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of Reporting Units | Reporting_Unit	4
Minimum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of related assets	1 year
Minimum [Member] | Buildings [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of related assets	10 years
Minimum [Member] | Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of related assets	5 years
Minimum [Member] | Computer Equipment and Software [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of related assets	5 years
Maximum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of related assets	25 years
Maximum [Member] | Buildings [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of related assets	40 years
Maximum [Member] | Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of related assets	12 years
Maximum [Member] | Computer Equipment and Software [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of related assets	10 years
Hirschmann JV [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	50.00%
Carrying value recorded in other long-lived assets	$ 29,500,000	$ 33,400,000

Acquisitions - Additional Infor

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2015	Jan. 02, 2015	Nov. 20, 2014	Jun. 11, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Jan. 25, 2013	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets								$ 103,791	$ 58,426	$ 50,803
Cost of sales								1,391,049	1,488,816	1,364,764
Revolving Credit Agreement Mature 2018 [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revolving credit agreement		$ 200,000						50,000
Tripwire [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of outstanding shares acquired		100.00%
Acquisition price		$ 703,200
Reduction of goodwill	$ 15,800
Fair value of acquired receivables		37,800
Acquired receivable, gross contractual amount		38,000
Amount of acquired receivables not expected to be collected		200
Post acquisition revenues								116,600
Post acquisition income (loss) from continuing operations								(47,800)
Amortization of intangible assets								43,200
Impact on reported revenue due to reduction of acquired deferred revenue balance to fair value								50,400
Compensation expense							$ 9,200	$ 9,200
Tripwire [Member] | Pro Forma [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets									3,000
Compensation expense									9,200
Tripwire [Member] | Revolving Credit Agreement Mature 2018 [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revolving credit agreement		$ 200,000
Coast Wire and Plastic Tech, LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of outstanding shares acquired			100.00%
Acquisition price			$ 36,000
Prosoft Technology, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of outstanding shares acquired				100.00%
Acquisition price				$ 104,100
Fair value of acquired receivables				5,900
Acquired receivable, gross contractual amount				6,200
Amount of acquired receivables not expected to be collected				300
Post acquisition revenues									31,700
Post acquisition income (loss) from continuing operations									(2,500)
Amortization of intangible assets									2,400
Goodwill acquired				$ 56,900
Period for deducting goodwill for tax purposes				15 years
Prosoft Technology, Inc. [Member] | Inventories - Obsolescence and Other Valuation Allowances [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cost of sales									1,400
Grass Valley [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of outstanding shares acquired					100.00%
Acquisition price					$ 218,200
Fair value of acquired receivables					67,400
Acquired receivable, gross contractual amount					77,200
Amount of acquired receivables not expected to be collected					$ 9,800
Post acquisition revenues									196,200
Post acquisition income (loss) from continuing operations									(58,500)
Amortization of intangible assets									8,600
Increase in goodwill due to an increase in the estimated fair value of acquired accrued liabilities and deferred tax liabilities									11,500
Grass Valley [Member] | Inventories - Obsolescence and Other Valuation Allowances [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cost of sales									$ 6,900
Grass Valley and Prosoft [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Inventory cost step-up, pro forma disclosure										8,300
Amortization of intangible assets, pro forma disclosure										1,700
Transaction costs, pro forma disclosure										$ 1,600
Softel Limited [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition price						$ 9,100

Acquisitions - Fair Value of As

Acquisitions - Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Jan. 02, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 11, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 1,385,115		$ 943,374			$ 773,048
Tripwire [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash		$ 2,364
Receivables		37,792
Inventories		603
Other current assets		2,453
Property, plant and equipment		10,021
Goodwill		462,215
Intangible assets		306,000
Other non-current assets		659
Total assets		822,107
Accounts payable		3,142
Accrued liabilities		12,142
Deferred revenue		8,000
Deferred income taxes		95,074
Other non-current liabilities		540
Total liabilities		118,898
Net assets		$ 703,209
Grass Valley [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash					$ 9,451
Receivables					67,354
Inventories					18,593
Other current assets					4,172
Property, plant and equipment					22,460
Goodwill					131,070
Intangible assets					95,500
Other non-current assets					17,101
Total assets					365,701
Accounts payable					51,276
Accrued liabilities					62,672
Deferred revenue					14,000
Postretirement benefits					16,538
Deferred income taxes					1,827
Other non-current liabilities					1,199
Total liabilities					147,512
Net assets					$ 218,189
Prosoft Technology, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash				$ 2,517
Receivables				5,894
Inventories				2,731
Other current assets				332
Property, plant and equipment				767
Goodwill				56,923
Intangible assets				40,800
Other non-current assets				622
Total assets				110,586
Accounts payable				2,544
Accrued liabilities				2,807
Other non-current liabilities				1,132
Total liabilities				6,483
Net assets				$ 104,103

Acquisitions - Intangible Asset

Acquisitions - Intangible Assets Related to Acquisition (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jan. 02, 2015	Jun. 11, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill				$ 1,385,115	$ 943,374	$ 773,048
Developed Technology [Member]
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period				5 years 3 months 18 days
Customer Relationships [Member]
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period				18 years 9 months 18 days
In-Process/Service Research and Development [Member]
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period				4 years 7 months 6 days
Tripwire [Member]
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization	$ 269,000
Goodwill	462,215
Intangible assets not subject to amortization	499,215
Total intangible assets	$ 768,215
Weighted average amortization period	7 years 8 months 12 days
Tripwire [Member] | Trademarks [Member]
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets not subject to amortization	$ 31,000
Tripwire [Member] | Developed Technology [Member]
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization	$ 210,000
Weighted average amortization period	5 years 9 months 18 days
Tripwire [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization	$ 56,000
Weighted average amortization period	15 years
Tripwire [Member] | Backlog [Member]
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization	$ 3,000
Weighted average amortization period	1 year
Tripwire [Member] | In-Process/Service Research and Development [Member]
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets not subject to amortization	$ 6,000
Prosoft Technology, Inc. [Member]
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization		$ 40,800
Goodwill		56,923
Intangible assets not subject to amortization		56,923
Total intangible assets		$ 97,723
Weighted average amortization period		14 years 9 months 18 days
Prosoft Technology, Inc. [Member] | Trademarks [Member]
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization		$ 5,000
Weighted average amortization period		5 years
Prosoft Technology, Inc. [Member] | Developed Technology [Member]
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization		$ 9,000
Weighted average amortization period		5 years
Prosoft Technology, Inc. [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization		$ 26,600
Weighted average amortization period		20 years
Prosoft Technology, Inc. [Member] | Backlog [Member]
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization		$ 200
Weighted average amortization period		3 months 18 days
Grass Valley [Member]
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization			$ 65,500
Goodwill			131,070
Intangible assets not subject to amortization			161,070
Total intangible assets			$ 226,570
Weighted average amortization period			9 years
Grass Valley [Member] | Trademarks [Member]
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets not subject to amortization			$ 22,000
Grass Valley [Member] | Developed Technology [Member]
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization			$ 37,000
Weighted average amortization period			5 years
Grass Valley [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization			$ 27,000
Weighted average amortization period			15 years
Grass Valley [Member] | Backlog [Member]
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization			$ 1,500
Weighted average amortization period			3 months 18 days
Grass Valley [Member] | In-Process/Service Research and Development [Member]
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets not subject to amortization			$ 8,000

Acquisitions - Pro Forma Effect

Acquisitions - Pro Forma Effect on Operating Results (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Tripwire [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 2,354,191	$ 2,405,198
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$ 92,104	$ 23,302
Diluted income per share from continuing operations attributable to Belden stockholders	$ 2.14	$ 0.53
Grass Valley and Prosoft [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenues		$ 2,401,200	$ 2,420,099
Income (loss) from continuing operations		$ 67,956	$ 66,874
Diluted income per share from continuing operations attributable to Belden stockholders		$ 1.54	$ 1.49

Discontinued Operations - Addit

Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2010
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain/(Loss) on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax		$ (86)		$ (562)	$ (86)	$ (562)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ (242)		$ 579		(242)	579	$ (1,421)
Thermax and Raydex [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash proceeds from the sales of discontinued operations								$ 265,600
Gain/(Loss) on disposal of discontinued operations, before income tax						(900)		211,600
Gain/(Loss) on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax						(600)		$ 124,700
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax							1,400
Trapeze [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash proceeds from the sales of discontinued operations									$ 136,900
Gain/(Loss) on disposal of discontinued operations, before income tax					(200)				88,300
Gain/(Loss) on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax					(100)	$ 600			44,800
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax					(200)
Sale price for business									152,100
Amount in escrow as partial security for Company's indemnity obligations under transaction's purchase and sale agreement									$ 15,200
Escrow receivable collected					$ 3,500		$ 4,200

Operating Segments and Geogra60

Operating Segments and Geographic Information - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Segment	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of global business platforms | Segment	5
Anixter International Inc. [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues generated from sales	$ 281.9	$ 290.5	$ 289.9
Accounts receivable outstanding	$ 31.1
Total accounts receivable outstanding	8.00%
Anixter International Inc. [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Revenues [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percent of total revenues	12.00%	13.00%	14.00%

Operating Segments and Geogra61

Operating Segments and Geographic Information - Operating Segment Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	$ 597,244	$ 579,266	$ 585,755	$ 546,957	$ 608,910	$ 610,774	$ 600,891	$ 487,690	$ 2,309,222	$ 2,308,265	$ 2,069,193
Depreciation expense									46,600	43,700	43,600
Amortization of intangibles									103,791	58,426	50,803
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs	13,600	$ 14,100	$ 4,900	$ 14,600	22,000	$ 9,200	38,200	$ 1,400	47,170	70,827	14,888
Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions							$ 7,400
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment									54,969	45,459	40,209
Segment assets	3,315,841				3,260,670				3,315,841	3,260,670	2,751,753
Broadcast Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs									39,078	48,557	12,128
Enterprise Connectivity Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs									723	3,318	400
Industrial Connectivity Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs									6,228	11,953	700
Network Security Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs									972
Reportable Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues									2,360,583	2,320,219	2,084,490
Affiliate revenues									8,384	12,829	12,865
Segment EBITDA									401,750	360,426	322,080
Depreciation expense									46,551	43,736	43,648
Amortization of intangibles									103,791	58,426	50,803
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs									47,170	70,827	14,888
Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions									9,747	12,540	6,550
Deferred gross profit adjustments									52,876	10,777	11,337
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment									53,572	42,442	38,791
Segment assets	934,280				960,782				934,280	960,782	833,585
Reportable Segment [Member] | Broadcast Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues									900,637	928,586	679,197
Affiliate revenues									1,371	1,381	933
Segment EBITDA									142,428	140,367	109,541
Depreciation expense									17,103	16,553	18,422
Amortization of intangibles									50,989	50,739	46,005
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs									39,078	48,557	12,128
Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions									132	8,574	6,550
Deferred gross profit adjustments									2,446	10,777	11,337
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment									27,900	17,912	10,526
Segment assets	394,197				430,991				394,197	430,991	294,454
Reportable Segment [Member] | Enterprise Connectivity Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues									445,243	455,795	493,129
Affiliate revenues									5,322	8,467	9,823
Segment EBITDA									71,508	66,035	62,165
Depreciation expense									11,783	13,744	12,469
Amortization of intangibles									543	650	543
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs									723	3,318	400
Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions									52	608
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment									9,788	12,574	11,749
Segment assets	190,298				206,377				190,298	206,377	223,073
Reportable Segment [Member] | Industrial Connectivity Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues									603,350	682,374	680,643
Affiliate revenues									1,613	2,927	1,901
Segment EBITDA									99,941	106,097	104,655
Depreciation expense									11,235	11,145	10,308
Amortization of intangibles									3,154	1,236	1,085
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs									6,228	11,953	700
Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions									334	1,328
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment									8,836	10,053	14,496
Segment assets	231,265				255,997				231,265	255,997	259,400
Reportable Segment [Member] | Industrial IT Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues									244,303	253,464	231,521
Affiliate revenues									70	54	208
Segment EBITDA									43,253	47,927	45,719
Depreciation expense									2,293	2,294	2,449
Amortization of intangibles									5,859	5,801	3,170
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs									169	6,999	1,660
Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions									32	2,030
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment									2,039	1,903	2,020
Segment assets	55,285				$ 67,417				55,285	$ 67,417	$ 56,658
Reportable Segment [Member] | Network Security Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues									167,050
Affiliate revenues									8
Segment EBITDA									44,620
Depreciation expense									4,137
Amortization of intangibles									43,246
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs									972
Purchase accounting effects of acquisitions									9,197
Deferred gross profit adjustments									50,430
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment									5,009
Segment assets	$ 63,235								$ 63,235

Operating Segments and Geogra62

Operating Segments and Geographic Information - Reconciliation of Total Reportable Segments' Revenues and EBITDA to Consolidated Revenues and Consolidated Income from Continuing Operations Before Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Consolidated Revenues	$ 597,244	$ 579,266	$ 585,755	$ 546,957	$ 608,910	$ 610,774	$ 600,891	$ 487,690	$ 2,309,222	$ 2,308,265	$ 2,069,193
Amortization of intangibles									(103,791)	(58,426)	(50,803)
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs	(13,600)	(14,100)	(4,900)	(14,600)	(22,000)	(9,200)	(38,200)	(1,400)	(47,170)	(70,827)	(14,888)
Depreciation expense									(46,600)	(43,700)	(43,600)
Purchase accounting effects related to acquisitions							(7,400)
Income from equity method investment									1,770	3,955	8,922
Consolidated operating income	$ 57,010	$ 34,502	$ 44,143	$ 4,898	$ 43,271	$ 58,011	$ 12,326	$ 49,511	140,553	163,119	201,262
Interest expense, net									(100,613)	(81,573)	(72,601)
Loss on debt extinguishment											(1,612)
Income from continuing operations before taxes									39,940	81,546	127,049
Reportable Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Consolidated Revenues									2,360,583	2,320,219	2,084,490
Deferred revenue adjustments									(51,361)	(11,954)	(15,297)
Total Segment EBITDA									401,750	360,426	322,080
Amortization of intangibles									(103,791)	(58,426)	(50,803)
Deferred gross profit adjustments									(52,876)	(10,777)	(11,337)
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs									(47,170)	(70,827)	(14,888)
Depreciation expense									(46,551)	(43,736)	(43,648)
Purchase accounting effects related to acquisitions									(9,747)	(12,540)	(6,550)
Income from equity method investment									1,770	3,955	8,922
Gain on sale of assets											1,278
Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Consolidated operating income									$ (2,832)	$ (4,956)	$ (3,792)

Operating Segments and Geogra63

Operating Segments and Geographic Information - Reconciliation of Total Reportable Segments' Revenues and EBITDA to Consolidated Revenues and Consolidated Income from Continuing Operations Before Taxes (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Tripwire [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Compensation expense	$ 9.2	$ 9.2
Coast Wire and Plastic Tech, LLC [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Cost of sales related to adjustment of acquired inventory		$ 0.3
Grass Valley and Prosoft [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Cost of sales related to adjustment of acquired inventory			$ 8.3

Operating Segments and Geogra64

Operating Segments and Geographic Information - Reconciliations of Other Segment Measures to Consolidated Totals (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 3,315,841	$ 3,260,670	$ 2,751,753
Cash and cash equivalents	216,751	741,162	613,304	$ 395,095
Goodwill	1,385,115	943,374	773,048
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization	655,871	461,292	376,976
Deferred income taxes	34,295	60,652	54,801
Income tax receivable	3,787	4,953	12,169
Total acquisition of property, plant and equipment	54,969	45,459	40,209
Reportable Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total assets	934,280	960,782	833,585
Total acquisition of property, plant and equipment	53,572	42,442	38,791
Corporate assets [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total assets	85,742	88,455	87,870
Total acquisition of property, plant and equipment	$ 1,397	$ 3,017	$ 1,418

Operating Segments and Geogra65

Operating Segments and Geographic Information - Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets Based on Physical Location (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 597,244	$ 579,266	$ 585,755	$ 546,957	$ 608,910	$ 610,774	$ 600,891	$ 487,690	$ 2,309,222	$ 2,308,265	$ 2,069,193
Percent of total revenues									100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Long-lived assets	397,396				403,359				$ 397,396	$ 403,359	$ 380,197
United States [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									$ 1,270,467	$ 1,134,721	$ 1,032,190
Percent of total revenues									55.00%	49.00%	50.00%
Long-lived assets	207,265				191,728				$ 207,265	$ 191,728	$ 170,813
Canada [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									$ 170,522	$ 194,149	$ 195,387
Percent of total revenues									7.00%	8.00%	9.00%
Long-lived assets	27,315				29,773				$ 27,315	$ 29,773	$ 27,458
China [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									$ 114,863	$ 132,330	$ 126,461
Percent of total revenues									5.00%	6.00%	6.00%
Long-lived assets	62,794				70,574				$ 62,794	$ 70,574	$ 76,949
Germany [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									$ 103,106	$ 120,297	$ 108,745
Percent of total revenues									4.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Long-lived assets	35,588				40,557				$ 35,588	$ 40,557	$ 45,702
All Other [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									$ 650,264	$ 726,768	$ 606,410
Percent of total revenues									29.00%	32.00%	30.00%
Long-lived assets	$ 64,434				$ 70,727				$ 64,434	$ 70,727	$ 59,275

Noncontrolling Interest - Addit

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

Income Per Share - Basis for In

Income Per Share - Basis for Income Per Share Computations (Detail) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations						$ 66,508	$ 74,432	$ 104,734
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	$ (24)					(24)
Income from continuing operations attributable to Belden stockholders						66,532	74,432	104,734
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, attributable to Belden stockholders		$ (242)		$ 579		(242)	579	(1,421)
Loss from disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax, attributable to Belden stockholders			$ (86)		$ (562)	(86)	(562)
Net income attributable to Belden stockholders						$ 66,204	$ 74,449	$ 103,313
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic						42,390	43,273	43,871
Effect of dilutive common stock equivalents						563	724	866
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted						42,953	43,997	44,737

Income Per Share - Additional I

Income Per Share - Additional Information (Detail) - shares shares in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from diluted weighted average shares outstanding	0.4	0.2	0.2

Inventories - Major Classes of

Inventories - Major Classes of Inventories (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 92,929	$ 106,955
Work-in-process	27,730	31,611
Finished goods	97,814	121,655
Gross inventories	218,473	260,221
Excess and obsolete reserves	(22,531)	(31,823)
Net inventories	$ 195,942	$ 228,398

Property, Plant and Equipment -

Property, Plant and Equipment - Summary of Carrying Values of Property, Plant and Equipment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	$ 789,324	$ 766,228
Accumulated depreciation	(478,695)	(449,843)
Net property, plant and equipment	310,629	316,385
Land and Land Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	29,235	31,879
Buildings and Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	135,154	131,534
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	483,773	472,543
Computer Equipment and Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	112,888	96,546
Construction in Process [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	$ 28,274	$ 33,726

Property, Plant and Equipment71

Property, Plant and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Proceeds from disposal of real estate	$ 533,000	$ 1,884,000	$ 3,169,000
Impairment loss recognized	0	0	0
Depreciation expense	46,600,000	43,700,000	43,600,000
Broadcast Solutions [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Proceeds from disposal of real estate		1,900,000	1,000,000
Gain (loss) recognized on the sale		$ 0	(300,000)
Enterprise Connectivity Solutions [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Proceeds from disposal of real estate			2,100,000
Gain (loss) recognized on the sale			$ 0
Industrial Connectivity Segment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Proceeds from disposal of real estate	400,000
Gain (loss) recognized on the sale	$ (300,000)

Intangible Assets - Carrying Va

Intangible Assets - Carrying Value of Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, Gross carrying amount	$ 912,625	$ 626,836
Finite-lived intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	772,604	515,115
Finite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated amortization	(256,754)	(165,544)
Intangible assets, Net carrying amount	655,871	461,292	$ 376,976
Finite-lived intangible assets, Net carrying amount	515,850	349,571
Goodwill, Gross carrying amount	1,385,115	943,374
Goodwill, Accumulated amortization	0	0
Goodwill, Net carrying amount	1,385,115	943,374	$ 773,048
Indefinite-Lived Trademarks Not Subject to Amortization [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, Carrying amount	140,021	111,721
Indefinite lived intangible assets, Accumulated amortization	0	0
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, Carrying amount	140,021	111,721
Trademarks [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	19,417	19,438
Finite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated amortization	(7,255)	(3,687)
Finite-lived intangible assets, Net carrying amount	12,162	15,751
Trademarks [Member] | Indefinite-Lived Trademarks Not Subject to Amortization [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, Carrying amount	129,671	103,040
Indefinite lived intangible assets, Accumulated amortization	0	0
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, Carrying amount	129,671	103,040
In-Process/Service Research and Development [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	14,238	10,340
Finite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated amortization	(4,723)	(2,777)
Finite-lived intangible assets, Net carrying amount	9,515	7,563
In-Process/Service Research and Development [Member] | Indefinite-Lived Trademarks Not Subject to Amortization [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, Carrying amount	10,350	8,681
Indefinite lived intangible assets, Accumulated amortization	0	0
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, Carrying amount	10,350	8,681
Customer Relationships [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	309,573	261,914
Finite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated amortization	(61,641)	(46,457)
Finite-lived intangible assets, Net carrying amount	247,932	215,457
Developed Technology [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	416,817	213,017
Finite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated amortization	(170,576)	(102,996)
Finite-lived intangible assets, Net carrying amount	246,241	110,021
Backlog [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	12,559	10,406
Finite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated amortization	$ (12,559)	(9,627)
Finite-lived intangible assets, Net carrying amount		$ 779

Intangible Assets - Changes in

Intangible Assets - Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	$ 943,374	$ 773,048
Acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments	476,040	192,554
Translation impact	(34,299)	(22,228)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	1,385,115	943,374
Broadcast Solutions [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	573,504	466,375
Acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments	11,481	119,918
Translation impact	(25,455)	(12,789)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	559,530	573,504
Enterprise Connectivity Solutions [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	50,136	50,136
Acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments	0	0
Translation impact	0	0
Goodwill, Ending Balance	50,136	50,136
Industrial Connectivity Solutions [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	200,053	187,975
Acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments	1,614	16,442
Translation impact	(4,948)	(4,364)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	196,719	200,053
Industrial IT Solutions [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	119,681	68,562
Acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments	730	56,194
Translation impact	(3,896)	(5,075)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	116,515	$ 119,681
Network Security Solutions [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments	462,215
Goodwill, Ending Balance	$ 462,215

Intangible Assets - Changes i74

Intangible Assets - Changes in Carrying Amount of Trademarks (Detail) - Trademarks [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Trademarks, Beginning Balance	$ 103,040	$ 92,010
Reclassify to definite-lived		(6,600)
Acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments	31,000	22,000
Translation impact	(4,369)	(4,370)
Trademarks, Ending Balance	129,671	103,040
Broadcast Solutions [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Trademarks, Beginning Balance	87,183	70,127
Reclassify to definite-lived		(2,700)
Acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments		22,000
Translation impact	(2,198)	(2,244)
Trademarks, Ending Balance	84,985	87,183
Industrial Connectivity Solutions [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Trademarks, Beginning Balance	10,744	12,193
Translation impact	(1,654)	(1,449)
Trademarks, Ending Balance	9,090	10,744
Industrial IT Solutions [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Trademarks, Beginning Balance	5,113	9,690
Reclassify to definite-lived		(3,900)
Translation impact	(517)	(677)
Trademarks, Ending Balance	4,596	$ 5,113
Network Security Solutions [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments	31,000
Trademarks, Ending Balance	$ 31,000

Intangible Assets - Additional

Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Reporting_Unit	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Finite And Indefinite Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment charges	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Impairment charges	0	0	0
Recognized amortization expenses	103,791,000	58,426,000	50,803,000
Estimated amortization expense in 2016	95,100,000
Estimated amortization expense in 2017	86,200,000
Estimated amortization expense in 2018	71,000,000
Estimated amortization expense in 2019	62,500,000
Estimated amortization expense in 2020	47,100,000
Trademarks [Member]
Finite And Indefinite Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment charges	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Weighted-average amortization period	5 years
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite And Indefinite Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-average amortization period	18 years 9 months 18 days
Developed Technology [Member]
Finite And Indefinite Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-average amortization period	5 years 3 months 18 days
In-Process/Service Research and Development [Member]
Finite And Indefinite Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-average amortization period	4 years 7 months 6 days
Quantitative Assessment [Member]
Finite And Indefinite Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Number of Reporting Units | Reporting_Unit	4
Qualitative Assessment [Member]
Finite And Indefinite Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Number of Reporting Units | Reporting_Unit	6

Accounts Payable and Accrued 76

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities - Carrying Value of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accounts payable	$ 223,514	$ 272,439
Current deferred revenue	101,460	45,139
Wages, severance and related taxes	86,389	70,256
Accrued rebates	29,997	31,506
Employee benefits	27,482	25,158
Accrued interest	25,188	26,741
Other (individual items less than 5% of total current liabilities)	52,733	49,272
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$ 546,763	$ 520,511

Accounts Payable and Accrued 77

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities - Carrying Value of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Parenthetical) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Individual item in other accrued liabilities	Less than 5% of total current liabilities

Accounts Payable and Accrued 78

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts payable due to bank	$ 11.8	$ 14.7
Settlement of accounts payable outstanding	1 year

Severance, Restructuring and Ac

Severance, Restructuring and Acquisition Integration Activities - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)

Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)

Jun. 28, 2015USD ($)

Mar. 29, 2015USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)

Sep. 28, 2014USD ($)

Jun. 29, 2014USD ($)

Mar. 30, 2014USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Program

Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)

Mar. 27, 2016USD ($)

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs

$ 13,600

$ 14,100

$ 4,900

$ 14,600

$ 22,000

$ 9,200

$ 38,200

$ 1,400

$ 47,170

$ 70,827

$ 14,888

Reduction in operating expenses

$ 18,000

Number of significant programs | Program

4

Cost of Sales [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs

$ 9,400

20,700

7,100

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs

31,700

46,500

6,500

Research and Development [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs

6,100

$ 3,600

$ 1,300

Grass Valley Restructuring Program [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs

25,400

Expected savings from the restructuring program

$ 30,000

Grass Valley Restructuring Program [Member] | Scenario Forecast [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Additional severance and other restructuring costs

$ 4,000

Productivity Improvement Program and Acquisition Integration [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs

18,500

Industrial Restructuring Program 2015 [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs

$ 3,300

Industrial Restructuring Program 2015 [Member] | Scenario Forecast [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Additional severance and other restructuring costs

$ 9,000

Expected savings from the restructuring program

$ 18,000

Maximum [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring and integration cost payable period

60 days

Severance, Restructuring and 80

Severance, Restructuring and Acquisition Integration Activities - Severance, Restructuring and Integration Costs by Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total Costs	$ 13,600	$ 14,100	$ 4,900	$ 14,600	$ 22,000	$ 9,200	$ 38,200	$ 1,400	$ 47,170	$ 70,827	$ 14,888
Broadcast Solutions [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total Costs									39,078	48,557	12,128
Enterprise Connectivity Solutions [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total Costs									723	3,318	400
Industrial Connectivity Solutions [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total Costs									6,228	11,953	700
Industrial IT Segment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total Costs									169	6,999	1,660
Network Security Solutions [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total Costs									972
Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance									19,101	37,254	5,430
Employee Severance [Member] | Broadcast Solutions [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance									16,694	20,025	4,112
Employee Severance [Member] | Enterprise Connectivity Solutions [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance									(186)	2,183
Employee Severance [Member] | Industrial Connectivity Solutions [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance									3,309	9,732
Employee Severance [Member] | Industrial IT Segment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance									(728)	5,314	1,318
Employee Severance [Member] | Network Security Solutions [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance									12
Other Than Severance Costs Restructuring and Integration Costs Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Other Restructuring Costs									28,069	33,573	9,458
Other Than Severance Costs Restructuring and Integration Costs Member] | Broadcast Solutions [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Other Restructuring Costs									22,384	28,532	8,016
Other Than Severance Costs Restructuring and Integration Costs Member] | Enterprise Connectivity Solutions [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Other Restructuring Costs									909	1,135	400
Other Than Severance Costs Restructuring and Integration Costs Member] | Industrial Connectivity Solutions [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Other Restructuring Costs									2,919	2,221	700
Other Than Severance Costs Restructuring and Integration Costs Member] | Industrial IT Segment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Other Restructuring Costs									897	$ 1,685	$ 342
Other Than Severance Costs Restructuring and Integration Costs Member] | Network Security Solutions [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Other Restructuring Costs									$ 960

Severance, Restructuring and 81

Severance, Restructuring and Acquisition Integration Activities - Summary of Severance Activity (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs	$ 13,600	$ 14,100	$ 4,900	$ 14,600	$ 22,000	$ 9,200	$ 38,200	$ 1,400	$ 47,170	$ 70,827	$ 14,888
Grass Valley Restructuring Program [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs									25,400
Employee Severance [Member] | Productivity Improvement Program [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning balance	3,929	4,846	5,995	7,141					7,141
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs		99	22	887
Cash payments	(831)	(987)	(1,268)	(1,455)
Foreign currency translation	(64)	(29)	97	(408)
Other adjustments	(818)			(170)
Ending balance	2,216	3,929	4,846	5,995	7,141				2,216	7,141
Employee Severance [Member] | Grass Valley Integration [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning balance	837	1,783	5,072	5,579					5,579
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs				2,165
Cash payments	(397)	(946)	(1,709)	(2,370)
Foreign currency translation	(27)		10	(302)
Other adjustments			(1,590)
Ending balance	413	837	$ 1,783	$ 5,072	$ 5,579				413	$ 5,579
Employee Severance [Member] | Grass Valley Restructuring Program [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning balance	11,223
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs	3,960	11,978
Cash payments	(2,979)	(755)
Foreign currency translation	(119)
Ending balance	12,085	$ 11,223							12,085
Employee Severance [Member] | Industrial Restructuring Program [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs	2,728
Cash payments	(282)
Foreign currency translation	15
Other adjustments	182
Ending balance	$ 2,643								$ 2,643

Long-Term Debt and Other Borr82

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements - Carrying Values of Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Jan. 02, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior subordinated notes	$ 1,459,056		$ 1,521,547
Total	1,753,021		1,767,922
Less current maturities of Term Loan	(2,500)		(2,500)
Long-term debt	1,750,521		1,765,422
Revolving Credit Agreement Mature 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit agreement	50,000	$ 200,000
Variable Term loan Due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long term debt	243,965		246,375
5.25% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior subordinated notes	200,000		200,000
5.50% Senior subordinated notes due 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior subordinated notes	553,835		616,326
5.50% Senior subordinated notes due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior subordinated notes	700,000		700,000
9.25% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior subordinated notes	$ 5,221		$ 5,221

Long-Term Debt and Other Borr83

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements - Carrying Values of Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements (Parenthetical) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revolving Credit Agreement Mature 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit agreement, maturity	2,018	2,018
Variable Term loan Due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long term debt, maturity	2,020	2,020
5.25% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior subordinated notes maturity year	2,024	2,024
Senior subordinated notes interest rate	5.25%	5.25%
5.50% Senior subordinated notes due 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior subordinated notes maturity year	2,023	2,023
Senior subordinated notes interest rate	5.50%	5.50%
5.50% Senior subordinated notes due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior subordinated notes maturity year	2,022	2,022
Senior subordinated notes interest rate	5.50%	5.50%
9.25% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior subordinated notes maturity year	2,019	2,019
Senior subordinated notes interest rate	9.25%	9.25%

Long-Term Debt and Other Borr84

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements - Additional Information (Detail) € in Millions	1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 29, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2013USD ($)	Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Jan. 02, 2015USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2014EUR (€)	Mar. 31, 2013EUR (€)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term Loan					$ 200,000,000	$ 456,163,000	$ 637,595,000
Frequency of interest payments					Semiannually
Payments of debt issuance costs					$ 898,000	10,700,000	$ 17,376,000
Aggregate principal amount outstanding of senior subordinated notes					$ 1,459,100,000	1,521,500,000
Senior Subordinated Notes maturing 2019; description of priority					The 2023 Notes are guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by certain of our subsidiaries. The notes rank equal in right of payment with our senior subordinated notes due 2024, 2022, and 2019 and with any future subordinated debt, and they are subordinated to all of our senior debt and the senior debt of our subsidiary guarantors, including our Term Loan and Revolver.
Senior Subordinated Notes maturing 2019; guarantees by subsidiaries					The 2023 Notes are guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by certain of our subsidiaries.
Senior subordinated notes					$ 1,459,056,000	1,521,547,000
Fair value of debt instrument					1,416,600,000	$ 1,529,400,000
Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fair value of debt instrument					$ 1,416,600,000
Variable Term loan Due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Description of variable rate basis					Three-month LIBOR plus an applicable spread.
Effective interest rate of senior subordinated notes					3.25%
Term Loan					$ 250,000,000
Long term debt, maturity					2,020	2,020
Frequency of interest payments					Quarterly amortization payments
Quarterly amortization payments					$ 600,000
Payments of debt issuance costs					$ 3,900,000
5.25% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior subordinated notes interest rate					5.25%	5.25%
Senior subordinated notes maturity year					2,024	2,024
Senior subordinated notes					$ 200,000,000	$ 200,000,000
5.25% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2024 [Member] | Senior Subordinate Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Frequency of interest payments					Semiannually
Payments of debt issuance costs		$ 4,200,000
Aggregate principal amount outstanding of senior subordinated notes		$ 200,000,000
Senior subordinated notes interest rate		5.25%
Senior subordinated notes maturity year		2,024
Senior Subordinated Notes maturing 2019; description of priority					The 2024 Notes rank equal in right of payment with our senior subordinated notes due 2023, 2022, and 2019 and with any future subordinated debt, and they are subordinated to all of our senior debt and the senior debt of our subsidiary guarantors, including our Term Loan and Revolver.
Senior Subordinated Notes maturing 2019; guarantees by subsidiaries					The 2024 Notes are guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by certain of our subsidiaries.
5.5% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2023 [Member] | Senior Subordinate Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Payments of debt issuance costs			$ 12,700,000
Aggregate principal amount outstanding of senior subordinated notes	$ 247,500,000		$ 388,200,000						€ 200	€ 300
Senior subordinated notes interest rate			5.50%							5.50%
Senior subordinated notes maturity year	2,023		2,023
Senior subordinated notes					$ 553,800,000
5.5% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2022 [Member] | Senior Subordinate Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Frequency of interest payments					Semiannually
Aggregate principal amount outstanding of senior subordinated notes					$ 700,000,000
Senior subordinated notes interest rate					5.50%
Senior subordinated notes maturity year					2,022
Senior Subordinated Notes maturing 2019; description of priority					The 2022 Notes are guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by certain of our subsidiaries. The 2022 Notes rank equal in right of payment with our senior subordinated notes due 2024, 2023, and 2019, and with any future subordinated debt, and they are subordinated to all of our senior debt and the senior debt of our subsidiary guarantors, including our Term Loan and Revolver.
Senior Subordinated Notes maturing 2019; guarantees by subsidiaries					The 2022 Notes are guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by certain of our subsidiaries.
9.25% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate of senior subordinated notes					9.75%
Frequency of interest payments					Semiannually
Aggregate principal amount outstanding of senior subordinated notes					$ 5,200,000
Senior subordinated notes interest rate					9.25%	9.25%
Senior subordinated notes maturity year					2,019	2,019
Senior Subordinated Notes maturing 2019; description of priority					The notes rank equal in right of payment with our senior subordinated notes due 2024, 2023, and 2022, and with any future senior subordinated debt, and are subordinated to all of our senior debt and the senior debt of our subsidiary guarantors, including our Term Loan and Revolver.
Senior Subordinated Notes maturing 2019; guarantees by subsidiaries					The 2019 notes are guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by certain of our subsidiaries.
Senior subordinated notes					$ 5,221,000	$ 5,221,000
Revolving Credit Agreement Mature 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowing under line of credit facility					400,000,000
Revolving credit agreement					$ 50,000,000			$ 200,000,000
Revolving credit agreement, maturity					2,018	2,018
Line of credit borrowing base					$ 242,500,000
Description of variable rate basis					LIBOR or other similar indices in foreign jurisdictions
Line of credit commitment fees					0.375%
Effective interest rate of senior subordinated notes					2.13%
Line of credit facility description					In the event we borrow more than 90% of our borrowing base, we are subject to a fixed charge coverage ratio covenant.
Revolving credit facility restrictive covenants fixed charge coverage ratio minimum threshold					90.00%
Line of credit repayments made				$ 150,000,000
Line of credit remaining borrowings outstanding					$ 50,000,000
Revolving Credit Agreement Mature 2018 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit spread on variable rate					1.25%
Revolving Credit Agreement Mature 2018 [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit spread on variable rate					1.75%

Long-Term Debt and Other Borr85

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements - Schedule of Senior Subordinated Notes (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2024 [Member] | 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	102.625%
Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2024 [Member] | 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	101.75%
Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2024 [Member] | 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	100.875%
Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2024 [Member] | 2022 and Thereafter [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	100.00%
Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2023 [Member] | 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	102.75%
Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2023 [Member] | 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	101.833%
Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2023 [Member] | 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	100.917%
Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2023 [Member] | 2021 and Thereafter [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	100.00%
Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2022 [Member] | 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	102.75%
Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2022 [Member] | 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	101.833%
Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2022 [Member] | 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	100.917%
Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2022 [Member] | 2020 and Thereafter [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	100.00%
Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2019 [Member] | 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	101.542%
Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2019 [Member] | 2017 and Thereafter [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as a percentage of the face amount of the notes	100.00%

Long-Term Debt and Other Borr86

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements - Maturities on Outstanding Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowings (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2,016	$ 2,500
2,017	2,500
2,018	52,500
2,019	7,721
2,020	233,965
Thereafter	1,453,835
Total	$ 1,753,021	$ 1,767,922

Income Taxes - Components of In

Income Taxes - Components of Income Tax Expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes:
United States operations	$ (6,924)	$ 14,042	$ 31,678
Foreign operations	46,864	67,504	95,371
Income from continuing operations before taxes	39,940	81,546	127,049
Currently payable
United States federal		6,701	(4,493)
United States state and local	1,789	1,617	(26)
Foreign	17,317	16,592	21,377
Income tax expense (benefit)	19,106	24,910	16,858
Deferred
United States federal	(23,709)	(9,662)	3,575
United States state and local	(2,257)	(746)	1,593
Foreign	(19,708)	(7,388)	289
Deferred Income tax expense (benefit)	(45,674)	(17,796)	5,457
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ (26,568)	$ 7,114	$ 22,315

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax expense (benefit) for discontinued operations	$ 200	$ (900)	$ 1,400
Income tax benefit from domestic permanent differences and tax credits	23,000
Income tax benefit from foreign jurisdiction tax credits	18,000
Income tax benefit from other foreign tax credits and research and development tax credits	5,000
Income tax benefit due to changes in the valuation allowance	$ 11,400
Statutory tax rates	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Income tax expense tax holiday	$ 2,500	$ 2,000
Income tax holiday expire		2,022
Foreign tax rate differences benefit in income tax	3,400	$ 14,400	$ 15,400
Net operating loss carryforwards	606,601
Net tax credit carryforwards	85,900
Operating loss carryforwards that will be used in expiration periods	206,800
Net tax credit carryforwards that will expire	85,868
Net tax credit carry forwards with indefinite carry forward period	6,400
Net tax credit carryforwards that expected to be Utilized prior to expiry	83,600
Provision for U.S or additional foreign withholding taxes	611,100
Net change in reserve for uncertain tax positions	2,800
Balance at end of the year of unrecognized tax benefits	7,293	10,057	18,639
Estimate the range of reasonably possible changes to unrecognized tax positions	2,700
Recognized interest expense (income) and penalties of unrecognized tax benefits	0	(1,100)	$ 1,700
Accrued interest expense (income) and penalties of unrecognized tax benefits	1,400	$ 1,700
2018 and 2020 [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net tax credit carryforwards that will expire	$ 27,700
Expiration period of net tax credit carryforwards	2018 and 2020
2023 and 2024 [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net tax credit carryforwards that will expire	$ 51,800
Expiration period of net tax credit carryforwards	2021 and 2035
Net Operating Loss Carry Forwards Expires In 2015 [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 24,400
Net Operating Loss Carry Forwards Expires In 2016 [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	27,100
Net Operating Loss Carry Forwards Expires In 2017 [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	17,000
2018 and 2020 [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	27,600
2021 and 2035 [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	169,900
Net Operating Loss Carry Forward Indefinite Period [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 340,600
Germany [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Statutory tax rates	28.00%
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 63,576
Canada [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Statutory tax rates	26.00%
Net tax credit carryforwards that will expire	$ 17,679
Netherlands [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Statutory tax rates	25.00%
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 24,583

Income Taxes - Effective Income

Income Taxes - Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation from Continuing Operations (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Effective income tax rate reconciliation from continuing operations:
United States federal statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State and local income taxes	(2.60%)	0.80%	1.50%
Impact of change in tax contingencies	(4.20%)	(7.10%)	3.80%
Foreign income tax rate differences	(8.40%)	(17.60%)	(12.10%)
Impact of change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance	(28.60%)	4.70%	(0.60%)
Domestic permanent differences & tax credits	(57.70%)	(7.10%)	(10.00%)
Effective income tax rate reconciliation from continuing operations	(66.50%)	8.70%	17.60%

Income Taxes - Components of De

Income Taxes - Components of Deferred Income Tax Balances (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Plant, equipment, and intangibles	$ (203,736)	$ (90,413)
Deferred income tax assets:
Postretirement, pensions, and stock compensation	32,831	34,656
Reserves and accruals	44,345	44,809
Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards	231,892	217,902
Valuation allowances	(117,071)	(157,317)
Deferred tax assets	191,997	140,050
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Net deferred income tax asset		$ 49,637
Net deferred income tax liability	$ (11,739)

Income Taxes - Summary of Net O

Income Taxes - Summary of Net Operating Loss Carryforwards (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 606,601
France [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	244,105
United States [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	202,985
Germany [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	63,576
Netherlands [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	24,583
Japan [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	24,412
Australia [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	13,027
All Other [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 33,913

Income Taxes - Summary of Tax C

Income Taxes - Summary of Tax Credit Carryforwards (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforwards	$ 85,868
United States [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforwards	68,189
Canada [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforwards	$ 17,679

Income Taxes - Reconciliation o

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amounts of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 10,057	$ 18,639
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	544	663
Additions for tax positions of prior years	638	73
Reductions for tax positions of prior years - Settlement	(3,765)	(7,907)
Reduction for tax positions of prior years - Statute of limitations	(181)	(1,411)
Balance at end of year	$ 7,293	$ 10,057

Pension and Other Postretirem94

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined contribution expense	$ 12.6	$ 11.8	$ 11.1
Accumulated benefit obligation	272.5	296.4
Project benefit obligation for the pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets	228.3	247.5
Accumulated benefit obligation for the pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of assets	225.4	243.9
Fair value of plan assets for the pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets	150.2	158.2
Projected benefit obligation for the pension plans with an accumulated benefit less than plan assets	46.9	52.8
Accumulated benefit obligation for the pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation less than plan assets	47.1	52.5
Fair value of plan assets for the pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligations less than plan assets	$ 54.1	$ 58.5
Target asset allocation for the investment of the assets in equity securities minimum	20.00%
Target asset allocation for the investment of the assets in equity securities maximum	25.00%
Target asset allocation for the investment of the assets in fixed income securities minimum	75.00%
Target asset allocation for the investment of the assets in fixed income securities maximum	80.00%
Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target asset allocation for the investment of the assets in fixed income securities	30.00%
Target asset allocation for the investment of the assets in equity securities	60.00%
Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target asset allocation for the investment of the assets in fixed income securities	40.00%
Target asset allocation for the investment of the assets in equity securities	70.00%
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension and other postretirement plans	$ 5.2
Other Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension and other postretirement plans	$ 2

Pension and Other Postretirem95

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Change in Benefit Obligation (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Pension Benefits [Member]
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation, beginning of year	$ (300,339)	$ (258,423)
Service cost	(5,505)	(5,453)	$ (5,554)
Interest cost	(9,116)	(10,757)	(9,310)
Participant contributions	(109)	(109)
Actuarial gain (loss)	12,108	(28,971)
Acquisitions		(25,283)
Settlements	1,579
Curtailments	128	359
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	12,132	13,708
Benefits paid	13,917	14,590
Benefit obligation, end of year	(275,205)	(300,339)	(258,423)
Other Benefits [Member]
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation, beginning of year	(39,169)	(46,614)
Service cost	(52)	(49)	(125)
Interest cost	(1,301)	(1,647)	(1,910)
Participant contributions	(5)	(7)
Actuarial gain (loss)	1,720	4,392
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	4,691	2,704
Benefits paid	1,803	2,052
Benefit obligation, end of year	$ (32,313)	$ (39,169)	$ (46,614)

Pension and Other Postretirem96

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Change in Plan Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	$ 216,754
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	204,372	$ 216,754
Pension Benefits [Member]
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	216,754	198,367
Actual return on plan assets	2,569	20,223
Employer contributions	5,706	7,992
Plan participant contributions	109	109
Acquisitions		9,360
Settlements	(1,579)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	(5,270)	(4,707)
Benefits paid	(13,917)	(14,590)
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	204,372	216,754
Funded status, end of year	(70,833)	(83,585)
Other Benefits [Member]
Change in plan assets:
Employer contributions	1,798	2,045
Plan participant contributions	5	7
Benefits paid	(1,803)	(2,052)
Funded status, end of year	$ (32,313)	$ (39,169)

Pension and Other Postretirem97

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Amounts recognized in the balance sheets:
Accrued benefit liability (noncurrent)	$ (105,230)	$ (122,627)
Pension Benefits [Member]
Amounts recognized in the balance sheets:
Prepaid benefit cost	7,219	5,689
Accrued benefit liability (current)	(3,173)	(3,628)
Accrued benefit liability (noncurrent)	(74,879)	(85,646)
Net funded status	(70,833)	(83,585)
Other Benefits [Member]
Amounts recognized in the balance sheets:
Accrued benefit liability (current)	(1,962)	(2,188)
Accrued benefit liability (noncurrent)	(30,351)	(36,981)
Net funded status	$ (32,313)	$ (39,169)

Pension and Other Postretirem98

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Pension Benefits [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	$ 5,505	$ 5,453	$ 5,554
Interest cost	9,116	10,757	9,310
Expected return on plan assets	(12,518)	(12,468)	(11,066)
Amortization of prior service credit	(44)	(48)	(54)
Curtailment gain	(128)	(359)
Settlement loss	(1,579)
Net loss recognition	5,082	4,154	6,388
Net periodic benefit cost	7,141	7,489	10,132
Other Benefits [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	52	49	125
Interest cost	1,301	1,647	1,910
Amortization of prior service credit	(87)	(100)	(108)
Net loss recognition	328	315	932
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 1,594	$ 1,911	$ 2,859

Pension and Other Postretirem99

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Assumptions Used in Determining Benefit Obligations and Net Periodic Benefit Cost Amounts (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Pension Benefits [Member]
Weighted average assumptions for benefit obligations at year end:
Discount rate	3.60%	3.20%
Salary increase	3.50%	3.30%
Weighted average assumptions for net periodic cost for the year:
Discount rate	3.20%	4.10%
Salary increase	3.50%	3.90%
Expected return on assets	6.70%	6.70%
Other Benefits [Member]
Weighted average assumptions for benefit obligations at year end:
Discount rate	4.00%	3.70%
Weighted average assumptions for net periodic cost for the year:
Discount rate	3.70%	4.40%
Assumed health care cost trend rates:
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year	5.50%	5.50%
Rate that the cost trend rate gradually declines to	5.00%	5.00%
Year that the rate reaches the rate it is assumed to remain at	2,022	2,016

Pension and Other Postretire100

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Effect of One Percentage - Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]
Effect on total of service and interest cost components, 1% Increase	$ 134
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation, 1% Increase	2,996
Effect on total of service and interest cost components, 1% Decrease	(110)
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation, 1% Decrease	$ (2,484)

Pension and Other Postretire101

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Fair Values of Pension Plan Assets by Asset Category (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	$ 204,372	$ 216,754
Large-Cap Fund [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	77,618	82,816
Mid-Cap Fund [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	14,427	15,276
Small-Cap Fund [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	19,260	19,952
Government Bond Fund [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	26,827	29,121
Corporate Bond Fund [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	24,975	27,485
Fixed Income Fund [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	40,989	41,975
Cash & Equivalents [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	276	129
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	9,541	10,362
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Large-Cap Fund [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	3,266	3,414
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Mid-Cap Fund [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	957	1,448
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Small-Cap Fund [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	461	312
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Government Bond Fund [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	1,387	1,244
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Corporate Bond Fund [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	3,194	3,815
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Cash & Equivalents [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	276	129
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	194,831	206,392
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Large-Cap Fund [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	74,352	79,402
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Mid-Cap Fund [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	13,470	13,828
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Small-Cap Fund [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	18,799	19,640
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Government Bond Fund [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	25,440	27,877
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Corporate Bond Fund [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	21,781	23,670
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Fixed Income Fund [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair values of pension plan assets by asset category	$ 40,989	$ 41,975

Pension and Other Postretire102

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Benefits Expected to be Paid in Subsequent Years from Our Pension and Other Postretirement as Well as Medicare Subsidy Receipts (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Medicare Subsidy Receipts [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
2,016	$ 87
2,017	80
2,018	72
2,019	65
2,020	57
2021-2025	188
Total	549
Pension Benefits [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
2,016	16,173
2,017	17,795
2,018	17,886
2,019	18,816
2,020	17,170
2021-2025	94,434
Total	182,274
Other Benefits [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
2,016	2,097
2,017	2,044
2,018	1,970
2,019	1,890
2,020	1,827
2021-2025	8,569
Total	$ 18,397

Pension and Other Postretire103

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Summary of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss That Have Not Been Recognized as Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss	$ 51,720
Net prior service credit	(81)
Total	51,639
Other Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss	2,515
Net prior service credit	(40)
Total	$ 2,475

Pension and Other Postretire104

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss, beginning of year	$ 61,333
Amortization cost	(5,082)
Curtailment gain recognized	128
Settlement loss recognized	(128)
Actuarial gain	(12,236)
Asset loss	9,949
Currency impact	(2,244)
Net actuarial loss, end of year	51,720
Prior service credit, beginning of year	(94)
Amortization credit	44
Currency impact	(31)
Prior service credit, end of year	(81)
Other Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss, beginning of year	4,679
Amortization cost	(328)
Actuarial gain	(1,720)
Currency impact	(116)
Net actuarial loss, end of year	2,515
Prior service credit, beginning of year	(143)
Amortization credit	87
Currency impact	16
Prior service credit, end of year	$ (40)

Pension and Other Postretire105

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Expected Amortization of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss as Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Amortization of prior service credit	$ (43)
Amortization of net loss	2,709
Total	2,666
Other Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Amortization of prior service credit	(40)
Amortization of net loss	220
Total	$ 180

Comprehensive Income and Acc106

Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Total Comprehensive Income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]
Net income	$ 66,180	$ 74,449	$ 103,313
Foreign currency translation loss, net of $1.3 million, $1.8 million, and $2.2 million tax, respectively	(20,842)	(10,387)	(20,720)
Adjustments to pension and postretirement liability, net of $3.1 million, $3.6 million, and $14.0 million tax, respectively	7,864	(6,463)	22,104
Comprehensive income	53,202	57,599	104,697
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(46)
Comprehensive income attributable to Belden stockholders	$ 53,248	$ 57,599	$ 104,697

Comprehensive Income and Acc107

Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Total Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation, tax expense (benefit)	$ (1.3)	$ (1.8)	$ (2.2)
Adjustments to pension and postretirement liability, tax	$ 3.1	$ (3.6)	$ 14

Comprehensive Income and Acc108

Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Components of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Beginning balance	$ (46,031)	$ (29,181)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(16,386)	(19,507)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	3,430	2,657
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(12,978)	(16,850)	$ 1,384
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Ending balance	(58,987)	(46,031)	(29,181)
Foreign Currency Translation Component [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Beginning balance	(2,591)	7,796
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(20,820)	(10,387)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(20,820)	(10,387)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Ending balance	(23,411)	(2,591)	7,796
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Beginning balance	(43,440)	(36,977)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	4,434	(9,120)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	3,430	2,657
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	7,864	(6,463)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Ending balance	$ (35,576)	$ (43,440)	$ (36,977)

Comprehensive Income and Acc109

Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Summary of Effects of Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Amortization of pension and other postretirement benefit plan items:
Total net of tax	$ 7,864	$ (6,463)	$ 22,104
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Amortization of pension and other postretirement benefit plan items:
Actuarial losses	5,410
Prior service credit	(131)
Total before tax	5,279
Tax benefit	(1,849)
Total net of tax	$ 3,430

Share-Based Compensation - Inco

Share-Based Compensation - Income Tax Benefit Recognized for our Share-Based Compensation Arrangements (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Total share-based compensation cost	$ 17,745	$ 18,858	$ 14,854
Income tax benefit	$ 6,867	$ 7,334	$ 5,777

Share-Based Compensation - Addi

Share-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost related to all nonvested awards	$ 22.6
Unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period	1 year 9 months 18 days
SARs and Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
SAR's and stock options expiration period	10 years
Restricted Shares and Units [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Restricted Shares and Units [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	5 years
Market Based Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Performance Conditions One Member [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of restricted stock units issued on second anniversary	50.00%
Percentage of restricted stock units issued on third anniversary	50.00%
Performance Conditions Two Member [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of restricted stock units issued on third anniversary	100.00%

Share-Based Compensation - Fair

Share-Based Compensation - Fair Values for SARs and Stock Options Estimated on Grant Date Using Black-Scholes-Merton Option-Pricing Formula Which Incorporates Assumptions (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Weighted-average fair value of SARs and options granted	$ 31.22	$ 35.46	$ 24.63
Total intrinsic value of SARs converted and options exercised	$ 14,697	$ 24,023	$ 47,058
Cash received for options exercised	30	48	14,030
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation	$ 5,050	$ 6,859	$ 10,734
Weighted-average fair value of restricted stock shares and units granted	$ 96.52	$ 72.46	$ 50.38
Total fair value of restricted stock shares and units vested	$ 7,696	$ 7,888	$ 9,032
Expected volatility	35.66%	52.63%	53.94%
Expected term (in years)	5 years 8 months 12 days	5 years 9 months 18 days	6 years 1 month 6 days
Risk-free rate	1.59%	1.79%	1.04%
Dividend yield	0.22%	0.28%	0.40%

Share-Based Compensation - Summ

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Share Based Compensation Activity (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	$ 96.52	$ 72.46	$ 50.38
SARs and Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding at Beginning, Number	1,305
Granted, Number	236
Exercised or converted, Number	(320)
Forfeited or expired, Number	(32)
Outstanding at Ending, Number	1,189	1,305
Vested or expected to vest at End, Number	1,169
Exercisable or convertible at End, Number	730
Outstanding at Beginning, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$ 44.60
Granted, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	88.79
Exercised or converted, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	40.03
Forfeited or expired, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	73.60
Outstanding at End, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	53.80	$ 44.60
Vested or expected to vest at End, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	53.51
Exercisable or convertible at End, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$ 41.06
Outstanding at End, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	7 years
Vested or expected to vest at End, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	7 years
Exercisable or convertible at End, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	6 years
Outstanding at End, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ (7,280)
Vested or expected to vest at End, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	(6,811)
Exercisable or convertible at End, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 4,831
Restricted Shares and Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding at Beginning, Number	493
Granted, Number	183
Exercised or converted, Number	(178)
Forfeited or expired, Number	(34)
Outstanding at End, Number	464	493
Outstanding at Beginning, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	$ 54.76
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	96.52
Exercised or converted, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	43.11
Forfeited or expired, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	70.99
Outstanding at End, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	$ 74.50	$ 54.76

Stockholder Rights Plan - Addit

Stockholder Rights Plan - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015$ / shares$ / Warrantshares
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Portion of preferred share purchase right entitled to holder | shares	0.0001
Purchase price of Preferred Stock as per plan	$ 150
Number of votes entitled to common stock	One
Price worth of surviving company common stock | $ / Warrant	300
Percentage common stock to acquired to exercise stock rights	20.00%
Redemption price of stock holder rights plan	$ 0.01
Percentage of beneficial ownership	20.00%

Share Repurchases - Additional

Share Repurchases - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions	12 Months Ended			54 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Nov. 30, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Purchase of common stock					$ 200,000,000	$ 150,000,000
Payments under share repurchase program	$ 39,053,000	$ 92,197,000	$ 93,750,000
Share Repurchase Plan 2011 [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Payments under share repurchase program	$ 39,100,000	$ 92,200,000	$ 93,800,000	$ 350,000,000
Repurchase of shares	0.7	1.3	1.7	7.4
Repurchase of shares average price per share	$ 55.95	$ 73.06	$ 54.76	$ 47.43

Operating Leases - Additional I

Operating Leases - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease expense incurred	$ 40.6	$ 32.8	$ 26.5

Operating Leases - Summary of M

Operating Leases - Summary of Minimum Annual Lease Payments for Noncancelable Operating Leases (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
2,016	$ 24,331
2,017	17,270
2,018	13,580
2,019	10,845
2,020	8,490
Thereafter	18,958
Total	$ 93,474

Market Concentrations and Ri118

Market Concentrations and Risks - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands, lb in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)lbCustomerDistributor	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of customers | Customer	10
Number of Distributers | Distributor	5
Carrying amount of debt instruments	$ 1,753,021	$ 1,767,922
Fair value of debt instrument	1,416,600	1,529,400
Face value of senior subordinated notes	$ 1,459,100	$ 1,521,500
Copper [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Committed amounts to purchase | lb	2.4
Aggregate cost	$ 5,600
Recorded unconditional purchase obligation fixed cost	$ 400
Aluminum [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Committed amounts to purchase | lb	0.5
Aggregate cost	$ 400
Consolidated Revenues [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	33.00%	33.00%	36.00%
Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements [Member] | Labor Force Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	22.00%
Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring within One Year [Member] | Labor Force Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	19.00%

Contingent Liabilities - Additi

Contingent Liabilities - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Standby Letters of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Loss contingency, range of possible loss, portion not accrued	$ 8.2
Bank Guaranties [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Loss contingency, range of possible loss, portion not accrued	3
Surety Bonds [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Loss contingency, range of possible loss, portion not accrued	$ 2.4

Supplemental Cash Flow Infor120

Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Income tax refunds received	$ 4,068	$ 12,681	$ 11,165
Income taxes paid	(24,960)	(25,308)	(79,778)
Interest paid, net of amount capitalized	$ (91,496)	$ (70,915)	$ (60,340)

Quarterly Operating Results 121

Quarterly Operating Results (Unaudited) - Quarterly Operating Results (Unaudited) (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of days in quarter	95 days	91 days	91 days	88 days	94 days	91 days	91 days	89 days	365 days	365 days
Revenues	$ 597,244	$ 579,266	$ 585,755	$ 546,957	$ 608,910	$ 610,774	$ 600,891	$ 487,690	$ 2,309,222	$ 2,308,265	$ 2,069,193
Gross profit	250,117	226,131	234,276	207,649	217,615	221,732	204,385	175,717	918,173	819,449	704,429
Operating income	57,010	34,502	44,143	4,898	43,271	58,011	12,326	49,511	140,553	163,119	201,262
Income (loss) from continuing operations	49,656	14,811	21,677	(19,636)	15,414	33,847	15	25,156	66,508	74,432
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		(242)			579				(242)	579	$ (1,421)
Loss from disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax			(86)					(562)	(86)	(562)
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(24)								(24)
Net income (loss) attributable to Belden stockholders	$ 49,680	$ 14,569	$ 21,591	$ (19,636)	$ 15,993	$ 33,847	$ 15	$ 24,594	$ 66,204	$ 74,449
Basic income (loss) per share attributable to Belden stockholders:
Continuing operations	$ 1.18	$ 0.35	$ 0.51	$ (0.46)	$ 0.36	$ 0.78		$ 0.58	$ 1.57	$ 1.72	$ 2.39
Discontinued operations		(0.01)			0.01				(0.01)	0.01	(0.03)
Disposal of discontinued operations								(0.01)		(0.01)
Net income	1.18	0.34	0.51	(0.46)	0.37	0.78		0.57	1.56	1.72	2.36
Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to Belden stockholders:
Continuing operations	1.17	0.35	0.50	(0.46)	0.35	0.77		0.57	1.55	1.69	2.34
Discontinued operations		(0.01)			0.01				(0.01)	0.01	(0.03)
Disposal of discontinued operations								(0.01)		(0.01)
Net income	$ 1.17	$ 0.34	$ 0.50	$ (0.46)	$ 0.36	$ 0.77		$ 0.56	$ 1.54	$ 1.69	$ 2.31

Quarterly Operating Results 122

Quarterly Operating Results (Unaudited) - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Severance and other restructuring costs	$ 13,600	$ 14,100	$ 4,900	$ 14,600	$ 22,000	$ 9,200	$ 38,200	$ 1,400	$ 47,170	$ 70,827	$ 14,888
Purchase accounting effects related to acquisitions							$ 7,400
Tripwire [Member]
Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Compensation expense				$ 9,200					$ 9,200

Subsequent Events - Additional

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail) - Subsequent Event [Member] - M2FX Limited [Member] $ in Millions	Jan. 07, 2016USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Percentage of outstanding shares acquired	100.00%
Acquisition price	$ 16
Business acquisition, additional consideration	$ 9

Valuation and Qualifying Accoun

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts Receivable - Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 11,503	$ 3,390	$ 4,163
Charged to Costs and Expenses	2,561	1,184	733
Divestures/Acquisitions	40	9,845	448
Charge Offs	(803)	(1,867)	(1,391)
Recoveries	(4,353)	(889)	(520)
Currency Movement	(667)	(160)	(43)
Ending Balance	8,281	11,503	3,390
Inventories - Excess and Obsolete Allowances [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	31,823	21,317	23,954
Charged to Costs and Expenses	3,001	7,994	5,632
Divestures/Acquisitions	2,755	14,167
Charge Offs	(12,744)	(10,908)	(7,211)
Recoveries	(1,407)	(1,413)	(1,009)
Currency Movement	(897)	666	(49)
Ending Balance	22,531	31,823	21,317
Deferred Income Tax Asset - Valuation Allowance [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	157,317	10,165	7,498
Charged to Costs and Expenses	2,840	4,252	496
Divestures/Acquisitions	(14,425)	143,513	3,064
Charge Offs	(1,823)
Recoveries	(13,988)	(415)	(899)
Currency Movement	(12,850)	(198)	6
Ending Balance	$ 117,071	$ 157,317	$ 10,165