Reportable Business Segments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Reportable Business Segments
Number of reportable business segments			2
Segment reporting information
Net sales - external	$ 1,017,738	$ 884,798	$ 1,958,323	$ 1,655,752
Segment operating income	205,633	166,421	383,406	301,911
Total
Segment reporting information
Net sales - external	1,017,738	884,798	1,958,323	1,655,752
Net sales - intersegment	7,513	5,586	13,085	11,193
Segment operating income	212,880	190,940	414,451	349,645
Interconnect Products and Assemblies
Segment reporting information
Net sales - external	943,752	817,146	1,821,268	1,520,744
Net sales - intersegment	1,612	839	2,325	1,490
Segment operating income	203,380	181,820	397,492	330,482
Cable Products
Segment reporting information
Net sales - external	73,986	67,652	137,055	135,008
Net sales - intersegment	5,901	4,747	10,760	9,703
Segment operating income	$ 9,500	$ 9,120	$ 16,959	$ 19,163