Reportable Business Segments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 Segment	Mar. 31, 2011
Reportable Business Segments
Number of reportable business segments	2
Segment reporting information
Net sales - external	$ 981,604	$ 940,585
Segment operating income	185,279	186,085
Total
Segment reporting information
Net sales - external	981,604	940,585
Net sales - intersegment	6,649	5,572
Segment operating income	201,535	201,571
Interconnect Products and Assemblies
Segment reporting information
Net sales - external	908,035	877,516
Net sales - intersegment	1,016	713
Segment operating income	190,859	194,112
Cable Products
Segment reporting information
Net sales - external	73,569	63,069
Net sales - intersegment	5,633	4,859
Segment operating income	$ 10,676	$ 7,459