Reportable Business Segments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012 Segment	Jun. 30, 2011
Reportable Business Segments
Number of reportable business segments			2
Segment reporting information
Net sales - external	$ 1,061,107	$ 1,017,738	$ 2,042,711	$ 1,958,323
Segment operating income	206,176	214,874	391,455	400,959
Total
Segment reporting information
Net sales - external	1,061,107	1,017,738	2,042,711	1,958,323
Net sales - intersegment	5,787	7,513	12,436	13,085
Segment operating income	223,044	212,880	424,579	414,451
Interconnect Products and Assemblies
Segment reporting information
Net sales - external	985,490	943,752	1,893,525	1,821,268
Net sales - intersegment	979	1,612	1,995	2,325
Segment operating income	212,586	203,380	403,445	397,492
Cable Products
Segment reporting information
Net sales - external	75,617	73,986	149,186	137,055
Net sales - intersegment	4,808	5,901	10,441	10,760
Segment operating income	$ 10,458	$ 9,500	$ 21,134	$ 16,959