Reportable Business Segments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013 item	Jun. 30, 2012
Reportable Business Segments
Number of reportable business segments			2
Segment reporting information
Net sales - external	$ 1,136,067	$ 1,061,107	$ 2,215,872	$ 2,042,711
Segment operating income	224,013	206,176	430,970	391,455
Total
Segment reporting information
Net sales - external	1,136,067	1,061,107	2,215,872	2,042,711
Net sales - intersegment	6,004	5,787	12,565	12,436
Segment operating income	242,525	223,044	467,426	424,579
Interconnect Products and Assemblies
Segment reporting information
Net sales - external	1,045,751	985,490	2,041,677	1,893,525
Net sales - intersegment	1,461	979	2,755	1,995
Segment operating income	230,082	212,586	443,383	403,445
Cable Products
Segment reporting information
Net sales - external	90,316	75,617	174,195	149,186
Net sales - intersegment	4,543	4,808	9,810	10,441
Segment operating income	$ 12,443	$ 10,458	$ 24,043	$ 21,134