Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Policies)	9 Months Ended
Oct. 01, 2011
Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Discussion on inclusion of entity's proportionate share of other comprehensive income (loss) of equity method investment on other comprehensive income (loss)	Other comprehensive income (loss) includes Vishay’s proportionate share of other comprehensive income (loss) of nonconsolidated subsidiaries accounted for under the equity method.

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