Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2011	Oct. 02, 2010	Oct. 01, 2011	Oct. 02, 2010
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations [Abstract]
Net revenues	$ 637,649	$ 694,365	$ 2,042,638	$ 2,036,480
Costs of products sold	470,172	475,987	1,448,308	1,440,496
Gross profit	167,477	218,378	594,330	595,984
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	90,271	87,475	275,532	298,629
Executive compensation charge	1,873	0	5,762	0
Operating income	75,333	130,903	313,036	297,355
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(5,311)	(2,545)	(13,989)	(7,379)
Other	1,790	(4,716)	1,255	1,284
Nonoperating Income (Expense), Total	(3,521)	(7,261)	(12,734)	(6,095)
Income before taxes	71,812	123,642	300,302	291,260
Income tax expense	21,120	33,490	91,507	78,504
Net earnings	50,692	90,152	208,795	212,756
Less: net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	205	353	926	878
Net earnings attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ 50,487	$ 89,799	$ 207,869	$ 211,878
Basic earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.32	$ 0.48	$ 1.29	$ 1.14
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.31	$ 0.47	$ 1.22	$ 1.10
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	157,149	186,648	161,061	186,652
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	163,808	193,062	170,039	193,080