Acquisition and Divestiture Activities (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	9 Months Ended
Oct. 01, 2011	Oct. 02, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010
Duration of term loan	3
Term loan issued in connection with business acquisitions		$ 15,000
Goodwill	9,525		0
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired or refunded	$ 19,335	$ 0
Common Stock
Exchange Ratio Under Spin-Off		1 share of VPG common stock for every 14 shares of Vishay common stock
Class B Convertible Common Stock
Exchange Ratio Under Spin-Off		1 share of VPG Class B common stock for every 14 shares of Vishay Class B common stock

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

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+ Details