Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Oct. 01, 2011	Oct. 02, 2010	Oct. 01, 2011	Oct. 02, 2010
Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 50,692	$ 90,152	$ 208,795	$ 212,756
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(48,352)	61,476	16,067	(18,020)
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities	(605)	481	(845)	348
Pension and other postretirement adjustments	1,974	3,977	4,390	(1,021)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(46,983)	65,934	19,612	(18,693)
Comprehensive income	3,709	156,086	228,407	194,063
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	205	353	926	878
Comprehensive income attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ 3,504	$ 155,733	$ 227,481	$ 193,185

The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the reporting entity. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, but excludes any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

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