Earnings Per Share (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Earnings Per Share (Policies)	Dec. 31, 2011
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Method adopted in the diluted earnings per share computation	In periods in which they are dilutive, if the potential common shares related to the exchangeable notes are included in the computation, the related interest savings, net of tax, assuming conversion/exchange is added to the net earnings used to compute earnings per share. The Company’s convertible debt instruments are only convertible upon the occurrence of certain events. While none of these events has occurred as of December 31, 2011, certain conditions which could trigger conversion have been deemed to be non-substantive, and accordingly, the Company has always assumed the conversion of these instruments in its diluted earnings per share computation during periods in which they are dilutive. At the direction of its Board of Directors, the Company intends, upon conversion, to repay the principal amount of the convertible senior debentures, due 2040 and due 2041, in cash and settle any additional amounts in shares of Vishay common stock. Accordingly, the debentures are included in the diluted earnings per share computation using the “treasury stock method” (similar to options and warrants) rather than the “if converted method” otherwise required for convertible debt. Under the “treasury stock method,” Vishay calculates the number of shares issuable under the terms of the notes based on the average market price of Vishay common stock during the period, and that number is included in the total diluted shares figure for the period. If the average market price is less than $13.88, no shares are included in the diluted earnings per share computation for the convertible senior debentures due 2040, and if the average market price is less than $19.02, no shares are included in the diluted earnings per share computation for the convertible senior debentures due 2041. As described in Note 6, the Company purchased 99.6% of the outstanding convertible subordinated notes due 2023 pursuant to the option of the holders to require the Company to repurchase their notes on August 1, 2008. The remaining notes, with an aggregate principal amount of $1,870, were redeemed at Vishay’s option on August 1, 2010.

Discloses the methodology and assumptions used to compute diluted earnings or loss per share for each class of common stock and participating security. Addresses any antidilutive items that have been excluded from the computation and takes into account stock dividends, splits and reverse splits that occur after the balance sheet date of the latest reporting period but before the issuance of the financial statements.

+ References+ Details