Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings (loss)	$ 239,997	$ 360,293	$ (56,515)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(26,441)	(41,930)	10,080
Pension and other post-retirement actuarial items	(29,207)	(15,159)	16,272
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	(1,065)	602	654
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(56,713)	(56,487)	27,006
Comprehensive income (loss)	183,284	303,806	(29,509)
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,176	1,187	673
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ 182,108	$ 302,619	$ (30,182)

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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+ Details

- Definition

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 noncontrolling interests, if any. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

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 economic entity, including both controlling (parent) and noncontrolling interests. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, including any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Gross appreciation or the gross loss in value of the total unsold securities. While for technical reasons this element has no balance attribute, the default assumption is a credit balance consistent with its label.

+ References

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+ Details

- Definition

The increase (decrease) in accumulated comprehensive income during the period related to pension and other postretirement benefit plans, after tax. While for technical reasons this element has no balance attribute, the default assumption is a credit balance consistent with its label.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Adjustment that results from the process of translating subsidiary financial statements and foreign equity investments into the reporting currency of the reporting entity, net of tax.

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+ Details

- Definition

This element represents Other Comprehensive Income or Loss, Net of Tax, for the period. Includes deferred gains or losses on qualifying hedges, unrealized holding gains or losses on available-for-sale securities, minimum pension liability, and cumulative translation adjustment. While for technical reasons this element has no balance attribute, the default assumption is a credit balance consistent with its label.

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+ Details

- Definition

The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

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