Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 785,781	$ 749,088
Short-term investments	137,172	249,139
Accounts receivable, net	282,071	270,970
Inventories:
Finished goods	111,042	104,478
Work in process	197,463	181,354
Raw materials	132,194	131,795
Total inventories	440,699	417,627
Deferred income taxes	24,907	24,632
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	126,493	119,220
Total current assets	1,797,123	1,830,676
Property and equipment, at cost:
Land	92,538	91,507
Buildings and improvements	508,695	493,550
Machinery and equipment	2,114,001	2,079,395
Construction in progress	83,560	94,717
Allowance for depreciation	(1,897,354)	(1,851,264)
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Total	901,440	907,905
Goodwill	34,915	9,051
Intangible assets, net	143,864	103,927
Other assets	140,678	142,171
Total assets	3,018,020	2,993,730
Current liabilities:
Notes payable to banks	52	13
Trade accounts payable	135,055	154,942
Payroll and related expenses	103,317	109,833
Other accrued expenses	157,722	161,119
Income taxes	14,537	13,881
Total current liabilities	410,683	439,788
Long-term debt less current portion	389,486	399,054
Deferred income taxes	110,210	110,356
Other liabilities	118,651	117,235
Accrued pension and other postretirement costs	318,979	319,136
Total liabilities	1,348,009	1,385,569
Vishay stockholders' equity
Common stock	14,491	14,374
Class B convertible common stock	1,230	1,345
Capital in excess of par value	2,088,352	2,086,925
(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings	(469,604)	(503,416)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	30,124	3,778
Total Vishay stockholders' equity	1,664,593	1,603,006
Noncontrolling interests	5,418	5,155
Total equity	1,670,011	1,608,161
Total liabilities and equity	$ 3,018,020	$ 2,993,730