Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012	Apr. 02, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 34,075	$ 75,607
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustment	23,228	45,728
Pension and other post-retirement actuarial items	2,304	1,934
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	814	611
Other comprehensive income (loss)	26,346	48,273
Comprehensive income (loss)	60,421	123,880
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	263	320
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ 60,158	$ 123,560

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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