Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012	Jul. 02, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jul. 02, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 45,830	$ 82,496	$ 79,905	$ 158,103
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(50,445)	18,691	(27,217)	64,419
Pension and other post-retirement actuarial items	3,251	482	5,555	2,416
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	(157)	(851)	657	(240)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(47,351)	18,322	(21,005)	66,595
Comprehensive income (loss)	(1,521)	100,818	58,900	224,698
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	159	401	422	721
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ (1,680)	$ 100,417	$ 58,478	$ 223,977

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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