Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 697,595	$ 749,088
Short-term investments	294,943	249,139
Accounts receivable, net	247,035	270,970
Inventories:
Finished goods	109,571	104,478
Work in process	177,350	181,354
Raw materials	120,728	131,795
Total inventories	407,649	417,627
Deferred income taxes	24,385	24,632
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	119,656	119,220
Total current assets	1,791,263	1,830,676
Property and equipment, at cost:
Land	92,348	91,507
Buildings and improvements	523,091	493,550
Machinery and equipment	2,163,182	2,079,395
Construction in progress	101,570	94,717
Allowance for depreciation	(1,965,639)	(1,851,264)
Property and equipment, net	914,552	907,905
Goodwill	34,866	9,051
Other intangible assets, net	133,717	103,927
Other assets	141,879	142,171
Total assets	3,016,277	2,993,730
Current liabilities:
Notes payable to banks	6	13
Trade accounts payable	147,936	154,942
Payroll and related expenses	108,353	109,833
Other accrued expenses	148,660	161,119
Income taxes	7,215	13,881
Total current liabilities	412,170	439,788
Long-term debt less current portion	392,931	399,054
Deferred income taxes	129,379	110,356
Other liabilities	108,600	117,235
Accrued pension and other postretirement costs	344,961	319,136
Total liabilities	1,388,041	1,385,569
Commitments and contingencies
Vishay stockholders' equity
Preferred stock
Common stock	13,114	14,374
Class B convertible common stock	1,213	1,345
Capital in excess of par value	1,999,901	2,086,925
(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings	(380,678)	(503,416)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(10,222)	3,778
Total Vishay stockholders' equity	1,623,328	1,603,006
Noncontrolling interests	4,908	5,155
Total equity	1,628,236	1,608,161
Total liabilities and equity	$ 3,016,277	$ 2,993,730