Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]
Net revenues	$ 2,230,097	$ 2,594,029	$ 2,725,092
Costs of products sold	1,703,424	1,874,043	1,917,607
Gross profit	526,673	719,986	807,485
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	349,625	367,623	389,547
Gain on Sale of Property	(12,153)	0	0
Executive compensation charges	0	5,762	0
Operating Income	189,201	346,601	417,938
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(22,604)	(19,277)	(11,036)
Other	3,440	3,792	(1,369)
Other income (expense), total	(19,164)	(15,485)	(12,405)
Income before taxes	170,037	331,116	405,533
Income tax expense	46,506	91,119	45,240
Net earnings	123,531	239,997	360,293
Less: net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	793	1,176	1,187
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ 122,738	$ 238,821	$ 359,106
Basic earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders:	$ 0.82	$ 1.49	$ 1.96
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders:	$ 0.79	$ 1.42	$ 1.89
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	149,020	160,094	183,618
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	155,844	168,514	190,227