Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 32,869	$ 22,489	$ 93,495	$ 102,394
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustment	24,975	28,564	10,304	1,347
Pension and postretirement actuarial items	3,078	2,209	9,250	7,764
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	60	603	(154)	1,260
Other comprehensive income (loss)	28,113	31,376	19,400	10,371
Comprehensive income	60,982	53,865	112,895	112,765
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	150	209	536	631
Comprehensive income attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ 60,832	$ 53,656	$ 112,359	$ 112,134