Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 25,964	$ 29,141
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(960)	(25,121)
Pension and postretirement actuarial items	1,503	3,231
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	528	430
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,071	(21,460)
Comprehensive income	27,035	7,681
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	154	210
Comprehensive income attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ 26,881	$ 7,471

Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income and other comprehensive income, attributable to parent entity. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

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The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

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