Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013	Jun. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 35,832	$ 31,485	$ 61,796	$ 60,626
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(7,479)	10,450	(8,439)	(14,671)
Pension and postretirement actuarial items	1,357	2,941	2,860	6,172
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	660	(644)	1,188	(214)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(5,462)	12,747	(4,391)	(8,713)
Comprehensive income	30,370	44,232	57,405	51,913
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	190	176	344	386
Comprehensive income attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ 30,180	$ 44,056	$ 57,061	$ 51,527