Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 117,843us-gaap_ProfitLoss	$ 123,769us-gaap_ProfitLoss	$ 123,531us-gaap_ProfitLoss
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(106,295)	23,537	14,567
Pension and other post-retirement actuarial items	(25,842)	49,038	(29,759)
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	1,363	(719)	1,192
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(130,774)	71,856	(14,000)
Comprehensive income	(12,931)	195,625	109,531
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	214	789	793
Comprehensive income attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ (13,145)us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax	$ 194,836us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax	$ 108,738us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax

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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