Aggregate notional amount specified by the derivative(s). Expressed as an absolute value.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Article 12

-Section 13

-Sentence Column B

+ Details

Name:	invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount
Namespace Prefix:	invest_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Fair value portion of probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 820

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36462937&loc=d3e19207-110258

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of investment in debt and equity securities categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 320

-SubTopic 10

-Section 25

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28360136&loc=d3e22054-111558

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 320

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph (aa)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27724398&loc=d3e27232-111563

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 320

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6871852&loc=d3e26610-111562

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Date the debt instrument was issued, in CCYY-MM-DD format.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 22

-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentIssuanceDate1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:dateItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Assets, usually stocks, bonds, and other investments, that have been segregated and restricted (usually in a trust) to provide benefits, at their fair value as of the measurement date. Plan assets include amounts contributed by the employer (and by employees for a contributory plan) and amounts earned from investing the contributions, less benefits paid. If a plan has liabilities other than for benefits, those non-benefit obligations may be considered as reductions of plan assets.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 30

-Section 35

-Paragraph 50

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=29635418&loc=d3e12355-114930

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Description of the relevant terms of the derivative. Includes the type of instrument, risk being hedged, notional amount, counterparty, inception date, maturity date, relevant interest rates, strike price, cap price, and floor price.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeDescriptionOfTerms
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Fair value as of the balance sheet date of the embedded derivative or group of embedded derivatives classified as a liability.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4B

-Subparagraph (c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35706170&loc=SL5624163-113959

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeLiability
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

For any transfer of securities categorized as held-to-maturity, this item represents the net carrying amount of the transferred security to another category of investments in debt and equity securities (trading or available-for-sale).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 320

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 10

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27724398&loc=d3e27405-111563

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesTransferredSecurityAtCarryingValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of unrecognized gain before loss on investments in held-to-maturity securities.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 320

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27724398&loc=d3e27232-111563

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesUnrecognizedHoldingGains
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Fair value of financial and nonfinancial obligations.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The fair value amount of long-term debt whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The amount by which the fair value of an investment in debt securities categorized as Held-to-maturity is less than the amortized cost basis or carrying amount of that investment at the balance sheet date and the decline in fair value is deemed to be other than temporary, before considering whether or not such amount is recognized in earnings or other comprehensive income.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 320

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 5

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27724398&loc=d3e27232-111563

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsHeldtomaturitySecurities
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Sum of the carrying values as of the balance sheet date of all long-term debt, which is debt initially having maturities due after one year from the balance sheet date or beyond the operating cycle, if longer, but excluding the portions thereof scheduled to be repaid within one year (current maturities) or the normal operating cycle, if longer, and after deducting unamortized discount or premiums and derivative liability, if any.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	vsh_LongTermDebtExcludingDerivativeLiability
Namespace Prefix:	vsh_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Fair value as of the balance sheet date of assets held in rabbi trusts to fund payments under deferred compensation and non-qualified pension plans.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	vsh_RabbiTrustAssetsFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix:	vsh_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=vsh_ConvertibleSeniorDebentures2042Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=vsh_ConvertibleSeniorDebenturesDue2040Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=vsh_ConvertibleSeniorDebenturesDue2041Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis=us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis=us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis=us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis=us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis=us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Assets:
Held-to-maturity Securities, Transferred Security, at Carrying Value	$ 0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Unrecognized Holding Gain	0
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Held-to-maturity Securities	0
Assets held in rabbi trusts	40,270vsh_RabbiTrustAssetsFairValueDisclosure	36,992vsh_RabbiTrustAssetsFairValueDisclosure
Available for sale securities	15,432us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities	7,356us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
Fair Value Assets	378,502us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure	388,840us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure
Liabilities:
Fair Value Liabilities	(1,105)us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure	(1,037)us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure
Embedded derivative	(1,105)	(1,037)
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	853,500us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue	750,700us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue
Long-term Debt	453,817	363,874
Derivative, Notional Amount	48,000invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount
Derivative, Description of Terms	Beginnin in the third fiscal quarter of 2014, the Company entered into forward contracts with a highly-rated financial institution to mitigate the foreign currency risk associated with an intercompany loan denominated in a currency other than the legal entity's functional currency. The notional amount of the forward contracts was $48,000 as of December 31, 2014. The intercompany loan was used to finance a portion of the purchase price for Capella. The forward contracts settle monthly and are expected to be renewed at the Company's discretion on a monthly basis until the intercompany loan is repaid. The forward contract was renewed on the last day of the third fiscal quarter. We have not designated the forward contract as a hedge for accounting purposes, and as such the change in the fair value of the contract is recognized in the consolidated condensed statements of operations as a component of other income (expense).
U.S. Plans [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets	273,644	295,633	265,866
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Equity Securities [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets	26,601	51,666
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets	244,037	241,827
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Real Estate Investment Trust Securities [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets		1,969
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets	3,006	171
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets	49,156	48,859	46,580
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] \| Equity Securities [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets	9,268	9,911
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] \| Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets	18,269	16,117
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] \| Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets	21,619	22,831
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Assets held in rabbi trusts	26,853	24,064
Available for sale securities	4,439	7,356
Fair Value Assets	352,804	328,862
Liabilities:
Fair Value Liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| U.S. Plans [Member] \| Equity Securities [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets	26,601	51,666
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| U.S. Plans [Member] \| Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets	242,749	194,777
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| U.S. Plans [Member] \| Real Estate Investment Trust Securities [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets		1,969
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| U.S. Plans [Member] \| Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets	3,006	171
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| Non-U.S. Plans [Member] \| Equity Securities [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets	9,268	9,911
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| Non-U.S. Plans [Member] \| Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets	18,269	16,117
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| Non-U.S. Plans [Member] \| Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets	21,619	22,831
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Assets held in rabbi trusts	13,417	12,928
Available for sale securities	10,993	0
Fair Value Assets	25,698	59,978
Liabilities:
Fair Value Liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| U.S. Plans [Member] \| Equity Securities [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| U.S. Plans [Member] \| Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets	1,288	47,050
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| U.S. Plans [Member] \| Real Estate Investment Trust Securities [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| U.S. Plans [Member] \| Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| Non-U.S. Plans [Member] \| Equity Securities [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| Non-U.S. Plans [Member] \| Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| Non-U.S. Plans [Member] \| Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets:
Assets held in rabbi trusts	0	0
Available for sale securities	0	0
Fair Value Assets	0	0
Liabilities:
Fair Value Liabilities	(1,105)	(1,037)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] \| U.S. Plans [Member] \| Equity Securities [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] \| U.S. Plans [Member] \| Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] \| U.S. Plans [Member] \| Real Estate Investment Trust Securities [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] \| U.S. Plans [Member] \| Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] \| Non-U.S. Plans [Member] \| Equity Securities [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] \| Non-U.S. Plans [Member] \| Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] \| Non-U.S. Plans [Member] \| Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2040 [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	(526)	(491)
Convertible debentures issuance date	Nov. 09, 2010
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2040 [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	0	0
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2040 [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	0	0
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2040 [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	(526)	(491)
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2041 [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	(341)	(349)
Convertible debentures issuance date	May 13, 2011
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2041 [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	0	0
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2041 [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	0	0
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2041 [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	(341)	(349)
Convertible Senior Debentures 2042 [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	(238)	(197)
Convertible debentures issuance date	May 31, 2012
Convertible Senior Debentures 2042 [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	0	0
Convertible Senior Debentures 2042 [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	0	0
Convertible Senior Debentures 2042 [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	$ (238)	$ (197)