Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 517,002	$ 592,172
Short-term investments	539,046	514,776
Accounts receivable, net	288,273	271,554
Inventories:
Finished goods	115,547	113,361
Work in process	186,758	185,769
Raw materials	124,799	125,464
Total inventories	427,104	424,594
Deferred income taxes	20,415	17,815
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	103,149	105,539
Total current assets	1,894,989	1,926,450
Property and equipment, at cost:
Land	89,594	91,844
Buildings and improvements	547,523	560,926
Machinery and equipment	2,330,646	2,368,046
Construction in progress	65,321	82,684
Allowance for depreciation	(2,180,926)	(2,205,405)
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Total	852,158	898,095
Goodwill	143,617	144,359
Other intangible assets, net	177,979	186,613
Other assets	143,023	143,256
Total assets	3,211,766	3,298,773
Current liabilities:
Notes payable to banks	12	18
Trade accounts payable	156,114	174,451
Payroll and related expenses	115,346	120,023
Other accrued expenses	139,821	137,576
Income taxes	29,927	24,671
Total current liabilities	441,220	456,739
Long-term debt less current portion	470,905	454,922
Deferred income taxes	177,903	178,900
Other liabilities	66,086	76,811
Accrued pension and other postretirement costs	276,626	300,524
Total liabilities	1,432,740	1,467,896
Vishay stockholders' equity
Common stock	13,544	13,532
Class B convertible common stock	1,213	1,213
Capital in excess of par value	2,055,679	2,055,246
(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings	(153,648)	(175,485)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(143,499)	(69,140)
Total Vishay stockholders' equity	1,773,289	1,825,366
Noncontrolling interests	5,737	5,511
Total equity	1,779,026	1,830,877
Total liabilities, temporary equity, and equity	$ 3,211,766	$ 3,298,773