Consolidated Condensed Statement of Equity (USD $) In Thousands	Common Stock	Class B Convertible Common Stock [Member]	Capital In Excess of Par Value	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Total Vishay Stockholders' Equity	Noncontrolling Interest	Total
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 13,532	$ 1,213	$ 2,055,246	$ (175,485)	$ (69,140)	$ 1,825,366	$ 5,511	$ 1,830,877
Net earnings	0	0	0	30,699	0	30,699	226	30,925
Other comprehensive income	0	0	0	0	(74,359)	(74,359)	0	(74,359)
Restricted stock issuances	12	0	(651)	0	0	(639)	0	(639)
Dividends declared	0	0	8	(8,862)	0	(8,854)	0	(8,854)
Stock compensation expense	0	0	1,055	0	0	1,055	0	1,055
Tax effects of stock plan	0	0	21	0	0	21	0	21
Balance at Apr. 04, 2015	$ 13,544	$ 1,213	$ 2,055,679	$ (153,648)	$ (143,499)	$ 1,773,289	$ 5,737	$ 1,779,026