Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 04, 2015	Jun. 28, 2014	Jul. 04, 2015	Jun. 28, 2014
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 26,518	$ 35,832	$ 57,443	$ 61,796
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustment	15,482	(7,479)	(60,836)	(8,439)
Pension and postretirement actuarial items	2,078	1,357	4,191	2,860
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	(961)	660	(1,115)	1,188
Other comprehensive income (loss)	16,599	(5,462)	(57,760)	(4,391)
Comprehensive income (loss)	43,117	30,370	(317)	57,405
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	250	190	476	344
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ 42,867	$ 30,180	$ (793)	$ 57,061