Restructuring and Related Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Oct. 03, 2015	Jul. 04, 2015	Apr. 04, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve, current	$ 26,791				$ 6,955				$ 26,791	$ 6,955
Restructuring and related expenses	9,821	$ 2,324	$ 5,660	$ 1,410	1,971	$ 3,508	$ 9,014	$ 6,404	19,215	20,897	$ 2,814
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and related expenses	9,821	$ 2,324	$ 5,660	$ 1,410	1,971	$ 3,508	$ 9,014	$ 6,404	19,215	20,897	2,814
Global Cost Reduction Program [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve, current	12,617								12,617
Restructuring and related expenses									13,753	0	0
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and related expenses									13,753	0	0
Cash paid									(986)
Foreign currency translation									(150)
Balance at end of period	12,617								$ 12,617
Term of restructuring program									24 months
Expected Restructuring Costs	30,000								$ 30,000
Global Cost Reduction Program [Member] | Diodes Segment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related expenses									133
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and related expenses									133
Global Cost Reduction Program [Member] | Optoelectronic Components Segment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related expenses									215
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and related expenses									215
Global Cost Reduction Program [Member] | Resistors And Inductors Segment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related expenses									5,972
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and related expenses									5,972
Global Cost Reduction Program [Member] | Capacitors Segment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related expenses									5,209
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and related expenses									5,209
Global Cost Reduction Program [Member] | Unallocated Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related expenses									2,224
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and related expenses									2,224
2013 Restructuring Programs [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Expected Restructuring Costs	32,000								32,000
MOSFETs Enhanced Competitiveness Program [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve, current	12,172								12,172
Restructuring and related expenses									5,367	6,025	2,328
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and related expenses									5,367	6,025	2,328
Cash paid									(426)	(856)	(267)
Foreign currency translation									1
Balance at end of period	12,172				7,230				$ 12,172	7,230	2,061
Term of restructuring program									2 years
Expected Restructuring Costs	16,000								$ 16,000
Voluntary Separation/Retirement Program [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve, current	1,345								1,345
Restructuring and related expenses									95	12,792	486
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and related expenses									95	12,792	486
Cash paid									(3,166)	(8,054)	(98)
Foreign currency translation									(258)	(455)	3
Balance at end of period	1,345				4,674				1,345	4,674	391
Modules Product Transfer [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve, current	657								657
Restructuring and related expenses									0	2,080	0
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and related expenses									0	2,080	$ 0
Cash paid									(718)	(464)
Foreign currency translation									(120)	(121)
Balance at end of period	$ 657				$ 1,495				$ 657	$ 1,495