Restructuring and Related Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016	Apr. 04, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and severance costs	$ 6,475	$ 1,410
2013 Restructuring Programs [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Expected Restructuring Costs	34,000
Global Cost Reduction Program [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve, Current	8,864
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and severance costs	2,560	0	$ 13,753
Cash paid	(4,072)		(986)
Foreign currency translation	299		(150)
Balance at end of period	11,404		12,617
Balance at beginning of period	$ 12,617
Term of restructuring program	27 months
Expected Restructuring Costs	$ 30,000
Global Cost Reduction Program [Member] | Diodes Segment [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and severance costs	448
Global Cost Reduction Program [Member] | Optoelectronic Components Segment [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and severance costs	178
Global Cost Reduction Program [Member] | Resistors And Inductors Segment [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and severance costs	1,018
Global Cost Reduction Program [Member] | Capacitors Segment [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and severance costs	334
Global Cost Reduction Program [Member] | Unallocated Amount to Segment [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and severance costs	582
MOSFETs Enhanced Competitiveness Program [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve, Current	10,253
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and severance costs	3,915	1,353	5,367	$ 6,025	$ 2,328
Cash paid	(5,840)		(426)	(856)	(267)
Foreign currency translation	6		1
Balance at end of period	10,253		12,172	7,230	2,061
Balance at beginning of period	$ 12,172	7,230	7,230	2,061
Term of restructuring program	2 years
Expected Restructuring Costs	$ 18,000
Other Exit Costs	3,925
Voluntary Separation/Retirement Program [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve, Current	1,123
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and severance costs	0	57	95	12,792	486
Cash paid	(256)		(3,166)	(8,054)	(98)
Foreign currency translation	34		(258)	(455)	3
Balance at end of period	1,123		1,345	4,674	$ 391
Balance at beginning of period	1,345	4,674	4,674	391
Modules Product Transfer [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve, Current	682
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and severance costs	0	0		2,080
Cash paid	(5)		(718)	(464)
Foreign currency translation	30		(120)	(121)
Balance at end of period	682		657	$ 1,495
Balance at beginning of period	$ 657	$ 1,495	$ 1,495