Consolidated Condensed Statement of Equity - 3 months ended Apr. 02, 2016 - 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, 2015	$ 13,546	$ 1,213	$ 2,058,492	$ (319,448)	$ (131,327)	$ 1,622,476	$ 5,567	$ 1,628,043
Net earnings	0	0	0	28,014	0	28,014	138	28,152
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0	0	35,027	35,027	0	35,027
Restricted stock issuances	10	0	(452)	0	0	(442)	0	(442)
Dividends declared	0	0	8	(9,239)	0	(9,231)	0	(9,231)
Stock compensation expense	0	0	1,201	0	0	1,201	0	1,201
Tax effects of stock plan	0	0	(21)	0	0	(21)	0	(21)
Balance at Apr. 02, 2016	$ 13,556	$ 1,213	$ 2,059,228	$ (300,673)	$ (96,300)	$ 1,677,024	$ 5,705	$ 1,682,729