Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2016	Jul. 04, 2015	Jul. 02, 2016	Jul. 04, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 33,229	$ 26,518	$ 61,381	$ 57,443
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Pension and postretirement actuarial items	1,657	2,078	3,525	4,191
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(22,484)	15,482	10,048	(60,836)
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	719	(961)	1,346	(1,115)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(20,108)	16,599	14,919	(57,760)
Comprehensive income (loss)	13,121	43,117	76,300	(317)
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	143	250	281	476
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ 12,978	$ 42,867	$ 76,019	$ (793)