Consolidated Condensed Statement of Equity - 6 months ended Jul. 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	61,100	0	61,100	281	61,381
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0	0	14,919	14,919	0	14,919
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0	0	0	(707)	(707)
Share repurchase	(49)	0	(6,074)	0	0	(6,123)	0	(6,123)
Restricted stock issuances	10	0	(452)	0	0	(442)	0	(442)
Dividends declared	0	0	16	(18,456)	0	(18,440)	0	(18,440)
Stock compensation expense	0	0	2,286	0	0	2,286	0	2,286
Tax effects of stock plan	0	0	(21)	0	0	(21)	0	(21)
Balance at Jul. 02, 2016	$ 13,507	$ 1,213	$ 2,054,247	$ (276,804)	$ (116,408)	$ 1,675,755	$ 5,141	$ 1,680,896