Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2016	Oct. 03, 2015	Oct. 01, 2016	Oct. 03, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 36,596	$ (27,550)	$ 97,977	$ 29,893
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Pension and postretirement actuarial items	1,923	2,305	5,448	6,496
Foreign currency translation adjustment	8,585	3,662	18,633	(57,174)
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	318	(253)	1,664	(1,368)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	10,826	5,714	25,745	(52,046)
Comprehensive income (loss)	47,422	(21,836)	123,722	(22,153)
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	156	116	437	592
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ 47,266	$ (21,952)	$ 123,285	$ (22,745)