Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings (loss)	$ 49,373	$ (107,733)	$ 117,843
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Pension and other post-retirement actuarial items	71,926	19,338	(25,842)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(35,863)	(80,106)	(106,295)
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	612	(1,419)	1,363
Other comprehensive income (loss)	36,675	(62,187)	(130,774)
Comprehensive income (loss)	86,048	(169,920)	(12,931)
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	581	781	214
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ 85,467	$ (170,701)	$ (13,145)