Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 36,949	$ 28,152
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Pension and postretirement actuarial items	2,335	1,868
Foreign currency translation adjustment	17,293	32,532
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	271	627
Other comprehensive income (loss)	19,899	35,027
Comprehensive income (loss)	56,848	63,179
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	230	138
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ 56,618	$ 63,041

Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income and other comprehensive income, attributable to parent entity. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

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Amount after tax and reclassification adjustments, of appreciation (loss) in value of unsold available-for-sale securities. Excludes amounts related to other than temporary impairment (OTTI) loss.

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Amount after tax and reclassification adjustments, of (increase) decrease in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss related to pension and other postretirement defined benefit plans.

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