Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017	Jul. 02, 2016	Jul. 01, 2017	Jul. 02, 2016
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 56,409	$ 33,229	$ 93,358	$ 61,381
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Pension and postretirement actuarial items	1,216	1,657	3,551	3,525
Foreign currency translation adjustment	53,523	(22,484)	70,816	10,048
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	511	719	782	1,346
Other comprehensive income (loss)	55,250	(20,108)	75,149	14,919
Comprehensive income (loss)	111,659	13,121	168,507	76,300
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	219	143	449	281
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ 111,440	$ 12,978	$ 168,058	$ 76,019