Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings (loss)	$ (19,560)	$ 49,373	$ (107,733)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Pension and other post-retirement actuarial items	(4,545)	71,926	19,338
Foreign currency translation adjustment	124,220	(35,863)	(80,106)
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	691	612	(1,419)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	120,366	36,675	(62,187)
Comprehensive income (loss)	100,806	86,048	(169,920)
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	784	581	781
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ 100,022	$ 85,467	$ (170,701)