Restructuring and Related Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jul. 01, 2017	Apr. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Oct. 01, 2016	Jul. 02, 2016	Apr. 02, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve, current	$ 7,352				$ 12,655				$ 7,352	$ 12,655
Restructuring and related expenses	6,079	$ 3,244	$ 481	$ 1,469	7,060	$ 1,197	$ 4,467	$ 6,475	11,273	19,199	$ 19,215
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and related expenses	6,079	$ 3,244	$ 481	$ 1,469	7,060	$ 1,197	$ 4,467	$ 6,475	11,273	19,199	19,215
MOSTFETs Program Extension [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring cost incurred to date	7,248								7,248
Global Cost Reduction Program [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve, current	5,089								5,089
Restructuring and related expenses									8,069	9,918	13,753
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and related expenses									8,069	9,918	13,753
Cash paid									(7,168)	(16,237)	(986)
Foreign currency translation									500	(34)	(150)
Balance at end of period	7,665				6,264				$ 7,665	6,264	12,617
Term of restructuring program									24 months
Other Exit Costs									$ 577
Restructuring cost incurred to date	31,740								31,740
Global Cost Reduction Program [Member] | Diodes Segment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related expenses									428	788	133
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and related expenses									428	788	133
Global Cost Reduction Program [Member] | Optoelectronic Components Segment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related expenses									437	936	215
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and related expenses									437	936	215
Global Cost Reduction Program [Member] | Resistors And Inductors Segment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related expenses									4,981	5,173	5,972
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and related expenses									4,981	5,173	5,972
Global Cost Reduction Program [Member] | Capacitors Segment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related expenses									434	687	5,209
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and related expenses									434	687	5,209
Global Cost Reduction Program [Member] | Unallocated Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related expenses									1,789	2,334	2,224
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and related expenses									1,789	2,334	2,224
MOSFETs Enhanced Competitiveness Program [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve, current	2,263								2,263
Restructuring and related expenses									3,204	9,744	5,367	$ 6,025	$ 2,328
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and related expenses									3,204	9,744	5,367	6,025	2,328
Cash paid									(7,173)	(15,686)	(426)	(856)	(267)
Foreign currency translation										2	1
Balance at end of period	2,263				$ 6,232				$ 2,263	6,232	12,172	7,230	$ 2,061
Term of restructuring program									2 years
Other Exit Costs									$ 958	5,763
Restructuring cost incurred to date	26,668								26,668
Voluntary Separation/Retirement Program [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related expenses									0	0	95
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and related expenses									0	0	95
Restructuring cost incurred to date	$ 13,373								13,373
Modules Product Transfer [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related expenses									0	(463)	0	2,080
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and related expenses									$ 0	$ (463)	$ 0	$ 2,080