Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Apr. 01, 2017
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 62,545	$ 36,949
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Pension and postretirement actuarial items	1,607	2,335
Foreign currency translation adjustment	27,024	17,293
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	0	271
Other comprehensive income (loss)	28,631	19,899
Comprehensive income (loss)	91,176	56,848
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	179	230
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ 90,997	$ 56,618