Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jul. 01, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jul. 01, 2017
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 103,262	$ 56,409	$ 165,807	$ 93,358
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Pension and postretirement actuarial items	1,575	1,216	3,182	3,551
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(61,537)	53,523	(34,513)	70,816
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	0	511	0	782
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(59,962)	55,250	(31,331)	75,149
Comprehensive income (loss)	43,300	111,659	134,476	168,507
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	165	219	344	449
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ 43,135	$ 111,440	$ 134,132	$ 168,058