Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings (loss)	$ 346,537	$ (19,560)	$ 49,373
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Pension and other post-retirement actuarial items	10,750	(4,545)	71,926
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(41,454)	124,220	(35,863)
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	0	691	612
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(30,704)	120,366	36,675
Comprehensive income (loss)	315,833	100,806	86,048
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	779	784	581
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ 315,054	$ 100,022	$ 85,467