Restructuring and Related Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 29, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jul. 01, 2017	Apr. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve, current	$ 2,538				$ 7,352				$ 2,538	$ 7,352
Restructuring and related expenses	0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	6,079	$ 3,244	$ 481	$ 1,469	0	11,273	$ 19,199
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and related expenses	0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	6,079	$ 3,244	$ 481	$ 1,469	0	11,273	19,199
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment									55,561	1,685	5,701
MOSFETS Segment [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment									45,500
Global Cost Reduction Program [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve, current	2,330								2,330
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									(3,903)	(7,168)	(16,237)	(986)
Foreign currency translation									(117)	500	(34)	(150)
Balance at end of period	3,645				7,665				3,645	7,665	6,264	12,617
Other Exit Costs										577
Global Cost Reduction Program [Member] | Diodes Segment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related expenses										428	788
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and related expenses										428	788
Global Cost Reduction Program [Member] | Optoelectronic Components Segment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related expenses										437	936
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and related expenses										437	936
Global Cost Reduction Program [Member] | Resistors And Inductors Segment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related expenses										4,981	5,173
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and related expenses										4,981	5,173
Global Cost Reduction Program [Member] | Capacitors Segment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related expenses										434	687
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and related expenses										434	687
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
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and related expenses										1,789	2,334
MOSFETs Enhanced Competitiveness Program [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve, current	208								208
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									(2,055)	(7,173)	(15,686)	(426)	(856)	(267)
Foreign currency translation											2	1
Balance at end of period	$ 208				$ 2,263				$ 208	2,263	6,232	$ 12,172	7,230	$ 2,061
Term of restructuring program									2 years
Other Exit Costs										958	5,763
Modules Product Transfer [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related expenses										0	(463)		2,080
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and related expenses										$ 0	$ (463)		$ 2,080