Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 75,641	$ 62,545
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Pension and post-retirement actuarial items	1,457	1,607
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(9,989)	27,024
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(8,532)	28,631
Comprehensive income	67,109	91,176
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	182	179
Comprehensive income attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ 66,927	$ 90,997