Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019	Sep. 29, 2018	Sep. 28, 2019	Sep. 29, 2018
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 30,265	$ 78,071	$ 150,641	$ 243,878
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Pension and other post-retirement actuarial items	1,368	1,670	4,448	4,852
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(23,004)	4,277	(25,609)	(30,236)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(21,636)	5,947	(21,161)	(25,384)
Comprehensive income	8,629	84,018	129,480	218,494
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	227	195	667	539
Comprehensive income attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ 8,402	$ 83,823	$ 128,813	$ 217,955