Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 164,790	$ 346,537	$ (19,560)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Pension and other post-retirement actuarial items	(9,729)	10,750	(4,545)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(10,126)	(41,454)	124,220
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	0	0	691
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(19,855)	(30,704)	120,366
Comprehensive income	144,935	315,833	100,806
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	854	779	784
Comprehensive income attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ 144,081	$ 315,054	$ 100,022