The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Vishay and all of its subsidiaries in which a controlling financial interest is maintained. For those consolidated subsidiaries in which the Company’s ownership is less than 100 percent, the outside stockholders’ interests are shown as noncontrolling interest in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Investments in affiliates over which the Company has significant influence but not a controlling interest are carried on the equity basis. Investments in affiliates over which the Company does not have significant influence are accounted for by the cost method. All intercompany transactions, accounts, and profits are eliminated.

The Company recognizes revenue from contracts with customers when it satisfies the performance obligations within the contract. The Company has framework agreements with many of its customers that contain the terms and conditions of future sales, but do not create enforceable rights or obligations. For revenue recognition purposes, the Company considers the combined purchase orders and the terms and conditions contained within such framework agreements to be contracts.

Payment terms for the Company's sales are generally less than sixty days. Substantially all of the Company's receivables historically have been and are expected to continue to be collected within twelve months of the transfer of products to the customer and the Company expects this to continue going forward. Accordingly, the Company does not recognize a financing component of the transaction price.

Revenue is measured based on the consideration specified in contracts with customers, and excludes any sales incentives and amounts collected on behalf of third parties. The Company recognizes revenue when it satisfies its performance obligations. The Company analyzes its contracts to determine whether the promise in the contract to construct and transfer goods to the customer is a performance obligation that will be satisfied over time or at a point in time. When the Company's performance does not create an asset with an alternative use to the Company and the Company has an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date, the Company transfers control of a good or service over time and, therefore, satisfies a performance obligation and recognizes revenue over time. The Company has a limited number of contracts for custom products that meet the criteria to recognize revenue over time.

The Company's contracts contain two performance obligations: delivery of products and warranty protection. The Company does not sell separate, enhanced, or extended warranty coverage, but through its customary business practices, the Company has created implied service-type warranties, which are accounted for as separate performance obligations. Revenue is allocated between these two performance obligations and recognized as the obligations are satisfied. The allocation of revenue to warranty protection is based on an estimate of expected cost plus margin. The delivery of products performance obligation is satisfied and product sales revenue is recognized when the customer takes control of the products. Warranty revenue is deferred and the warranty protection performance obligation is satisfied and revenue is recognized over the warranty period, which is typically less than twenty four months from sale to end customer. The warranty deferred revenue liability is recorded within Other Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The deferred revenue balance associated with the service-type warranty performance obligations and the components that comprise the change in the deferred revenue balance are not significant.

The Company has a broad line of products that it sells to original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs"), electronic manufacturing services ("EMS") companies, which manufacture for OEMs on an outsourcing basis, and independent distributors that maintain large inventories of electronic components for resale to OEMs and EMS companies.

The Company recognizes revenue on sales to distributors when the distributor takes control of the products ("sold-to" model). The Company has agreements with distributors that allow distributors a limited credit for unsaleable products, which it terms a "scrap allowance." Consistent with industry practice, the Company also has a "stock, ship and debit" program whereby it considers requests by distributors for credits on previously purchased products that remain in distributors' inventory, to enable the distributors to offer more competitive pricing. In addition, the Company has contractual arrangements whereby it provides distributors with protection against price reductions initiated by the Company after product is sold by the Company to the distributor and prior to resale by the distributor.

The Company recognizes the estimated variable consideration to be received as revenue and records a related accrued expense for the consideration not expected to be received, based upon its estimate of product returns, scrap allowances, "stock, ship and debit" credits, and price protection credits that will be attributable to sales recorded through the end of the period. The Company makes these estimates based upon sales levels to its distributors during the period, inventory levels at the distributors, current and projected market conditions, and historical experience under the programs. While the Company utilizes a number of different methodologies to estimate the accruals, all of the methodologies take into account sales levels to distributors during the relevant period, inventory levels at the distributors, current and projected market trends and conditions, recent and historical activity under the relevant programs, changes in program policies, and open requests for credits. These procedures require the exercise of significant judgments. The Company believes that it has a reasonable basis to estimate future credits under the programs. See sales returns and allowances accrual activity in Note 9.

The Company pays commissions to external sales representatives on a per-sale basis. Accordingly, these commissions are expensed as incurred because the future amortization period of the asset that the Company otherwise would have recognized is one year or less. Internal staff are not paid commissions.

The Company has elected to account for shipping and handling as activities to fulfill the promise to transfer the product even if the shipping and handling activities are performed after the customer obtains control. The Company does not evaluate whether shipping and handling activities are promised services to its customers. If control transfers and revenue is recognized for the related products before the shipping and handling activities occur, the related costs of those shipping and handling activities is accrued. The Company applies this accounting policy election consistently to similar types of transactions.

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. The amount charged to expense for research and development (exclusive of purchased in-process research and development) aggregated $69,827, $72,885, and $67,153, for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. The Company spends additional amounts for the development of machinery and equipment for new processes and for cost reduction measures.

The provision for income taxes is determined using the asset and liability approach of accounting for income taxes. Under this approach, deferred taxes represent the future tax consequences expected to occur when the reported amounts of assets and liabilities are recovered or paid. The provision for income taxes represents income taxes paid or payable for the current year plus the change in deferred taxes during the year. Deferred taxes result from differences between the financial and tax bases of the Company’s assets and liabilities and are adjusted for changes in tax rates and tax laws when changes are enacted. Valuation allowances have been established for deferred tax assets which the Company believes do not meet GAAP criteria of “more likely than not” to be realized. This criterion requires a level of judgment regarding future taxable income, which may be revised due to changes in market conditions, tax laws, or other factors. If the Company’s assumptions and estimates change in the future, valuation allowances established may be increased, resulting in increased tax expense. Conversely, if the Company is ultimately able to utilize all or a portion of the deferred tax assets for which a valuation allowance has been established, then the related portion of the valuation allowance can be released, resulting in decreased tax expense.

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in evaluating the Company’s tax positions and determining its provision for income taxes. During the ordinary course of business, there are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. The Company establishes reserves for tax-related uncertainties based on estimates of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. These reserves are established when the Company believes that certain positions might be challenged despite the Company’s belief that its tax return positions are fully supportable. The Company adjusts these reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances and the provision for income taxes includes the impact of reserve provisions and changes to reserves that are considered appropriate.

These accruals for tax-related uncertainties are based on management’s best estimate of potential tax exposures. When particular matters arise, a number of years may elapse before such matters are audited by tax authorities and finally resolved. Favorable resolution of such matters could be recognized as a reduction to the Company’s effective tax rate in the year of resolution. Unfavorable resolution of any particular issue could increase the effective tax rate and may require the use of cash in the year of resolution. The amount included in current liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets reflect only amounts expected to be settled in cash within one year.

Cash and cash equivalents includes demand deposits and highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased. Highly liquid investments with original maturities greater than three months, but less than one year are classified as short-term investments. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company’s short-term investments were comprised of time deposits with financial institutions whose original maturity exceeds three months, but less than one year.

The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. The allowance is determined through an analysis of the aging of accounts receivable and assessments of risk that are based on historical trends and an evaluation of the impact of current economic conditions. The Company evaluates the past-due status of its trade receivables based on contractual terms of sale. If the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. Bad debt expense (income realized upon subsequent collection) was $(592), $2,570, and $301 for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, determined by the first-in, first-out method, or net realizable value. Inventories are adjusted for estimated obsolescence and written down to net realizable value based upon estimates of future demand, technology developments, and market conditions.

Property and equipment is carried at cost and is depreciated principally by the straight-line method based upon the estimated useful lives of the assets. Machinery and equipment are being depreciated over useful lives of seven years to ten years. Buildings and building improvements are being depreciated over useful lives of twenty years to forty years. Construction in progress is not depreciated until the assets are placed in service. The estimated cost to complete construction in progress at December 31, 2019 was approximately $92,000. Depreciation expense was $155,985, $150,056, and $148,883 for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. Gains and losses on the disposal of assets which do not qualify for presentation as discontinued operations are included in the determination of operating margin (within selling, general, and administrative expenses). Individually material gains and losses on disposal are separately disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of a business acquired over the fair value of the related net assets at the date of acquisition. Certain intangible assets may be assigned indefinite useful lives. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but rather are tested for impairment at least annually. These tests are performed more frequently whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired. The Company's business segments (see Note 15) represent its reporting units for goodwill impairment testing purposes. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, the Company has no recorded indefinite-lived intangible assets.

Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Patents and acquired technology are being amortized over useful lives of seven years to twenty-five years. Capitalized software is amortized over periods of three years to ten years, primarily included in costs of products sold on the consolidated statements of operations. Customer relationships are amortized over useful lives of five years to twenty years. Noncompete agreements are amortized over periods of three years to ten years. The Company continually evaluates the reasonableness of the useful lives of these assets.

GAAP prescribes a quantitative method for determining goodwill impairment. The Company has the option of performing a qualitative assessment before performing the quantitative impairment test. If it is determined, on the basis of qualitative factors, that the fair value of the reporting unit is not more likely than not less than the carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is not required. If it is determined that the fair value of the reporting unit is more likely than not less than the carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is required.

The Company determines the fair value of the reporting unit and compares that fair value to the net book value of the reporting unit. The fair value of the reporting unit is determined using various valuation techniques, including a comparable companies market multiple approach and a discounted cash flow analysis (an income approach). If the net book value of the reporting unit were to exceed the fair value, the Company would recognize an impairment charge.

The carrying value of long-lived assets held-and-used, other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, is evaluated when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable or the useful life has changed. The carrying value of a long-lived asset group is considered impaired when the total projected undiscounted cash flows from such asset group are separately identifiable and are less than the carrying value. In that event, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair market value of the long-lived asset group. Fair market value is determined primarily using present value techniques based on projected cash flows from the asset group. Losses on long-lived assets held-for-sale, other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, are determined in a similar manner, except that fair market values are reduced for anticipated disposal costs.

Short-term investments and other assets reported on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets include time deposits with financial institutions whose original maturity exceeds three months, but less than one year that are classified as held-to-maturity instruments, and investments in marketable securities that are classified as available-for-sale instruments. The available-for-sale instruments include assets that are held in trust related to the Company’s non-qualified pension and deferred compensation plans (see Note 11) and assets that are intended to fund a portion of the Company’s other postretirement benefit obligations outside of the U.S. These assets are reported at fair value, based on quoted market prices as of the end of the reporting period. Beginning in 2018, unrealized gains and losses are reported, net of their related tax consequences, as Other Income (Expense) on the consolidated statements of operations. At the time of sale, the assets that are held in trust related to the Company’s non-qualified pension and deferred compensation plans, any gains (losses) calculated by the specific identification method are recognized as a reduction (increase) to benefits expense, within selling, general, and administrative expenses.

The Company uses financial instruments in the normal course of its business, including from time to time, derivative financial instruments. Additionally, from time to time, the Company enters into contracts that are not considered derivative financial instruments in their entirety, but that include embedded derivative features. The convertible senior debentures due 2040 and due 2041 contain embedded derivatives that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, outstanding derivative instruments were not material.

Other financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, held-to-maturity short-term investments, accounts receivable, and notes payable. The carrying amounts of these financial instruments reported on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of these assets and liabilities.

Compensation costs related to stock-based payment transactions are recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The amount of compensation cost is measured based on the grant-date fair value of the equity (or liability) instruments issued. Compensation cost is recognized over the period that an officer, employee, or non-employee director is required to provide service in exchange for the award. For awards subject to graded vesting, the Company recognizes expense over the service period for each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award was, in-substance, multiple awards. The Company recognizes compensation cost for restricted stock units (“RSUs”) that are expected to vest and records cumulative adjustments in the period that the expectation changes.

The Company has significant operations outside of the United States. The Company finances its operations in Europe and certain locations in Asia in local currencies, and accordingly, these subsidiaries utilize the local currency as their functional currency. The Company’s operations in Israel and most significant locations in Asia are largely financed in U.S. dollars, and accordingly, these subsidiaries utilize the U.S. dollar as their functional currency.

For those subsidiaries where the local currency is the functional currency, assets and liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets have been translated at the rate of exchange as of the balance sheet date. Translation adjustments do not impact the consolidated results of operations and are reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate for the year. While the translation of revenues and expenses into U.S. dollars does not directly impact the statement of operations, the translation effectively increases or decreases the U.S. dollar equivalent of revenues generated and expenses incurred in those foreign currencies.

For those foreign subsidiaries where the U.S. dollar is the functional currency, all foreign currency financial statement amounts are remeasured into U.S. dollars. Exchange gains and losses arising from remeasurement of foreign currency-denominated monetary assets and liabilities are included in the consolidated results of operations.

Liabilities for loss contingencies, including environmental remediation costs, arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines, penalties, and other sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the assessment and/or remediation can be reasonably estimated. The costs for a specific environmental remediation site are discounted if the aggregate amount of the obligation and the amount and timing of the cash payments for that site are fixed or reliably determinable based upon information derived from the remediation plan for that site. Accrued liabilities for environmental matters recorded at December 31, 2019 and 2018 do not include claims against third parties.

Restructuring and severance costs reflect charges resulting from cost reduction programs implemented by the Company. Restructuring and severance costs include exit costs, severance benefits pursuant to an on-going arrangement, voluntary termination compensation under a defined program, and any related pension curtailment and settlement charges.

The Company recognizes expense for one-time benefits only after management has committed to a plan, the plan is sufficiently detailed to provide the number, classification, and location of employees to be terminated as well as the expected completion date, the plan has been sufficiently communicated to employees such that they are able to determine the type and amount of benefits they will receive if terminated, and it is unlikely that the plan will be significantly changed or withdrawn. If an employee is not required to render service beyond a minimum retention period, the Company recognizes expense once the aforementioned criteria have been met. If an employee is required to render service beyond a minimum retention period, the Company recognizes expense over the period that the employee is required to render future service.

As part of its self-insurance program for certain risks, the Company created a wholly-owned captive insurance entity in 2007. At December 31, 2019, the captive insurance entity provides only property and general liability insurance, although it is licensed to also provide casualty and directors’ and officers’ insurance. The captive insurance entity had no amounts accrued for outstanding claims at December 31, 2019 and 2018.

Certain investments held by the captive insurance entity are restricted primarily for the purpose of potential insurance claims. Such amounts are recorded in other noncurrent assets, and total $10,259 and $11,046 at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, representing required statutory reserves of the captive insurance entity.

The Company separately accounts for the liability and equity components of convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash in a manner that reflects the Company’s nonconvertible debt borrowing rate. The liability component at issuance is recognized at fair value, based on the fair value of a similar instrument that does not have a conversion feature. A discount is recorded if debt instruments are issued at a coupon rate which is below the rate of a similar instrument that did not have a conversion feature at issuance. The equity component is based on the excess of the principal amount of the debt instruments over the fair value of the liability component, after adjusting for an allocation of debt issuance costs and the deferred tax impact, and is recorded as capital in excess of par. Debt discounts are amortized as additional non-cash interest expense over the expected life of the debt.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Vishay and all of its subsidiaries in which a controlling financial interest is maintained. For those consolidated subsidiaries in which the Company’s ownership is less than 100 percent, the outside stockholders’ interests are shown as noncontrolling interest in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Investments in affiliates over which the Company has significant influence but not a controlling interest are carried on the equity basis. Investments in affiliates over which the Company does not have significant influence are accounted for by the cost method. All intercompany transactions, accounts, and profits are eliminated. Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenue from contracts with customers when it satisfies the performance obligations within the contract. The Company has framework agreements with many of its customers that contain the terms and conditions of future sales, but do not create enforceable rights or obligations. For revenue recognition purposes, the Company considers the combined purchase orders and the terms and conditions contained within such framework agreements to be contracts. Payment terms for the Company's sales are generally less than sixty days. Substantially all of the Company's receivables historically have been and are expected to continue to be collected within twelve months of the transfer of products to the customer and the Company expects this to continue going forward. Accordingly, the Company does not recognize a financing component of the transaction price. Revenue is measured based on the consideration specified in contracts with customers, and excludes any sales incentives and amounts collected on behalf of third parties. The Company recognizes revenue when it satisfies its performance obligations. The Company analyzes its contracts to determine whether the promise in the contract to construct and transfer goods to the customer is a performance obligation that will be satisfied over time or at a point in time. When the Company's performance does not create an asset with an alternative use to the Company and the Company has an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date, the Company transfers control of a good or service over time and, therefore, satisfies a performance obligation and recognizes revenue over time. The Company has a limited number of contracts for custom products that meet the criteria to recognize revenue over time. The Company's contracts contain two performance obligations: delivery of products and warranty protection. The Company does not sell separate, enhanced, or extended warranty coverage, but through its customary business practices, the Company has created implied service-type warranties, which are accounted for as separate performance obligations. Revenue is allocated between these two performance obligations and recognized as the obligations are satisfied. The allocation of revenue to warranty protection is based on an estimate of expected cost plus margin. The delivery of products performance obligation is satisfied and product sales revenue is recognized when the customer takes control of the products. Warranty revenue is deferred and the warranty protection performance obligation is satisfied and revenue is recognized over the warranty period, which is typically less than twenty four months from sale to end customer. The warranty deferred revenue liability is recorded within Other Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The deferred revenue balance associated with the service-type warranty performance obligations and the components that comprise the change in the deferred revenue balance are not significant. The Company has a broad line of products that it sells to original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs"), electronic manufacturing services ("EMS") companies, which manufacture for OEMs on an outsourcing basis, and independent distributors that maintain large inventories of electronic components for resale to OEMs and EMS companies. The Company recognizes revenue on sales to distributors when the distributor takes control of the products ("sold-to" model). The Company has agreements with distributors that allow distributors a limited credit for unsaleable products, which it terms a "scrap allowance." Consistent with industry practice, the Company also has a "stock, ship and debit" program whereby it considers requests by distributors for credits on previously purchased products that remain in distributors' inventory, to enable the distributors to offer more competitive pricing. In addition, the Company has contractual arrangements whereby it provides distributors with protection against price reductions initiated by the Company after product is sold by the Company to the distributor and prior to resale by the distributor. The Company recognizes the estimated variable consideration to be received as revenue and records a related accrued expense for the consideration not expected to be received, based upon its estimate of product returns, scrap allowances, "stock, ship and debit" credits, and price protection credits that will be attributable to sales recorded through the end of the period. The Company makes these estimates based upon sales levels to its distributors during the period, inventory levels at the distributors, current and projected market conditions, and historical experience under the programs. While the Company utilizes a number of different methodologies to estimate the accruals, all of the methodologies take into account sales levels to distributors during the relevant period, inventory levels at the distributors, current and projected market trends and conditions, recent and historical activity under the relevant programs, changes in program policies, and open requests for credits. These procedures require the exercise of significant judgments. The Company believes that it has a reasonable basis to estimate future credits under the programs. See sales returns and allowances accrual activity in Note 9. The Company pays commissions to external sales representatives on a per-sale basis. Accordingly, these commissions are expensed as incurred because the future amortization period of the asset that the Company otherwise would have recognized is one year or less. Internal staff are not paid commissions. The Company has elected to account for shipping and handling as activities to fulfill the promise to transfer the product even if the shipping and handling activities are performed after the customer obtains control. The Company does not evaluate whether shipping and handling activities are promised services to its customers. If control transfers and revenue is recognized for the related products before the shipping and handling activities occur, the related costs of those shipping and handling activities is accrued. The Company applies this accounting policy election consistently to similar types of transactions. See disaggregated revenue information in Note 15. Research and Development Expenses Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. The amount charged to expense for research and development (exclusive of purchased in-process research and development) aggregated $69,827, $72,885, and $67,153, for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. The Company spends additional amounts for the development of machinery and equipment for new processes and for cost reduction measures. Income Taxes The provision for income taxes is determined using the asset and liability approach of accounting for income taxes. Under this approach, deferred taxes represent the future tax consequences expected to occur when the reported amounts of assets and liabilities are recovered or paid. The provision for income taxes represents income taxes paid or payable for the current year plus the change in deferred taxes during the year. Deferred taxes result from differences between the financial and tax bases of the Company’s assets and liabilities and are adjusted for changes in tax rates and tax laws when changes are enacted. Valuation allowances have been established for deferred tax assets which the Company believes do not meet GAAP criteria of “more likely than not” to be realized. This criterion requires a level of judgment regarding future taxable income, which may be revised due to changes in market conditions, tax laws, or other factors. If the Company’s assumptions and estimates change in the future, valuation allowances established may be increased, resulting in increased tax expense. Conversely, if the Company is ultimately able to utilize all or a portion of the deferred tax assets for which a valuation allowance has been established, then the related portion of the valuation allowance can be released, resulting in decreased tax expense. The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in evaluating the Company’s tax positions and determining its provision for income taxes. During the ordinary course of business, there are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. The Company establishes reserves for tax-related uncertainties based on estimates of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. These reserves are established when the Company believes that certain positions might be challenged despite the Company’s belief that its tax return positions are fully supportable. The Company adjusts these reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances and the provision for income taxes includes the impact of reserve provisions and changes to reserves that are considered appropriate. These accruals for tax-related uncertainties are based on management’s best estimate of potential tax exposures. When particular matters arise, a number of years may elapse before such matters are audited by tax authorities and finally resolved. Favorable resolution of such matters could be recognized as a reduction to the Company’s effective tax rate in the year of resolution. Unfavorable resolution of any particular issue could increase the effective tax rate and may require the use of cash in the year of resolution. The amount included in current liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets reflect only amounts expected to be settled in cash within one year. See Note 5. Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-Term Investments Cash and cash equivalents includes demand deposits and highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased. Highly liquid investments with original maturities greater than three months, but less than one year are classified as short-term investments. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company’s short-term investments were comprised of time deposits with financial institutions whose original maturity exceeds three months, but less than one year. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. The allowance is determined through an analysis of the aging of accounts receivable and assessments of risk that are based on historical trends and an evaluation of the impact of current economic conditions. The Company evaluates the past-due status of its trade receivables based on contractual terms of sale. If the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. Bad debt expense (income realized upon subsequent collection) was $(592), $2,570, and $301 for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, determined by the first-in, first-out method, or net realizable value. Inventories are adjusted for estimated obsolescence and written down to net realizable value based upon estimates of future demand, technology developments, and market conditions. Property and Equipment Property and equipment is carried at cost and is depreciated principally by the straight-line method based upon the estimated useful lives of the assets. Machinery and equipment are being depreciated over useful lives of seven years to ten years. Buildings and building improvements are being depreciated over useful lives of twenty years to forty years. Construction in progress is not depreciated until the assets are placed in service. The estimated cost to complete construction in progress at December 31, 2019 was approximately $92,000. Depreciation expense was $155,985, $150,056, and $148,883 for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. Gains and losses on the disposal of assets which do not qualify for presentation as discontinued operations are included in the determination of operating margin (within selling, general, and administrative expenses). Individually material gains and losses on disposal are separately disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of a business acquired over the fair value of the related net assets at the date of acquisition. Certain intangible assets may be assigned indefinite useful lives. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but rather are tested for impairment at least annually. These tests are performed more frequently whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired. The Company's business segments (see Note 15) represent its reporting units for goodwill impairment testing purposes. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, the Company has no recorded indefinite-lived intangible assets. Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Patents and acquired technology are being amortized over useful lives of seven years to twenty-five years. Capitalized software is amortized over periods of three years to ten years, primarily included in costs of products sold on the consolidated statements of operations. Customer relationships are amortized over useful lives of five years to twenty years. Noncompete agreements are amortized over periods of three years to ten years. The Company continually evaluates the reasonableness of the useful lives of these assets. GAAP prescribes a quantitative method for determining goodwill impairment. The Company has the option of performing a qualitative assessment before performing the quantitative impairment test. If it is determined, on the basis of qualitative factors, that the fair value of the reporting unit is not more likely than not less than the carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is not required. If it is determined that the fair value of the reporting unit is more likely than not less than the carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is required. The Company determines the fair value of the reporting unit and compares that fair value to the net book value of the reporting unit. The fair value of the reporting unit is determined using various valuation techniques, including a comparable companies market multiple approach and a discounted cash flow analysis (an income approach). If the net book value of the reporting unit were to exceed the fair value, the Company would recognize an impairment charge. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets The carrying value of long-lived assets held-and-used, other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, is evaluated when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable or the useful life has changed. The carrying value of a long-lived asset group is considered impaired when the total projected undiscounted cash flows from such asset group are separately identifiable and are less than the carrying value. In that event, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair market value of the long-lived asset group. Fair market value is determined primarily using present value techniques based on projected cash flows from the asset group. Losses on long-lived assets held-for-sale, other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, are determined in a similar manner, except that fair market values are reduced for anticipated disposal costs. Available-for-Sale Securities Short-term investments and other assets reported on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets include time deposits with financial institutions whose original maturity exceeds three months, but less than one year that are classified as held-to-maturity instruments, and investments in marketable securities that are classified as available-for-sale instruments. The available-for-sale instruments include assets that are held in trust related to the Company’s non-qualified pension and deferred compensation plans (see Note 11) and assets that are intended to fund a portion of the Company’s other postretirement benefit obligations outside of the U.S. These assets are reported at fair value, based on quoted market prices as of the end of the reporting period. Beginning in 2018, unrealized gains and losses are reported, net of their related tax consequences, as Other Income (Expense) on the consolidated statements of operations. At the time of sale, the assets that are held in trust related to the Company’s non-qualified pension and deferred compensation plans, any gains (losses) calculated by the specific identification method are recognized as a reduction (increase) to benefits expense, within selling, general, and administrative expenses. Financial Instruments The Company uses financial instruments in the normal course of its business, including from time to time, derivative financial instruments. Additionally, from time to time, the Company enters into contracts that are not considered derivative financial instruments in their entirety, but that include embedded derivative features. The convertible senior debentures due 2040 and due 2041 contain embedded derivatives that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, outstanding derivative instruments were not material. Other financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, held-to-maturity short-term investments, accounts receivable, and notes payable. The carrying amounts of these financial instruments reported on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of these assets and liabilities. Stock-Based Compensation Compensation costs related to stock-based payment transactions are recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The amount of compensation cost is measured based on the grant-date fair value of the equity (or liability) instruments issued. Compensation cost is recognized over the period that an officer, employee, or non-employee director is required to provide service in exchange for the award. For awards subject to graded vesting, the Company recognizes expense over the service period for each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award was, in-substance, multiple awards. The Company recognizes compensation cost for restricted stock units (“RSUs”) that are expected to vest and records cumulative adjustments in the period that the expectation changes. Foreign Currency Translation The Company has significant operations outside of the United States. The Company finances its operations in Europe and certain locations in Asia in local currencies, and accordingly, these subsidiaries utilize the local currency as their functional currency. The Company’s operations in Israel and most significant locations in Asia are largely financed in U.S. dollars, and accordingly, these subsidiaries utilize the U.S. dollar as their functional currency. For those subsidiaries where the local currency is the functional currency, assets and liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets have been translated at the rate of exchange as of the balance sheet date. Translation adjustments do not impact the consolidated results of operations and are reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate for the year. While the translation of revenues and expenses into U.S. dollars does not directly impact the statement of operations, the translation effectively increases or decreases the U.S. dollar equivalent of revenues generated and expenses incurred in those foreign currencies. For those foreign subsidiaries where the U.S. dollar is the functional currency, all foreign currency financial statement amounts are remeasured into U.S. dollars. Exchange gains and losses arising from remeasurement of foreign currency-denominated monetary assets and liabilities are included in the consolidated results of operations. Commitments and Contingencies Liabilities for loss contingencies, including environmental remediation costs, arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines, penalties, and other sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the assessment and/or remediation can be reasonably estimated. The costs for a specific environmental remediation site are discounted if the aggregate amount of the obligation and the amount and timing of the cash payments for that site are fixed or reliably determinable based upon information derived from the remediation plan for that site. Accrued liabilities for environmental matters recorded at December 31, 2019 and 2018 do not include claims against third parties. Restructuring and Severance Costs Restructuring and severance costs reflect charges resulting from cost reduction programs implemented by the Company. Restructuring and severance costs include exit costs, severance benefits pursuant to an on-going arrangement, voluntary termination compensation under a defined program, and any related pension curtailment and settlement charges. The Company recognizes expense for one-time benefits only after management has committed to a plan, the plan is sufficiently detailed to provide the number, classification, and location of employees to be terminated as well as the expected completion date, the plan has been sufficiently communicated to employees such that they are able to determine the type and amount of benefits they will receive if terminated, and it is unlikely that the plan will be significantly changed or withdrawn. If an employee is not required to render service beyond a minimum retention period, the Company recognizes expense once the aforementioned criteria have been met. If an employee is required to render service beyond a minimum retention period, the Company recognizes expense over the period that the employee is required to render future service. The Company recognizes expense for on-going benefit arrangements when the liability is reasonably estimable and considered probable. The Company recognizes expense for voluntary separation / early retirement when the employee delivers an irrevocable voluntary termination notice pursuant to a defined Company program. The Company recognizes other exit costs as incurred. Self-Insurance Programs The Company uses a combination of insurance and self-insurance mechanisms to provide for the potential liabilities for workers’ compensation, general liability, property damage, director and officers’ liability, and vehicle liability. As part of its self-insurance program for certain risks, the Company created a wholly-owned captive insurance entity in 2007. At December 31, 2019, the captive insurance entity provides only property and general liability insurance, although it is licensed to also provide casualty and directors’ and officers’ insurance. The captive insurance entity had no amounts accrued for outstanding claims at December 31, 2019 and 2018. Certain investments held by the captive insurance entity are restricted primarily for the purpose of potential insurance claims. Such amounts are recorded in other noncurrent assets, and total $10,259 and $11,046 at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, representing required statutory reserves of the captive insurance entity. Convertible Debt Instruments The Company separately accounts for the liability and equity components of convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash in a manner that reflects the Company’s nonconvertible debt borrowing rate. The liability component at issuance is recognized at fair value, based on the fair value of a similar instrument that does not have a conversion feature. A discount is recorded if debt instruments are issued at a coupon rate which is below the rate of a similar instrument that did not have a conversion feature at issuance. The equity component is based on the excess of the principal amount of the debt instruments over the fair value of the liability component, after adjusting for an allocation of debt issuance costs and the deferred tax impact, and is recorded as capital in excess of par. Debt discounts are amortized as additional non-cash interest expense over the expected life of the debt. Leases As of January 1, 2019, the Company accounts for its leases in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 842, Leases. See Note 3. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Recent Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The ASU replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. The ASU is effective for the Company for interim and annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2020. The Company will adopt the ASU effective January 1, 2020. Based on work performed to date, the Company expects to record the effect of transitioning from an incurred loss model to a current expected credit loss model for certain financial instruments as a cumulative-effect adjustment to January 1, 2020 retained earnings of approximately $1,070. Recent Accounting Guidance Adopted In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The ASU is the result of a project between the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. The guidance in ASU No. 2016-02 and all related ASUs is codified in ASC Topic 842. The Company adopted ASC Topic 842 effective January 1, 2019. Upon adoption on January 1, 2019, the Company recognized right of use assets of $91,462 and lease liabilities of $95,784 on the consolidated balance sheet. The difference between the initial right of use asset and lease liability balances recognized upon adoption of ASC Topic 842 is primarily due to accrued lease incentive balances at December 31, 2018. On December 20, 2018, the Company received sale proceeds of $45,500 from a third party buyer and concurrently leased-back its former manufacturing site in Santa Clara, California, under a short-term arrangement, to raze the buildings. Upon adoption of ASC Topic 842, the Company was required to reassess the accounting for these transactions. The transactions did not qualify as a completed sale and leaseback under previous GAAP. However, pursuant to ASC Topic 842’s sale and leaseback guidance, the transaction qualifies as a completed sale. The Company recognized a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings (accumulated deficit) of $23,013, to recognize the sale as of the date of adoption, and derecognized the land, building, and related deferred proceeds, which had been recorded in other accrued expenses. The adoption of the ASU did not have a material impact on the Company's results of operations or cash flows. See Note 3. Reclassifications Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified. Such reclassifications had no effect on reported net earnings (loss) attributable to Vishay stockholders, total assets, stockholders' equity, or the statements of cash flows.

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The ASU replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. The ASU is effective for the Company for interim and annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2020. The Company will adopt the ASU effective January 1, 2020. Based on work performed to date, the Company expects to record the effect of transitioning from an incurred loss model to a current expected credit loss model for certain financial instruments as a cumulative-effect adjustment to January 1, 2020 retained earnings of approximately $1,070.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The ASU is the result of a project between the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. The guidance in ASU No. 2016-02 and all related ASUs is codified in ASC Topic 842. The Company adopted ASC Topic 842 effective January 1, 2019. Upon adoption on January 1, 2019, the Company recognized right of use assets of $91,462 and lease liabilities of $95,784 on the consolidated balance sheet. The difference between the initial right of use asset and lease liability balances recognized upon adoption of ASC Topic 842 is primarily due to accrued lease incentive balances at December 31, 2018.

On December 20, 2018, the Company received sale proceeds of $45,500 from a third party buyer and concurrently leased-back its former manufacturing site in Santa Clara, California, under a short-term arrangement, to raze the buildings. Upon adoption of ASC Topic 842, the Company was required to reassess the accounting for these transactions. The transactions did not qualify as a completed sale and leaseback under previous GAAP. However, pursuant to ASC Topic 842’s sale and leaseback guidance, the transaction qualifies as a completed sale. The Company recognized a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings (accumulated deficit) of $23,013, to recognize the sale as of the date of adoption, and derecognized the land, building, and related deferred proceeds, which had been recorded in other accrued expenses.