Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2020	Mar. 30, 2019
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 27,384	$ 75,641
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Pension and other post-retirement actuarial items	1,601	1,457
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(23,129)	(9,989)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(21,528)	(8,532)
Comprehensive income	5,856	67,109
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	165	182
Comprehensive income attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ 5,691	$ 66,927