Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2020	Sep. 28, 2019	Oct. 03, 2020	Sep. 28, 2019
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 33,661	$ 30,265	$ 85,940	$ 150,641
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Pension and other post-retirement actuarial items	1,886	1,368	5,247	4,448
Foreign currency translation adjustment	21,100	(23,004)	18,059	(25,609)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	22,986	(21,636)	23,306	(21,161)
Comprehensive income	56,647	8,629	109,246	129,480
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	177	227	584	667
Comprehensive income attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ 56,470	$ 8,402	$ 108,662	$ 128,813