Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 637,262	$ 749,088
Short-term investments	303,872	249,139
Accounts receivable, net	278,092	270,970
Inventories:
Finished goods	110,293	104,478
Work in process	186,922	181,354
Raw materials	131,223	131,795
Total inventories	428,438	417,627
Deferred income taxes	25,005	24,632
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	121,851	119,220
Total current assets	1,794,520	1,830,676
Property and equipment, at cost:
Land	91,895	91,507
Buildings and improvements	514,036	493,550
Machinery and equipment	2,125,322	2,079,395
Construction in progress	86,771	94,717
Allowance for depreciation	(1,931,633)	(1,851,264)
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Total	886,391	907,905
Goodwill	34,866	9,051
Other intangible assets, net	136,726	103,927
Other assets	135,671	142,171
Total assets	2,988,174	2,993,730
Current liabilities:
Notes payable to banks	5	13
Trade accounts payable	135,397	154,942
Payroll and related expenses	103,240	109,833
Other accrued expenses	158,883	161,119
Income taxes	31,007	13,881
Total current liabilities	428,532	439,788
Long-term debt less current portion	389,040	399,054
Deferred income taxes	128,728	110,356
Other liabilities	111,097	117,235
Accrued pension and other postretirement costs	298,502	319,136
Total liabilities	1,355,899	1,385,569
Vishay stockholders' equity
Common stock	13,114	14,374
Class B convertible common stock	1,213	1,345
Capital in excess of par value	1,999,906	2,086,925
(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings	(401,653)	(503,416)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	14,149	3,778
Total Vishay stockholders' equity	1,626,729	1,603,006
Noncontrolling interests	5,546	5,155
Total equity	1,632,275	1,608,161
Total liabilities and equity	$ 2,988,174	$ 2,993,730