Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 29, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011	Sep. 29, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 22,489	$ 50,692	$ 102,394	$ 208,795
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustment	28,564	(48,352)	1,347	16,067
Pension and other post-retirement actuarial items	2,209	1,974	7,764	4,390
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	603	(605)	1,260	(845)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	31,376	(46,983)	10,371	19,612
Comprehensive income	53,865	3,709	112,765	228,407
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	209	205	631	926
Comprehensive income attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ 53,656	$ 3,504	$ 112,134	$ 227,481

The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the reporting entity. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, but excludes any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

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