Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 29, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 44,735	$ 103,262	$ 120,376	$ 165,807
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Pension and other post-retirement actuarial items	1,623	1,575	3,080	3,182
Foreign currency translation adjustment	7,384	(61,537)	(2,605)	(34,513)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	9,007	(59,962)	475	(31,331)
Comprehensive income	53,742	43,300	120,851	134,476
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	258	165	440	344
Comprehensive income attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ 53,484	$ 43,135	$ 120,411	$ 134,132