Prior to February 15, 2041, the holders may only convert their debentures under the following circumstances: (1) during any fiscal quarter commencing after the fiscal quarter ending October 1, 2011 if the sale price of Vishay common stock reaches 130% of the conversion price ($24.73) for a specified period; (2) the trading price of the debentures falls below 98% of the product of the sale price of Vishay’s common stock and the conversion rate for a specified period; (3) Vishay calls any or all of the debentures for redemption, at any time prior to the close of business on the third scheduled trading day immediately preceding the redemption date; or (4) upon the occurrence of specified corporate events. None of these conditions had occurred as of July 2, 2011.

Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method

150,000,000

Debt Instrument Percentage Of Conversion Price

130.00%

Debt Instrument, Conversion Price Amount

24.73

Debt Instrument, Percentage of sale price of common stock

98.00%

Debt Instrument, Initial conversion shares of common stock

52.5659

Debt Instrument, Principal Amount of Debentures

$ 1,000

Debt Instrument, Initial conversion price, per share

$ 19.02

Debt Instrument, Percentage of initial conversion price premium

12.50%

Debt Instrument, conversion price, per share

$ 16.90

Stock repurchase, (in shares)

8,620,689

Long-Term Debt (Details Textuals) (USD $)	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Long-Term Debt (Details Textuals) (USD $)	Jul. 02, 2011	Jul. 02, 2011 Convertible Senior Debentures 2041	Dec. 31, 2010 Convertible Senior Debentures 2040	Jul. 02, 2011 Convertible Senior Debentures 2040
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible senior debentures issuance date		13-May-11	9-Nov-10
Proceeds from issuance of covertible senior debentures		$ 150,000,000	$ 275,000,000
Stated rate of interest on convertible senior debentures		2.25%		2.25%
Convertible senior debentures, Maturity date		2041	2040
Effective rate of interest on convertible senior debentures		8.375%	8.00%
Circumstances of Debenture 2041 conversion		Prior to February 15, 2041, the holders may only convert their debentures under the following circumstances: (1) during any fiscal quarter commencing after the fiscal quarter ending October 1, 2011 if the sale price of Vishay common stock reaches 130% of the conversion price ($24.73) for a specified period; (2) the trading price of the debentures falls below 98% of the product of the sale price of Vishay’s common stock and the conversion rate for a specified period; (3) Vishay calls any or all of the debentures for redemption, at any time prior to the close of business on the third scheduled trading day immediately preceding the redemption date; or (4) upon the occurrence of specified corporate events. None of these conditions had occurred as of July 2, 2011.
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method		150,000,000
Debt Instrument Percentage Of Conversion Price	130.00%
Debt Instrument, Conversion Price Amount	24.73
Debt Instrument, Percentage of sale price of common stock	98.00%
Debt Instrument, Initial conversion shares of common stock	52.5659
Debt Instrument, Principal Amount of Debentures	$ 1,000
Debt Instrument, Initial conversion price, per share	$ 19.02
Debt Instrument, Percentage of initial conversion price premium	12.50%
Debt Instrument, conversion price, per share	$ 16.90
Stock repurchase, (in shares)	8,620,689