Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2011	Jul. 03, 2010	Jul. 02, 2011	Jul. 03, 2010
Numerator for basic earnings per share:
Net earnings	$ 82,095	$ 76,659	$ 157,382	$ 122,079
Adjustment to the numerator for continuing operations and net earnings:
Interest savings assuming conversion of dilutive convertible and exchangeable notes, net of tax	48	50	94	92
Numerator for diluted earnings per share:
Net earnings	$ 82,143	$ 76,709	$ 157,476	$ 122,171
Denominator for basic earnings per share:
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	160,801	186,667	163,006	186,654
Effect of dilutive securities:
Convertible and exchangeable debt instruments	9,166	6,176	9,464	6,176
Employee stock options	162	7	201	6
Other	516	234	472	240
Dilutive potential common shares	9,844	6,417	10,137	6,422
Denominator for diluted earnings per share:
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	170,645	193,084	173,143	193,076
Basic earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.51	$ 0.41	$ 0.97	$ 0.65
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.48	$ 0.40	$ 0.91	$ 0.63