Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2016	Sep. 26, 2015	Oct. 01, 2016	Sep. 26, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings (loss)	$ 1,083	$ (1,952)	$ 3,428	$ 355
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(496)	(2,352)	167	(5,032)
Pension and other postretirement actuarial items, net of tax	130	164	503	293
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(366)	(2,188)	670	(4,739)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	717	(4,140)	4,098	(4,384)
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	32	(9)	29	(38)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to VPG stockholders	$ 685	$ (4,131)	$ 4,069	$ (4,346)