Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]
Net revenues	$ 2,594,029	$ 2,725,092	$ 2,042,033
Costs of products sold	1,874,043	1,917,607	1,653,872
Gross profit	719,986	807,485	388,161
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	367,623	389,547	359,162
Executive compensation charges	5,762	0	57,824
Restructuring and severance costs	0	0	37,874
Asset write-downs	0	0	681
Settlement agreement gain	0	0	(28,195)
Operating Income	346,601	417,938	(39,185)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(19,277)	(11,036)	(10,321)
Other	3,792	(1,369)	9,791
Other income (expense), total	(15,485)	(12,405)	(530)
Income (loss) before taxes	331,116	405,533	(39,715)
Income tax expense	91,119	45,240	16,800
Net earnings (loss)	239,997	360,293	(56,515)
Less: net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,176	1,187	673
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ 238,821	$ 359,106	$ (57,188)
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Vishay stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 1.49	$ 1.96	$ (0.31)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Vishay stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 1.42	$ 1.89	$ (0.31)
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	160,094	183,618	186,605
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	168,514	190,227	186,605