Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Jun. 29, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 29, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 31,485	$ 45,830	$ 60,626	$ 79,905
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustment	10,450	(50,445)	(14,671)	(27,217)
Pension and postretirement actuarial items	2,941	3,251	6,172	5,555
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	(644)	(157)	(214)	657
Other comprehensive income (loss)	12,747	(47,351)	(8,713)	(21,005)
Comprehensive income	44,232	(1,521)	51,913	58,900
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	176	159	386	422
Comprehensive income attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ 44,056	$ (1,680)	$ 51,527	$ 58,478

The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the reporting entity. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, but excludes any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

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