Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 123,769	$ 123,531	$ 239,997
Foreign currency translation adjustment	23,537	14,567	(26,441)
Pension and other post-retirement actuarial items	49,038	(29,759)	(29,207)
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	(719)	1,192	(1,065)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	71,856	(14,000)	(56,713)
Comprehensive income	195,625	109,531	183,284
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	789	793	1,176
Comprehensive income attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ 194,836	$ 108,738	$ 182,108