Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ (27,550)	$ 26,977	$ 29,893	$ 88,773
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustment	3,662	(55,934)	(57,174)	(64,373)
Pension and postretirement actuarial items	2,305	10,805	6,496	13,665
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	(253)	(50)	(1,368)	1,138
Other comprehensive income (loss)	5,714	(45,179)	(52,046)	(49,570)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(21,836)	(18,202)	(22,153)	39,203
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	116	6	592	350
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ (21,952)	$ (18,208)	$ (22,745)	$ 38,853