Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings (loss)	$ (107,733)	$ 117,843	$ 123,769
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(80,106)	(106,295)	23,537
Pension and other post-retirement actuarial items	19,338	(25,842)	49,038
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	(1,419)	1,363	(719)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(62,187)	(130,774)	71,856
Comprehensive income (loss)	(169,920)	(12,931)	195,625
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	781	214	789
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ (170,701)	$ (13,145)	$ 194,836