Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Oct. 01, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Oct. 01, 2016
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 64,583	$ 36,596	$ 157,941	$ 97,977
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Pension and postretirement actuarial items	1,292	1,923	4,843	5,448
Foreign currency translation adjustment	28,149	8,585	98,965	18,633
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	220	318	1,002	1,664
Other comprehensive income (loss)	29,661	10,826	104,810	25,745
Comprehensive income (loss)	94,244	47,422	262,751	123,722
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	179	156	628	437
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ 94,065	$ 47,266	$ 262,123	$ 123,285