Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 29, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 78,071	$ 64,583	$ 243,878	$ 157,941
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Pension and postretirement actuarial items	1,670	1,292	4,852	4,843
Foreign currency translation adjustment	4,277	28,149	(30,236)	98,965
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	0	220	0	1,002
Other comprehensive income (loss)	5,947	29,661	(25,384)	104,810
Comprehensive income (loss)	84,018	94,244	218,494	262,751
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	195	179	539	628
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ 83,823	$ 94,065	$ 217,955	$ 262,123