Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 04, 2020	Jun. 29, 2019	Jul. 04, 2020	Jun. 29, 2019
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 24,895	$ 44,735	$ 52,279	$ 120,376
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Pension and other post-retirement actuarial items	1,760	1,623	3,361	3,080
Foreign currency translation adjustment	20,088	7,384	(3,041)	(2,605)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	21,848	9,007	320	475
Comprehensive income	46,743	53,742	52,599	120,851
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	242	258	407	440
Comprehensive income attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ 46,501	$ 53,484	$ 52,192	$ 120,411