Consolidated Condensed Statement of Equity (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Class B Convertible Common Stock	Treasury Stock	Capital In Excess Of Par Value	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Total VPG Inc. Stockholders' Equity	Noncontrolling Interests
Balance, beginning at Dec. 31, 2014							$ (26,561)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	$ 2,307
Balance, ending at Jun. 27, 2015							(29,112)
Balance, beginning at Dec. 31, 2015	172,441	$ 1,276	$ 103	$ (8,765)	$ 190,436	$ 22,327	(33,121)	$ 172,256	$ 185
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	2,345					2,348		2,348	(3)
Other comprehensive income	1,036						1,036	1,036
Share-based compensation expense	547				547			547
Restricted stock issuances (22,560 shares)	(98)	2			(100)			(98)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(8)								(8)
Balance, ending at Jul. 02, 2016	$ 176,263	$ 1,278	$ 103	$ (8,765)	$ 190,883	$ 24,675	$ (32,085)	$ 176,089	$ 174