Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 22,295	$ 23,645	$ 14,394
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	558	(3,929)	5,802
Pension and other postretirement actuarial items	(796)	1,914	(915)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(238)	(2,015)	4,887
Comprehensive income	22,057	21,630	19,281
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	107	(1)	49
Comprehensive income attributable to VPG stockholders	$ 21,950	$ 21,631	$ 19,232