Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020	Mar. 30, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 3,292	$ 8,326
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(5,341)	581
Pension and other postretirement actuarial items, net of tax	(159)	105
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(5,500)	686
Total comprehensive (loss) income	(2,208)	9,012
Less: comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(20)	83
Comprehensive income attributable to VPG stockholders	$ (2,188)	$ 8,929