Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2020	Jun. 29, 2019	Jun. 27, 2020	Jun. 29, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 1,747	$ 5,580	$ 5,039	$ 13,906
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment	3,271	370	(2,070)	951
Pension and other postretirement actuarial items, net of tax	(152)	80	(311)	185
Other comprehensive (loss) income	3,119	450	(2,381)	1,136
Comprehensive income	4,866	6,030	2,658	15,042
Less: comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(12)	15	(32)	98
Comprehensive income attributable to VPG stockholders	$ 4,878	$ 6,015	$ 2,690	$ 14,944