Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 03, 2021	Jun. 27, 2020	Jul. 03, 2021	Jun. 27, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 4,063	$ 1,747	$ 9,006	$ 5,039
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment	607	3,271	(1,193)	(2,070)
Pension and other postretirement actuarial items, net of tax	109	(152)	318	(311)
Other comprehensive loss	716	3,119	(875)	(2,381)
Comprehensive income	4,779	4,866	8,131	2,658
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	143	(12)	125	(32)
Comprehensive income attributable to VPG stockholders	$ 4,636	$ 4,878	$ 8,006	$ 2,690