Vishay Intertechnology (VSH) 10-Q 28 Oct 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Oct. 24, 2014	Oct. 24, 2014
			Common Stock [Member]	Class B Convertible Common Stock [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	'	135,324,313	12,129,227
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'	'
Document Period End Date	27-Sep-14	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY INC	'	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000103730	'	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	$2,068,000,000	'	'

Consolidated_Condensed_Balance

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$575,302	$640,348
Short-term investments	538,109	511,231
Accounts receivable, net	303,923	274,083
Inventories:	'	'
Finished goods	124,271	109,617
Work in process	195,439	197,600
Raw materials	130,675	125,491
Total inventories	450,385	432,708
Deferred income taxes	21,122	21,716
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	107,267	100,594
Total current assets	1,996,108	1,980,680
Property and equipment, at cost:	'	'
Land	92,980	93,685
Buildings and improvements	564,514	560,418
Machinery and equipment	2,368,291	2,340,778
Construction in progress	67,428	95,278
Allowance for depreciation	-2,207,101	-2,163,540
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Total	886,112	926,619
Goodwill	147,436	43,132
Other intangible assets, net	193,913	129,951
Other assets	152,953	156,757
Total assets	3,376,522	3,237,139
Current liabilities:	'	'
Notes payable to banks	17	2
Trade accounts payable	158,021	163,894
Payroll and related expenses	138,708	120,997
Other accrued expenses	156,699	146,670
Income taxes	16,536	17,502
Total current liabilities	469,981	449,065
Long-term debt less current portion	440,880	364,911
Deferred income taxes	181,710	157,640
Other liabilities	101,147	99,426
Accrued pension and other postretirement costs	269,325	287,901
Total liabilities	1,463,043	1,358,943
Redeemable convertible debentures	91,092	0
Vishay stockholders' equity	'	'
Common stock	13,532	13,520
Class B convertible common stock	1,213	1,213
Capital in excess of par value	1,964,277	2,054,087
(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings	-195,837	-257,698
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	12,064	61,634
Total Vishay stockholders' equity	1,795,249	1,872,756
Noncontrolling interests	27,138	5,440
Total equity	1,822,387	1,878,196
Total liabilities, temporary equity, and equity	$3,376,522	$3,237,139

Consolidated_Condensed_Stateme

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	$638,211	$602,890	$1,882,518	$1,754,809
Costs of products sold	479,819	459,670	1,414,750	1,331,998
Gross profit	158,392	143,220	467,768	422,811
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	93,837	90,067	287,300	273,941
Restructuring and severance costs	3,508	0	18,926	0
U.S. pension settlement charges	15,588	0	15,588	0
Executive compensation charges (credit)	'	'	0	-1,778
Operating income	45,459	53,153	145,954	150,648
Other income (expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	-6,167	-5,797	-17,968	-17,107
Other	-474	556	1,046	1,455
Nonoperating Income (Expense), Total	-6,641	-5,241	-16,922	-15,652
Income before taxes	38,818	47,912	129,032	134,996
Income tax expense	11,841	15,043	40,259	41,501
Net earnings	26,977	32,869	88,773	93,495
Less: net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	6	150	350	536
Net earnings attributable to Vishay stockholders	$26,971	$32,719	$88,423	$92,959
Basic earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders	$0.18	$0.23	$0.60	$0.65
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders	$0.17	$0.22	$0.57	$0.61
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	147,569	145,044	147,565	144,119
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	155,546	151,890	154,142	151,471
Cash dividends per share	$0.06	$0	$0.18	$0

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net earnings	$26,977	$32,869	$88,773	$93,495
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-55,934	24,975	-64,373	10,304
Pension and postretirement actuarial items	10,805	3,078	13,665	9,250
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	-50	60	1,138	-154
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-45,179	28,113	-49,570	19,400
Comprehensive income	-18,202	60,982	39,203	112,895
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	6	150	350	536
Comprehensive income attributable to Vishay stockholders	($18,208)	$60,832	$38,853	$112,359

Consolidated_Condensed_Stateme1

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Operating activities	'	'
Net earnings	$88,773	$93,495
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	132,344	125,611
(Gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment	-65	118
Accretion of interest on convertible debentures	2,930	2,709
Inventory write-offs for obsolescence	15,101	14,476
U.S. pension settlement charges	15,588	0
Other	4,215	-11,986
Net change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of businesses acquired	-61,875	-44,862
Net cash provided by operating activities	197,011	179,561
Investing activities	'	'
Capital expenditures	-90,507	-91,591
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	2,345	3,866
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired	-198,186	-23,034
Purchase of short-term investments	-335,341	-424,940
Maturity of short-term investments	330,734	284,814
Other investing activities	1,734	1,246
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-289,221	-249,639
Financing activities	'	'
Issuance costs	0	-4,558
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital leases	-11	-21
Net proceeds (payments) on revolving credit lines	73,000	21,000
Net changes in short-term borrowings	14	-142
Excess tax benefit from RSUs vested	0	456
Proceeds from stock options exercised	50	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-547	-240
Other financing activities	-1,323	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	44,642	16,495
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-17,478	939
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-65,046	-52,644
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	640,348	697,595
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	575,302	644,951
Common Stock [Member]	'	'
Financing activities	'	'
Dividends and Interest Paid	-24,358	0
Class B Convertible Common Stock [Member]	'	'
Financing activities	'	'
Dividends and Interest Paid	($2,183)	$0

Consolidated_Condensed_Stateme2

Consolidated Condensed Statement of Equity (USD $)	Common Stock	Class B Convertible Common Stock [Member]	Capital In Excess of Par Value	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Total Vishay Stockholders' Equity	Noncontrolling Interest	Total
In Thousands
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$13,520	$1,213	$2,054,087	($257,698)	$61,634	$1,872,756	$5,440	$1,878,196
Net earnings	0	0	0	88,423	0	88,423	350	88,773
Other comprehensive income	0	0	0	0	-49,570	-49,570	0	-49,570
Noncontrolling interest in business acquired	0	0	0	0	0	0	21,895	21,895
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0	0	0	-547	-547
Temporary equity reclassification	0	0	-91,092	0	0	-91,092	0	-91,092
Restricted stock issuances	12	0	-384	0	0	-372	0	-372
Dividends declared	0	0	21	-26,562	0	-26,541	0	-26,541
Stock compensation expense	0	0	1,703	0	0	1,703	0	1,703
Stock options exercised	0	0	50	0	0	50	0	50
Tax effects of stock plan	0	0	-108	0	0	-108	0	-108
Balance at Sep. 27, 2014	$13,532	$1,213	$1,964,277	($195,837)	$12,064	$1,795,249	$27,138	$1,822,387

Consolidated_Condensed_Stateme3

Consolidated Condensed Statement of Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Consolidated Condensed Statement of Equity [Abstract]	'
Restricted stock issuances (in shares)	117,895
Stock options exercised (in shares)	4,337
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid	$0.18

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Note 1 – Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. ("Vishay" or the "Company") have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and therefore do not include all information and footnotes necessary for presentation of financial position, results of operations, and cash flows required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") for complete financial statements. The information furnished reflects all normal recurring adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair summary of the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods presented.  The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements filed with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.  The results of operations for the fiscal quarter and nine fiscal months ended September 27, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
	The Company reports interim financial information for 13-week periods beginning on a Sunday and ending on a Saturday, except for the first fiscal quarter, which always begins on January 1, and the fourth fiscal quarter, which always ends on December 31.  The four fiscal quarters in 2014 end on March 29, 2014, June 28, 2014, September 27, 2014, and December 31, 2014, respectively.  The four fiscal quarters in 2013 ended on March 30, 2013, June 29, 2013, September 28, 2013, and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).  The ASU is the result of a convergence project between the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue and to develop a common revenue standard for U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards.  The ASU removes inconsistencies and weaknesses in revenue requirements; provides a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues; improves comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions, and capital markets; provides more useful information to users of financial statements through expanded disclosure requirements; and simplifies the preparation of financial statements by reducing the number of requirements to which an entity must refer.  The ASU is effective for the Company for interim and annual periods beginning after January 1, 2017.  Vishay is currently evaluating the effect of the ASU on its revenue contracts.
	Reclassifications
	Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current financial statements presentation.

Acquisition_and_Divestiture_Ac

Acquisition and Divestiture Activities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Acquisition and Divestiture Activities [Abstract]	'
Acquisition and Divestiture Activities	'
	Note 2 – Acquisition Activities
	As part of its growth strategy, the Company seeks to expand through targeted acquisitions of other manufacturers of electronic components that have established positions in major markets, reputations for product quality and reliability, and product lines with which the Company has substantial marketing and technical expertise.
	Holy Stone Polytech Co., Ltd.
	On June 11, 2014, Vishay acquired Holy Stone Polytech Co., Ltd. ("Holy Stone Polytech"), a Japanese manufacturer of tantalum capacitors and formerly a subsidiary of Holy Stone Enterprise Co. Ltd., for $20,776, net of cash acquired. The acquisition is expected to strengthen the Company's position in tantalum capacitors, especially in Asia. For financial reporting purposes, the results of operations of Holy Stone Polytech have been included in the Capacitors segment since June 11, 2014.  The inclusion of this business did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated results for the fiscal quarter or nine fiscal months ended September 27, 2014.  Based on an estimate of their fair values, the Company allocated $3,736 of the purchase price to definite-lived intangible assets.  After allocating the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on an estimation of their fair values at the date of acquisition, the Company recorded goodwill of $7,736 related to this acquisition.  The goodwill associated with this transaction is not deductible for income tax purposes.  The Company will test the goodwill for impairment at least annually in accordance with GAAP.  The preliminary allocation is pending finalization of appraisals for property and equipment and intangible assets, finalization of a working capital adjustment, environmental assessments, and completion of other customary post-closing review activities.  There can be no assurance that the estimated amounts recorded represent the final purchase allocation.
	Capella Microsystems Inc.
	On July 11, 2014, Vishay entered into an agreement to acquire Capella Microsystems (Taiwan) Inc. ("Capella") for approximately $205,000.  Capella is a fabless IC design company specializing in optoelectronic products.  As a first step in the acquisition, Vishay launched a tender offer for Capella's outstanding shares.  A total of 38,703,705 shares of Capella, or 88.95% of outstanding shares, were tendered and accepted by Vishay.  The offer period expired on September 1, 2014.  Pursuant to the terms of the tender offer, Vishay paid NT$139 for each share tendered.  The aggregate purchase price was $180,167.  Capella had cash and short-term investments on hand of $50,195 at the date of acquisition.  Vishay funded the acquisition with cash on hand and $53,000 of borrowings under its credit facility.  The acquisition is expected to strengthen the Company's position in optoelectronic sensors.
	Upon the close of the tender offer, Vishay controlled Capella and began consolidating it in its financial statements.  For financial reporting purposes, the results and operations and net assets of Capella have been included in the Optoelectronic Components segment.  The interest represented by the shares not tendered are presented as noncontrolling interests in the consolidated condensed financial statements.  The fair value of the noncontrolling interest was determined based on the observable quoted share price as of the acquisition date.  Due to the timing of the close of the tender offer, Capella's results were not material to the Company's consolidated results for the fiscal quarter or nine fiscal months ended September 27, 2014.
	Vishay expects to acquire the remaining outstanding shares of Capella pursuant to the merger agreement.  In connection with the closing of the merger, all remaining holders of Capella common stock other than Vishay and its subsidiaries will receive the same consideration for their shares as the holders who tendered their shares in the tender offer, or approximately $22,000 in the aggregate.  The merger is expected to be completed by the end of January 2015.  The closing of the merger is subject to customary closing conditions, including obtaining all necessary governmental approvals and clearances.
	Based on an estimate of their fair values, the Company allocated the purchase price of the acquisition as follows:
	Short-term investments	$	47,438
	Working capital (excluding cash and short-term investments)		(6,374	)
	Property and equipment		4,134
	Intangible assets:
	Patents and acquired technology		14,870
	Capitalized software		101
	Customer relationships		54,400
	Tradenames		5,110
	Total intangible assets		74,481
	Other, net		(454	)
	Deferred taxes, net		(17,626	)
	Total identifiable assets and liabilities		101,599
	Cash paid to Capella stockholders, net of cash aquired		177,410
	Fair value of noncontrolling interest		21,895
	Goodwill	$	97,706
	The weighted average useful lives for patents and acquired technology, customer relationships, and tradenames are 10, 7, and 7 years, respectively.  The Company will test the goodwill for impairment at least annually in accordance with GAAP.  The goodwill associated with this transaction is not deductible for income tax purposes.  The preliminary allocation is pending finalization of appraisals for property and equipment and intangible assets.  There can be no assurance that the estimated amounts recorded represent the final purchase price allocation.
	In evaluating the acquisition of Capella, the Company focused primarily on the ability to synergize its optoelectronics design capabilities with Vishay's existing optoelectronics product lines and customers.  As a result, the fair value of the acquired assets, including identified intangible assets, corresponds to a relatively smaller portion of the acquisition price, with the Company recording a substantial amount of goodwill associated with the acquisition.
	The Company recognized $613 of acquisition costs classified as a component of selling, general, and administrative expenses in its consolidated condensed statements of operations.
	Pro Forma Results
	The unaudited pro forma results would have been as follows, assuming the acquisitions had occurred as of January 1, 2013:
		Fiscal quarters ended					Nine fiscal months ended
		27-Sep-14			28-Sep-13		27-Sep-14		28-Sep-13
	Pro forma net revenues	$	643,917		$	619,580	$	1,911,246	$	1,817,633
	Pro forma net earnings attributable to Vishay stockholders		26,688			33,182		85,713		98,200
	Pro forma basic earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders	$	0.18		$	0.23	$	0.58	$	0.68
	Pro forma diluted earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders	$	0.17		$	0.22	$	0.56	$	0.65
	The pro forma information presented for the fiscal quarter and nine fiscal months ended September 27, 2014 was adjusted to exclude acquisition-related costs incurred in 2014.  The pro forma information also includes adjustments for interest expense that would have been incurred to finance the acquisition, amortization of acquired intangible assets, depreciation of acquired property and equipment, allocation of a portion of Capella results to noncontrolling interests, and tax related effects.
	The unaudited pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of the results that would have been attained had the acquisition occurred on January 1, 2013.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'
	Note 3 – Goodwill
	Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of a business acquired over the fair value of the related net assets at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is not amortized but rather tested for impairment at least annually. The required annual impairment test of goodwill is completed as of the first day of the fourth fiscal quarter of each year. These impairment tests must be performed more frequently whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The Company's business segments (see Note 10) represent its reporting units for goodwill impairment testing purposes.
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the nine fiscal months ended September 27, 2014 was as follows:
		Optoelectronic Components		Resistors & Inductors			Capacitors			Total
	Balance at January 1, 2014	$	-	$	43,132		$	-		$	43,132
	Holy Stone acquisition		-		-			7,736			7,736
	Capella acquisition		97,706		-			-			97,706
	Exchange rate effects		-		(643	)		(495	)		(1,138	)
	Balance at September 27, 2014	$	97,706	$	42,489		$	7,241		$	147,436

Restructuring_and_Related_Acti

Restructuring and Related Activities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring and Related Activities	'
	Note 4 – Restructuring and Related Activities
	The Company places a strong emphasis on controlling its costs.
	Historically, the Company's primary cost reduction technique was through the transfer of production to the extent possible from high-labor-cost countries, such as the United States and Western Europe, to lower-labor-cost countries, such as the Czech Republic, Hungary, Israel, India, Malaysia, Mexico, the People's Republic of China, and the Philippines. Between 2001 and 2009, the Company recorded, in the consolidated statements of operations, restructuring and severance costs and related asset write-downs in order to reduce its cost structure going forward.
	The Company also incurred significant costs to restructure and integrate acquired businesses, which was included in the cost of the acquisitions under then-applicable GAAP.
	The Company did not initiate any new restructuring projects in the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, or 2010.
	On October 28, 2013, the Company announced various cost reduction programs as part of its continuous efforts to improve efficiency and operating performance. The cash costs of these programs, primarily severance, are expected to be approximately $31,700.  Complete implementation of all of the programs is expected to occur before the end of the first fiscal quarter of 2016.  Many of the severance costs will be recognized ratably over the required stay periods.
	The following table summarizes restructuring and related expenses which were recognized and reported on a separate line in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations:
		Fiscal quarter ended			Nine fiscal months ended
		27-Sep-14			27-Sep-14
	MOSFETs Enhanced Competitiveness Program	$	1,522		$	4,741
	Voluntary Separation / Retirement Program		(94	)		12,105
	Modules Production Transfer Program		2,080			2,080
	Total	$	3,508		$	18,926
	MOSFETs Enhanced Competitiveness Program
	Over a period of approximately 2 years and in a series of discrete steps, the manufacture of wafers for a substantial share of products will be transferred into a more cost-efficient fab. As a consequence, certain other manufacturing currently occurring in-house will be transferred to third-party foundries.
	The total severance costs associated with these initiatives are expected to be approximately $16,000. Employees generally must remain with the Company during the production transfer period. Accordingly, the Company will accrue these severance costs ratably over the respective employees' remaining service periods.
	The following table summarizes the activity to date related to this program:
	Expense recorded in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2013	$	2,328
	Cash paid		(267	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	2,061
	Expense		4,741
	Cash paid		(682	)
	Balance at September 27, 2014	$	6,120
	Severance benefits are generally paid in a lump sum at cessation of employment.  The current portion of the liability is $840 and is included in other accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated condensed balance sheets.  The non-current portion of the liability is included in other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated condensed balance sheets.
	Voluntary Separation / Retirement Program
	The voluntary separation / early retirement program was offered to employees worldwide who were eligible because they met job classification, age, and years-of-service criteria as of October 31, 2013. The program benefits vary by country and job classification, but generally include a cash loyalty bonus based on years of service. All employees eligible for the program have been identified, and have left or will leave the Company after the expiration of their respective transition periods.
	These employees generally were not aligned with any particular segment. The effective separation / retirement date for most employees who accepted the offer was June 30, 2014 or earlier, with a few exceptions to allow for a transition period.
	The following table summarizes the activity to date related to this program:
	Expense recorded in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2013	$	486
	Cash paid		(98	)
	Foreign currency translation		3
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	391
	Expense		12,105
	Cash paid		(6,654	)
	Foreign currency translation		(291	)
	Balance at September 27, 2014	$	5,551
	The payment terms vary by country, but generally are paid in a lump sum at cessation of employment. The entire amount of the liability is considered current and is included in other accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
	Modules Production Transfer
	In an effort to reduce costs and streamline production of its module products within its Diodes segment, the Company committed to two smaller cost reduction programs related to the transferring of production of certain of its products.  The production transfers will take approximately twelve months to execute.
	The following table summarizes the activity to date related to this program:
	Expense	$	2,080
	Cash paid		(94	)
	Foreign currency translation		(44	)
	Balance at September 27, 2014	$	1,942
	Severance benefits are generally paid in a lump sum at cessation of employment.  The entire amount of the liability is considered current and is included in other accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated condensed balance sheets.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Note 5 – Income Taxes
	The provision for income taxes consists of provisions for federal, state, and foreign income taxes.  The effective tax rates for the periods ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 reflect the Company's expected tax rate on reported income from continuing operations before income tax and tax adjustments. The Company operates in a global environment with significant operations in various jurisdictions outside the United States.  Accordingly, the consolidated income tax rate is a composite rate reflecting the Company's earnings and the applicable tax rates in the various jurisdictions where the Company operates.
	In July 2013, a new tax law was enacted in Israel which effectively increases the corporate income tax rate on certain types of income earned after January 1, 2014.  Accordingly, the Company's deferred tax assets in Israel were increased to reflect the higher rate and a one-time tax benefit of $2,867,000 was recorded in the consolidated condensed statement of operations during the fiscal quarter and nine fiscal months ended September 28, 2013.  As a result of the retroactive enactment of the American Taxpayer Act of 2012, which was signed into law on January 2, 2013, the Company recorded one-time tax benefits of $1,330 in the consolidated condensed statement of operations during the nine fiscal months ended September 28, 2013.
	During the nine fiscal months ended September 27, 2014, the liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits decreased by $1,432 on a net basis, principally due to payments and currency effects offset by increases for interest and positions taken in prior periods.

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt	'
	Note 6 – Long-Term Debt
	Long-term debt consists of the following:
		September 27,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Credit facility	$	187,000		$	114,000
	Exchangeable unsecured notes, due 2102		38,642			38,642
	Convertible senior debentures, due 2040		103,364			101,846
	Convertible senior debentures, due 2041		52,966			52,264
	Convertible senior debentures, due 2042		58,908			58,159
			440,880			364,911
	Less current portion		-			-
		$	440,880		$	364,911
	Convertible Senior Debentures
	Vishay currently has three issuances of convertible senior debentures outstanding with generally congruent terms.  The quarterly cash dividend program of the Company results in adjustments to the conversion rate and effective conversion price for each issuance of the Company's convertible senior debentures effective as of the ex-dividend date of each cash dividend.
	The following table summarizes some key facts and terms regarding the three series of outstanding convertible senior debentures following the adjustment made to the conversion rate of the debentures on the ex-dividend date of the September 18, 2014 dividend payment:
		Due 2040			Due 2041			Due 2042
	Issuance date	9-Nov-10			13-May-11			31-May-12
	Maturity date	15-Nov-40			15-May-41			1-Jun-42
	Principal amount	$	275,000		$	150,000		$	150,000
	Cash coupon rate (per annum)		2.25	%		2.25	%		2.25	%
	Nonconvertible debt borrowing rate at issuance (per annum)		8	%		8.375	%		7.5	%
	Conversion rate effective August 26, 2014 (per $1 principal amount)		72.8961			53.1957			85.7084
	Effective conversion price effective August 26, 2014 (per share)	$	13.72		$	18.8		$	11.67
	130% of the conversion price (per share)	$	17.84		$	24.44		$	15.17
	Call date	20-Nov-20			20-May-21			7-Jun-22
	Prior to three months before the maturity date, the holders may only convert their debentures under the following circumstances: (1) during any fiscal quarter after the first full quarter subsequent to issuance, if the sale price of Vishay common stock reaches 130% of the conversion price for a specified period; (2) the trading price of the debentures falls below 98% of the product of the sale price of Vishay's common stock and the conversion rate for a specified period; (3) Vishay calls any or all of the debentures for redemption, at any time prior to the close of business on the third scheduled trading day immediately preceding the redemption date; or (4) upon the occurrence of specified corporate events.
	The convertible debentures due 2042 became convertible subsequent to the September 27, 2014 evaluation of the conversion criteria, due to the sale price of Vishay's common stock exceeding 130% of the conversion price for the applicable period in the third fiscal quarter of 2014.  The debentures due 2042 will remain convertible until December 31, 2014, at which time the conversion criteria will be reevaluated.  At the direction of its Board of Directors, the Company intends, upon conversion, to repay the principal amounts of the convertible senior debentures due 2042 in cash and settle any additional amounts in shares of Vishay common stock.  The excess of the amount that the Company would pay to the holders of the debentures upon conversion over the carrying value of the liability component of the debentures currently convertible has been reclassifed as temporary equity in the condensed consolidated financial statements.  The Company intends to finance the principal amount of any converted debentures using borrowings under its credit facility.  Accordingly, the debt component of the convertible debentures due 2042 continues to be classified as a non-current liability in the consolidated condensed balance sheets.
	GAAP requires an issuer to separately account for the liability and equity components of the instrument in a manner that reflects the issuer's nonconvertible debt borrowing rate when interest costs are recognized in subsequent periods.  The resulting discount on the debt is amortized as non-cash interest expense in future periods.
	The carrying values of the liability and equity components of the convertible debentures are reflected in the Company's consolidated condensed balance sheets as follows:
		Principal amount of			Unamortized discount			Embedded derivative			Carrying value of liability component			Equity component (including temporary equity) - net carrying value
		the debentures
	27-Sep-14
	Due 2040	$	275,000			(172,189	)		553		$	103,364		$	110,094
	Due 2041	$	150,000			(97,348	)		314		$	52,966		$	62,246
	Due 2042	$	150,000			(91,301	)		209		$	58,908		$	57,874
	Total	$	575,000		$	(360,838	)	$	1,076		$	215,238		$	230,214
	31-Dec-13
	Due 2040	$	275,000			(173,645	)		491		$	101,846		$	110,094
	Due 2041	$	150,000			(98,085	)		349		$	52,264		$	62,246
	Due 2042	$	150,000			(92,038	)		197		$	58,159		$	57,874
	Total	$	575,000		$	(363,768	)	$	1,037		$	212,269		$	230,214
	Interest is payable on the debentures semi-annually at the cash coupon rate; however, the remaining debt discount is being amortized as additional non-cash interest expense using an effective annual interest rate equal to the Company's estimated nonconvertible debt borrowing rate at the time of issuance.  In addition to ordinary interest, contingent interest will accrue in certain circumstances relating to the trading price of the debentures and under certain other circumstances beginning ten years subsequent to issuance.
	Interest expense related to the debentures is reflected on the consolidated condensed statements of operations for the fiscal quarters ended:
		Contractual			Non-cash amortization of debt discount			Non-cash amortization of deferred financing costs			Non-cash change in value of derivative liability			Total interest expense related to the debentures
		coupon interest
	27-Sep-14
	Due 2040	$	1,547			495			22			93		$	2,157
	Due 2041	$	844			251			11			(29	)	$	1,077
	Due 2042	$	844			251			13			13		$	1,121
	Total	$	3,235		$	997		$	46		$	77		$	4,355
	28-Sep-13
	Due 2040	$	1,547			458			22			(30	)	$	1,997
	Due 2041	$	844			231			11			(13	)	$	1,073
	Due 2042	$	844			233			13			3		$	1,093
	Total	$	3,235		$	922		$	46		$	(40	)	$	4,163
	Interest expense related to the debentures is reflected on the consolidated condensed statements of operations for the nine fiscal months ended:
		Contractual			Non-cash amortization of debt discount			Non-cash amortization of deferred financing costs			Non-cash change in value of derivative liability			Total interest expense related to the debentures
		coupon interest
	27-Sep-14
	Due 2040	$	4,641			1,456			66			62		$	6,225
	Due 2041	$	2,532			737			35			(35	)	$	3,269
	Due 2042	$	2,532			737			40			12		$	3,321
	Total	$	9,705		$	2,930		$	141		$	39		$	12,815
28-Sep-13
Due 2040	$	4,641			1,346			66			(193	)	$	5,860
Due 2041	$	2,532			679			35			(100	)	$	3,146
Due 2042	$	2,532			684			40			(73	)	$	3,183
Total	$	9,705		$	2,709		$	141		$	(366	)	$	12,189
Exchangeable Unsecured Notes, due 2102
Quarterly cash dividends do not result in an adjustment to the put/call rate of the Company's exchangeable unsecured notes due 2102; therefore, the cash dividend payments in the first, second, and third fiscal quarters of 2014 had no effect on the exchangeable notes due 2102.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	Note 7 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	The cumulative balance of each component of other comprehensive income (loss) and the income tax effects allocated to each component are as follows:
		Pension and other post-retirement actuarial items			Currency translation adjustment			Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities			Total
	Balance at January 1, 2014	$	(129,918	)	$	190,998			554		$	61,634
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(1,177	)		(64,373	)		1,775		$	(63,775	)
	Tax effect		412			-			(621	)	$	(209	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax		(765	)		(64,373	)		1,154		$	(63,984	)
	Amounts reclassified out of AOCI		22,010			-			(24	)	$	21,986
	Tax effect		(7,580	)		-			8		$	(7,572	)
	Amounts reclassified out of AOCI, net of tax		14,430			-			(16	)	$	14,414
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)	$	13,665		$	(64,373	)	$	1,138		$	(49,570	)
	Balance at September 27, 2014	$	(116,253	)	$	126,625		$	1,692		$	12,064
	Reclassifications of pension and other post-retirement actuarial items out of AOCI are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost, and include the U.S. pension settlement charges.  (See Note 8 for further information).  The amount of unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities reclassified out of AOCI as a result of sales of securities held by the Company's rabbi trust used to fund a deferred compensation plan was $24 for the fiscal quarter and nine fiscal months ended September 27, 2014. These reclassifications are recorded as a component of compensation expense within Selling, General, and Administrative expenses on our consolidated condensed statements of operations.
	Other comprehensive income (loss) includes Vishay's proportionate share of other comprehensive income (loss) of nonconsolidated subsidiaries accounted for under the equity method.

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]	'
Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits	'
	Note 8 – Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits
	The Company maintains various retirement benefit plans.
	The following table shows the components of the net periodic pension cost for the third fiscal quarters of 2014 and 2013 for the Company's defined benefit pension plans:
		Fiscal quarter ended						Fiscal quarter ended
		27-Sep-14						28-Sep-13
		U.S. Plans			Non-U.S. Plans			U.S. Plans			Non-U.S. Plans
	Net service cost	$	-		$	826		$	-		$	864
	Interest cost		3,313			2,149			3,471			2,022
	Expected return on plan assets		(3,578	)		(534	)		(4,781	)		(510	)
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		(23	)		1			244			(9	)
	Amortization of losses		1,507			677			3,733			832
	Curtailment and settlement losses		15,588			-			-			-
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	16,807		$	3,119		$	2,667		$	3,199
	The following table shows the components of the net periodic pension cost for the nine fiscal months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 for the Company's defined benefit pension plans:
		Nine fiscal months ended						Nine fiscal months ended
		27-Sep-14						28-Sep-13
		U.S. Plans			Non-U.S. Plans			U.S. Plans			Non-U.S. Plans
	Net service cost	$	-		$	2,481		$	-		$	2,621
	Interest cost		10,981			6,525			10,412			6,076
	Expected return on plan assets		(11,694	)		(1,591	)		(14,343	)		(1,559	)
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		(69	)		3			733			(26	)
	Amortization of losses		5,127			2,055			11,198			2,499
	Curtailment and settlement losses		15,588			-			-			-
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	19,933		$	9,473		$	8,000		$	9,611
	During the third fiscal quarter of 2014, the Company executed two partial-settlement transactions to reduce the risk associated with its U.S. qualified pension obligations.  These transactions included the purchase of annuity contracts for approximately 700 participants pursuant to an arrangement inherited in a past acquisition and a special limited-time voluntary lump-sum payment offer to certain former employees who were deferred vested participants of the plan not currently receiving periodic payments of their pension benefit.  A total of 800 participants accepted the voluntary lump-sum offer.  The plan is no longer obligated to pay any benefits to the 1,500 participants covered by these two settlement transactions.  These former participants represented approximately 23% of the total participants prior to executing these transactions.
	As a result of these transactions, the projected benefit obligation, plan assets, and funded status were remeasured on the dates of the respective settlements.  The plan assets consisted of equity securities, fixed income securities, and real estate investments.
	Equity securities held by the U.S. defined benefit retirement plan consist of various mutual funds and exchange traded funds that are valued based on quoted market prices on the last business day of the year. The fair value measurement of the mutual funds and exchange traded funds securities is considered a Level 1 measurement within the fair value hierarchy.
	Fixed income securities held by the U.S. defined benefit retirement plans consist of exchange traded funds and a short-term investment fund. The exchange traded funds are valued based on quoted market prices on the last business day of the year. The fair value measurement of the exchange traded funds securities is considered a Level 1 measurement within the fair value hierarchy. The short-term investment fund strictly invests in short-term investments, including commercial paper, certificates of deposit, U.S. government agency and instrumentality obligations, U.S. government obligations, corporate notes, and funding agreements. The maturity date of all investments held by the short-term investment fund is within one year from the financial statement date. There are no redemption restrictions on the plan's investment. The fair value of the short-term investment fund has been estimated using the net asset value per share of the investment. The fair value measurement of the short-term investment fund is considered a Level 2 measurement within the fair value hierarchy.
	Real estate investments held by the U.S. defined benefit retirement plans consist of real estate investment trust securities that are valued at quoted market prices on the last business day of the year. The fair value measurement of the real estate investments is considered a Level 1 measurement within the fair value hierarchy.
	These transactions reduced the U.S. projected benefit obligation by approximately $59,400, and were funded entirely with plan assets.  These transactions also resulted in the recognition of non-cash settlement charges aggregating $15,588, representing previously unrecognized actuarial items.  These non-cash charges are presented on a separate line in the consolidated condensed statements of operations.
	The Company continues to evaluate options to further reduce the risk associated with its pension obligations.
	The following table shows the components of the net periodic benefit cost for the third fiscal quarters of 2014 and 2013 for the Company's other postretirement benefit plans:
		Fiscal quarter ended						Fiscal quarter ended
		27-Sep-14						28-Sep-13
		U.S. Plans			Non-U.S. Plans			U.S. Plans			Non-U.S. Plans
	Service cost	$	29		$	77		$	28		$	74
	Interest cost		88			61			78			64
	Amortization of prior service (credit)		(206	)		-			(200	)		-
	Amortization of losses (gains)		(35	)		9			1			-
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	(124	)	$	147		$	(93	)	$	138
	The following table shows the components of the net periodic pension cost for the nine fiscal months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 for the Company's other postretirement benefit plans:
		Nine fiscal months ended						Nine fiscal months ended
		27-Sep-14						28-Sep-13
		U.S. Plans			Non-U.S. Plans			U.S. Plans			Non-U.S. Plans
	Service cost	$	87		$	235		$	83		$	222
	Interest cost		264			187			235			191
	Amortization of prior service (credit)		(618	)		-			(599	)		-
	Amortization of losses (gains)		(105	)		29			3			-
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	(372	)	$	451		$	(278	)	$	413

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	Note 9 – Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company has various stockholder-approved programs which allow for the grant of stock-based compensation to officers, employees, and non-employee directors of the Company.
	The amount of compensation cost related to stock-based payment transactions is measured based on the grant-date fair value of the equity instruments issued.  The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.  The Company determines compensation cost for restricted stock units ("RSUs"), phantom stock units, and restricted stock based on the grant-date fair value of the underlying common stock adjusted for expected dividends paid over the required vesting period for non-participating awards.  Compensation cost is recognized over the period that an officer, employee, or non-employee director provides service in exchange for the award.
	The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense recognized:
		Fiscal quarters ended					Nine fiscal months ended
		27-Sep-14			28-Sep-13		27-Sep-14		28-Sep-13
	Stock options	$	-		$	-	$	-		18
	Restricted stock units		(42	)		382		1,572		(1,336	)
	Phantom stock units		-			-		131		108
	Total	$	(42	)	$	382	$	1,703		(1,210	)
	The Company recognizes compensation cost for RSUs that are expected to vest and records cumulative adjustments in the period that the expectation changes. Stock-based compensation for the nine fiscal months ended September 28, 2013, as presented in the table above, includes the material reversal of stock-based compensation expense recognized for the performance-based RSUs scheduled to vest on January 1, 2014 recorded in the second fiscal quarter of 2013. $1,778 of these reversed costs had been originally reported as a separate line item upon cessation of employment of certain former executives in 2011, and accordingly, this adjustment is also reported as a separate line item in the accompanying consolidated condensed statements of operations. A portion of the stock-based compensation expense related to certain current executives that was reversed in the second fiscal quarter of 2013 was recognized in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2013 due to certain amendments to the performance-based RSUs granted to certain current executives in 2011 approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Director's in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2013. Pursuant to their original terms, the performance-based RSUs would have vested on January 1, 2014 only if all of the associated performance criteria were met for the three-year period ending December 31, 2013. Pursuant to the amended terms, 75% of the performance-based RSUs of each of such executives vested effective December 5, 2013 in light of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Director's assessment that the performance criteria would be achieved in substantial part by December 31, 2013.
	The following table summarizes unrecognized compensation cost and the weighted average remaining amortization periods at September 27, 2014 (amortization periods in years):
		Unrecognized Compensation Cost			Weighted Average Remaining Amortization Periods
	Stock options	$	-			0
	Restricted stock units		10,808			1.2
	Phantom stock units		-			0
	Total	$	10,808
	Unrecognized compensation cost presented in the table above includes $6,485 of unrecognized compensation cost for performance-based RSUs that are not currently expected to vest and for which no compensation cost is currently being recognized.
	2007 Stock Incentive Plan
	The Company's 2007 Stock Incentive Program (the "2007 Program") was amended and restated and approved by Vishay's stockholders at Vishay's Annual Meeting of Stockholders on May 20, 2014.  The 2007 Program permits the grant of up to 6,500 shares of restricted stock, unrestricted stock, RSUs, stock options, and phantom stock units, to officers, employees, and non-employee directors of the Company.  Such instruments are available for grant until May 20, 2024.
	Stock Options
	In addition to stock options outstanding pursuant to the 2007 Program, during the periods presented, the Company had stock options outstanding under previous stockholder-approved stock option programs.  These programs are more fully described in Note 12 to the Company's consolidated financial statements included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.  No additional options may be granted pursuant to these programs.
	Stock option activity under the 2007 Program as of September 27, 2014 and changes during the nine fiscal months then ended are presented below (number of options in thousands):
		Number of Options			Weighted Average Exercise Price
	Outstanding:
	1-Jan-14		109		$	15.24
	Granted		-			-
	Exercised		(4	)		11.62
	Cancelled or forfeited		-			-
	Outstanding at September 27, 2014		105		$	15.38
	Vested		105
	Exercisable		105
	At September 27, 2014, there were no unvested options outstanding.
	The pretax aggregate intrinsic value (the difference between the closing stock price on the last trading day of the third fiscal quarter of 2014 of $14.42 per share and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on September 27, 2014 is $42.  This amount changes based on changes in the market value of the Company's common stock.  During the nine fiscal months ended September 27, 2014, 4,337 options were exercised.  The total instrinsic value of options exercised during the nine fiscal months ended September 27, 2014 was $18.
	Restricted Stock Units
	RSU activity under the 2007 Program as of September 27, 2014 and changes during the nine fiscal months then ended are presented below (number of RSUs in thousands):
		Number of RSUs			Weighted Average Grant-date Fair Value per Unit
	Outstanding:
	1-Jan-14		1,059		$	13.4
	Granted		336			13.48
	Vested*		(146	)		15.87
	Cancelled or forfeited		(102	)		17.45
	Outstanding at September 27, 2014		1,147		$	12.75
	Expected to vest at September 27, 2014		649
	* The number of RSUs vested includes shares that the Company withheld on behalf of employees to satisfy the statutory tax withholding requirements.
	The number of performance-based RSUs that are scheduled to vest on January 1, 2015 is evaluated based on the full achievement of the defined target performance criteria.  The number of performance-based RSUs that are scheduled to vest on January 1, 2016 and January 1, 2017 increases ratably based on the achievement of defined performance criteria between the established target and maximum levels.  RSUs with performance-based vesting criteria are expected to vest as follows (number of RSUs in thousands):
	Vesting Date	Expected to Vest			Not Expected to Vest		Total
	1-Jan-15		-			276		276
	1-Jan-16		-			222		222
	1-Jan-17		192			-		192
	Phantom Stock Plan
	The 2007 Program authorizes the grant of phantom stock units to the extent provided for in the Company's employment agreements with such senior executives.  Each phantom stock unit entitles the recipient to receive a share of common stock at the individual's termination of employment or any other future date specified in the applicable employment agreement.  Phantom stock units participate in dividend distribution on the same basis as the Company's common stock and Class B common stock.  Dividend equivalents are issued in the form of additional units of phantom stock.  The phantom stock units are fully vested at all times.
	Phantom stock unit activity under the phantom stock plan as of September 27, 2014 and changes during the nine fiscal months then ended are presented below (number of phantom stock units in thousands):
		Number of units			Grant-date Fair Value per Unit
	Outstanding:
	1-Jan-14		107
	Granted		10		$	13.12
	Dividend equivalents issued		2
	Redeemed for common stock		-
	Outstanding at September 27, 2014		119

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	Note 10 – Segment Information
	Vishay operates, and its chief operating decision maker makes strategic and operating decisions with regards to assessing performance and allocating resources based on, five reporting segments: MOSFETs, Diodes, Optoelectronic Components, Resistors & Inductors, and Capacitors.
	The Company evaluates business segment performance on operating income, exclusive of certain items ("segment operating income").  Only dedicated, direct selling, general, and administrative expenses of the segments are included in the calculation of segment operating income.  The Company's calculation of segment operating income excludes such selling, general, and administrative costs as global operations, sales and marketing, information systems, finance and administration groups, as well as restructuring and severance costs, executive compensation charges (credits), material gains and losses on sales of property, and other items.  Management believes that evaluating segment performance excluding such items is meaningful because it provides insight with respect to intrinsic operating results of the Company.  These items represent reconciling items between segment operating income and consolidated operating income.  Business segment assets are the owned or allocated assets used by each business.
	The following tables set forth business segment information:
		MOSFETs			Diodes			Optoelectronic Components			Resistors & Inductors			Capacitors		Total
	Fiscal quarter ended September 27, 2014:
	Product Sales	$	121,631		$	151,444		$	67,549		$	189,419		$	107,105	$	637,148
	Royalty Revenues		28			-			-			1,035			-	$	1,063
	Total Revenue	$	121,659		$	151,444		$	67,549		$	190,454		$	107,105	$	638,211
	Gross Margin	$	17,384		$	36,135		$	24,585		$	59,581		$	20,707	$	158,392
	Fiscal quarter ended September 28, 2013:
	Product Sales	$	115,143		$	140,790		$	56,796		$	176,885		$	111,910	$	601,524
	Royalty Revenues		25			-			51			1,290			-	$	1,366
	Total Revenue	$	115,168		$	140,790		$	56,847		$	178,175		$	111,910	$	602,890
	Gross Margin	$	15,735		$	32,405		$	20,163		$	54,093		$	20,824	$	143,220
	Nine fiscal months ended September 27, 2014:
	Product Sales	$	358,715		$	437,944		$	188,305		$	569,944		$	324,360	$	1,879,268
	Royalty Revenues		127			-			-			3,123			-	$	3,250
	Total Revenue	$	358,842		$	437,944		$	188,305		$	573,067		$	324,360	$	1,882,518
	Gross Margin	$	48,872		$	100,606		$	68,610		$	181,096		$	68,584	$	467,768
	Nine fiscal months ended September 28, 2013:
	Product Sales	$	331,473		$	406,525		$	171,419		$	510,630		$	329,821	$	1,749,868
	Royalty Revenues		146			-			51			4,744			-	$	4,941
	Total Revenue	$	331,619		$	406,525		$	171,470		$	515,374		$	329,821	$	1,754,809
	Gross Margin	$	45,101		$	91,093		$	59,088		$	161,039		$	66,490	$	422,811
	The Optoelectronic Components segment assets increased due to the Capella acquisition (see Note 2).
		Fiscal quarters ended						Nine fiscal months ended
		27-Sep-14			28-Sep-13			27-Sep-14			28-Sep-13
	Operating margin reconciliation:
	MOSFETs	$	7,824		$	5,313		$	19,804		$	13,828
	Diodes		29,720			26,240			80,908			72,968
	Optoelectronic Components		20,571			16,492			56,920			48,259
	Resistors & Inductors		50,194			45,096			152,499			134,836
	Capacitors		14,482			14,879			49,945			48,920
	Restructuring and Severance Costs		(3,508	)		-			(18,926	)		-
	U.S. Pension Settlement Charges		(15,588	)		-			(15,588	)		-
	Executive Compensation Credit		-			-			-			1,778
	Unallocated Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses		(58,236	)		(54,867	)		(179,608	)		(169,941	)
	Consolidated Operating Income	$	45,459		$	53,153		$	145,954		$	150,648

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	Note 11 – Earnings Per Share
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders (shares in thousands):
		Fiscal quarters ended				Nine fiscal months ended
		27-Sep-14		28-Sep-13		27-Sep-14		28-Sep-13
	Numerator:
	Numerator for basic earnings per share:
	Net earnings	$	26,971	$	32,719	$	88,423	$	92,959
	Adjustment to the numerator for continuing operations and net earnings:
	Interest savings assuming conversion of dilutive convertible and exchangeable notes, net of tax		14		33		44		124
	Numerator for diluted earnings per share:
	Net earnings	$	26,985	$	32,752	$	88,467	$	93,083
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per share:
	Weighted average shares		147,451		144,937		147,447		144,012
	Outstanding phantom stock units		118		107		118		107
	Adjusted weighted average shares		147,569		145,044		147,565		144,119
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Convertible and exchangeable debt instruments		7,702		6,560		6,332		7,045
	Restricted stock units		267		279		237		301
	Other		8		7		8		6
	Dilutive potential common shares		7,977		6,846		6,577		7,352
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share:
	Adjusted weighted average shares		155,546		151,890		154,142		151,471
	Basic earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders	$	0.18	$	0.23	$	0.6	$	0.65
	Diluted earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders	$	0.17	$	0.22	$	0.57	$	0.61
	Diluted earnings per share for the periods presented do not reflect the following weighted average potential common shares that would have an antidilutive effect or have unsatisfied performance conditions (in thousands):
		Fiscal quarters ended				Nine fiscal months ended
		27-Sep-14		28-Sep-13		27-Sep-14		28-Sep-13
	Convertible and exchangeable notes:
	Convertible Senior Debentures, due 2040		-		19,809		-		19,809
	Convertible Senior Debentures, due 2041		7,925		7,885		7,927		7,885
	Weighted average employee stock options		77		77		77		87
	Weighted average other		154		285		143		370
	In periods in which they are dilutive, if the potential common shares related to the exchangeable notes are included in the computation, the related interest savings, net of tax, assuming conversion/exchange is added to the net earnings used to compute earnings per share.
	The Company's convertible debt instruments are only convertible upon the occurrence of certain events.  The convertible debentures due 2042 are convertible subsequent to the September 27, 2014 evaluation of the conversion criteria.  In periods that the debentures are not convertible, the certain conditions which could trigger conversion of the remaining debentures have been deemed to be non-substantive, and accordingly, the Company has always assumed the conversion of these instruments in its diluted earnings per share computation during periods in which they are dilutive.
	At the direction of its Board of Directors, the Company intends, upon conversion, to repay the principal amounts of the convertible senior debentures, due 2040, due 2041, and due 2042, in cash and settle any additional amounts in shares of Vishay common stock. Accordingly, the debentures are included in the diluted earnings per share computation using the "treasury stock method" (similar to options and warrants) rather than the "if converted method" otherwise required for convertible debt.  Under the "treasury stock method," Vishay calculates the number of shares issuable under the terms of the debentures based on the average market price of Vishay common stock during the period, and that number is included in the total diluted shares figure for the period.  If the average market price is less than $13.72, no shares are included in the diluted earnings per share computation for the convertible senior debentures due 2040, if the average market price is less than $18.80, no shares are included in the diluted earnings per share computation for the convertible senior debentures due 2041, and if the average market price is less than $11.67, no shares are included in the diluted earnings per share computation for the convertible senior debentures due 2042.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Note 12 – Fair Value Measurements
	The fair value measurement accounting guidance establishes a valuation hierarchy of the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The following is a brief description of those three levels:
	Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.
	Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect the Company's own assumptions.
	An asset or liability's classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. There have been no changes in the classification of any financial instruments within the fair value hierarchy in the periods presented.
	The following table provides the financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis:
		Total			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		Fair Value
	September 27, 2014:
	Assets:
	Assets held in rabbi trusts	$	38,270		$	25,081	$	13,189	$	-
	Available for sale securities	$	7,162			7,162		-		-
		$	45,432		$	32,243	$	13,189	$	-
	Liabilities:
	Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2040	$	(553	)	$	-	$	-	$	(553	)
	Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2041	$	(314	)		-		-		(314	)
	Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2042	$	(209	)		-		-		(209	)
		$	(1,076	)	$	-	$	-	$	(1,076	)
	December 31, 2013:
	Assets:
	Assets held in rabbi trusts	$	36,992		$	24,064		12,928	$	-
	Available for sale securities	$	7,356			7,356		-		-
		$	44,348		$	31,420	$	12,928	$	-
	Liabilities:
	Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2040	$	(491	)	$	-	$	-	$	(491	)
	Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2041	$	(349	)		-		-		(349	)
	Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2042	$	(197	)		-		-		(197	)
		$	(1,037	)	$	-	$	-	$	(1,037	)
	The Company maintains non-qualified trusts, referred to as "rabbi" trusts, to fund payments under deferred compensation and non-qualified pension plans. Rabbi trust assets consist primarily of marketable securities, classified as available-for-sale and company-owned life insurance assets.  The marketable securities held in the rabbi trusts are valued using quoted market prices on the last business day of the period. The company-owned life insurance assets are valued in consultation with the Company's insurance brokers using the value of underlying assets of the insurance contracts.  The fair value measurement of the marketable securities held in the rabbi trust is considered a Level 1 measurement and the measurement of the company-owned life insurance assets is considered a Level 2 measurement within the fair value hierarchy.
	The Company holds available for sale investments in debt securities that are intended to fund a portion of its pension and other postretirement benefit obligations outside of the United States.  The investments are valued based on quoted market prices on the last business day of the year.  The fair value measurement of the investments is considered a Level 1 measurement within the fair value hierarchy.
	The convertible senior debentures, due 2040, due 2041, and due 2042, issued by the Company on November 9, 2010, May 13, 2011, and May 31, 2012, respectively, contain embedded derivative features that GAAP requires to be bifurcated and remeasured each reporting period.  Each quarter, the change in the fair value of the embedded derivative features, if any, is recorded in the consolidated condensed statements of operations.  The Company uses a derivative valuation model to derive the value of the embedded derivative features.  Key inputs into this valuation model are the Company's current stock price, risk-free interest rates, the stock dividend yield, the stock volatility, and the debentures' credit spread over LIBOR. The first three aforementioned inputs are based on observable market data and are considered Level 2 inputs while the last two aforementioned inputs are unobservable and thus require management's judgment and are considered Level 3 inputs.  The fair value measurement is considered a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy.
	In the third fiscal quarter of 2014, the Company entered into a forward contract with a highly-rated financial institution to mitigate the foreign currency risk associated with an intercompany loan denominated in a currency other than the legal entity's functional currency.  The notional amount of the forward contract was $25,000 as of September 27, 2014.  The intercompany loan was used to finance a portion of the purchase price for Capella.  The forward contract settles monthly and is expected to be renewed at the Company's discretion on a monthly basis until the intercompany loan is repaid.  The forward contract was renewed on the last day of the third fiscal quarter.  We have not designated the forward contract as a hedge for accounting purposes, and as such the change in the fair value of the contract is recognized in the consolidated condensed statements of operations as a component of other income (expense).  The Company estimates the fair value of the forward contract based on applicable and commonly used pricing models using current market information and is considered a Level 2 measurement within the fair value hierachy.  Due to the timing of the renewal of the forward contract, the value of the forward contract was immaterial as of September 27, 2104.  The Company does not utilize derivatives or other financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes.
	The fair value of the long-term debt, excluding the derivative liabilities, at September 27, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is approximately $859,500 and $750,700, respectively, compared to its carrying value, excluding the derivative liabilities, of $439,804, and $363,874, respectively.  The Company estimates the fair value of its long-term debt using a combination of quoted market prices for similar financing arrangements and expected future payments discounted at risk-adjusted rates, which are considered Level 2 inputs.
	At September 27, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company's short-term investments were comprised of time deposits with financial institutions that have maturities that exceed 90 days from the date of acquisition; however they all mature within one year from the respective balance sheet dates.  The short-term investments are accounted for as held-to-maturity debt instruments, at amortized cost, which approximates their fair value.  The investments are funded with excess cash not expected to be needed for operations prior to maturity; therefore, the Company believes it has the intent and ability to hold the short-term investments until maturity.  At each reporting date, the Company performs an evaluation to determine if any unrealized losses are other-than-temporary.  No other-than-temporary impairments have been recognized on these securities, and there are no unrecognized holding gains or losses for these securities during the periods presented.  There have been no transfers to or from the held-to-maturity classification.  All decreases in the account balance are due to returns of principal at the securities' maturity dates.  Interest on the securities is recognized as interest income when earned.
	At September 27, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company's cash and cash equivalents were comprised of demand deposits, time deposits with maturities of three months or less when purchased, and money market funds.  The Company estimates the fair value of its cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments using level 2 inputs.  Based on the current interest rates for similar investments with comparable credit risk and time to maturity, the fair value of the Company's cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments approximate the carrying amounts reported in the consolidated condensed balance sheets.
	The Company's financial instruments also include accounts receivable, short-term notes payable, and accounts payable.  The carrying amounts for these financial instruments reported in the consolidated condensed balance sheets approximate their fair values.

Basis_of_Presentation_Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]	'
Fiscal Period, Policy	'
	The Company reports interim financial information for 13-week periods beginning on a Sunday and ending on a Saturday, except for the first fiscal quarter, which always begins on January 1, and the fourth fiscal quarter, which always ends on December 31.  The four fiscal quarters in 2014 end on March 29, 2014, June 28, 2014, September 27, 2014, and December 31, 2014, respectively.  The four fiscal quarters in 2013 ended on March 30, 2013, June 29, 2013, September 28, 2013, and December 31, 2013, respectively.
Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted [Text Block]	'
	Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).  The ASU is the result of a convergence project between the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue and to develop a common revenue standard for U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards.  The ASU removes inconsistencies and weaknesses in revenue requirements; provides a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues; improves comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions, and capital markets; provides more useful information to users of financial statements through expanded disclosure requirements; and simplifies the preparation of financial statements by reducing the number of requirements to which an entity must refer.  The ASU is effective for the Company for interim and annual periods beginning after January 1, 2017.  Vishay is currently evaluating the effect of the ASU on its revenue contracts.

Income_Taxes_Policies

Income Taxes (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Effective Income tax Rate Description	'
	The provision for income taxes consists of provisions for federal, state, and foreign income taxes.  The effective tax rates for the periods ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 reflect the Company's expected tax rate on reported income from continuing operations before income tax and tax adjustments. The Company operates in a global environment with significant operations in various jurisdictions outside the United States.  Accordingly, the consolidated income tax rate is a composite rate reflecting the Company's earnings and the applicable tax rates in the various jurisdictions where the Company operates.

StockBased_Compensation_Polici

Stock-Based Compensation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	The amount of compensation cost related to stock-based payment transactions is measured based on the grant-date fair value of the equity instruments issued.  The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.  The Company determines compensation cost for restricted stock units ("RSUs"), phantom stock units, and restricted stock based on the grant-date fair value of the underlying common stock adjusted for expected dividends paid over the required vesting period for non-participating awards.  Compensation cost is recognized over the period that an officer, employee, or non-employee director provides service in exchange for the award.

Segment_Information_Policies

Segment Information (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Vishay operates, and its chief operating decision maker makes strategic and operating decisions with regards to assessing performance and allocating resources based on, five reporting segments: MOSFETs, Diodes, Optoelectronic Components, Resistors & Inductors, and Capacitors.
	The Company evaluates business segment performance on operating income, exclusive of certain items ("segment operating income").  Only dedicated, direct selling, general, and administrative expenses of the segments are included in the calculation of segment operating income.  The Company's calculation of segment operating income excludes such selling, general, and administrative costs as global operations, sales and marketing, information systems, finance and administration groups, as well as restructuring and severance costs, executive compensation charges (credits), material gains and losses on sales of property, and other items.  Management believes that evaluating segment performance excluding such items is meaningful because it provides insight with respect to intrinsic operating results of the Company.  These items represent reconciling items between segment operating income and consolidated operating income.  Business segment assets are the owned or allocated assets used by each business.

Earnings_Per_Share_Policies

Earnings Per Share (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Discussion on convertible debt included in computation of earnings per share diluted	'
	The Company's convertible debt instruments are only convertible upon the occurrence of certain events.  The convertible debentures due 2042 are convertible subsequent to the September 27, 2014 evaluation of the conversion criteria.  In periods that the debentures are not convertible, the certain conditions which could trigger conversion of the remaining debentures have been deemed to be non-substantive, and accordingly, the Company has always assumed the conversion of these instruments in its diluted earnings per share computation during periods in which they are dilutive.
	At the direction of its Board of Directors, the Company intends, upon conversion, to repay the principal amounts of the convertible senior debentures, due 2040, due 2041, and due 2042, in cash and settle any additional amounts in shares of Vishay common stock. Accordingly, the debentures are included in the diluted earnings per share computation using the "treasury stock method" (similar to options and warrants) rather than the "if converted method" otherwise required for convertible debt.  Under the "treasury stock method," Vishay calculates the number of shares issuable under the terms of the debentures based on the average market price of Vishay common stock during the period, and that number is included in the total diluted shares figure for the period.  If the average market price is less than $13.72, no shares are included in the diluted earnings per share computation for the convertible senior debentures due 2040, if the average market price is less than $18.80, no shares are included in the diluted earnings per share computation for the convertible senior debentures due 2041, and if the average market price is less than $11.67, no shares are included in the diluted earnings per share computation for the convertible senior debentures due 2042.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Polici

Fair Value Measurements (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy	'
	The fair value measurement accounting guidance establishes a valuation hierarchy of the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The following is a brief description of those three levels:
	Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.
	Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect the Company's own assumptions.
	An asset or liability's classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. There have been no changes in the classification of any financial instruments within the fair value hierarchy in the periods presented.

Acquisition_and_Divestiture_Ac1

Acquisition and Divestiture Activities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Acquisition and Divestiture Activities [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]	'
	Based on an estimate of their fair values, the Company allocated the purchase price of the acquisition as follows:
	Short-term investments	$	47,438
	Working capital (excluding cash and short-term investments)		(6,374	)
	Property and equipment		4,134
	Intangible assets:
	Patents and acquired technology		14,870
	Capitalized software		101
	Customer relationships		54,400
	Tradenames		5,110
	Total intangible assets		74,481
	Other, net		(454	)
	Deferred taxes, net		(17,626	)
	Total identifiable assets and liabilities		101,599
	Cash paid to Capella stockholders, net of cash aquired		177,410
	Fair value of noncontrolling interest		21,895
	Goodwill	$	97,706
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]	'
	Pro Forma Results
	The unaudited pro forma results would have been as follows, assuming the acquisitions had occurred as of January 1, 2013:
		Fiscal quarters ended					Nine fiscal months ended
		27-Sep-14			28-Sep-13		27-Sep-14		28-Sep-13
	Pro forma net revenues	$	643,917		$	619,580	$	1,911,246	$	1,817,633
	Pro forma net earnings attributable to Vishay stockholders		26,688			33,182		85,713		98,200
	Pro forma basic earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders	$	0.18		$	0.23	$	0.58	$	0.68
	Pro forma diluted earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders	$	0.17		$	0.22	$	0.56	$	0.65

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
Goodwill rollforward	'
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the nine fiscal months ended September 27, 2014 was as follows:
		Optoelectronic Components		Resistors & Inductors			Capacitors			Total
	Balance at January 1, 2014	$	-	$	43,132		$	-		$	43,132
	Holy Stone acquisition		-		-			7,736			7,736
	Capella acquisition		97,706		-			-			97,706
	Exchange rate effects		-		(643	)		(495	)		(1,138	)
	Balance at September 27, 2014	$	97,706	$	42,489		$	7,241		$	147,436

Restructuring_and_Related_Acti1

Restructuring and Related Activities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring and Related Expenses	'
	The following table summarizes restructuring and related expenses which were recognized and reported on a separate line in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations:
		Fiscal quarter ended			Nine fiscal months ended
		27-Sep-14			27-Sep-14
	MOSFETs Enhanced Competitiveness Program	$	1,522		$	4,741
	Voluntary Separation / Retirement Program		(94	)		12,105
	Modules Production Transfer Program		2,080			2,080
	Total	$	3,508		$	18,926
MOSFETs Enhanced Competitiveness Program [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the activity to date related to this program:
	Expense recorded in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2013	$	2,328
	Cash paid		(267	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	2,061
	Expense		4,741
	Cash paid		(682	)
	Balance at September 27, 2014	$	6,120
Voluntary Separation/Retirement Program [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the activity to date related to this program:
	Expense recorded in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2013	$	486
	Cash paid		(98	)
	Foreign currency translation		3
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	391
	Expense		12,105
	Cash paid		(6,654	)
	Foreign currency translation		(291	)
	Balance at September 27, 2014	$	5,551
Modules Product Transfer [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the activity to date related to this program:
	Expense	$	2,080
	Cash paid		(94	)
	Foreign currency translation		(44	)
	Balance at September 27, 2014	$	1,942

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]	'
Schedule of long-term debt instruments	'
	Long-term debt consists of the following:
		September 27,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Credit facility	$	187,000		$	114,000
	Exchangeable unsecured notes, due 2102		38,642			38,642
	Convertible senior debentures, due 2040		103,364			101,846
	Convertible senior debentures, due 2041		52,966			52,264
	Convertible senior debentures, due 2042		58,908			58,159
			440,880			364,911
	Less current portion		-			-
		$	440,880		$	364,911
Key terms of the convertible debentures	'
	The following table summarizes some key facts and terms regarding the three series of outstanding convertible senior debentures following the adjustment made to the conversion rate of the debentures on the ex-dividend date of the September 18, 2014 dividend payment:
		Due 2040			Due 2041			Due 2042
	Issuance date	9-Nov-10			13-May-11			31-May-12
	Maturity date	15-Nov-40			15-May-41			1-Jun-42
	Principal amount	$	275,000		$	150,000		$	150,000
	Cash coupon rate (per annum)		2.25	%		2.25	%		2.25	%
	Nonconvertible debt borrowing rate at issuance (per annum)		8	%		8.375	%		7.5	%
	Conversion rate effective August 26, 2014 (per $1 principal amount)		72.8961			53.1957			85.7084
	Effective conversion price effective August 26, 2014 (per share)	$	13.72		$	18.8		$	11.67
	130% of the conversion price (per share)	$	17.84		$	24.44		$	15.17
	Call date	20-Nov-20			20-May-21			7-Jun-22
Liability and equity of component of convertible senior debentures	'
	The carrying values of the liability and equity components of the convertible debentures are reflected in the Company's consolidated condensed balance sheets as follows:
		Principal amount of			Unamortized discount			Embedded derivative			Carrying value of liability component			Equity component (including temporary equity) - net carrying value
		the debentures
	27-Sep-14
	Due 2040	$	275,000			(172,189	)		553		$	103,364		$	110,094
	Due 2041	$	150,000			(97,348	)		314		$	52,966		$	62,246
	Due 2042	$	150,000			(91,301	)		209		$	58,908		$	57,874
	Total	$	575,000		$	(360,838	)	$	1,076		$	215,238		$	230,214
	31-Dec-13
	Due 2040	$	275,000			(173,645	)		491		$	101,846		$	110,094
	Due 2041	$	150,000			(98,085	)		349		$	52,264		$	62,246
	Due 2042	$	150,000			(92,038	)		197		$	58,159		$	57,874
	Total	$	575,000		$	(363,768	)	$	1,037		$	212,269		$	230,214
Convertible debentures, interest expense	'
	Interest expense related to the debentures is reflected on the consolidated condensed statements of operations for the fiscal quarters ended:
		Contractual			Non-cash amortization of debt discount			Non-cash amortization of deferred financing costs			Non-cash change in value of derivative liability			Total interest expense related to the debentures
		coupon interest
	27-Sep-14
	Due 2040	$	1,547			495			22			93		$	2,157
	Due 2041	$	844			251			11			(29	)	$	1,077
	Due 2042	$	844			251			13			13		$	1,121
	Total	$	3,235		$	997		$	46		$	77		$	4,355
	28-Sep-13
	Due 2040	$	1,547			458			22			(30	)	$	1,997
	Due 2041	$	844			231			11			(13	)	$	1,073
	Due 2042	$	844			233			13			3		$	1,093
	Total	$	3,235		$	922		$	46		$	(40	)	$	4,163
	Interest expense related to the debentures is reflected on the consolidated condensed statements of operations for the nine fiscal months ended:
		Contractual			Non-cash amortization of debt discount			Non-cash amortization of deferred financing costs			Non-cash change in value of derivative liability			Total interest expense related to the debentures
		coupon interest
	27-Sep-14
	Due 2040	$	4,641			1,456			66			62		$	6,225
	Due 2041	$	2,532			737			35			(35	)	$	3,269
	Due 2042	$	2,532			737			40			12		$	3,321
	Total	$	9,705		$	2,930		$	141		$	39		$	12,815
	28-Sep-13
	Due 2040	$	4,641			1,346			66			(193	)	$	5,860
	Due 2041	$	2,532			679			35			(100	)	$	3,146
	Due 2042	$	2,532			684			40			(73	)	$	3,183
	Total	$	9,705		$	2,709		$	141		$	(366	)	$	12,189

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]	'
Summary of components of other comprehensive income	'
	The cumulative balance of each component of other comprehensive income (loss) and the income tax effects allocated to each component are as follows:
		Pension and other post-retirement actuarial items			Currency translation adjustment			Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities			Total
	Balance at January 1, 2014	$	(129,918	)	$	190,998			554		$	61,634
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(1,177	)		(64,373	)		1,775		$	(63,775	)
	Tax effect		412			-			(621	)	$	(209	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax		(765	)		(64,373	)		1,154		$	(63,984	)
	Amounts reclassified out of AOCI		22,010			-			(24	)	$	21,986
	Tax effect		(7,580	)		-			8		$	(7,572	)
	Amounts reclassified out of AOCI, net of tax		14,430			-			(16	)	$	14,414
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)	$	13,665		$	(64,373	)	$	1,138		$	(49,570	)
	Balance at September 27, 2014	$	(116,253	)	$	126,625		$	1,692		$	12,064

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem1

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Pension Plan, Defined Benefit [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Net periodic benefit cost for pension and other postretirement benefit plans	'
	The following table shows the components of the net periodic pension cost for the third fiscal quarters of 2014 and 2013 for the Company's defined benefit pension plans:
		Fiscal quarter ended						Fiscal quarter ended
		27-Sep-14						28-Sep-13
		U.S. Plans			Non-U.S. Plans			U.S. Plans			Non-U.S. Plans
	Net service cost	$	-		$	826		$	-		$	864
	Interest cost		3,313			2,149			3,471			2,022
	Expected return on plan assets		(3,578	)		(534	)		(4,781	)		(510	)
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		(23	)		1			244			(9	)
	Amortization of losses		1,507			677			3,733			832
	Curtailment and settlement losses		15,588			-			-			-
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	16,807		$	3,119		$	2,667		$	3,199
	The following table shows the components of the net periodic pension cost for the nine fiscal months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 for the Company's defined benefit pension plans:
		Nine fiscal months ended						Nine fiscal months ended
		27-Sep-14						28-Sep-13
		U.S. Plans			Non-U.S. Plans			U.S. Plans			Non-U.S. Plans
	Net service cost	$	-		$	2,481		$	-		$	2,621
	Interest cost		10,981			6,525			10,412			6,076
	Expected return on plan assets		(11,694	)		(1,591	)		(14,343	)		(1,559	)
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		(69	)		3			733			(26	)
	Amortization of losses		5,127			2,055			11,198			2,499
	Curtailment and settlement losses		15,588			-			-			-
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	19,933		$	9,473		$	8,000		$	9,611
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan, Defined Benefit [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Net periodic benefit cost for pension and other postretirement benefit plans	'
	The following table shows the components of the net periodic benefit cost for the third fiscal quarters of 2014 and 2013 for the Company's other postretirement benefit plans:
		Fiscal quarter ended						Fiscal quarter ended
		27-Sep-14						28-Sep-13
		U.S. Plans			Non-U.S. Plans			U.S. Plans			Non-U.S. Plans
	Service cost	$	29		$	77		$	28		$	74
	Interest cost		88			61			78			64
	Amortization of prior service (credit)		(206	)		-			(200	)		-
	Amortization of losses (gains)		(35	)		9			1			-
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	(124	)	$	147		$	(93	)	$	138
	The following table shows the components of the net periodic pension cost for the nine fiscal months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 for the Company's other postretirement benefit plans:
		Nine fiscal months ended						Nine fiscal months ended
		27-Sep-14						28-Sep-13
		U.S. Plans			Non-U.S. Plans			U.S. Plans			Non-U.S. Plans
	Service cost	$	87		$	235		$	83		$	222
	Interest cost		264			187			235			191
	Amortization of prior service (credit)		(618	)		-			(599	)		-
	Amortization of losses (gains)		(105	)		29			3			-
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	(372	)	$	451		$	(278	)	$	413

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Summary of recognized stock-based compensation expense	'
	The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense recognized:
		Fiscal quarters ended					Nine fiscal months ended
		27-Sep-14			28-Sep-13		27-Sep-14		28-Sep-13
	Stock options	$	-		$	-	$	-		18
	Restricted stock units		(42	)		382		1,572		(1,336	)
	Phantom stock units		-			-		131		108
	Total	$	(42	)	$	382	$	1,703		(1,210	)
Schedule of unrecognized compensation cost, nonvested awards	'
	The following table summarizes unrecognized compensation cost and the weighted average remaining amortization periods at September 27, 2014 (amortization periods in years):
		Unrecognized Compensation Cost			Weighted Average Remaining Amortization Periods
	Stock options	$	-			0
	Restricted stock units		10,808			1.2
	Phantom stock units		-			0
	Total	$	10,808
Schedule of share-based compensation, restricted stock units award activity	'
	RSU activity under the 2007 Program as of September 27, 2014 and changes during the nine fiscal months then ended are presented below (number of RSUs in thousands):
		Number of RSUs			Weighted Average Grant-date Fair Value per Unit
	Outstanding:
	1-Jan-14		1,059		$	13.4
	Granted		336			13.48
	Vested*		(146	)		15.87
	Cancelled or forfeited		(102	)		17.45
	Outstanding at September 27, 2014		1,147		$	12.75
	Expected to vest at September 27, 2014		649
	* The number of RSUs vested includes shares that the Company withheld on behalf of employees to satisfy the statutory tax withholding requirements.
Schedule of share-based compensation arrangement by share-based units, vested and expected to vest	'
	The number of performance-based RSUs that are scheduled to vest on January 1, 2015 is evaluated based on the full achievement of the defined target performance criteria.  The number of performance-based RSUs that are scheduled to vest on January 1, 2016 and January 1, 2017 increases ratably based on the achievement of defined performance criteria between the established target and maximum levels.  RSUs with performance-based vesting criteria are expected to vest as follows (number of RSUs in thousands):
	Vesting Date	Expected to Vest			Not Expected to Vest		Total
	1-Jan-15		-			276		276
	1-Jan-16		-			222		222
	1-Jan-17		192			-		192
Schedule of share-based compensation, phantom stock units, Activity	'
	Phantom stock unit activity under the phantom stock plan as of September 27, 2014 and changes during the nine fiscal months then ended are presented below (number of phantom stock units in thousands):
		Number of units			Grant-date Fair Value per Unit
	Outstanding:
	1-Jan-14		107
	Granted		10		$	13.12
	Dividend equivalents issued		2
	Redeemed for common stock		-
	Outstanding at September 27, 2014		119
Schedule of share based compensation, stock options, activity	'
	Stock option activity under the 2007 Program as of September 27, 2014 and changes during the nine fiscal months then ended are presented below (number of options in thousands):
		Number of Options			Weighted Average Exercise Price
	Outstanding:
	1-Jan-14		109		$	15.24
	Granted		-			-
	Exercised		(4	)		11.62
	Cancelled or forfeited		-			-
	Outstanding at September 27, 2014		105		$	15.38
	Vested		105
	Exercisable		105

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	'
	The following tables set forth business segment information:
		MOSFETs			Diodes			Optoelectronic Components			Resistors & Inductors			Capacitors		Total
	Fiscal quarter ended September 27, 2014:
	Product Sales	$	121,631		$	151,444		$	67,549		$	189,419		$	107,105	$	637,148
	Royalty Revenues		28			-			-			1,035			-	$	1,063
	Total Revenue	$	121,659		$	151,444		$	67,549		$	190,454		$	107,105	$	638,211
	Gross Margin	$	17,384		$	36,135		$	24,585		$	59,581		$	20,707	$	158,392
	Fiscal quarter ended September 28, 2013:
	Product Sales	$	115,143		$	140,790		$	56,796		$	176,885		$	111,910	$	601,524
	Royalty Revenues		25			-			51			1,290			-	$	1,366
	Total Revenue	$	115,168		$	140,790		$	56,847		$	178,175		$	111,910	$	602,890
	Gross Margin	$	15,735		$	32,405		$	20,163		$	54,093		$	20,824	$	143,220
	Nine fiscal months ended September 27, 2014:
	Product Sales	$	358,715		$	437,944		$	188,305		$	569,944		$	324,360	$	1,879,268
	Royalty Revenues		127			-			-			3,123			-	$	3,250
	Total Revenue	$	358,842		$	437,944		$	188,305		$	573,067		$	324,360	$	1,882,518
	Gross Margin	$	48,872		$	100,606		$	68,610		$	181,096		$	68,584	$	467,768
	Nine fiscal months ended September 28, 2013:
	Product Sales	$	331,473		$	406,525		$	171,419		$	510,630		$	329,821	$	1,749,868
	Royalty Revenues		146			-			51			4,744			-	$	4,941
	Total Revenue	$	331,619		$	406,525		$	171,470		$	515,374		$	329,821	$	1,754,809
	Gross Margin	$	45,101		$	91,093		$	59,088		$	161,039		$	66,490	$	422,811
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated	'
		Fiscal quarters ended						Nine fiscal months ended
		27-Sep-14			28-Sep-13			27-Sep-14			28-Sep-13
	Operating margin reconciliation:
	MOSFETs	$	7,824		$	5,313		$	19,804		$	13,828
	Diodes		29,720			26,240			80,908			72,968
	Optoelectronic Components		20,571			16,492			56,920			48,259
	Resistors & Inductors		50,194			45,096			152,499			134,836
	Capacitors		14,482			14,879			49,945			48,920
	Restructuring and Severance Costs		(3,508	)		-			(18,926	)		-
	U.S. Pension Settlement Charges		(15,588	)		-			(15,588	)		-
	Executive Compensation Credit		-			-			-			1,778
	Unallocated Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses		(58,236	)		(54,867	)		(179,608	)		(169,941	)
	Consolidated Operating Income	$	45,459		$	53,153		$	145,954		$	150,648

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders (shares in thousands):
		Fiscal quarters ended				Nine fiscal months ended
		27-Sep-14		28-Sep-13		27-Sep-14		28-Sep-13
	Numerator:
	Numerator for basic earnings per share:
	Net earnings	$	26,971	$	32,719	$	88,423	$	92,959
	Adjustment to the numerator for continuing operations and net earnings:
	Interest savings assuming conversion of dilutive convertible and exchangeable notes, net of tax		14		33		44		124
	Numerator for diluted earnings per share:
	Net earnings	$	26,985	$	32,752	$	88,467	$	93,083
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per share:
	Weighted average shares		147,451		144,937		147,447		144,012
	Outstanding phantom stock units		118		107		118		107
	Adjusted weighted average shares		147,569		145,044		147,565		144,119
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Convertible and exchangeable debt instruments		7,702		6,560		6,332		7,045
	Restricted stock units		267		279		237		301
	Other		8		7		8		6
	Dilutive potential common shares		7,977		6,846		6,577		7,352
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share:
	Adjusted weighted average shares		155,546		151,890		154,142		151,471
	Basic earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders	$	0.18	$	0.23	$	0.6	$	0.65
	Diluted earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders	$	0.17	$	0.22	$	0.57	$	0.61
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	'
	Diluted earnings per share for the periods presented do not reflect the following weighted average potential common shares that would have an antidilutive effect or have unsatisfied performance conditions (in thousands):
		Fiscal quarters ended				Nine fiscal months ended
		27-Sep-14		28-Sep-13		27-Sep-14		28-Sep-13
	Convertible and exchangeable notes:
	Convertible Senior Debentures, due 2040		-		19,809		-		19,809
	Convertible Senior Debentures, due 2041		7,925		7,885		7,927		7,885
	Weighted average employee stock options		77		77		77		87
	Weighted average other		154		285		143		370

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Schedule of fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring basis	'
	The following table provides the financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis:
		Total			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		Fair Value
	September 27, 2014:
	Assets:
	Assets held in rabbi trusts	$	38,270		$	25,081	$	13,189	$	-
	Available for sale securities	$	7,162			7,162		-		-
		$	45,432		$	32,243	$	13,189	$	-
	Liabilities:
	Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2040	$	(553	)	$	-	$	-	$	(553	)
	Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2041	$	(314	)		-		-		(314	)
	Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2042	$	(209	)		-		-		(209	)
		$	(1,076	)	$	-	$	-	$	(1,076	)
	December 31, 2013:
	Assets:
	Assets held in rabbi trusts	$	36,992		$	24,064		12,928	$	-
	Available for sale securities	$	7,356			7,356		-		-
		$	44,348		$	31,420	$	12,928	$	-
	Liabilities:
	Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2040	$	(491	)	$	-	$	-	$	(491	)
	Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2041	$	(349	)		-		-		(349	)
	Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2042	$	(197	)		-		-		(197	)
		$	(1,037	)	$	-	$	-	$	(1,037	)

Acquisition_and_Divestiture_Ac2

Acquisition and Divestiture Activities (Details)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 28, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 01, 2014

Jul. 11, 2014

Jul. 11, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 01, 2014

Sep. 01, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 01, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 01, 2014

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Holy Stone Polytech [Member]

Holy Stone Polytech [Member]

Capella [Member]

Capella [Member]

Capella [Member]

Capella [Member]

Capella [Member]

Patents and Acquired Technology [Member]

Patents and Acquired Technology [Member]

Capitalized Software [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Tradenames [Member]

Tradenames [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

TWD

Capella [Member]

Capella [Member]

Capella [Member]

Capella [Member]

Capella [Member]

Capella [Member]

Capella [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Business Acquisition, Equity Interests Issued or Issuable [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of shares acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

38,703,705

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

88.95%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross purchase price of acquired business

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$180,167

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquired cash and short-term investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,195

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Borrowings to fund acquisition

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

53,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Remaining acquisition price to be paid

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

22,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Transaction Costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

613

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'7 years

'

'7 years

'

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill, Total

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

74,481

'

'

'

14,870

101

'

54,400

'

5,110

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Total

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,134

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-17,626

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-454

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill

147,436

'

147,436

'

43,132

'

'

'

'

97,706

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired

'

'

198,186

23,034

'

'

20,776

'

177,410

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Share Price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

139

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Name of Acquired Entity

'

'

'

'

'

'Holy Stone Polytech Co., Ltd.

'

'Capella Microsystems (Taiwan) Inc.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Date of Acquisition Agreement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11-Jul-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition

'

'

'

'

'

11-Jun-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Offered purchase price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

205,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,736

'

74,481

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill related to acquisitions

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,736

'

97,706

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Marketable Securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

47,438

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

21,895

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net, Total

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

101,599

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Total

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-6,374

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue

643,917

619,580

1,911,246

1,817,633

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss)

$26,688

$33,182

$85,713

$98,200

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic

$0.18

$0.23

$0.58

$0.68

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted

$0.17

$0.22

$0.56

$0.65

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 01, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	$43,132	'
Exchange rate effects	-1,138	'
Balance at end of period	147,436	'
Holy Stone Polytech [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Goodwill acquired during period	7,736	'
Other intangible assets related to acquisitions	3,736	'
Capella [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	'	97,706
Goodwill acquired during period	97,706	'
Balance at end of period	'	97,706
Other intangible assets related to acquisitions	74,481	'
Resistors And Inductors Segment [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	43,132	'
Exchange rate effects	-643	'
Balance at end of period	42,489	'
Resistors And Inductors Segment [Member] | Holy Stone Polytech [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Goodwill acquired during period	0	'
Resistors And Inductors Segment [Member] | Capella [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Goodwill acquired during period	0	'
Capacitors Segment [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	0	'
Exchange rate effects	-495	'
Balance at end of period	7,241	'
Capacitors Segment [Member] | Holy Stone Polytech [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Goodwill acquired during period	7,736	'
Capacitors Segment [Member] | Capella [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Goodwill acquired during period	0	'
Optoelectronic Components Segment [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	0	'
Exchange rate effects	0	'
Balance at end of period	97,706	'
Optoelectronic Components Segment [Member] | Holy Stone Polytech [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Goodwill acquired during period	0	'
Optoelectronic Components Segment [Member] | Capella [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Goodwill acquired during period	$97,706	'

Restructuring_and_Related_Acti2

Restructuring and Related Activities (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

MOSFETs Enhanced Competitiveness Program [Member]

MOSFETs Enhanced Competitiveness Program [Member]

MOSFETs Enhanced Competitiveness Program [Member]

Voluntary Separation/Retirement Program [Member]

Voluntary Separation/Retirement Program [Member]

Voluntary Separation/Retirement Program [Member]

Modules Product Transfer [Member]

Modules Product Transfer [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restructuring Reserve, Current

'

'

'

'

$840

'

$840

$5,551

'

$5,551

$1,942

$1,942

Restructuring and related expense

3,508

'

18,926

'

1,522

'

4,741

-94

'

12,105

2,080

2,080

Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restructuring and severance costs

3,508

0

18,926

0

'

2,328

4,741

'

486

12,105

'

2,080

Cash paid

'

'

'

'

'

-267

-682

'

-98

-6,654

'

-94

Foreign currency translation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3

-291

'

-44

Balance at end of period

'

'

'

'

6,120

2,061

6,120

5,551

391

5,551

1,942

1,942

Balance at beginning of period

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,061

'

'

391

'

'

Term of restructuring program

'

'

'

'

'2 years

'

'

'

'

'

'12 months

'

Expected Restructuring Costs

$31,700

'

$31,700

'

$16,000

'

$16,000

'

'

'

'

'

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013
		Change due to enactment of American Taxpayer Relief Act [Member]	Change in Israel Tax Rate [Member]
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'	'
Decrease in liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits	$1,432	'	'
Effect on Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Adjustment of Deferred Tax (Asset) Liability	'	$1,330	$2,867

LongTerm_Debt_Details

Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt	$440,880,000	'	$440,880,000	'	$364,911,000
Exchangeable unsecured notes, due 2102	38,642,000	'	38,642,000	'	38,642,000
Credit facility	187,000,000	'	187,000,000	'	114,000,000
Less current portion	0	'	0	'	0
Long-term debt, less current portion	440,880,000	'	440,880,000	'	364,911,000
Debt Instruments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Principal amount of debt	575,000,000	'	575,000,000	'	575,000,000
Debt instrument percentage of conversion price (in hundredths)	'	'	130.00%	'	'
Debt instrument, Percentage of sale price of common stock (in hundredths)	98.00%	'	98.00%	'	'
Liability and equity components of convertible debentures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Principal amount of the debentures	575,000,000	'	575,000,000	'	575,000,000
Unamortized discount	-360,838,000	'	-360,838,000	'	-363,768,000
Embedded derivative	1,076,000	'	1,076,000	'	1,037,000
Carrying value of liability component	215,238,000	'	215,238,000	'	212,269,000
Equity component - net carrying value	230,214,000	'	230,214,000	'	230,214,000
Interest expense related to debentures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Contractual coupon interest	3,235,000	3,235,000	9,705,000	9,705,000	'
Non-cash amortization of debt discount	997,000	922,000	2,930,000	2,709,000	'
Non-cash amortization of deferred financing costs	46,000	46,000	141,000	141,000	'
Non-cash change in value of derivative liability	77,000	-40,000	39,000	-366,000	'
Total interest expense related to the debentures	4,355,000	4,163,000	12,815,000	12,189,000	'
Convertible Senior Debentures 2040 [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Convertible Debt, Noncurrent	103,364,000	'	103,364,000	'	101,846,000
Debt Instruments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance date	'	'	9-Nov-10	'	'
Debt maturity date	'	'	15-Nov-40	'	'
Principal amount of debt	275,000,000	'	275,000,000	'	275,000,000
Stated rate of interest on debt (in hundredths)	2.25%	'	2.25%	'	'
Effective rate of interest on convertible senior debentures (in hundredths)	8.00%	'	8.00%	'	'
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Stock Price Trigger	'	'	$17.84	'	'
Debt conversion rate	72.8961	'	'	'	'
Debt effective conversion price	$13.72	'	$13.72	'	'
Convertible senior debentures call date	20-Nov-20	'	'	'	'
Liability and equity components of convertible debentures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Principal amount of the debentures	275,000,000	'	275,000,000	'	275,000,000
Unamortized discount	-172,189,000	'	-172,189,000	'	-173,645,000
Embedded derivative	553,000	'	553,000	'	491,000
Carrying value of liability component	103,364,000	'	103,364,000	'	101,846,000
Equity component - net carrying value	110,094,000	'	110,094,000	'	110,094,000
Interest expense related to debentures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Contractual coupon interest	1,547,000	1,547,000	4,641,000	4,641,000	'
Non-cash amortization of debt discount	495,000	458,000	1,456,000	1,346,000	'
Non-cash amortization of deferred financing costs	22,000	22,000	66,000	66,000	'
Non-cash change in value of derivative liability	93,000	-30,000	62,000	-193,000	'
Total interest expense related to the debentures	2,157,000	1,997,000	6,225,000	5,860,000	'
Convertible Senior Debentures 2041 [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Convertible Debt, Noncurrent	52,966,000	'	52,966,000	'	52,264,000
Debt Instruments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance date	'	'	13-May-11	'	'
Debt maturity date	'	'	15-May-41	'	'
Principal amount of debt	150,000,000	'	150,000,000	'	150,000,000
Stated rate of interest on debt (in hundredths)	2.25%	'	2.25%	'	'
Effective rate of interest on convertible senior debentures (in hundredths)	8.38%	'	8.38%	'	'
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Stock Price Trigger	'	'	$24.44	'	'
Debt conversion rate	53.1957	'	'	'	'
Debt effective conversion price	$18.80	'	$18.80	'	'
Convertible senior debentures call date	20-May-21	'	'	'	'
Liability and equity components of convertible debentures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Principal amount of the debentures	150,000,000	'	150,000,000	'	150,000,000
Unamortized discount	-97,348,000	'	-97,348,000	'	-98,085,000
Embedded derivative	314,000	'	314,000	'	349,000
Carrying value of liability component	52,966,000	'	52,966,000	'	52,264,000
Equity component - net carrying value	62,246,000	'	62,246,000	'	62,246,000
Interest expense related to debentures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Contractual coupon interest	844,000	844,000	2,532,000	2,532,000	'
Non-cash amortization of debt discount	251,000	231,000	737,000	679,000	'
Non-cash amortization of deferred financing costs	11,000	11,000	35,000	35,000	'
Non-cash change in value of derivative liability	-29,000	-13,000	-35,000	-100,000	'
Total interest expense related to the debentures	1,077,000	1,073,000	3,269,000	3,146,000	'
Convertible Senior Debentures 2042 [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Convertible Debt, Noncurrent	58,908,000	'	58,908,000	'	58,159,000
Debt Instruments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance date	'	'	31-May-12	'	'
Debt maturity date	'	'	1-Jun-42	'	'
Principal amount of debt	150,000,000	'	150,000,000	'	150,000,000
Stated rate of interest on debt (in hundredths)	2.25%	'	2.25%	'	'
Effective rate of interest on convertible senior debentures (in hundredths)	7.50%	'	7.50%	'	'
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Stock Price Trigger	'	'	$15.17	'	'
Debt conversion rate	85.7084	'	'	'	'
Debt effective conversion price	$11.67	'	$11.67	'	'
Convertible senior debentures call date	7-Jun-22	'	'	'	'
Liability and equity components of convertible debentures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Principal amount of the debentures	150,000,000	'	150,000,000	'	150,000,000
Unamortized discount	-91,301,000	'	-91,301,000	'	-92,038,000
Embedded derivative	209,000	'	209,000	'	197,000
Carrying value of liability component	58,908,000	'	58,908,000	'	58,159,000
Equity component - net carrying value	57,874,000	'	57,874,000	'	57,874,000
Interest expense related to debentures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Contractual coupon interest	844,000	844,000	2,532,000	2,532,000	'
Non-cash amortization of debt discount	251,000	233,000	737,000	684,000	'
Non-cash amortization of deferred financing costs	13,000	13,000	40,000	40,000	'
Non-cash change in value of derivative liability	13,000	3,000	12,000	-73,000	'
Total interest expense related to the debentures	$1,121,000	$1,093,000	$3,321,000	$3,183,000	'

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	$61,634	'
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	'	'	-63,775	'
Tax effect	'	'	-209	'
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax	'	'	-63,984	'
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI	'	'	21,986	'
Tax effect	'	'	-7,572	'
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI, net of tax	'	'	14,414	'
Net other comprehensive income	-45,179	28,113	-49,570	19,400
Ending Balance	12,064	'	12,064	'
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available-for-Sale Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	554	'
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	'	'	1,775	'
Tax effect	'	'	-621	'
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax	'	'	1,154	'
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI	'	'	-24	'
Tax effect	'	'	8	'
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI, net of tax	'	'	-16	'
Net other comprehensive income	'	'	1,138	'
Ending Balance	1,692	'	1,692	'
Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	190,998	'
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	'	'	-64,373	'
Tax effect	'	'	0	'
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax	'	'	-64,373	'
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI	'	'	0	'
Tax effect	'	'	0	'
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI, net of tax	'	'	0	'
Net other comprehensive income	'	'	-64,373	'
Ending Balance	126,625	'	126,625	'
Pension and Other Post-Retirement Actuarial Items [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	-129,918	'
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	'	'	-1,177	'
Tax effect	'	'	412	'
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax	'	'	-765	'
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI	'	'	22,010	'
Tax effect	'	'	-7,580	'
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI, net of tax	'	'	14,430	'
Net other comprehensive income	'	'	13,665	'
Ending Balance	-116,253	'	-116,253	'
Rabbi Trust Assets [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Component of Selling, General, and Administrative Expense	$24	'	'	'

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem2

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Curtailments and settlements	$15,588	$0	$15,588	$0
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net service cost	826	864	2,481	2,621
Interest cost	2,149	2,022	6,525	6,076
Expected return on plan assets	-534	-510	-1,591	-1,559
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	1	-9	3	-26
Amortization of losses (gains)	677	832	2,055	2,499
Curtailments and settlements	0	0	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost	3,119	3,199	9,473	9,611
U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net service cost	0	0	0	0
Interest cost	3,313	3,471	10,981	10,412
Expected return on plan assets	-3,578	-4,781	-11,694	-14,343
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	-23	244	-69	733
Amortization of losses (gains)	1,507	3,733	5,127	11,198
Curtailments and settlements	15,588	0	15,588	0
Net periodic benefit cost	16,807	2,667	19,933	8,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Benefit Obligation	'	'	59,400	'
Number of pension plan participants for whom annuity contracts were purchased	'	'	700	'
Participants who accepted voluntary lump-sum offer	'	'	800	'
Reduction of plan participants	'	'	1,500	'
Percentage of total participants	'	'	23.00%	'
United States Postretirement Benefit Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net service cost	29	28	87	83
Interest cost	88	78	264	235
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	-206	-200	-618	-599
Amortization of losses (gains)	-35	1	-105	3
Net periodic benefit cost	-124	-93	-372	-278
Foreign Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net service cost	77	74	235	222
Interest cost	61	64	187	191
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	0	0	0	0
Amortization of losses (gains)	9	0	29	0
Net periodic benefit cost	$147	$138	$451	$413

StockBased_Compensation_Detail

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014		Sep. 28, 2013
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'	'	'		'
Executive compensation charges (credit)	'	'	$0		($1,778)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Stock-based compensation expense recognized	-42	382	1,703		-1,210
Unrecognized Compensation Cost	10,808	'	10,808		'
Unrecognized compensation cost not expected to be recognized	6,485	'	6,485		'
Expiration date of the 2007 stock incentive plan	'	'	'May 20, 2024		'
Maximum number of shares granted under restricted stock, unrestricted stock, RSU's and stock options to officers, employees and employee directors (in shares)	6,500,000	'	6,500,000		'
Stock Options Outstanding:	'	'	'		'
Balance	'	'	109,000		'
Balance (in dollars per share)	'	'	$15.24		'
Granted (in shares)	'	'	0		'
Granted (in dollars per share)	'	'	$0		'
Exercised (in shares)	'	'	-4,337		'
Exercised (in dollars per share)	'	'	$11.62		'
Cancelled or forfeited (in shares)	'	'	0		'
Cancelled or forfeited (in dollars per share)	'	'	$0		'
Balance	105,000	'	105,000		'
Balance (in dollars per share)	$15.38	'	$15.38		'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest [Abstract]	'	'	'		'
Vested and expected to vest (in shares)	105,000	'	105,000		'
Vested and expected to vest (in dollars per share)	$15.38	'	$15.38		'
Exercisable (in shares)	105,000	'	105,000		'
Stock price (in dollars per share)	$14.42	'	$14.42		'
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, exercisable, intrinsic value	42	'	42		'
Stock options exercised (in shares)	'	'	4,337		'
Intrinsic value under share based compensation scheme	'	'	18		'
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'		'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Stock-based compensation expense recognized	0	0	0		18
Unrecognized Compensation Cost	0	'	0		'
Weighted Average Remaining Amortization Periods	'	'	'0 years		'
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'		'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Stock-based compensation expense recognized	-42	382	1,572		-1,336
Unrecognized Compensation Cost	10,808	'	10,808		'
Weighted Average Remaining Amortization Periods	'	'	'1 year 2 months 12 days		'
Equity Awards Other Than Options Outstanding:	'	'	'		'
Balance (in shares)	'	'	1,059,000		'
Balance (in dollars per share)	'	'	$13.40		'
Granted (in shares)	'	'	336,000		'
Granted (in dollars per share)	'	'	$13.48		'
Vested (in shares)	'	'	-146,000	[1]	'
Vested (in dollars per share)	'	'	$15.87	[1]	'
Cancelled or forfeited (in shares)	'	'	-102,000		'
Cancelled or forfeited (in dollars per share)	'	'	$17.45		'
Balance (in shares)	1,147,000	'	1,147,000		'
Balance (in dollars per share)	$12.75	'	$12.75		'
Expected to vest as of September 27, 2014 (in shares)	649,000	'	649,000		'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number, Ending Balance	1,147,000	'	1,147,000		'
Phantom Share Units (PSUs) [Member]	'	'	'		'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Stock-based compensation expense recognized	0	0	131		108
Unrecognized Compensation Cost	$0	'	$0		'
Weighted Average Remaining Amortization Periods	'	'	'0 years		'
Equity Awards Other Than Options Outstanding:	'	'	'		'
Balance (in shares)	'	'	107,000		'
Granted (in shares)	'	'	10,000		'
Granted (in dollars per share)	'	'	$13.12		'
Dividend equivalents issued	'	'	2,000		'
Redeemed for common stock	'	'	0		'
Balance (in shares)	119,000	'	119,000		'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number, Ending Balance	119,000	'	119,000		'
Scheduled to Vest January 1, 2015 [Member] | Performance Vested Restricted Stock Units [Member]	'	'	'		'
Equity Awards Other Than Options Outstanding:	'	'	'		'
Balance (in shares)	276,000	'	276,000		'
Expected to vest as of September 27, 2014 (in shares)	0	'	0		'
Not expected to vest as of September 27, 2014	276,000	'	276,000		'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number, Ending Balance	276,000	'	276,000		'
Scheduled to Vest January 1, 2016 [Member] | Performance Vested Restricted Stock Units [Member]	'	'	'		'
Equity Awards Other Than Options Outstanding:	'	'	'		'
Balance (in shares)	222,000	'	222,000		'
Expected to vest as of September 27, 2014 (in shares)	0	'	0		'
Not expected to vest as of September 27, 2014	222,000	'	222,000		'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number, Ending Balance	222,000	'	222,000		'
Scheduled to Vest January 1, 2017 [Member] | Performance Vested Restricted Stock Units [Member]	'	'	'		'
Equity Awards Other Than Options Outstanding:	'	'	'		'
Balance (in shares)	192,000	'	192,000		'
Expected to vest as of September 27, 2014 (in shares)	192,000	'	192,000		'
Not expected to vest as of September 27, 2014	0	'	0		'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number, Ending Balance	192,000	'	192,000		'
[1]	The number of RSUs vested includes shares that the Company withheld on behalf of employees to satisfy the statutory tax withholding requirements.

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
			Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of reportable segments	'	'	5	'
Product Sales	$637,148	$601,524	$1,879,268	$1,749,868
Royalty Revenues	1,063	1,366	3,250	4,941
Total Revenue	638,211	602,890	1,882,518	1,754,809
Gross Margin	158,392	143,220	467,768	422,811
U.S. pension settlement charges	-15,588	0	-15,588	0
Segment Operating Income	45,459	53,153	145,954	150,648
Operating Income (Loss)	45,459	53,153	145,954	150,648
Restructuring and severance Costs	-3,508	0	-18,926	0
MOSFETS Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Product Sales	121,631	115,143	358,715	331,473
Royalty Revenues	28	25	127	146
Total Revenue	121,659	115,168	358,842	331,619
Gross Margin	17,384	15,735	48,872	45,101
Diodes Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Product Sales	151,444	140,790	437,944	406,525
Royalty Revenues	0	0	0	0
Total Revenue	151,444	140,790	437,944	406,525
Gross Margin	36,135	32,405	100,606	91,093
Optoelectronic Components Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Product Sales	67,549	56,796	188,305	171,419
Royalty Revenues	0	51	0	51
Total Revenue	67,549	56,847	188,305	171,470
Gross Margin	24,585	20,163	68,610	59,088
Resistors And Inductors Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Product Sales	189,419	176,885	569,944	510,630
Royalty Revenues	1,035	1,290	3,123	4,744
Total Revenue	190,454	178,175	573,067	515,374
Gross Margin	59,581	54,093	181,096	161,039
Capacitors Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Product Sales	107,105	111,910	324,360	329,821
Royalty Revenues	0	0	0	0
Total Revenue	107,105	111,910	324,360	329,821
Gross Margin	20,707	20,824	68,584	66,490
Operating Segments [Member] | MOSFETS Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Segment Operating Income	7,824	5,313	19,804	13,828
Operating Segments [Member] | Diodes Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Segment Operating Income	29,720	26,240	80,908	72,968
Operating Segments [Member] | Optoelectronic Components Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Segment Operating Income	20,571	16,492	56,920	48,259
Operating Segments [Member] | Resistors And Inductors Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Segment Operating Income	50,194	45,096	152,499	134,836
Operating Segments [Member] | Capacitors Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Segment Operating Income	14,482	14,879	49,945	48,920
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
U.S. pension settlement charges	-15,588	0	-15,588	0
Executive compensation credit (charge)	0	0	0	1,778
Restructuring and severance Costs	-3,508	0	-18,926	0
Segment Reconciling Items [Member] | Unallocated Amount to Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Segment Operating Income	($58,236)	($54,867)	($179,608)	($169,941)

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Numerator for basic earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Net earnings	$26,971	$32,719	$88,423	$92,959
Adjustment to the numerator for continuing operations and net earnings:	'	'	'	'
Interest savings assuming conversion of dilutive convertible and exchangeable notes, net of tax	14	33	44	124
Numerator for diluted earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Net earnings	$26,985	$32,752	$88,467	$93,083
Denominator for basic earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Issued, Basic	147,451	144,937	147,447	144,012
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Participating Nonvested Shares with Non-forfeitable Dividend Rights	118	107	118	107
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	147,569	145,044	147,565	144,119
Effect of dilutive securities:	'	'	'	'
Convertible and exchangeable debt instruments	7,702	6,560	6,332	7,045
Restricted stock units	267	279	237	301
Other	8	7	8	6
Dilutive potential common shares	7,977	6,846	6,577	7,352
Denominator for diluted earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	155,546	151,890	154,142	151,471
Basic earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0.18	$0.23	$0.60	$0.65
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0.17	$0.22	$0.57	$0.61
Convertible Senior Debentures 2040 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount (in shares)	0	19,809	0	19,809
Minimum market price of common stock for inclusion of shares issuable upon conversion of subordinated notes for calculation of diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	'	'	$13.72	'
Convertible Senior Debentures 2041 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount (in shares)	7,925	7,885	7,927	7,885
Minimum market price of common stock for inclusion of shares issuable upon conversion of subordinated notes for calculation of diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	'	'	$18.80	'
Convertible Senior Debentures 2042 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Minimum market price of common stock for inclusion of shares issuable upon conversion of subordinated notes for calculation of diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	'	'	$11.67	'
Weighted average employees stock options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount (in shares)	77	77	77	87
Weighted average other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount (in shares)	154	285	143	370

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Assets:	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities, Transferred Security, at Carrying Value	$0	'
Held-to-maturity Securities, Unrecognized Holding Gain	0	'
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Held-to-maturity Securities	0	'
Assets held in rabbi trusts	38,270	36,992
Available for sale securities	7,162	7,356
Fair Value Assets	45,432	44,348
Liabilities:	'	'
Embedded derivative	-1,076	-1,037
Fair Value Liabilities	-1,076	-1,037
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	859,500	750,700
Carrying value of long-term debt, excluding derivative liabilities	439,804	363,874
Derivative, Notional Amount	25,000	'
Derivative, Description of Terms	'In the third fiscal quarter of 2014, the Company entered into a forward contract with a highly-rated financial institution to mitigate the foreign currency risk associated with an intercompany loan denominated in a currency other than the legal entity's functional currency. The notional amount of the forward contract was $25,000 as of September 27, 2014. The intercompany loan was used to finance a portion of the purchase price for Capella. The forward contract settles monthly and is expected to be renewed at the Company's discretion on a monthly basis until the intercompany loan is repaid. The forward contract was renewed on the last day of the third fiscal quarter. We have not designated the forward contract as a hedge for accounting purposes, and as such the change in the fair value of the contract is recognized in the consolidated condensed statements of operations as a component of other income (expense).	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Assets held in rabbi trusts	25,081	24,064
Available for sale securities	7,162	7,356
Fair Value Assets	32,243	31,420
Liabilities:	'	'
Fair Value Liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Assets held in rabbi trusts	13,189	12,928
Available for sale securities	0	0
Fair Value Assets	13,189	12,928
Liabilities:	'	'
Fair Value Liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Assets held in rabbi trusts	0	0
Available for sale securities	0	0
Fair Value Assets	0	0
Liabilities:	'	'
Fair Value Liabilities	-1,076	-1,037
Convertible Senior Debentures 2040 [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Embedded derivative	-553	-491
Convertible Senior Debentures 2040 [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Embedded derivative	0	0
Convertible Senior Debentures 2040 [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Embedded derivative	0	0
Convertible Senior Debentures 2040 [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Embedded derivative	-553	-491
Convertible Senior Debentures 2041 [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Embedded derivative	-314	-349
Convertible Senior Debentures 2041 [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Embedded derivative	0	0
Convertible Senior Debentures 2041 [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Embedded derivative	0	0
Convertible Senior Debentures 2041 [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Embedded derivative	-314	-349
Convertible Senior Debentures 2042 [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Embedded derivative	-209	-197
Convertible Senior Debentures 2042 [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Embedded derivative	0	0
Convertible Senior Debentures 2042 [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Embedded derivative	0	0
Convertible Senior Debentures 2042 [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Embedded derivative	($209)	($197)