Vishay Intertechnology (VSH) 10-Q 5 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015	Jun. 28, 2014	1-May-15
Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	4-Apr-15
Entity Registrant Name	VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY INC
Entity Central Index Key	103730
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
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
Common Stock [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding			135,440,811
Class B Convertible Common Stock [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding			12,129,227

Consolidated_Condensed_Balance

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets (USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$517,002	$592,172
Short-term investments	539,046	514,776
Accounts receivable, net	288,273	271,554
Inventories:
Finished goods	115,547	113,361
Work in process	186,758	185,769
Raw materials	124,799	125,464
Total inventories	427,104	424,594
Deferred income taxes	20,415	17,815
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	103,149	105,539
Total current assets	1,894,989	1,926,450
Property and equipment, at cost:
Land	89,594	91,844
Buildings and improvements	547,523	560,926
Machinery and equipment	2,330,646	2,368,046
Construction in progress	65,321	82,684
Allowance for depreciation	-2,180,926	-2,205,405
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Total	852,158	898,095
Goodwill	143,617	144,359
Other intangible assets, net	177,979	186,613
Other assets	143,023	143,256
Total assets	3,211,766	3,298,773
Current liabilities:
Notes payable to banks	12	18
Trade accounts payable	156,114	174,451
Payroll and related expenses	115,346	120,023
Other accrued expenses	139,821	137,576
Income taxes	29,927	24,671
Total current liabilities	441,220	456,739
Long-term debt less current portion	470,905	454,922
Deferred income taxes	177,903	178,900
Other liabilities	66,086	76,811
Accrued pension and other postretirement costs	276,626	300,524
Total liabilities	1,432,740	1,467,896
Vishay stockholders' equity
Common stock	13,544	13,532
Class B convertible common stock	1,213	1,213
Capital in excess of par value	2,055,679	2,055,246
(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings	-153,648	-175,485
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-143,499	-69,140
Total Vishay stockholders' equity	1,773,289	1,825,366
Noncontrolling interests	5,737	5,511
Total equity	1,779,026	1,830,877
Total liabilities, temporary equity, and equity	$3,211,766	$3,298,773

Consolidated_Condensed_Stateme

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations [Abstract]
Net revenues	$593,436	$602,378
Costs of products sold	448,398	457,095
Gross profit	145,038	145,283
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	96,070	96,307
Restructuring and severance costs	1,410	6,404
Operating income	47,558	42,572
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	-6,361	-5,980
Other	3,460	1,312
Nonoperating Income (Expense), Total	-2,901	-4,668
Income before taxes	44,657	37,904
Income tax expense	13,732	11,940
Net earnings	30,925	25,964
Less: net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	226	154
Net earnings attributable to Vishay stockholders	$30,699	$25,810
Basic earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders	$0.21	$0.17
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders	$0.20	$0.17
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	147,698	147,557
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	152,666	152,556
Cash dividends per share	$0.06	$0.06

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$30,925	$25,964
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-76,318	-960
Pension and postretirement actuarial items	2,113	1,503
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	-154	528
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-74,359	1,071
Comprehensive income	-43,434	27,035
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	226	154
Comprehensive income attributable to Vishay stockholders	($43,660)	$26,881

Consolidated_Condensed_Stateme1

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
Operating activities
Net earnings	$30,925	$25,964
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	45,410	43,355
(Gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment	-83	-60
Accretion of interest on convertible debentures	1,036	958
Inventory write-offs for obsolescence	4,854	4,516
Other	-7,080	1,804
Net change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of businesses acquired	-61,564	-46,583
Net cash provided by operating activities	13,498	29,954
Investing activities
Capital expenditures	-19,782	-19,347
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	719	1,197
Purchase of short-term investments	-78,905	-28,423
Maturity of short-term investments	17,414	50,400
Sale of short-term investments	503	0
Sale of other investments	400	0
Other investing activities	977	459
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-78,674	4,286
Financing activities
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital leases	0	-7
Net proceeds (payments) on revolving credit lines	15,000	-4,000
Net changes in short-term borrowings	-6	20
Excess tax benefit from RSUs vested	21	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	0	-300
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	6,161	-13,134
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-16,155	3
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-75,170	21,109
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	592,172	640,348
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	517,002	661,457
Common Stock [Member]
Financing activities
Dividends and Interest Paid	-8,126	-8,119
Class B Convertible Common Stock [Member]
Financing activities
Dividends and Interest Paid	($728)	($728)

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, 2014	$13,532	$1,213	$2,055,246	($175,485)	($69,140)	$1,825,366	$5,511	$1,830,877
Net earnings	0	0	0	30,699	0	30,699	226	30,925
Other comprehensive income	0	0	0	0	-74,359	-74,359	0	-74,359
Restricted stock issuances	12	0	-651	0	0	-639	0	-639
Dividends declared	0	0	8	-8,862	0	-8,854	0	-8,854
Stock compensation expense	0	0	1,055	0	0	1,055	0	1,055
Tax effects of stock plan	0	0	21	0	0	21	0	21
Balance at Apr. 04, 2015	$13,544	$1,213	$2,055,679	($153,648)	($143,499)	$1,773,289	$5,737	$1,779,026

Consolidated_Condensed_Stateme3

Consolidated Condensed Statement of Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Consolidated Condensed Statement of Equity [Abstract]
Restricted stock issuances (in shares)	116,498
Stock options exercised (in shares)	0
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid	$0.06

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
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, 2014.  The results of operations for the fiscal quarter ended April 4, 2015 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 2015 end on April 4, 2015, July 4, 2015, October 3, 2015, and December 31, 2015, respectively.  The four fiscal quarters in 2014 ended on March 29, 2014, June 28, 2014, September 27, 2014, and December 31, 2014, respectively.
	Recently Issued 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, although a deferral has been recommended by the FASB Staff.  Vishay is currently evaluating the effect of the ASU on its revenue contracts and its adoption alternatives.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.  The ASU is the result of the FASB's simplification initiative intended to improve U.S. GAAP by reducing costs and complexity while maintaining or enhancing the usefulness of related financial statement information.  The ASU specifies that debt issuance costs related to a note shall be reported in the balance sheet as a direct reduction from the face amount of the note.  The ASU is effective for the Company for interim and annual periods beginning after January 1, 2016.  The ASU will require the Company to reclassify its capitalized debt issuance costs currently recorded as assets on the consolidated condensed balance sheets.  The ASU will have no effect on the Company's results of operations or liquidity.

Restructuring_and_Related_Acti

Restructuring and Related Activities	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Activities	Note 2 – 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 were 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 $32,000.  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 quarters ended
		4-Apr-15			29-Mar-14
	MOSFETs Enhanced Competitiveness Program	$	1,353		$	1,727
	Voluntary Separation / Retirement Program		57			4,677
	Modules Production Transfer Program		-			-
	Total	$	1,410		$	6,404
	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 2013	$	2,328
	Cash paid		(267	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	2,061
	Expense recorded in 2014		6,025
	Cash paid		(856	)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	7,230
	Expense recorded in 2015		1,353
	Cash paid		(388	)
	Balance at April 4, 2015	$	8,195
	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.
	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 2013	$	486
	Cash paid		(98	)
	Foreign currency translation		3
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	391
	Expense recorded in 2014		12,792
	Cash paid		(8,054	)
	Foreign currency translation		(455	)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	4,674
	Expense recorded in 2015		57
	Cash paid		(1,216	)
	Foreign currency translation		(286	)
	Balance at April 4, 2015	$	3,229
	The payment terms vary by country, but generally are paid in a lump sum at cessation of employment. Certain participants are being paid in installments.  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 following table summarizes the activity to date related to this program:
	Expense recorded in 2014	$	2,080
	Cash paid		(464	)
	Foreign currency translation		(121	)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	1,495
	Cash paid		(525	)
	Foreign currency translation		(128	)
	Balance at April 4, 2015	$	842
	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	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note 3 – 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 April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014 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.
	During the three fiscal months ended April 4, 2015, the liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits decreased by $754 on a net basis, principally due to currency effects.
	During 2014, the Company borrowed $53,000 on its revolving credit facility to achieve future flexibility given the legal entity and the financial structure utilized for the Capella Microsystems Inc. ("Capella") acquisition.  Subsequent to the acquisition of the noncontrolling interests in Capella on December 31, 2014, the Company expects to repatriate cash from the 2014 earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries to the United States primarily to repay those borrowings on the revolving credit facility, and also to realign the acquired entity structure to have Capella's U.S. subsidiary directly owned by Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. The tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2014 included all U.S. federal and state income taxes, incremental foreign income taxes, and withholding taxes payable related to that anticipated repatriation transaction.  The repatriation is anticipated in the second fiscal quarter of 2015, pending completion of statutory audits of certain subsidiaries required to distribute earnings.

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	Note 4 – Long-Term Debt
	Long-term debt consists of the following:
		4-Apr-15			31-Dec-14
	Credit facility	$	215,000		$	200,000
	Exchangeable unsecured notes, due 2102		38,642			38,642
	Convertible senior debentures, due 2040		104,297			103,841
	Convertible senior debentures, due 2041		53,523			53,249
	Convertible senior debentures, due 2042		59,443			59,190
			470,905			454,922
	Less current portion		-			-
		$	470,905		$	454,922
	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 March 25, 2015 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 March 10, 2015 (per $1 principal amount)		73.5289			53.6575			86.4524
	Effective conversion price effective March 10, 2015 (per share)	$	13.6		$	18.64		$	11.57
	130% of the conversion price (per share)	$	17.68		$	24.23		$	15.04
	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.
	Based on an evaluation of the conversion criteria at April 4, 2015 and December 31, 2014, none of the convertible senior debentures due 2040, due 2041, or due 2042 were convertible.  The conversion criteria of the debentures will continue to be evaluated and the debentures may become convertible in the future.  At the direction of the Company's Board of Directors, the Company intends, upon conversion, to repay the principal amount of the convertible debentures in cash and settle any additional amounts in shares of the Company's common stock.  The Company intends to finance the principal amount of any converted debentures using borrowings under its credit facility.
	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 - net carrying value
		the debentures
	4-Apr-15
	Due 2040	$	275,000			(171,170	)		467		$	104,297		$	110,094
	Due 2041	$	150,000			(96,831	)		354		$	53,523		$	62,246
	Due 2042	$	150,000			(90,788	)		231		$	59,443		$	57,874
	Total	$	575,000		$	(358,789	)	$	1,052		$	217,263		$	230,214
	31-Dec-14
	Due 2040	$	275,000			(171,685	)		526		$	103,841		$	110,094
	Due 2041	$	150,000			(97,092	)		341		$	53,249		$	62,246
	Due 2042	$	150,000			(91,048	)		238		$	59,190		$	57,874
	Total	$	575,000		$	(359,825	)	$	1,105		$	216,280		$	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
	4-Apr-15
	Due 2040	$	1,547			515			22			(59	)	$	2,025
	Due 2041	$	844			261			12			13		$	1,130
	Due 2042	$	844			260			13			(7	)	$	1,110
	Total	$	3,235		$	1,036		$	47		$	(53	)	$	4,265
	29-Mar-14
	Due 2040	$	1,547			476			22			45		$	2,090
	Due 2041	$	844			241			11			14		$	1,110
	Due 2042	$	844			241			13			20		$	1,118
	Total	$	3,235		$	958		$	46		$	79		$	4,318

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Note 5 – 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, 2015	$	(155,760	)	$	84,703		$	1,917		$	(69,140	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		-			(76,318	)		443		$	(75,875	)
	Tax effect		-			-			(155	)	$	(155	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax		-			(76,318	)		288		$	(76,030	)
	Amounts reclassified out of AOCI		3,169			-			(680	)	$	2,489
	Tax effect		(1,056	)		-			238		$	(818	)
	Amounts reclassified out of AOCI, net of tax		2,113			-			(442	)	$	1,671
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)	$	2,113		$	(76,318	)	$	(154	)	$	(74,359	)
	Balance at April 4, 2015	$	(153,647	)	$	8,385		$	1,763		$	(143,499	)
	Reclassifications of pension and other post-retirement actuarial items out of AOCI are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost.  (See Note 6 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 $680 for the fiscal quarter ended April 4, 2015. 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	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]
Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits	Note 6 – 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 first fiscal quarters of 2015 and 2014 for the Company's defined benefit pension plans:
		Fiscal quarter ended						Fiscal quarter ended
		4-Apr-15						29-Mar-14
		U.S. Plans			Non-U.S. Plans			U.S. Plans			Non-U.S. Plans
	Net service cost	$	-		$	829		$	-		$	824
	Interest cost		2,943			1,432			3,834			2,181
	Expected return on plan assets		(3,385	)		(454	)		(4,058	)		(525	)
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		16			-			(23	)		1
	Amortization of losses		2,022			1,299			1,810			687
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	1,596		$	3,106		$	1,563		$	3,168
	The following table shows the components of the net periodic benefit cost for the first fiscal quarters of 2015 and 2014 for the Company's other postretirement benefit plans:
		Fiscal quarter ended						Fiscal quarter ended
		4-Apr-15						29-Mar-14
		U.S. Plans			Non-U.S. Plans			U.S. Plans			Non-U.S. Plans
	Service cost	$	30		$	69		$	29		$	79
	Interest cost		83			37			88			63
	Amortization of prior service (credit)		(209	)		-			(206	)		-
	Amortization of losses (gains)		22			19			(35	)		10
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	(74	)	$	125		$	(124	)	$	152

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Note 7 – 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
		4-Apr-15			29-Mar-14
	Restricted stock units	$	914		$	810
	Phantom stock units		141			131
	Stock options		-			-
	Total	$	1,055		$	941
	The Company recognizes compensation cost for RSUs that are expected to vest and records cumulative adjustments in the period that the expectation changes.
	The following table summarizes unrecognized compensation cost and the weighted average remaining amortization periods at April 4, 2015 (amortization periods in years):
		Unrecognized Compensation Cost			Weighted Average Remaining Amortization Periods
	Stock options	$	-			0
	Restricted stock units		10,404			1.7
	Phantom stock units		-			0
	Total	$	10,404
	Unrecognized compensation cost presented in the table above includes $2,935 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"), as amended and restated, permits the grant of up to 6,500,000 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.
	Restricted Stock Units
	RSU activity under the 2007 Program as of April 4, 2015 and changes during the three 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-15		1,147		$	12.75
	Granted		349			13.6
	Vested*		(162	)		11.34
	Cancelled or forfeited		(276	)		12.88
	Outstanding at April 4, 2015		1,058		$	13.21
	Expected to vest at April 4, 2015		836
	* 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 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-16		-			222		222
	1-Jan-17		192			-		192
	1-Jan-18		202			-		202
	Phantom Stock Units
	The 2007 Program authorizes the grant of phantom stock units to the extent provided for in the Company's employment agreements with certain 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 April 4, 2015 and changes during the three 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-15		119
	Granted		10		$	14.09
	Dividend equivalents issued		1
	Redeemed for common stock		-
	Outstanding at April 4, 2015		130
	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, 2014.  No additional options may be granted pursuant to these programs.
	At December 31, 2014 and April 4, 2015, there were 105 options outstanding with a weighted average exercise price of $15.38.  At April 4, 2015, the weighted average remaining contractual life of all outstanding options was 2.08 years.
	At April 4, 2015, 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 first fiscal quarter of 2015 of $13.87 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 April 4, 2015 was $27.  This amount changes based on changes in the market value of the Company's common stock.  During the three fiscal months ended April 4, 2015, no options were exercised.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Segment Information [Abstract]
Segment Information	Note 8 – 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 April 4, 2015:
	Product Sales	$	106,759		$	136,511		$	68,625	$	186,392	$	94,036	$	592,323
	Royalty Revenues		11			-			-		1,102		-	$	1,113
	Total Revenue	$	106,770		$	136,511		$	68,625	$	187,494	$	94,036	$	593,436
	Gross Margin	$	13,758		$	29,890		$	22,183	$	58,849	$	20,358	$	145,038
	Fiscal quarter ended March 29, 2014:
	Product Sales	$	113,113		$	136,929		$	57,498	$	187,989	$	105,511	$	601,040
	Royalty Revenues		28			-			-		1,310		-	$	1,338
	Total Revenue	$	113,141		$	136,929		$	57,498	$	189,299	$	105,511	$	602,378
	Gross Margin	$	12,617		$	29,765		$	21,237	$	60,120	$	21,544	$	145,283
		Fiscal quarters ended
		4-Apr-15			29-Mar-14
	Operating margin reconciliation:
	MOSFETs	$	4,527		$	2,487
	Diodes		23,485			23,058
	Optoelectronic Components		17,087			17,404
	Resistors & Inductors		49,525			50,336
	Capacitors		14,564			15,341
	Restructuring and Severance Costs		(1,410	)		(6,404	)
	Unallocated Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses		(60,220	)		(59,650	)
	Consolidated Operating Income	$	47,558		$	42,572

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Note 9 – 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
		4-Apr-15		29-Mar-14
	Numerator:
	Numerator for basic earnings per share:
	Net earnings	$	30,699	$	25,810
	Adjustment to the numerator for continuing operations and net earnings:
	Interest savings assuming conversion of dilutive convertible and exchangeable notes, net of tax		16		16
	Numerator for diluted earnings per share:
	Net earnings	$	30,715	$	25,826
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per share:
	Weighted average shares		147,569		147,440
	Outstanding phantom stock units		129		117
	Adjusted weighted average shares		147,698		147,557
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Convertible and exchangeable debt instruments		4,778		4,782
	Restricted stock units		184		210
	Other		6		7
	Dilutive potential common shares		4,968		4,999
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share:
	Adjusted weighted average shares		152,666		152,556
	Basic earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders	$	0.21	$	0.17
	Diluted earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders	$	0.2	$	0.17
	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
		4-Apr-15		29-Mar-14
	Convertible and exchangeable notes:
	Convertible Senior Debentures, due 2041		8,024		7,897
	Weighted average employee stock options		77		77
	Weighted average other		620		710
	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 for specified periods upon the occurrence of certain events.  None of the conversion criteria were met for the periods presented.  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 $13.60, 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 $18.64, 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 $11.57, no shares are included in the diluted earnings per share computation for the convertible senior debentures due 2042.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Note 10 – 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
	April 4, 2015:
	Assets:
	Assets held in rabbi trusts	$	40,411		$	26,737	$	13,674	$	-
	Available for sale securities	$	5,680			4,003		1,677		-
		$	46,091		$	30,740	$	15,351	$	-
	Liabilities:
	Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2040	$	(467	)	$	-	$	-	$	(467	)
	Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2041	$	(354	)		-		-		(354	)
	Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2042	$	(231	)		-		-		(231	)
		$	(1,052	)	$	-	$	-	$	(1,052	)
	December 31, 2014:
	Assets:
	Assets held in rabbi trusts	$	40,270		$	26,853	$	13,417	$	-
	Available for sale securities	$	15,432			4,439		10,993		-
		$	55,702		$	31,292	$	24,410	$	-
	Liabilities:
	Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2040	$	(526	)	$	-	$	-	$	(526	)
	Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2041	$	(341	)		-		-		(341	)
	Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2042	$	(238	)		-		-		(238	)
		$	(1,105	)	$	-	$	-	$	(1,105	)
	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 forward contracts 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 $14,000 as of April 4, 2015.  The intercompany loan was used to finance a portion of the purchase price for Capella.  The forward contracts settle monthly and are 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 first 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 April 4, 2015.  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 April 4, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is approximately $860,400 and $853,500, respectively, compared to its carrying value, excluding the derivative liabilities, of $469,853, and $453,817, 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 April 4, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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 acquired in the 2014 Capella acquisition are accounted for as available for sale instruments, at fair value.  The Company's remaining 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 April 4, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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 held-to-maturity 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)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
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 2015 end on April 4, 2015, July 4, 2015, October 3, 2015, and December 31, 2015, respectively.  The four fiscal quarters in 2014 ended on March 29, 2014, June 28, 2014, September 27, 2014, and December 31, 2014, respectively.
Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted [Text Block]	Recently Issued 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, although a deferral has been recommended by the FASB Staff.  Vishay is currently evaluating the effect of the ASU on its revenue contracts and its adoption alternatives.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.  The ASU is the result of the FASB's simplification initiative intended to improve U.S. GAAP by reducing costs and complexity while maintaining or enhancing the usefulness of related financial statement information.  The ASU specifies that debt issuance costs related to a note shall be reported in the balance sheet as a direct reduction from the face amount of the note.  The ASU is effective for the Company for interim and annual periods beginning after January 1, 2016.  The ASU will require the Company to reclassify its capitalized debt issuance costs currently recorded as assets on the consolidated condensed balance sheets.  The ASU will have no effect on the Company's results of operations or liquidity.

Income_Taxes_Policies

Income Taxes (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
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 April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014 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)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
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)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
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)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
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 for specified periods upon the occurrence of certain events.  None of the conversion criteria were met for the periods presented.  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 $13.60, 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 $18.64, 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 $11.57, 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)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
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.

Restructuring_and_Related_Acti1

Restructuring and Related Activities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
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 quarters ended
		4-Apr-15			29-Mar-14
	MOSFETs Enhanced Competitiveness Program	$	1,353		$	1,727
	Voluntary Separation / Retirement Program		57			4,677
	Modules Production Transfer Program		-			-
	Total	$	1,410		$	6,404
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 2013	$	2,328
	Cash paid		(267	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	2,061
	Expense recorded in 2014		6,025
	Cash paid		(856	)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	7,230
	Expense recorded in 2015		1,353
	Cash paid		(388	)
	Balance at April 4, 2015	$	8,195
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 2013	$	486
	Cash paid		(98	)
	Foreign currency translation		3
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	391
	Expense recorded in 2014		12,792
	Cash paid		(8,054	)
	Foreign currency translation		(455	)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	4,674
	Expense recorded in 2015		57
	Cash paid		(1,216	)
	Foreign currency translation		(286	)
	Balance at April 4, 2015	$	3,229
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 recorded in 2014	$	2,080
	Cash paid		(464	)
	Foreign currency translation		(121	)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	1,495
	Cash paid		(525	)
	Foreign currency translation		(128	)
	Balance at April 4, 2015	$	842

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Schedule of long-term debt instruments	Long-term debt consists of the following:
		4-Apr-15			31-Dec-14
	Credit facility	$	215,000		$	200,000
	Exchangeable unsecured notes, due 2102		38,642			38,642
	Convertible senior debentures, due 2040		104,297			103,841
	Convertible senior debentures, due 2041		53,523			53,249
	Convertible senior debentures, due 2042		59,443			59,190
			470,905			454,922
	Less current portion		-			-
		$	470,905		$	454,922
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 March 25, 2015 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 March 10, 2015 (per $1 principal amount)		73.5289			53.6575			86.4524
	Effective conversion price effective March 10, 2015 (per share)	$	13.6		$	18.64		$	11.57
	130% of the conversion price (per share)	$	17.68		$	24.23		$	15.04
	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 - net carrying value
		the debentures
	4-Apr-15
	Due 2040	$	275,000			(171,170	)		467		$	104,297		$	110,094
	Due 2041	$	150,000			(96,831	)		354		$	53,523		$	62,246
	Due 2042	$	150,000			(90,788	)		231		$	59,443		$	57,874
	Total	$	575,000		$	(358,789	)	$	1,052		$	217,263		$	230,214
	31-Dec-14
	Due 2040	$	275,000			(171,685	)		526		$	103,841		$	110,094
	Due 2041	$	150,000			(97,092	)		341		$	53,249		$	62,246
	Due 2042	$	150,000			(91,048	)		238		$	59,190		$	57,874
	Total	$	575,000		$	(359,825	)	$	1,105		$	216,280		$	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
	4-Apr-15
	Due 2040	$	1,547			515			22			(59	)	$	2,025
	Due 2041	$	844			261			12			13		$	1,130
	Due 2042	$	844			260			13			(7	)	$	1,110
	Total	$	3,235		$	1,036		$	47		$	(53	)	$	4,265
	29-Mar-14
	Due 2040	$	1,547			476			22			45		$	2,090
	Due 2041	$	844			241			11			14		$	1,110
	Due 2042	$	844			241			13			20		$	1,118
	Total	$	3,235		$	958		$	46		$	79		$	4,318

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
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, 2015	$	(155,760	)	$	84,703		$	1,917		$	(69,140	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		-			(76,318	)		443		$	(75,875	)
	Tax effect		-			-			(155	)	$	(155	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax		-			(76,318	)		288		$	(76,030	)
	Amounts reclassified out of AOCI		3,169			-			(680	)	$	2,489
	Tax effect		(1,056	)		-			238		$	(818	)
	Amounts reclassified out of AOCI, net of tax		2,113			-			(442	)	$	1,671
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)	$	2,113		$	(76,318	)	$	(154	)	$	(74,359	)
	Balance at April 4, 2015	$	(153,647	)	$	8,385		$	1,763		$	(143,499	)

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem1

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
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 first fiscal quarters of 2015 and 2014 for the Company's defined benefit pension plans:
		Fiscal quarter ended						Fiscal quarter ended
		4-Apr-15						29-Mar-14
		U.S. Plans			Non-U.S. Plans			U.S. Plans			Non-U.S. Plans
	Net service cost	$	-		$	829		$	-		$	824
	Interest cost		2,943			1,432			3,834			2,181
	Expected return on plan assets		(3,385	)		(454	)		(4,058	)		(525	)
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		16			-			(23	)		1
	Amortization of losses		2,022			1,299			1,810			687
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	1,596		$	3,106		$	1,563		$	3,168
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 first fiscal quarters of 2015 and 2014 for the Company's other postretirement benefit plans:
		Fiscal quarter ended						Fiscal quarter ended
		4-Apr-15						29-Mar-14
		U.S. Plans			Non-U.S. Plans			U.S. Plans			Non-U.S. Plans
	Service cost	$	30		$	69		$	29		$	79
	Interest cost		83			37			88			63
	Amortization of prior service (credit)		(209	)		-			(206	)		-
	Amortization of losses (gains)		22			19			(35	)		10
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	(74	)	$	125		$	(124	)	$	152

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Summary of recognized stock-based compensation expense	The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense recognized:
		Fiscal quarters ended
		4-Apr-15			29-Mar-14
	Restricted stock units	$	914		$	810
	Phantom stock units		141			131
	Stock options		-			-
	Total	$	1,055		$	941
Schedule of unrecognized compensation cost, nonvested awards	The following table summarizes unrecognized compensation cost and the weighted average remaining amortization periods at April 4, 2015 (amortization periods in years):
		Unrecognized Compensation Cost			Weighted Average Remaining Amortization Periods
	Stock options	$	-			0
	Restricted stock units		10,404			1.7
	Phantom stock units		-			0
	Total	$	10,404
Schedule of share-based compensation, restricted stock units award activity	RSU activity under the 2007 Program as of April 4, 2015 and changes during the three 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-15		1,147		$	12.75
	Granted		349			13.6
	Vested*		(162	)		11.34
	Cancelled or forfeited		(276	)		12.88
	Outstanding at April 4, 2015		1,058		$	13.21
	Expected to vest at April 4, 2015		836
	* 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 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-16		-			222		222
	1-Jan-17		192			-		192
	1-Jan-18		202			-		202
Schedule of share-based compensation, phantom stock units, Activity	Phantom stock unit activity under the phantom stock plan as of April 4, 2015 and changes during the three 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-15		119
	Granted		10		$	14.09
	Dividend equivalents issued		1
	Redeemed for common stock		-
	Outstanding at April 4, 2015		130

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
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 April 4, 2015:
	Product Sales	$	106,759		$	136,511		$	68,625	$	186,392	$	94,036	$	592,323
	Royalty Revenues		11			-			-		1,102		-	$	1,113
	Total Revenue	$	106,770		$	136,511		$	68,625	$	187,494	$	94,036	$	593,436
	Gross Margin	$	13,758		$	29,890		$	22,183	$	58,849	$	20,358	$	145,038
	Fiscal quarter ended March 29, 2014:
	Product Sales	$	113,113		$	136,929		$	57,498	$	187,989	$	105,511	$	601,040
	Royalty Revenues		28			-			-		1,310		-	$	1,338
	Total Revenue	$	113,141		$	136,929		$	57,498	$	189,299	$	105,511	$	602,378
	Gross Margin	$	12,617		$	29,765		$	21,237	$	60,120	$	21,544	$	145,283
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated		Fiscal quarters ended
		4-Apr-15			29-Mar-14
	Operating margin reconciliation:
	MOSFETs	$	4,527		$	2,487
	Diodes		23,485			23,058
	Optoelectronic Components		17,087			17,404
	Resistors & Inductors		49,525			50,336
	Capacitors		14,564			15,341
	Restructuring and Severance Costs		(1,410	)		(6,404	)
	Unallocated Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses		(60,220	)		(59,650	)
	Consolidated Operating Income	$	47,558		$	42,572

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
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
		4-Apr-15		29-Mar-14
	Numerator:
	Numerator for basic earnings per share:
	Net earnings	$	30,699	$	25,810
	Adjustment to the numerator for continuing operations and net earnings:
	Interest savings assuming conversion of dilutive convertible and exchangeable notes, net of tax		16		16
	Numerator for diluted earnings per share:
	Net earnings	$	30,715	$	25,826
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per share:
	Weighted average shares		147,569		147,440
	Outstanding phantom stock units		129		117
	Adjusted weighted average shares		147,698		147,557
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Convertible and exchangeable debt instruments		4,778		4,782
	Restricted stock units		184		210
	Other		6		7
	Dilutive potential common shares		4,968		4,999
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share:
	Adjusted weighted average shares		152,666		152,556
	Basic earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders	$	0.21	$	0.17
	Diluted earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders	$	0.2	$	0.17
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
		4-Apr-15		29-Mar-14
	Convertible and exchangeable notes:
	Convertible Senior Debentures, due 2041		8,024		7,897
	Weighted average employee stock options		77		77
	Weighted average other		620		710

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
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
	April 4, 2015:
	Assets:
	Assets held in rabbi trusts	$	40,411		$	26,737	$	13,674	$	-
	Available for sale securities	$	5,680			4,003		1,677		-
		$	46,091		$	30,740	$	15,351	$	-
	Liabilities:
	Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2040	$	(467	)	$	-	$	-	$	(467	)
	Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2041	$	(354	)		-		-		(354	)
	Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2042	$	(231	)		-		-		(231	)
		$	(1,052	)	$	-	$	-	$	(1,052	)
	December 31, 2014:
	Assets:
	Assets held in rabbi trusts	$	40,270		$	26,853	$	13,417	$	-
	Available for sale securities	$	15,432			4,439		10,993		-
		$	55,702		$	31,292	$	24,410	$	-
	Liabilities:
	Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2040	$	(526	)	$	-	$	-	$	(526	)
	Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2041	$	(341	)		-		-		(341	)
	Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2042	$	(238	)		-		-		(238	)
		$	(1,105	)	$	-	$	-	$	(1,105	)

Restructuring_and_Related_Acti2

Restructuring and Related Activities (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and severance costs	$1,410	$6,404
Expected Restructuring Costs	32,000
MOSFETs Enhanced Competitiveness Program [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve, Current	8,195
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and severance costs	1,353	1,727	6,025	2,328
Cash paid	-388		-856	-267
Balance at end of period	8,195		7,230	2,061
Balance at beginning of period	7,230	2,061	2,061
Term of restructuring program	2 years
Expected Restructuring Costs	16,000
Voluntary Separation/Retirement Program [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve, Current	3,229
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and severance costs	57	4,677	12,792	486
Cash paid	-1,216		-8,054	-98
Foreign currency translation	-286		-455	3
Balance at end of period	3,229		4,674	391
Balance at beginning of period	4,674	391	391
Modules Product Transfer [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve, Current	842
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and severance costs	0	0	2,080
Cash paid	-525		-464
Foreign currency translation	-128		-121
Balance at end of period	842		1,495
Balance at beginning of period	$1,495

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Decrease in liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits	$754
Borrowings to fund acquisition		$53,000

LongTerm_Debt_Details

Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$470,905		$454,922
Exchangeable unsecured notes, due 2102	38,642		38,642
Credit facility	215,000		200,000
Less current portion	0		0
Long-term debt, less current portion	470,905		454,922
Debt Instruments [Abstract]
Principal amount of debt	575,000		575,000
Debt instrument percentage of conversion price (in hundredths)	130.00%
Debt instrument, Percentage of sale price of common stock (in hundredths)	98.00%
Liability and equity components of convertible debentures [Abstract]
Principal amount of the debentures	575,000		575,000
Unamortized discount	-358,789		-359,825
Embedded derivative	1,052		1,105
Carrying value of liability component	217,263		216,280
Equity component - net carrying value	230,214		230,214
Interest expense related to debentures [Abstract]
Contractual coupon interest	3,235	3,235
Non-cash amortization of debt discount	1,036	958
Non-cash amortization of deferred financing costs	47	46
Non-cash change in value of derivative liability	-53	79
Total interest expense related to the debentures	4,265	4,318
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2040 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible Debt, Noncurrent	104,297		103,841
Debt Instruments [Abstract]
Issuance date	9-Nov-10
Debt maturity date	15-Nov-40
Principal amount of debt	275,000		275,000
Stated rate of interest on debt (in hundredths)	2.25%
Effective rate of interest on convertible senior debentures (in hundredths)	8.00%
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Stock Price Trigger	$17.68
Debt conversion rate	73.5289
Debt effective conversion price	$13.60
Convertible senior debentures call date	20-Nov-20
Liability and equity components of convertible debentures [Abstract]
Principal amount of the debentures	275,000		275,000
Unamortized discount	-171,170		-171,685
Embedded derivative	467		526
Carrying value of liability component	104,297		103,841
Equity component - net carrying value	110,094		110,094
Interest expense related to debentures [Abstract]
Contractual coupon interest	1,547	1,547
Non-cash amortization of debt discount	515	476
Non-cash amortization of deferred financing costs	22	22
Non-cash change in value of derivative liability	-59	45
Total interest expense related to the debentures	2,025	2,090
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2041 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible Debt, Noncurrent	53,523		53,249
Debt Instruments [Abstract]
Issuance date	13-May-11
Debt maturity date	15-May-41
Principal amount of debt	150,000		150,000
Stated rate of interest on debt (in hundredths)	2.25%
Effective rate of interest on convertible senior debentures (in hundredths)	8.38%
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Stock Price Trigger	$24.23
Debt conversion rate	53.6575
Debt effective conversion price	$18.64
Convertible senior debentures call date	20-May-21
Liability and equity components of convertible debentures [Abstract]
Principal amount of the debentures	150,000		150,000
Unamortized discount	-96,831		-97,092
Embedded derivative	354		341
Carrying value of liability component	53,523		53,249
Equity component - net carrying value	62,246		62,246
Interest expense related to debentures [Abstract]
Contractual coupon interest	844	844
Non-cash amortization of debt discount	261	241
Non-cash amortization of deferred financing costs	12	11
Non-cash change in value of derivative liability	13	14
Total interest expense related to the debentures	1,130	1,110
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2042 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible Debt, Noncurrent	59,443		59,190
Debt Instruments [Abstract]
Issuance date	31-May-12
Debt maturity date	1-Jun-42
Principal amount of debt	150,000		150,000
Stated rate of interest on debt (in hundredths)	2.25%
Effective rate of interest on convertible senior debentures (in hundredths)	7.50%
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Stock Price Trigger	$15.04
Debt conversion rate	86.4524
Debt effective conversion price	$11.57
Convertible senior debentures call date	7-Jun-22
Liability and equity components of convertible debentures [Abstract]
Principal amount of the debentures	150,000		150,000
Unamortized discount	-90,788		-91,048
Embedded derivative	231		238
Carrying value of liability component	59,443		59,190
Equity component - net carrying value	57,874		57,874
Interest expense related to debentures [Abstract]
Contractual coupon interest	844	844
Non-cash amortization of debt discount	260	241
Non-cash amortization of deferred financing costs	13	13
Non-cash change in value of derivative liability	-7	20
Total interest expense related to the debentures	$1,110	$1,118

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Beginning Balance	($69,140)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	-75,875
Tax effect	-155
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax	-76,030
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI	2,489
Tax effect	-818
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI, net of tax	1,671
Net other comprehensive income	-74,359	1,071
Ending Balance	-143,499
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available-for-Sale Securities [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Beginning Balance	1,917
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	443
Tax effect	-155
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax	288
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI	-680
Tax effect	238
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI, net of tax	-442
Net other comprehensive income	-154
Ending Balance	1,763
Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Beginning Balance	84,703
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	-76,318
Tax effect	0
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax	-76,318
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI	0
Tax effect	0
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI, net of tax	0
Net other comprehensive income	-76,318
Ending Balance	8,385
Pension and Other Post-Retirement Actuarial Items [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Beginning Balance	-155,760
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	0
Tax effect	0
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax	0
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI	3,169
Tax effect	-1,056
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI, net of tax	2,113
Net other comprehensive income	2,113
Ending Balance	-153,647
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	$680

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem2

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net service cost	$829	$824
Interest cost	1,432	2,181
Expected return on plan assets	-454	-525
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	0	1
Amortization of losses (gains)	1,299	687
Net periodic benefit cost	3,106	3,168
U.S. Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net service cost	0	0
Interest cost	2,943	3,834
Expected return on plan assets	-3,385	-4,058
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	16	-23
Amortization of losses (gains)	2,022	1,810
Net periodic benefit cost	1,596	1,563
United States Postretirement Benefit Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net service cost	30	29
Interest cost	83	88
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	-209	-206
Amortization of losses (gains)	22	-35
Net periodic benefit cost	-74	-124
Foreign Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net service cost	69	79
Interest cost	37	63
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	0	0
Amortization of losses (gains)	19	10
Net periodic benefit cost	$125	$152

StockBased_Compensation_Detail

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015		Mar. 29, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense recognized	$1,055		$941
Unrecognized Compensation Cost	10,404
Unrecognized compensation cost not expected to be recognized	2,935
Expiration date of the 2007 stock incentive plan	20-May-24
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
Stock Options Outstanding:
Balance	105,000
Exercised (in shares)	0
Balance	105,000
Balance (in dollars per share)	$15.38
Weighted average remaining contractual life of options outstanding	2 years 0 months 29 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest [Abstract]
Vested and expected to vest (in dollars per share)	$15.38
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, non-vested, outstanding (in shares)	0
Stock price (in dollars per share)	$13.87
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, exercisable, intrinsic value	27
Stock options exercised (in shares)	0
Intrinsic value under share based compensation scheme	0
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense recognized	0		0
Unrecognized Compensation Cost	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	914		810
Unrecognized Compensation Cost	10,404
Weighted Average Remaining Amortization Periods	1 year 8 months 12 days
Equity Awards Other Than Options Outstanding:
Balance (in shares)	1,147,000
Balance (in dollars per share)	$12.75
Granted (in shares)	349,000
Granted (in dollars per share)	$13.60
Vested (in shares)	-162,000	[1]
Vested (in dollars per share)	$11.34	[1]
Cancelled or forfeited (in shares)	-276,000
Cancelled or forfeited (in dollars per share)	$12.88
Balance (in shares)	1,058,000
Balance (in dollars per share)	$13.21
Expected to vest as of April 4, 2015 (in shares)	836,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number, Ending Balance	1,058,000
Phantom Share Units (PSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense recognized	141		131
Unrecognized Compensation Cost	$0
Weighted Average Remaining Amortization Periods	0 years
Equity Awards Other Than Options Outstanding:
Balance (in shares)	119,000
Granted (in shares)	10,000
Granted (in dollars per share)	$14.09
Dividend equivalents issued	1,000
Redeemed for common stock	0
Balance (in shares)	130,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number, Ending Balance	130,000
Scheduled to Vest January 1, 2016 [Member] | Performance Vested Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Equity Awards Other Than Options Outstanding:
Balance (in shares)	222,000
Expected to vest as of April 4, 2015 (in shares)	0
Not expected to vest as of April 4, 2015 (in shares)	222,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number, Ending Balance	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
Expected to vest as of April 4, 2015 (in shares)	192,000
Not expected to vest as of April 4, 2015 (in shares)	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number, Ending Balance	192,000
Scheduled to Vest January 1, 2018 [Member] | Performance Vested Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Equity Awards Other Than Options Outstanding:
Balance (in shares)	202,000
Expected to vest as of April 4, 2015 (in shares)	202,000
Not expected to vest as of April 4, 2015 (in shares)	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number, Ending Balance	202,000
[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
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
	Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments	5
Product Sales	$592,323	$601,040
Royalty Revenues	1,113	1,338
Total Revenue	593,436	602,378
Gross Margin	145,038	145,283
Segment Operating Income	47,558	42,572
Restructuring and severance Costs	-1,410	-6,404
MOSFETS Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Product Sales	106,759	113,113
Royalty Revenues	11	28
Total Revenue	106,770	113,141
Gross Margin	13,758	12,617
Diodes Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Product Sales	136,511	136,929
Royalty Revenues	0	0
Total Revenue	136,511	136,929
Gross Margin	29,890	29,765
Optoelectronic Components Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Product Sales	68,625	57,498
Royalty Revenues	0	0
Total Revenue	68,625	57,498
Gross Margin	22,183	21,237
Resistors And Inductors Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Product Sales	186,392	187,989
Royalty Revenues	1,102	1,310
Total Revenue	187,494	189,299
Gross Margin	58,849	60,120
Capacitors Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Product Sales	94,036	105,511
Royalty Revenues	0	0
Total Revenue	94,036	105,511
Gross Margin	20,358	21,544
Operating Segments [Member] | MOSFETS Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Operating Income	4,527	2,487
Operating Segments [Member] | Diodes Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Operating Income	23,485	23,058
Operating Segments [Member] | Optoelectronic Components Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Operating Income	17,087	17,404
Operating Segments [Member] | Resistors And Inductors Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Operating Income	49,525	50,336
Operating Segments [Member] | Capacitors Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Operating Income	14,564	15,341
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring and severance Costs	-1,410	-6,404
Segment Reconciling Items [Member] | Unallocated Amount to Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Operating Income	($60,220)	($59,650)

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
Numerator for basic earnings per share:
Net earnings	$30,699	$25,810
Adjustment to the numerator for continuing operations and net earnings:
Interest savings assuming conversion of dilutive convertible and exchangeable notes, net of tax	16	16
Numerator for diluted earnings per share:
Net earnings	$30,715	$25,826
Denominator for basic earnings per share:
Weighted average shares	147,569	147,440
Outstanding phantom stock units	129	117
Adjusted weighted average shares (basic)	147,698	147,557
Effect of dilutive securities:
Convertible and exchangeable debt instruments	4,778	4,782
Restricted stock units	184	210
Other	6	7
Dilutive potential common shares	4,968	4,999
Denominator for diluted earnings per share:
Adjusted weighted average shares (diluted)	152,666	152,556
Basic earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0.21	$0.17
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0.20	$0.17
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2040 [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 senior debentures for calculation of diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$13.60
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 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)	8,024	7,897
Minimum market price of common stock for inclusion of shares issuable upon conversion of senior debentures for calculation of diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$18.64
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 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 senior debentures for calculation of diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$11.57
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
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)	620	710

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
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	40,411	40,270
Available for sale securities	5,680	15,432
Fair Value Assets	46,091	55,702
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	-1,052	-1,105
Fair Value Liabilities	-1,052	-1,105
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	860,400	853,500
Carrying value of long-term debt, excluding derivative liabilities	469,853	453,817
Derivative, Notional Amount	14,000
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 $14,000 as of April 4, 2015. 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 first 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	26,737	26,853
Available for sale securities	4,003	4,439
Fair Value Assets	30,740	31,292
Liabilities:
Fair Value Liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Assets held in rabbi trusts	13,674	13,417
Available for sale securities	1,677	10,993
Fair Value Assets	15,351	24,410
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	-1,052	-1,105
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2040 [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	-467	-526
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2040 [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	0	0
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2040 [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	0	0
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2040 [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	-467	-526
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2041 [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	-354	-341
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2041 [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	0	0
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2041 [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	0	0
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2041 [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	-354	-341
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2042 [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	-231	-238
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2042 [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	0	0
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2042 [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	0	0
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2042 [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	($231)	($238)