Vishay Intertechnology (VSH) 10-Q 3 May 16 2016 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016	Apr. 29, 2016	Jul. 04, 2015
Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Apr. 2, 2016
Entity Registrant Name	VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY INC
Entity Central Index Key	103,730
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 1,582,000,000
Common Stock [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		135,564,729
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 ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 02, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 531,296	$ 475,507
Short-term investments	544,328	619,040
Accounts receivable, net	286,996	272,559
Inventories:
Finished goods	118,276	108,869
Work in process	201,133	201,045
Raw materials	106,836	110,657
Total inventories	426,245	420,571
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	99,753	99,815
Total current assets	1,888,618	1,887,492
Property and equipment, at cost:
Land	91,351	89,593
Buildings and improvements	575,447	562,171
Machinery and equipment	2,424,312	2,380,299
Construction in progress	68,514	79,910
Allowance for depreciation	(2,299,172)	(2,246,677)
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Total	860,452	865,296
Goodwill	142,183	138,244
Other intangible assets, net	100,541	103,258
Other assets	154,830	158,696
Total assets	3,146,624	3,152,986
Current liabilities:
Notes payable to banks	3	4
Trade accounts payable	143,375	157,210
Payroll and related expenses	112,114	113,976
Other accrued expenses	160,902	164,336
Income taxes	21,633	22,198
Total current liabilities	438,027	457,724
Long-term debt less current portion	400,124	436,738
Deferred income taxes	306,333	305,413
Other liabilities	63,964	60,450
Accrued pension and other postretirement costs	255,447	264,618
Total liabilities	1,463,895	1,524,943
Vishay stockholders' equity
Common stock	13,556	13,546
Class B convertible common stock	1,213	1,213
Capital in excess of par value	2,059,228	2,058,492
(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings	(300,673)	(319,448)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(96,300)	(131,327)
Total Vishay stockholders' equity	1,677,024	1,622,476
Noncontrolling interests	5,705	5,567
Total equity	1,682,729	1,628,043
Total liabilities, temporary equity, and equity	$ 3,146,624	$ 3,152,986

Consolidated Condensed Statemen

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016	Apr. 04, 2015
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations [Abstract]
Net revenues	$ 570,606	$ 593,436
Costs of products sold	433,297	448,398
Gross profit	137,309	145,038
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	90,286	96,070
Restructuring and severance costs	6,475	1,410
Operating income	40,548	47,558
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(6,466)	(6,361)
Other	779	3,460
Gain on early extinguishment of debt	3,611	0
Nonoperating Income (Expense), Total	(2,076)	(2,901)
Income before taxes	38,472	44,657
Income tax expense	10,320	13,732
Net earnings	28,152	30,925
Less: net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	138	226
Net earnings attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ 28,014	$ 30,699
Basic earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ 0.19	$ 0.21
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ 0.19	$ 0.20
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	147,833	147,698
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	150,628	152,666
Cash dividends per share	$ 0.0625	$ 0.0600

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016	Apr. 04, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 28,152	$ 30,925
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Pension and postretirement actuarial items	1,868	2,113
Foreign currency translation adjustment	32,532	(76,318)
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	627	(154)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	35,027	(74,359)
Comprehensive income (loss)	63,179	(43,434)
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	138	226
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ 63,041	$ (43,660)

Consolidated Condensed Stateme5

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016	Apr. 04, 2015
Operating activities
Net earnings	$ 28,152	$ 30,925
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	40,017	45,410
(Gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment	(22)	(83)
Accretion of interest on convertible debentures	1,120	1,036
Inventory write-offs for obsolescence	5,816	4,854
Gain on early extinguishment of debt	(3,611)	0
Other	(13,950)	(7,080)
Net change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of businesses acquired	(37,264)	(61,564)
Net cash provided by operating activities	20,258	13,498
Investing activities
Capital expenditures	(19,756)	(19,782)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	64	719
Purchase of short-term investments	(24,588)	(78,905)
Maturity of short-term investments	117,676	17,414
Sale of short-term investments	0	503
Sale of other investments	0	400
Other investing activities	2,975	977
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	76,371	(78,674)
Financing activities
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital leases	(22,595)	0
Net proceeds (payments) on revolving credit lines	(12,000)	15,000
Net changes in short-term borrowings	(719)	(6)
Excess tax benefit from RSUs vested	0	21
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(44,545)	6,161
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	3,705	(16,155)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	55,789	(75,170)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	475,507	592,172
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	531,296	517,002
Common Stock [Member]
Financing activities
Dividends and Interest Paid	(8,473)	(8,126)
Class B Convertible Common Stock [Member]
Financing activities
Dividends and Interest Paid	$ (758)	$ (728)

Consolidated Condensed Stateme6

Consolidated Condensed Statement of Equity - 3 months ended Apr. 02, 2016 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	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
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 13,546	$ 1,213	$ 2,058,492	$ (319,448)	$ (131,327)	$ 1,622,476	$ 5,567	$ 1,628,043
Net earnings	0	0	0	28,014	0	28,014	138	28,152
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0	0	35,027	35,027	0	35,027
Restricted stock issuances	10	0	(452)	0	0	(442)	0	(442)
Dividends declared	0	0	8	(9,239)	0	(9,231)	0	(9,231)
Stock compensation expense	0	0	1,201	0	0	1,201	0	1,201
Tax effects of stock plan	0	0	(21)	0	0	(21)	0	(21)
Balance at Apr. 02, 2016	$ 13,556	$ 1,213	$ 2,059,228	$ (300,673)	$ (96,300)	$ 1,677,024	$ 5,705	$ 1,682,729

Consolidated Condensed Stateme7

Consolidated Condensed Statement of Equity (Parenthetical)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016$ / sharesshares
Consolidated Condensed Statement of Equity [Abstract]
Restricted stock issuances (in shares)	103,918
Stock options exercised (in shares)	0
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid | $ / shares	$ 0.0625

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
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, 2015. The results of operations for the fiscal quarter ended April 2, 2016 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 2016 end on April 2, 2016, July 2, 2016, October 1, 2016, and December 31, 2016, respectively. The four fiscal quarters in 2015 ended on April 4, 2015, July 4, 2015, October 3, 2015, and December 31, 2015, 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) In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting Reclassifications Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current financial statements presentation.

Acquisition and Divestiture Act

Acquisition and Divestiture Activities	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016
Acquisition and Divestiture Activities [Abstract]
Acquisition and Divestiture Activities	Note 2 – Acquisition Activities As part of its growth strategy, the Company seeks to expand through targeted acquisitions of other manufacturers of electronic components that have established positions in major markets, reputations for product quality and reliability, and product lines with which the Company has substantial marketing and technical expertise. In the fourth fiscal quarter of 2015, the Company deposited the $6,750 purchase price of Sonntag Electronic GmbH ("Sonntag"). The purchase price, net of cash acquired was $5,450. The acquisition was effective January 1, 2016. Sonntag is a distributor of electronic components in Germany. The inclusion of this business did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated results for the fiscal quarter ended April 2, 2016. After allocating the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on an estimation of their fair values at the date of acquisition, the Company recorded goodwill of $3,485 related to this acquisition. The goodwill related to this acquisition is included in the Resistors & Inductors reporting unit for goodwill impairment testing. Had this acquisition occurred as of the beginning of the periods presented in these consolidated condensed financial statements, the pro forma statements of operations would not be materially different than the consolidated condensed statements of operations presented. The remaining fluctuation in the goodwill account balance is due to foreign currency translation.

Restructuring and Related Activ

Restructuring and Related Activities	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Activities	Note 3 – Restructuring and Related Activities The Company places a strong emphasis on controlling its costs and combats general price inflation by continuously improving its efficiency and operating performance. When the ongoing cost containment activities are not adequate, the Company takes actions to maintain its cost competitiveness. The Company incurred significant restructuring costs in its past to reduce its cost structure. Historically, the Company's primary cost reduction technique was through the transfer of production from high-labor-cost countries to lower-labor-cost countries. Since 2013, the Company's cost reduction programs have primarily focused on reducing fixed costs, including selling, general, and administrative expenses. In 2013, the Company announced various cost reduction programs. The cash costs of these programs, primarily severance, are expected to be approximately $34,000. These programs were substantially implemented by the end of the first fiscal quarter of 2016. Many of the severance costs were recognized ratably over the required stay periods. In 2015, the Company announced additional global cost reduction programs. These programs include a facility closure in the Netherlands. The cash costs of these programs, primarily severance, are expected to aggregate to approximately $30,000. Complete implementation of these programs is expected to occur before the end of 2017. The following table summarizes restructuring and related expenses which were recognized and reported on a separate line in the accompanying consolidated condensed statements of operations: Fiscal quarters ended April 2, 2016 April 4, 2015 MOSFETs Enhanced Competitiveness Program $ 3,915 $ 1,353 Voluntary Separation / Retirement Program - 57 Modules Production Transfer Program - - Global Cost Reduction Programs 2,560 - Total $ 6,475 $ 1,410 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 was transferred into a more cost-efficient fab. As a consequence, certain other manufacturing currently occurring in-house was transferred to third-party foundries. The transfer of production was substantially completed by the end of the first fiscal quarter of 2016. Employees generally were required to remain with the Company during the production transfer period. Accordingly, the Company accrued these severance costs ratably over the respective employees' remaining service periods. The Company has incurred and will continue to incur other exit costs associated with the production transfer, including certain contract termination costs. The total costs associated with these initiatives, primarily severance, are expected to be approximately $18,000. 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 5,367 Cash paid (426 ) Foreign currency translation 1 Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 12,172 Expense recorded in 2016 3,915 Cash paid (5,840 ) Foreign currency translation 6 Balance at April 2, 2016 $ 10,253 Severance benefits are generally paid in a lump sum at cessation of employment. Other exit costs of $3,925 are included in the expenses incurred in 2016 in the table above. 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 varied by country and job classification, but generally included a cash loyalty bonus based on years of service. All employees eligible for the program have left the Company. 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 95 Cash paid (3,166 ) Foreign currency translation (258 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 1,345 Cash paid (256 ) Foreign currency translation 34 Balance at April 2, 2016 $ 1,123 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 condensed 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 transfer 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 (718 ) Foreign currency translation (120 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 657 Cash paid (5 ) Foreign currency translation 30 Balance at April 2, 2016 $ 682 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. Global Cost Reduction Programs The global cost reduction programs announced in 2015 include a plan to reduce selling, general, and administrative costs company-wide, and targeted streamlining and consolidation of production for certain product lines within its Capacitors and Resistors & Inductors segments. The following table summarizes the activity to date related to this program: Expense recorded in 2015 $ 13,753 Cash paid (986 ) Foreign currency translation (150 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 12,617 Expense recorded in 2016 2,560 Cash paid (4,072 ) Foreign currency translation 299 Balance at April 2, 2016 $ 11,404 The following table summarizes the expense recognized in 2016 by segment related to this program: Diodes $ 448 Optoelectronic Components 178 Resistors & Inductors 1,018 Capacitors 334 Unallocated Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses 582 Total $ 2,560 Severance benefits are generally paid in a lump sum at cessation of employment. The current portion of the liability is $8,864 and is included in other accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated condensed balance sheets. The non-current portion of the liability is included in other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note 4 – 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 2, 2016 and April 4, 2015 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. Income tax expense for the fiscal quarter ended April 2, 2016 includes a remeasurement of the deferred tax liability recorded for the cash repatriation program announced in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2015 of $769. During the three fiscal months ended April 2, 2016, the liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits increased by $1,150 on a net basis, principally due to increases for tax positions taken in prior periods, interest, and foreign currency effects.

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	Note 5 – Long-Term Debt Long-term debt consists of the following: April 2, 2016 December 31, 2015 Credit facility $ 178,000 $ 190,000 Exchangeable unsecured notes, due 2102 12,436 38,642 Convertible senior debentures, due 2040 106,573 106,011 Convertible senior debentures, due 2041 54,746 54,424 Convertible senior debentures, due 2042 60,583 60,320 Deferred financing costs (12,214 ) (12,659 ) 400,124 436,738 Less current portion - - $ 400,124 $ 436,738 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 29, 2016 dividend payment: Due 2040 Due 2041 Due 2042 Issuance date November 9, 2010 May 13, 2011 May 31, 2012 Maturity date November 15, 2040 May 15, 2041 June 1, 2042 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) 8.00 % 8.375 % 7.50 % Conversion rate effective March 9, 2016 (per $1 principal amount) 75.1038 54.8068 88.3041 Effective conversion price effective March 9, 2016 (per share) $ 13.31 $ 18.25 $ 11.32 130% of the conversion price (per share) $ 17.30 $ 23.73 $ 14.72 Call date November 20, 2020 May 20, 2021 June 7, 2022 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 2, 2016 and December 31, 2015, 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 the debentures Unamortized discount Embedded derivative Carrying value of liability component Equity component - net carrying value April 2, 2016 Due 2040 $ 275,000 (169,009 ) 582 $ 106,573 $ 110,094 Due 2041 $ 150,000 (95,730 ) 476 $ 54,746 $ 62,246 Due 2042 $ 150,000 (89,702 ) 285 $ 60,583 $ 57,874 Total $ 575,000 $ (354,441 ) $ 1,343 $ 221,902 $ 230,214 December 31, 2015 Due 2040 $ 275,000 (169,565 ) 576 $ 106,011 $ 110,094 Due 2041 $ 150,000 (96,014 ) 438 $ 54,424 $ 62,246 Due 2042 $ 150,000 (89,982 ) 302 $ 60,320 $ 57,874 Total $ 575,000 $ (355,561 ) $ 1,316 $ 220,755 $ 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 coupon interest 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 April 2, 2016 Due 2040 $ 1,547 556 22 6 $ 2,131 Due 2041 $ 844 284 11 38 $ 1,177 Due 2042 $ 844 280 13 (17 ) $ 1,120 Total $ 3,235 $ 1,120 $ 46 $ 27 $ 4,428 April 4, 2015 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 Exchangeable Unsecured Notes, due 2102 On March 31, 2016, pursuant to an agreement dated March 10, 2016, the Company acquired from a holder $26,206 principal amount of the Company's floating rate exchangeable unsecured notes due 2102. The purchase price for this privately negotiated transaction was $22,595. Vishay recognized a gain on early extinguishment of debt of $3,611 presented as a separate line item in the accompanying consolidated condensed statement of operations for the fiscal quarter ended April 2, 2016. The exchangeable unsecured notes were issued in 2002 in connection with an acquisition, and are subject to a put and call agreement dated December 13, 2002. Holders may at any time put the notes to Vishay in exchange for shares of common stock; and Vishay may call the notes in exchange for cash or for shares of its common stock at any time after January 2, 2018. Subsequent to the spin-off of Vishay Precision Group in 2010, the put/call rate of the notes is $15.39 per share of common stock. The notes bear interest at LIBOR, payable quarterly. The notes that Vishay repurchased from a holder had been exchangeable for 1,702,813 shares of Vishay common stock. Following this transaction, Vishay has outstanding exchangeable unsecured notes with a principal amount of approximately $12,436, which are exchangeable for an aggregate of approximately 808,000 shares of Vishay common stock.

Other Income (Expense)

Other Income (Expense)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016
Other Income (Expense) [Abstract]
Other Income (Expense)	Note 6 – Other Income (Expense) On August 12, 2015, a major explosion occurred in the port of Tianjin, China. Vishay owns and operates a diodes manufacturing facility in Tianjin near the port. The shockwave of the explosion resulted in some damage to the facility and caused a temporary shutdown. Full production resumed on September 8, 2015. As a result of this incident, through the end of the first fiscal quarter of 2016, the Company estimates that it has incurred $10,145 for inventory, property, and equipment damage (at net book value) and related repair and clean-up costs. As of April 2, 2016, the Company has recorded a receivable of $4,795 for amounts which are probable of recovery under its insurance policies. The Company recorded, as a separate line item, a loss related to these items in 2015, which represents the insurance deductible and certain costs which are potentially not recoverable. The Company's insurance coverage generally provides for replacement cost of damaged items. The insurance claims process continues as expected. Any amount expected to be received in excess of the book value of the damaged item will be treated as a gain, but will not be recorded until contingencies are resolved. The Company also believes that it has valid claims under its business interruption insurance policies, but those claims cannot be quantified at this time. The Company will not record a receivable for business interruption claims until all contingencies have been resolved.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Note 7 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) The cumulative balance of each component of other comprehensive income (loss) and the income tax effects allocated to each component are as follows: Pension and other post-retirement actuarial items Currency translation adjustment Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities Total Balance at January 1, 2016 $ (136,422 ) $ 4,597 498 $ (131,327 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications - 32,532 964 $ 33,496 Tax effect - - (337 ) $ (337 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax - 32,532 627 $ 33,159 Amounts reclassified out of AOCI 2,669 - - $ 2,669 Tax effect (801 ) - - $ (801 ) Amounts reclassified out of AOCI, net of tax 1,868 - - $ 1,868 Net other comprehensive income (loss) $ 1,868 $ 32,532 $ 627 $ 35,027 Balance at April 2, 2016 $ (134,554 ) $ 37,129 $ 1,125 $ (96,300 ) Reclassifications of pension and other post-retirement actuarial items out of AOCI are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. (See Note 8 for further information). 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 Postretireme

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016
Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]
Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits	Note 8 – Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits The Company maintains various retirement benefit plans. Defined Benefit Pension Plans The following table shows the components of the net periodic pension cost for the first fiscal quarters of 2016 and 2015 for the Company's defined benefit pension plans: Fiscal quarter ended April 2, 2016 Fiscal quarter ended April 4, 2015 U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans Net service cost $ - $ 774 $ - $ 829 Interest cost 3,000 1,353 2,943 1,432 Expected return on plan assets (2,825 ) (534 ) (3,385 ) (454 ) Amortization of prior service cost (credit) 36 12 16 - Amortization of losses 1,650 1,171 2,022 1,299 Curtailment and settlement losses - 195 - - Net periodic benefit cost $ 1,861 $ 2,971 $ 1,596 $ 3,106 In the second fiscal quarter of 2015, the Company began the process of terminating the Vishay Retirement Plan, the Company's U.S. qualified pension plan. Plan participants will not be adversely affected by the plan termination, but rather will have their benefits either converted into a lump sum cash payment or an annuity contract placed with an insurance carrier. The completion of this proposed termination and settlement is contingent upon the receipt of a favorable determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") and meeting certain IRS and Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation ("PBGC") requirements, which is not expected to be received prior to the fourth fiscal quarter of 2016. As of the last fiscal year-end measurement date (December 31, 2015), the Vishay Retirement Plan was fully-funded on a GAAP basis. In order to terminate the plan in accordance with IRS and PBGC requirements, the Company is required to fully fund the plan on a termination basis and will commit to contribute the additional assets necessary to do so. The amount necessary to do so is not yet known, but is currently estimated to be between zero and $35,000. The Company contributed $16,966 to the Company's Taiwanese pension plans to improve the funded status of those plans in 2016. Other Postretirement Benefits The following table shows the components of the net periodic benefit cost for the first fiscal quarters of 2016 and 2015 for the Company's other postretirement benefit plans: Fiscal quarter ended April 2, 2016 Fiscal quarter ended April 4, 2015 U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans Service cost $ 31 $ 67 $ 30 $ 69 Interest cost 85 36 83 37 Amortization of prior service (credit) (209 ) - (209 ) - Amortization of losses (gains) (8 ) 17 22 19 Net periodic benefit cost $ (101 ) $ 120 $ (74 ) $ 125

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Note 9 – Stock-Based Compensation The Company has various stockholder-approved programs which allow for the grant of stock-based compensation to officers, employees, and non-employee directors of the Company. The amount of compensation cost related to stock-based payment transactions is measured based on the grant-date fair value of the equity instruments issued. The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Company determines compensation cost for restricted stock units ("RSUs"), phantom stock units, and restricted stock based on the grant-date fair value of the underlying common stock adjusted for expected dividends paid over the required vesting period for non-participating awards. Compensation cost is recognized over the period that an officer, employee, or non-employee director provides service in exchange for the award. The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense recognized: Fiscal quarters ended April 2, 2016 April 4, 2015 Restricted stock units $ 1,084 $ 914 Phantom stock units 117 141 Stock options - - Total $ 1,201 $ 1,055 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 2, 2016 (amortization periods in years) Unrecognized Compensation Cost Weighted Average Remaining Amortization Periods Stock options $ - 0.0 Restricted stock units 7,472 1.8 Phantom stock units - 0.0 Total $ 7,472 The Company currently expects all performance-based RSUs to vest and all of the associated unrecognized compensation cost for performance-based RSUs presented in the table above to be 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 2, 2016 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: January 1, 2016 1,028 $ 13.24 Granted 353 11.35 Vested* (142 ) 12.21 Cancelled or forfeited (222 ) 13.19 Outstanding at April 2, 2016 1,017 $ 12.74 Expected to vest at April 2, 2016 1,017 * 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 January 1, 2017 192 - 192 January 1, 2018 202 - 202 January 1, 2019 213 - 213 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 2, 2016 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: January 1, 2016 132 Granted 10 $ 11.71 Dividend equivalents issued 1 Outstanding at April 2, 2016 143 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, 2015. No additional options may be granted pursuant to these programs. At December 31, 2015 and April 2, 2016, there were 105,000 options outstanding with a weighted average exercise price of $15.38. At April 2, 2016, the weighted average remaining contractual life of all outstanding options was 1.08 years. At April 2, 2016, 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 2016 of $12.08 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 2, 2016 was zero because all outstanding options have exercise prices in excess of market value. This amount changes based on changes in the market value of the Company's common stock. During the three fiscal months ended April 2, 2016, no options were exercised.

Segment Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016
Segment Information [Abstract]
Segment Information	Note 10 – Segment Information Vishay operates, and its chief operating decision maker makes strategic and operating decisions with regards to assessing performance and allocating resources based on, five reporting segments: MOSFETs, Diodes, Optoelectronic Components, Resistors & Inductors, and Capacitors. The Company evaluates business segment performance on operating income, exclusive of certain items ("segment operating income"). Only dedicated, direct selling, general, and administrative expenses of the segments are included in the calculation of segment operating income. The Company's calculation of segment operating income excludes such selling, general, and administrative costs as global operations, sales and marketing, information systems, finance and administration groups, as well as restructuring and severance costs, goodwill and long-lived asset impairment charges, 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 2, 2016: Product Sales $ 100,933 $ 135,384 $ 62,775 $ 183,416 $ 88,020 $ 570,528 Royalty Revenues - - - 78 - $ 78 Total Revenue $ 100,933 $ 135,384 $ 62,775 $ 183,494 $ 88,020 $ 570,606 Gross Profit $ 12,587 $ 32,662 $ 19,181 $ 55,784 $ 17,095 $ 137,309 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 Profit $ 13,758 $ 29,890 $ 22,183 $ 58,849 $ 20,358 $ 145,038 Fiscal quarters ended April 2, 2016 April 4, 2015 Operating income reconciliation: MOSFETs $ 2,618 $ 4,527 Diodes 26,643 23,485 Optoelectronic Components 13,654 17,087 Resistors & Inductors 46,883 49,525 Capacitors 11,303 14,564 Restructuring and Severance Costs (6,475 ) (1,410 ) Unallocated Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses (54,078 ) (60,220 ) Consolidated Operating Income 40,548 $ 47,558

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Note 11 – Earnings Per Share The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders (shares in thousands) Fiscal quarters ended April 2, 2016 April 4, 2015 Numerator: Numerator for basic earnings per share: Net earnings attributable to Vishay stockholders $ 28,014 $ 30,699 Interest savings assuming conversion of dilutive convertible and exchangeable notes, net of tax 38 16 Numerator for diluted earnings per share: Net earnings attributable to Vishay stockholders - diluted $ 28,052 $ 30,715 Denominator: Denominator for basic earnings per share: Weighted average shares 147,691 147,569 Outstanding phantom stock units 142 129 Adjusted weighted average shares - basic 147,833 147,698 Effect of dilutive securities: Convertible and exchangeable debt instruments 2,626 4,778 Restricted stock units 169 184 Other - 6 Dilutive potential common shares 2,795 4,968 Denominator for diluted earnings per share: Adjusted weighted average shares - diluted 150,628 152,666 Basic earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders $ 0.19 $ 0.21 Diluted earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders $ 0.19 $ 0.20 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 April 2, 2016 April 4, 2015 Convertible and exchangeable notes: Convertible Senior Debentures, due 2040 20,574 - Convertible Senior Debentures, due 2041 8,189 8,024 Weighted average employee stock options 105 77 Weighted average other 610 620 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 assumes 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 $13.31, 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 $18.25, 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 $11.32, 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. 02, 2016
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Note 12 – Fair Value Measurements The fair value measurement accounting guidance establishes a valuation hierarchy of the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The following is a brief description of those three levels: Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active. Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect the Company's own assumptions. An asset or liability's classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. There have been no changes in the classification of any financial instruments within the fair value hierarchy in the periods presented. The following table provides the financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis: Total Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 April 2, 2016: Assets: Assets held in rabbi trusts $ 40,368 $ 26,433 $ 13,935 $ - Available for sale securities $ 4,171 4,171 - - $ 44,539 $ 30,604 $ 13,935 $ - Liabilities: Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2040 $ (582 ) $ - $ - $ (582 ) Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2041 $ (476 ) - - (476 ) Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2042 $ (285 ) - - (285 ) $ (1,343 ) $ - $ - $ (1,343 ) December 31, 2015: Assets: Assets held in rabbi trusts $ 39,849 $ 25,906 13,943 $ - Available for sale securities $ 3,604 3,604 - - $ 43,453 $ 29,510 $ 13,943 $ - Liabilities: Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2040 $ (576 ) $ - $ - $ (576 ) Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2041 $ (438 ) - - (438 ) Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2042 $ (302 ) - - (302 ) $ (1,316 ) $ - $ - $ (1,316 ) 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. The Company enters into forward contracts with a highly-rated financial institution to mitigate the foreign currency risk associated with intercompany loans denominated in a currency other than the legal entity's functional currency. The notional amount of the forward contracts was $64,000 and $29,000 as of April 2, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. The forward contracts settle monthly and are expected to be renewed at the Company's discretion on a monthly basis until the intercompany loans are repaid. We have not designated the forward contracts as hedges for accounting purposes, and as such the change in the fair value of the contracts 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 contracts based on applicable and commonly used pricing models using current market information and is considered a Level 2 measurement within the fair value hierachy. The value of the forward contracts was immaterial as of April 2, 2016. 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 and deferred financing costs, at April 2, 2016 and December 31, 2015 is approximately $733,900 and $756,900, respectively, compared to its carrying value, excluding the derivative liabilities and deferred financing costs, of $410,995, and $448,080, 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 2, 2016 and December 31, 2015, 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 Company's 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 2, 2016 and December 31, 2015, 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. 02, 2016
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 2016 end on April 2, 2016, July 2, 2016, October 1, 2016, and December 31, 2016, respectively. The four fiscal quarters in 2015 ended on April 4, 2015, July 4, 2015, October 3, 2015, and December 31, 2015, 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) In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting Reclassifications

Income Taxes (Policies)

Income Taxes (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016
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 2, 2016 and April 4, 2015 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.

Stock-Based Compensation (Polic

Stock-Based Compensation (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016
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. 02, 2016
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, goodwill and long-lived asset impairment charges, 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. 02, 2016
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 assumes 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 $13.31, 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 $18.25, 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 $11.32, 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. 02, 2016
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 Act26

Restructuring and Related Activities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016
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 condensed statements of operations: Fiscal quarters ended April 2, 2016 April 4, 2015 MOSFETs Enhanced Competitiveness Program $ 3,915 $ 1,353 Voluntary Separation / Retirement Program - 57 Modules Production Transfer Program - - Global Cost Reduction Programs 2,560 - Total $ 6,475 $ 1,410
Global Cost Reduction Program [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expenses by segment [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the expense recognized in 2016 by segment related to this program: Diodes $ 448 Optoelectronic Components 178 Resistors & Inductors 1,018 Capacitors 334 Unallocated Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses 582 Total $ 2,560
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 2015 $ 13,753 Cash paid (986 ) Foreign currency translation (150 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 12,617 Expense recorded in 2016 2,560 Cash paid (4,072 ) Foreign currency translation 299 Balance at April 2, 2016 $ 11,404
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 5,367 Cash paid (426 ) Foreign currency translation 1 Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 12,172 Expense recorded in 2016 3,915 Cash paid (5,840 ) Foreign currency translation 6 Balance at April 2, 2016 $ 10,253
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 95 Cash paid (3,166 ) Foreign currency translation (258 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 1,345 Cash paid (256 ) Foreign currency translation 34 Balance at April 2, 2016 $ 1,123
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 (718 ) Foreign currency translation (120 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 657 Cash paid (5 ) Foreign currency translation 30 Balance at April 2, 2016 $ 682

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Schedule of long-term debt instruments	Long-term debt consists of the following: April 2, 2016 December 31, 2015 Credit facility $ 178,000 $ 190,000 Exchangeable unsecured notes, due 2102 12,436 38,642 Convertible senior debentures, due 2040 106,573 106,011 Convertible senior debentures, due 2041 54,746 54,424 Convertible senior debentures, due 2042 60,583 60,320 Deferred financing costs (12,214 ) (12,659 ) 400,124 436,738 Less current portion - - $ 400,124 $ 436,738
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 29, 2016 dividend payment: Due 2040 Due 2041 Due 2042 Issuance date November 9, 2010 May 13, 2011 May 31, 2012 Maturity date November 15, 2040 May 15, 2041 June 1, 2042 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) 8.00 % 8.375 % 7.50 % Conversion rate effective March 9, 2016 (per $1 principal amount) 75.1038 54.8068 88.3041 Effective conversion price effective March 9, 2016 (per share) $ 13.31 $ 18.25 $ 11.32 130% of the conversion price (per share) $ 17.30 $ 23.73 $ 14.72 Call date November 20, 2020 May 20, 2021 June 7, 2022
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 the debentures Unamortized discount Embedded derivative Carrying value of liability component Equity component - net carrying value April 2, 2016 Due 2040 $ 275,000 (169,009 ) 582 $ 106,573 $ 110,094 Due 2041 $ 150,000 (95,730 ) 476 $ 54,746 $ 62,246 Due 2042 $ 150,000 (89,702 ) 285 $ 60,583 $ 57,874 Total $ 575,000 $ (354,441 ) $ 1,343 $ 221,902 $ 230,214 December 31, 2015 Due 2040 $ 275,000 (169,565 ) 576 $ 106,011 $ 110,094 Due 2041 $ 150,000 (96,014 ) 438 $ 54,424 $ 62,246 Due 2042 $ 150,000 (89,982 ) 302 $ 60,320 $ 57,874 Total $ 575,000 $ (355,561 ) $ 1,316 $ 220,755 $ 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 coupon interest 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 April 2, 2016 Due 2040 $ 1,547 556 22 6 $ 2,131 Due 2041 $ 844 284 11 38 $ 1,177 Due 2042 $ 844 280 13 (17 ) $ 1,120 Total $ 3,235 $ 1,120 $ 46 $ 27 $ 4,428 April 4, 2015 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

Accumulated Other Comprehensi28

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016
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, 2016 $ (136,422 ) $ 4,597 498 $ (131,327 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications - 32,532 964 $ 33,496 Tax effect - - (337 ) $ (337 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax - 32,532 627 $ 33,159 Amounts reclassified out of AOCI 2,669 - - $ 2,669 Tax effect (801 ) - - $ (801 ) Amounts reclassified out of AOCI, net of tax 1,868 - - $ 1,868 Net other comprehensive income (loss) $ 1,868 $ 32,532 $ 627 $ 35,027 Balance at April 2, 2016 $ (134,554 ) $ 37,129 $ 1,125 $ (96,300 )

Pensions and Other Postretire29

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016
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 2016 and 2015 for the Company's defined benefit pension plans: Fiscal quarter ended April 2, 2016 Fiscal quarter ended April 4, 2015 U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans Net service cost $ - $ 774 $ - $ 829 Interest cost 3,000 1,353 2,943 1,432 Expected return on plan assets (2,825 ) (534 ) (3,385 ) (454 ) Amortization of prior service cost (credit) 36 12 16 - Amortization of losses 1,650 1,171 2,022 1,299 Curtailment and settlement losses - 195 - - Net periodic benefit cost $ 1,861 $ 2,971 $ 1,596 $ 3,106
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 2016 and 2015 for the Company's other postretirement benefit plans: Fiscal quarter ended April 2, 2016 Fiscal quarter ended April 4, 2015 U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans Service cost $ 31 $ 67 $ 30 $ 69 Interest cost 85 36 83 37 Amortization of prior service (credit) (209 ) - (209 ) - Amortization of losses (gains) (8 ) 17 22 19 Net periodic benefit cost $ (101 ) $ 120 $ (74 ) $ 125

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Summary of recognized stock-based compensation expense	The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense recognized: Fiscal quarters ended April 2, 2016 April 4, 2015 Restricted stock units $ 1,084 $ 914 Phantom stock units 117 141 Stock options - - Total $ 1,201 $ 1,055
Schedule of unrecognized compensation cost, nonvested awards	The following table summarizes unrecognized compensation cost and the weighted average remaining amortization periods at April 2, 2016 (amortization periods in years) Unrecognized Compensation Cost Weighted Average Remaining Amortization Periods Stock options $ - 0.0 Restricted stock units 7,472 1.8 Phantom stock units - 0.0 Total $ 7,472
Schedule of share-based compensation, restricted stock units award activity	RSU activity under the 2007 Program as of April 2, 2016 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: January 1, 2016 1,028 $ 13.24 Granted 353 11.35 Vested* (142 ) 12.21 Cancelled or forfeited (222 ) 13.19 Outstanding at April 2, 2016 1,017 $ 12.74 Expected to vest at April 2, 2016 1,017 * 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 January 1, 2017 192 - 192 January 1, 2018 202 - 202 January 1, 2019 213 - 213
Schedule of share-based compensation, phantom stock units, Activity	Phantom stock unit activity under the phantom stock plan as of April 2, 2016 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: January 1, 2016 132 Granted 10 $ 11.71 Dividend equivalents issued 1 Outstanding at April 2, 2016 143

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016
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 2, 2016: Product Sales $ 100,933 $ 135,384 $ 62,775 $ 183,416 $ 88,020 $ 570,528 Royalty Revenues - - - 78 - $ 78 Total Revenue $ 100,933 $ 135,384 $ 62,775 $ 183,494 $ 88,020 $ 570,606 Gross Profit $ 12,587 $ 32,662 $ 19,181 $ 55,784 $ 17,095 $ 137,309 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 Profit $ 13,758 $ 29,890 $ 22,183 $ 58,849 $ 20,358 $ 145,038
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated	Fiscal quarters ended April 2, 2016 April 4, 2015 Operating income reconciliation: MOSFETs $ 2,618 $ 4,527 Diodes 26,643 23,485 Optoelectronic Components 13,654 17,087 Resistors & Inductors 46,883 49,525 Capacitors 11,303 14,564 Restructuring and Severance Costs (6,475 ) (1,410 ) Unallocated Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses (54,078 ) (60,220 ) Consolidated Operating Income 40,548 $ 47,558

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016
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 April 2, 2016 April 4, 2015 Numerator: Numerator for basic earnings per share: Net earnings attributable to Vishay stockholders $ 28,014 $ 30,699 Interest savings assuming conversion of dilutive convertible and exchangeable notes, net of tax 38 16 Numerator for diluted earnings per share: Net earnings attributable to Vishay stockholders - diluted $ 28,052 $ 30,715 Denominator: Denominator for basic earnings per share: Weighted average shares 147,691 147,569 Outstanding phantom stock units 142 129 Adjusted weighted average shares - basic 147,833 147,698 Effect of dilutive securities: Convertible and exchangeable debt instruments 2,626 4,778 Restricted stock units 169 184 Other - 6 Dilutive potential common shares 2,795 4,968 Denominator for diluted earnings per share: Adjusted weighted average shares - diluted 150,628 152,666 Basic earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders $ 0.19 $ 0.21 Diluted earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders $ 0.19 $ 0.20
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 April 2, 2016 April 4, 2015 Convertible and exchangeable notes: Convertible Senior Debentures, due 2040 20,574 - Convertible Senior Debentures, due 2041 8,189 8,024 Weighted average employee stock options 105 77 Weighted average other 610 620

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016
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 Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 April 2, 2016: Assets: Assets held in rabbi trusts $ 40,368 $ 26,433 $ 13,935 $ - Available for sale securities $ 4,171 4,171 - - $ 44,539 $ 30,604 $ 13,935 $ - Liabilities: Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2040 $ (582 ) $ - $ - $ (582 ) Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2041 $ (476 ) - - (476 ) Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2042 $ (285 ) - - (285 ) $ (1,343 ) $ - $ - $ (1,343 ) December 31, 2015: Assets: Assets held in rabbi trusts $ 39,849 $ 25,906 13,943 $ - Available for sale securities $ 3,604 3,604 - - $ 43,453 $ 29,510 $ 13,943 $ - Liabilities: Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2040 $ (576 ) $ - $ - $ (576 ) Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2041 $ (438 ) - - (438 ) Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2042 $ (302 ) - - (302 ) $ (1,316 ) $ - $ - $ (1,316 )

Acquisition and Divestiture A34

Acquisition and Divestiture Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Acquisition, Equity Interests Issued or Issuable [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 142,183	$ 138,244
Sonntag [Member]
Business Acquisition, Equity Interests Issued or Issuable [Line Items]
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired	$ 5,450
Business Acquisition, Name of Acquired Entity	Sonntag Electronic GmbH
Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition	Jan. 1, 2016
Goodwill related to acquisitions	$ 3,485
Gross purchase price of acquired business		$ 6,750

Restructuring and Related Act35

Restructuring and Related Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016	Apr. 04, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and severance costs	$ 6,475	$ 1,410
2013 Restructuring Programs [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Expected Restructuring Costs	34,000
Global Cost Reduction Program [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve, Current	8,864
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and severance costs	2,560	0	$ 13,753
Cash paid	(4,072)		(986)
Foreign currency translation	299		(150)
Balance at end of period	11,404		12,617
Balance at beginning of period	$ 12,617
Term of restructuring program	27 months
Expected Restructuring Costs	$ 30,000
Global Cost Reduction Program [Member] | Diodes Segment [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and severance costs	448
Global Cost Reduction Program [Member] | Optoelectronic Components Segment [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and severance costs	178
Global Cost Reduction Program [Member] | Resistors And Inductors Segment [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and severance costs	1,018
Global Cost Reduction Program [Member] | Capacitors Segment [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and severance costs	334
Global Cost Reduction Program [Member] | Unallocated Amount to Segment [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and severance costs	582
MOSFETs Enhanced Competitiveness Program [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve, Current	10,253
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and severance costs	3,915	1,353	5,367	$ 6,025	$ 2,328
Cash paid	(5,840)		(426)	(856)	(267)
Foreign currency translation	6		1
Balance at end of period	10,253		12,172	7,230	2,061
Balance at beginning of period	$ 12,172	7,230	7,230	2,061
Term of restructuring program	2 years
Expected Restructuring Costs	$ 18,000
Other Exit Costs	3,925
Voluntary Separation/Retirement Program [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve, Current	1,123
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and severance costs	0	57	95	12,792	486
Cash paid	(256)		(3,166)	(8,054)	(98)
Foreign currency translation	34		(258)	(455)	3
Balance at end of period	1,123		1,345	4,674	$ 391
Balance at beginning of period	1,345	4,674	4,674	391
Modules Product Transfer [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve, Current	682
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and severance costs	0	0		2,080
Cash paid	(5)		(718)	(464)
Foreign currency translation	30		(120)	(121)
Balance at end of period	682		657	$ 1,495
Balance at beginning of period	$ 657	$ 1,495	$ 1,495

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016USD ($)
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Increase in liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits	$ 1,150
Remeasurement of repatriation deferred tax liability [Member]
Effect on Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]
Deferred Other Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ 769

Long-Term Debt (Details)

Long-Term Debt (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016USD ($)shares$ / shares	Apr. 04, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility	$ 178,000		$ 190,000
Exchangeable unsecured notes, due 2102	12,436		38,642
Deferred Financing Costs	(12,214)		(12,659)
Long-term debt	400,124		436,738
Less current portion	0		0
Long-term debt, less current portion	400,124		436,738
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%
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital leases	$ (22,595)	$ 0
Liability and equity components of convertible debentures [Abstract]
Principal amount of the debentures	575,000		575,000
Unamortized discount	(354,441)		(355,561)
Embedded derivative	1,343		1,316
Carrying value of liability component	221,902		220,755
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	1,120	1,036
Non-cash amortization of deferred financing costs	46	47
Non-cash change in value of derivative liability	27	(53)
Total interest expense related to the debentures	4,428	4,265
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2040 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible Debt, Noncurrent	$ 106,573		106,011
Debt Instruments [Abstract]
Issuance date	Nov. 9, 2010
Debt maturity date	Nov. 15, 2040
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 conversion rate	75.1038
Debt effective conversion price | $ / shares	$ 13.31
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Stock Price Trigger | $ / shares	$ 17.30
Convertible senior debentures call date	Nov. 20, 2020
Liability and equity components of convertible debentures [Abstract]
Principal amount of the debentures	$ 275,000		275,000
Unamortized discount	(169,009)		(169,565)
Embedded derivative	582		576
Carrying value of liability component	106,573		106,011
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	556	515
Non-cash amortization of deferred financing costs	22	22
Non-cash change in value of derivative liability	6	(59)
Total interest expense related to the debentures	2,131	2,025
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2041 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible Debt, Noncurrent	$ 54,746		54,424
Debt Instruments [Abstract]
Issuance date	May 13, 2011
Debt maturity date	May 15, 2041
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)	8.375%
Debt conversion rate	54.8068
Debt effective conversion price | $ / shares	$ 18.25
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Stock Price Trigger | $ / shares	$ 23.73
Convertible senior debentures call date	May 20, 2021
Liability and equity components of convertible debentures [Abstract]
Principal amount of the debentures	$ 150,000		150,000
Unamortized discount	(95,730)		(96,014)
Embedded derivative	476		438
Carrying value of liability component	54,746		54,424
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	284	261
Non-cash amortization of deferred financing costs	11	12
Non-cash change in value of derivative liability	38	13
Total interest expense related to the debentures	1,177	1,130
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2042 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible Debt, Noncurrent	$ 60,583		60,320
Debt Instruments [Abstract]
Issuance date	May 31, 2012
Debt maturity date	Jun. 1, 2042
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 conversion rate	88.3041
Debt effective conversion price | $ / shares	$ 11.32
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Stock Price Trigger | $ / shares	$ 14.72
Convertible senior debentures call date	Jun. 7, 2022
Liability and equity components of convertible debentures [Abstract]
Principal amount of the debentures	$ 150,000		150,000
Unamortized discount	(89,702)		(89,982)
Embedded derivative	285		302
Carrying value of liability component	60,583		60,320
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	280	260
Non-cash amortization of deferred financing costs	13	13
Non-cash change in value of derivative liability	(17)	(7)
Total interest expense related to the debentures	$ 1,120	$ 1,110
Exchangeable Unsecured Notes, Due 2102 [Member]
Debt Instruments [Abstract]
Issuance date	Dec. 13, 2002
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Stock Price Trigger | $ / shares	$ 15.39
Principal amount of repurchased debt	$ 26,206
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital leases	$ 22,595
Repurchase Date	Mar. 31, 2016
Number of shares of common stock the Notes are exchangeable into (in shares) | shares	808,000
Repurchased notes shares exchangeable | shares	1,702,813

Other Income (Expense) (Details

Other Income (Expense) (Details) $ in Thousands	Apr. 02, 2016USD ($)
Other Income (Expense) [Abstract]
Insurance receivable	$ 4,795
Estimate of Loss	$ 10,145

Accumulated Other Comprehensi39

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016	Apr. 04, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ (131,327)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	33,496
Tax effect	(337)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax	33,159
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI	2,669
Tax effect of reclassification	(801)
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI, net of tax	1,868
Other comprehensive income (loss)	35,027	$ (74,359)
Ending Balance	(96,300)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available-for-Sale Securities [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	498
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	964
Tax effect	(337)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax	627
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI	0
Tax effect of reclassification	0
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI, net of tax	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	627
Ending Balance	1,125
Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	4,597
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	32,532
Tax effect	0
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax	32,532
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI	0
Tax effect of reclassification	0
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI, net of tax	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	32,532
Ending Balance	37,129
Pension and Other Post-Retirement Actuarial Items [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(136,422)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	0
Tax effect	0
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax	0
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI	2,669
Tax effect of reclassification	(801)
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI, net of tax	1,868
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,868
Ending Balance	$ (134,554)

Pensions and Other Postretire40

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016	Apr. 04, 2015
Non-U.S. Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net service cost	$ 774	$ 829
Interest cost	1,353	1,432
Expected return on plan assets	(534)	(454)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	12	0
Amortization of losses (gains)	1,171	1,299
Curtailments and settlements	195	0
Net periodic benefit cost	2,971	3,106
U.S. Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net service cost	0	0
Interest cost	3,000	2,943
Expected return on plan assets	(2,825)	(3,385)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	36	16
Amortization of losses (gains)	1,650	2,022
Curtailments and settlements	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost	1,861	1,596
U.S. Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net service cost	31	30
Interest cost	85	83
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(209)	(209)
Amortization of losses (gains)	(8)	22
Net periodic benefit cost	(101)	(74)
Non-U.S. Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net service cost	67	69
Interest cost	36	37
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	0	0
Amortization of losses (gains)	17	19
Net periodic benefit cost	120	$ 125
Maximum [Member] | U.S. Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated company contributions in next fiscal year	35,000
Republic of China (Taiwan) [Member] | Non-U.S. Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Company pension contributions	$ 16,966

Stock-Based Compensation (Detai

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Apr. 02, 2016	Apr. 04, 2015	Apr. 02, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense recognized		$ 1,201	$ 1,055
Unrecognized Compensation Cost				$ 7,472
Unrecognized compensation cost not expected to be recognized				$ 0
Expiration date of the 2007 stock incentive plan		May 20, 2024
Maximum number of shares granted under restricted stock, unrestricted stock, RSU's and stock options to officers, employees and employee directors (in shares)				6,500,000
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		1 year 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		$ 15.38
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, non-vested, outstanding (in shares)				0
Stock price (in dollars per share)				$ 12.08
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		$ 1,084	914
Unrecognized Compensation Cost				$ 7,472
Weighted Average Remaining Amortization Periods		1 year 9 months 18 days
Equity Awards Other Than Options Outstanding:
Balance (in shares)		1,028,000
Balance (in dollars per share)		$ 13.24
Granted (in shares)		353,000
Granted (in dollars per share)		$ 11.35
Vested (in shares)	[1]	(142,000)
Vested (in dollars per share)	[1]	$ 12.21
Cancelled or forfeited (in shares)		(222,000)
Cancelled or forfeited (in dollars per share)		$ 13.19
Balance (in shares)		1,017,000
Balance (in dollars per share)		$ 12.74
Expected to vest (in shares)				1,017,000
Phantom Share Units (PSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense recognized		$ 117	$ 141
Unrecognized Compensation Cost				$ 0
Weighted Average Remaining Amortization Periods		0 years
Equity Awards Other Than Options Outstanding:
Balance (in shares)		132,000
Granted (in shares)		10,000
Granted (in dollars per share)		$ 11.71
Dividend equivalents issued		1,000
Balance (in shares)		143,000
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 (in shares)				192,000
Not expected to vest (in shares)				0
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 (in shares)				202,000
Not expected to vest (in shares)				0
Scheduled to Vest January 1, 2019 [Member] | Performance Vested Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Equity Awards Other Than Options Outstanding:
Balance (in shares)		213,000
Expected to vest (in shares)				213,000
Not expected to vest (in shares)				0
[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) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016USD ($)Segment	Apr. 04, 2015USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments | Segment	5
Product Sales	$ 570,528	$ 592,323
Royalty Revenues	78	1,113
Total Revenue	570,606	593,436
Gross Margin	137,309	145,038
Segment Operating Income	40,548	47,558
Restructuring and severance Costs	(6,475)	(1,410)
MOSFETS Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Product Sales	100,933	106,759
Royalty Revenues	0	11
Total Revenue	100,933	106,770
Gross Margin	12,587	13,758
Diodes Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Product Sales	135,384	136,511
Royalty Revenues	0	0
Total Revenue	135,384	136,511
Gross Margin	32,662	29,890
Optoelectronic Components Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Product Sales	62,775	68,625
Royalty Revenues	0	0
Total Revenue	62,775	68,625
Gross Margin	19,181	22,183
Resistors And Inductors Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Product Sales	183,416	186,392
Royalty Revenues	78	1,102
Total Revenue	183,494	187,494
Gross Margin	55,784	58,849
Capacitors Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Product Sales	88,020	94,036
Royalty Revenues	0	0
Total Revenue	88,020	94,036
Gross Margin	17,095	20,358
Unallocated Amount to Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Operating Income	(54,078)	(60,220)
Operating Segments [Member] | MOSFETS Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Operating Income	2,618	4,527
Operating Segments [Member] | Diodes Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Operating Income	26,643	23,485
Operating Segments [Member] | Optoelectronic Components Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Operating Income	13,654	17,087
Operating Segments [Member] | Resistors And Inductors Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Operating Income	46,883	49,525
Operating Segments [Member] | Capacitors Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Operating Income	11,303	14,564
Unallocated Amount to Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring and severance Costs	$ (6,475)	$ (1,410)

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016	Apr. 04, 2015
Numerator for basic earnings per share:
Net earnings attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ 28,014	$ 30,699
Adjustment to the numerator for continuing operations and net earnings:
Interest savings assuming conversion of dilutive convertible and exchangeable notes, net of tax	38	16
Numerator for diluted earnings per share:
Net earnings attributable to Vishay stockholders - diluted	$ 28,052	$ 30,715
Denominator for basic earnings per share:
Weighted average shares	147,691	147,569
Outstanding phantom stock units	142	129
Adjusted weighted average shares (basic)	147,833	147,698
Effect of dilutive securities:
Convertible and exchangeable debt instruments	2,626	4,778
Restricted stock units	169	184
Other	0	6
Dilutive potential common shares	2,795	4,968
Denominator for diluted earnings per share:
Adjusted weighted average shares (diluted)	150,628	152,666
Basic earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.19	$ 0.21
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.19	$ 0.20
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2040 [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount (in shares)	20,574	0
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)	$ 13.31
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)	8,189	8,024
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)	$ 18.25
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)	$ 11.32
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)	105	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)	610	620

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
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
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	(1,343)	$ (1,316)
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	733,900	756,900
Carrying value of long-term debt, excluding derivative liabilities	410,995	448,080
Derivative, Notional Amount	64,000	29,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Assets held in rabbi trusts	40,368	39,849
Available for sale securities	4,171	3,604
Fair Value Assets	44,539	43,453
Liabilities:
Fair Value Liabilities	(1,343)	(1,316)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Assets held in rabbi trusts	26,433	25,906
Available for sale securities	4,171	3,604
Fair Value Assets	30,604	29,510
Liabilities:
Fair Value Liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Assets held in rabbi trusts	13,935	13,943
Available for sale securities	0	0
Fair Value Assets	13,935	13,943
Liabilities:
Fair Value Liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Assets held in rabbi trusts	0	0
Available for sale securities	0	0
Fair Value Assets	0	0
Liabilities:
Fair Value Liabilities	(1,343)	(1,316)
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2040 [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	(582)	(576)
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2040 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	(582)	(576)
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2040 [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	0	0
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2040 [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	0	0
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2040 [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	(582)	(576)
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2041 [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	(476)	(438)
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2041 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	(476)	(438)
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2041 [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	0	0
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2041 [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	0	0
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2041 [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	(476)	(438)
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2042 [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	(285)	(302)
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2042 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	(285)	(302)
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2042 [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	0	0
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2042 [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	0	0
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2042 [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	$ (285)	$ (302)