Vishay Intertechnology (VSH) 10-K 17 Feb 17 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

[1]

Oct. 01, 2016

[1]

Jul. 02, 2016

Apr. 02, 2016

[1]

Dec. 31, 2015

[1]

Oct. 03, 2015

[1]

Jul. 04, 2015

[1]

Apr. 04, 2015

[1]

Dec. 31, 2016

Feb. 15, 2017

Entity Information [Line Items]

Document Fiscal Year Focus

2,016

Document Fiscal Period Focus

FY

Document Type

10-K

Amendment Flag

false

Document Period End Date

Dec. 31, 2016

Oct. 1, 2016

Jul. 2, 2016

[1]

Apr. 2, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Oct. 3, 2015

Jul. 4, 2015

Apr. 4, 2015

Dec. 31, 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

$ 1,674,000,000

Common Stock [Member]

Entity Information [Line Items]

Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding

133,946,330

Class B Convertible Common Stock [Member]

Entity Information [Line Items]

Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding

12,129,227

[1]

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.

Consolidated Condensed Balance

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 471,781	$ 475,507
Short-term investments	626,627	619,040
Accounts receivable, net	274,027	272,559
Inventories:
Finished goods	109,075	108,869
Work in process	162,311	201,045
Raw materials	109,859	110,657
Total inventories	381,245	420,571
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	110,792	99,815
Total current assets	1,864,472	1,887,492
Property and equipment, at cost:
Land	89,753	89,593
Buildings and improvements	570,932	562,171
Machinery and equipment	2,283,222	2,380,299
Construction in progress	71,777	79,910
Allowance for depreciation	(2,166,813)	(2,246,677)
Property and equipment, net	848,871	865,296
Goodwill	141,407	138,244
Other intangible assets, net	84,463	103,258
Other assets	138,588	158,696
Total assets	3,077,801	3,152,986
Current liabilities:
Notes payable to banks	3	4
Trade accounts payable	174,107	157,210
Payroll and related expenses	114,576	113,976
Other accrued expenses	149,131	164,336
Income taxes	19,033	22,198
Total current liabilities	456,850	457,724
Long-term debt less current portion	357,023	436,738
Deferred income taxes	286,797	305,413
Other liabilities	59,725	60,450
Accrued pension and other postretirement costs	257,789	264,618
Total liabilities	1,418,184	1,524,943
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable convertible debentures	88,659	0
Vishay stockholders' equity
Preferred stock
Common stock	13,385	13,546
Class B convertible common stock	1,213	1,213
Capital in excess of par value	1,952,988	2,058,492
(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings	(307,417)	(319,448)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(94,652)	(131,327)
Total Vishay stockholders' equity	1,565,517	1,622,476
Noncontrolling interests	5,441	5,567
Total equity	1,570,958	1,628,043
Total liabilities and equity	$ 3,077,801	$ 3,152,986

Consolidated Condensed Balance3

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Accounts receivable, allowances for doubtful accounts	$ 1,772	$ 1,828
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common Stock [Member]
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.10	$ 0.10
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	300,000,000	300,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	133,846,801	135,460,811
Common Class B [Member]
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.10	$ 0.10
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	40,000,000	40,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	12,129,227	12,129,227

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]
Net revenues	$ 2,323,431	$ 2,300,488	$ 2,493,282
Costs of products sold	1,753,648	1,758,268	1,881,990
Gross profit	569,783	542,220	611,292
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	367,987	362,226	385,696
Restructuring and severance costs	19,199	19,215	20,897
Impairment of Intangible Assets	1,559	57,600	0
Impairment of Goodwill	0	5,380	0
U.S. pension settlement charges	79,321	0	15,588
Operating Income	101,717	97,799	189,111
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(25,623)	(25,685)	(24,457)
Other	4,716	7,976	2,489
Gain on early extinguishment of debt	4,597	0	0
Gain (loss) related to Tianjin explosion	8,809	(5,350)	0
Other income (expense), total	(7,501)	(23,059)	(21,968)
Income before taxes	94,216	74,740	167,143
Income tax expense	44,843	182,473	49,300
Net earnings (loss)	49,373	(107,733)	117,843
Less: net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	581	781	214
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ 48,792	$ (108,514)	$ 117,629
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Vishay stockholders:	$ 0.33	$ (0.73)	$ 0.80
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Vishay stockholders:	$ 0.32	$ (0.73)	$ 0.77
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	147,152	147,700	147,567
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	150,697	147,700	153,716
Cash dividends per share	$ 0.25	$ 0.24	$ 0.24

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings (loss)	$ 49,373	$ (107,733)	$ 117,843
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Pension and other post-retirement actuarial items	71,926	19,338	(25,842)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(35,863)	(80,106)	(106,295)
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	612	(1,419)	1,363
Other comprehensive income (loss)	36,675	(62,187)	(130,774)
Comprehensive income (loss)	86,048	(169,920)	(12,931)
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	581	781	214
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ 85,467	$ (170,701)	$ (13,145)

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating activities
Net earnings (loss)	$ 49,373	$ (107,733)	$ 117,843
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	159,363	176,169	179,455
(Gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment	(4,054)	(86)	(195)
Accretion of interest on convertible debentures	4,610	4,264	3,943
Inventory write-offs for obsolescence	22,619	21,384	21,394
Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets	1,559	62,980	0
U.S. pension settlement charges	79,321	0	15,588
Pensions and other postretirement benefits, net of contributions	(3,282)	(3,543)	(16,145)
Gain on early extinguishment of debt	(4,597)	0	0
Deferred income taxes	(2,519)	118,447	15,663
Other	(2,220)	698	(2,269)
Net change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of businesses acquired	(4,206)	(27,249)	(38,240)
Net cash provided by operating activities	295,967	245,331	297,037
Investing activities
Capital expenditures	(134,635)	(147,142)	(156,974)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	5,701	2,049	2,889
Purchase and deposits for businesses, net of cash acquired	0	(6,750)	(197,986)
Purchase of short-term investments	(555,250)	(486,949)	(495,762)
Maturity of short-term investments	532,601	345,397	485,306
Sale of investments	0	503	13,658
Sale of other investments	0	400	0
Other investing activities	2,942	(4,884)	617
Net cash used in investing activities	(148,641)	(297,376)	(348,252)
Financing activities
Debt issuance costs	0	(3,693)	0
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital leases	(34,044)	0	(11)
Net (payments) proceeds on revolving credit lines	(47,000)	(10,000)	86,000
Common stock repurchases	(23,159)	0	0
Net changes in short-term borrowings	(723)	(14)	16
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(707)	(725)	(547)
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests	0	0	(21,067)
Proceeds from stock options exercised	356	0	50
Excess tax benefit from RSUs vested	0	21	0
Other financing activities	0	0	(1,324)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(142,002)	(49,828)	27,729
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(9,050)	(14,792)	(24,690)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents from continuing activities	(3,726)	(116,665)	(48,176)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	475,507	592,172	640,348
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	471,781	475,507	592,172
Common Stock [Member]
Financing activities
Dividends and Interest Paid	(33,693)	(32,506)	(32,477)
Class B Convertible Common Stock [Member]
Financing activities
Dividends and Interest Paid	$ (3,032)	$ (2,911)	$ (2,911)

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Class B Convertible Common Stock [Member]	Capital In Excess of Par Value [Member]	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Total Vishay Stockholders' Equity [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	Total
Balance at January 1, 2014 at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 13,520	$ 1,213	$ 2,054,087	$ (257,698)	$ 61,634	$ 1,872,756	$ 5,440	$ 1,878,196
Net earnings (loss)	0	0	0	117,629	0	117,629	214	117,843
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0	0	(130,774)	(130,774)	0	(130,774)
Noncontrolling interest in business acquired	0	0	0	0	0	0	21,895	21,895
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0	0	0	(547)	(547)
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests	0	0	424	0	0	424	(21,491)	(21,067)
Restricted stock issuances	12	0	(384)	0	0	(372)	0	(372)
Dividends declared	0	0	28	(35,416)	0	(35,388)	0	(35,388)
Stock compensation expense	0	0	2,392	0	0	2,392	0	2,392
Stock options exercised	0	0	50	0	0	50	0	50
Tax effects of stock plan	0	0	(1,351)	0	0	(1,351)	0	(1,351)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	13,532	1,213	2,055,246	(175,485)	(69,140)	1,825,366	5,511	1,830,877
Net earnings (loss)	0	0	0	(108,514)	0	(108,514)	781	(107,733)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0	0	(62,187)	(62,187)	0	(62,187)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0	0	0	(725)	(725)
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests								0
Restricted stock issuances	14	0	(653)	0	0	(639)	0	(639)
Dividends declared	0	0	32	(35,449)	0	(35,417)	0	(35,417)
Stock compensation expense	0	0	3,846	0	0	3,846	0	3,846
Tax effects of stock plan	0	0	21	0	0	21	0	21
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 (loss)	0	0	0	48,792	0	48,792	581	49,373
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0	0	36,675	36,675	0	36,675
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0	0	0	(707)	(707)
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests								0
Share repurchase	(175)	0	(22,984)	0	0	(23,159)	0	(23,159)
Temporary equity reclassification	0	0	(88,659)	0	0	(88,659)	0	(88,659)
Restricted stock issuances	11	0	(553)	0	0	(542)	0	(542)
Dividends declared	0	0	36	(36,761)	0	(36,725)	0	(36,725)
Stock compensation expense	0	0	6,380	0	0	6,380	0	6,380
Stock options exercised	3	0	353	0	0	356	0	356
Tax effects of stock plan	0	0	(77)	0	0	(77)	0	(77)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 13,385	$ 1,213	$ 1,952,988	$ (307,417)	$ (94,652)	$ 1,565,517	$ 5,441	$ 1,570,958

Consolidated Statements of Sto8

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Phantom and restricted stock issuances (in shares)	110,825	136,498	117,895
Stock options exercised (in shares)	27,619	0	4,337
Share repurchase (in shares)	1,752,454
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid	$ 0.25	$ 0.24	$ 0.24

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported on the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Vishay and all of its subsidiaries in which a controlling financial interest is maintained. For those consolidated subsidiaries in which the Company's ownership is less than 100 percent, the outside stockholders' interests are shown as noncontrolling interest in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Investments in affiliates over which the Company has significant influence but not a controlling interest are carried on the equity basis. Investments in affiliates over which the Company does not have significant influence are accounted for by the cost method. All intercompany transactions, accounts, and profits are eliminated. Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenue on product sales during the period when the sales process is complete. This generally occurs when products are shipped to the customer in accordance with terms of an agreement of sale, title and risk of loss have been transferred, collectibility is reasonably assured, and pricing is fixed or determinable. For the portion of sales where title and risk of loss passes at point of delivery, the Company recognizes revenue upon delivery to the customer, assuming all other criteria for revenue recognition are met. The Company historically has had agreements with distributors that provided limited rights of product return. The Company has modified these arrangements to allow distributors a limited credit for unsaleable products, which it terms a "scrap allowance." Consistent with industry practice, the Company also has a "stock, ship and debit" program whereby it considers requests by distributors for credits on previously purchased products that remain in distributors' inventory, to enable the distributors to offer more competitive pricing. In addition, the Company has contractual arrangements whereby it provides distributors with protection against price reductions initiated by the Company after product is sold by the Company to the distributor and prior to resale by the distributor. The Company records a reduction of revenue during each period, and records a related accrued expense for the period, based upon its estimate of product returns, scrap allowances, "stock, ship and debit" credits, and price protection credits that will be attributable to sales recorded through the end of the period. The Company makes these estimates based upon sales levels to its distributors during the period, inventory levels at the distributors, current and projected market conditions, and historical experience under the programs. While the Company utilizes a number of different methodologies to estimate the accruals, all of the methodologies take into account sales levels to distributors during the relevant period, inventory levels at the distributors, current and projected market trends and conditions, recent and historical activity under the relevant programs, changes in program policies, and open requests for credits. These procedures require the exercise of significant judgments. The Company believes that it has a reasonable basis to estimate future credits under the programs. Royalty revenues, included in net revenues on the consolidated statements of operations, were $259, $3,323, and $4,525 for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. The Company records royalty revenue in accordance with agreed upon terms when performance obligations are satisfied, the amount is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. Vishay earns royalties at the point of sale of products which incorporate licensed intellectual property. Accordingly, the amount of royalties recognized is determined based on periodic reporting to Vishay by its licensees, and based on judgments and estimates by Vishay management, which management considers reasonable. Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) Shipping and Handling Costs Shipping and handling costs are included in costs of products sold. Research and Development Expenses Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. The amount charged to expense for research and development (exclusive of purchased in-process research and development) aggregated $66,842, $64,193, and $65,299, for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. The Company spends additional amounts for the development of machinery and equipment for new processes and for cost reduction measures. Income Taxes The provision for income taxes is determined using the asset and liability approach of accounting for income taxes. Under this approach, deferred taxes represent the future tax consequences expected to occur when the reported amounts of assets and liabilities are recovered or paid. The provision for income taxes represents income taxes paid or payable for the current year plus the change in deferred taxes during the year. Deferred taxes result from differences between the financial and tax bases of the Company's assets and liabilities and are adjusted for changes in tax rates and tax laws when changes are enacted. Valuation allowances have been established for deferred tax assets which the Company believes do not meet GAAP criteria of "more likely than not" to be realized. This criterion requires a level of judgment regarding future taxable income, which may be revised due to changes in market conditions, tax laws, or other factors. If the Company's assumptions and estimates change in the future, valuation allowances established may be increased, resulting in increased tax expense. Conversely, if the Company is ultimately able to utilize all or a portion of the deferred tax assets for which a valuation allowance has been established, then the related portion of the valuation allowance can be released, resulting in decreased tax expense. Except as described in Note 5, earnings generated by foreign subsidiaries are expected to be reinvested outside of the United States indefinitely. Upon distribution of those earnings in the form of dividends or otherwise, the Company would be subject to U.S. income taxes (subject to an adjustment for foreign tax credits), state income taxes, incremental foreign taxes and withholding taxes payable to various foreign jurisdictions. The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in evaluating the Company's tax positions and determining its provision for income taxes. During the ordinary course of business, there are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. The Company establishes reserves for tax-related uncertainties based on estimates of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. These reserves are established when the Company believes that certain positions might be challenged despite the Company's belief that its tax return positions are fully supportable. The Company adjusts these reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances and the provision for income taxes includes the impact of reserve provisions and changes to reserves that are considered appropriate. These accruals for tax-related uncertainties are based on management's best estimate of potential tax exposures. When particular matters arise, a number of years may elapse before such matters are audited by tax authorities and finally resolved. Favorable resolution of such matters could be recognized as a reduction to the Company's effective tax rate in the year of resolution. Unfavorable resolution of any particular issue could increase the effective tax rate and may require the use of cash in the year of resolution. The amount included in current liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets reflect only amounts expected to be settled in cash within one year. Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-Term Investments Cash and cash equivalents includes demand deposits and highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased. Highly liquid investments with original maturities greater than three months, but less than one year are classified as short-term investments. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company's short-term investments were comprised of time deposits with financial institutions whose original maturity exceeds three months, but less than one year. Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. The allowance is determined through an analysis of the aging of accounts receivable and assessments of risk that are based on historical trends and an evaluation of the impact of current and projected economic conditions. The Company evaluates the past-due status of its trade receivables based on contractual terms of sale. If the financial condition of the Company's customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. Bad debt expense (income realized upon subsequent collection) was $61, $(152), and $(424) for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, determined by the first-in, first-out method, or market. Inventories are adjusted for estimated obsolescence and written down to net realizable value based upon estimates of future demand, technology developments, and market conditions. Property and Equipment Property and equipment is carried at cost and is depreciated principally by the straight-line method based upon the estimated useful lives of the assets. Machinery and equipment are being depreciated over useful lives of seven to ten years. Buildings and building improvements are being depreciated over useful lives of twenty to forty years. Construction in progress is not depreciated until the assets are placed in service. The estimated cost to complete construction in progress at December 31, 2016 was approximately $43,383. Depreciation of capital lease assets is included in total depreciation expense. Depreciation expense was $144,521, $154,340, and $160,804 for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. Gains and losses on the disposal of assets which do not qualify for presentation as discontinued operations are included in the determination of operating margin (within selling, general, and administrative expenses). Individually material gains and losses on disposal are separately disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of a business acquired over the fair value of the related net assets at the date of acquisition. Certain of the Company's tradenames were assigned indefinite useful lives. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but rather are tested for impairment at least annually. These tests are performed more frequently whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired. The Company's business segments (see Note 15) represent its reporting units for goodwill impairment testing purposes. See Note 3 for further information on the impairment tests performed in 2016 and 2015. Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Patents and acquired technology are being amortized over useful lives of seven to twenty-five years. Capitalized software is amortized over periods of three to ten years, primarily included in costs of products sold on the consolidated statements of operations. Customer relationships are amortized over useful lives of five to twenty years. Noncompete agreements are amortized over periods of three to ten years. The Company continually evaluates the reasonableness of the useful lives of these assets. GAAP prescribes a two-step quantitative method for determining goodwill impairment. The Company has the option of performing a qualitative assessment before performing the two-step quantitative impairment test. If it is determined, on the basis of qualitative factors, that the fair value of the reporting unit is not more likely than not less than the carrying amount, the two-step quantitative impairment test is not required. If it is determined that the fair value of the reporting unit is more likely than not less than the carrying amount, the two-step quantitative impairment test is required. In the first step, the Company determines the fair value of the reporting unit and compares that fair value to the net book value of the reporting unit. The fair value of the reporting unit is determined using various valuation techniques, including a comparable companies market multiple approach and a discounted cash flow analysis (an income approach). If the net book value of the reporting unit were to exceed the fair value, the Company would then perform the second step of the quantitative impairment test, which requires allocation of the reporting unit's fair value to all of its assets and liabilities in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation, with any residual fair value being allocated to goodwill. An impairment charge will be recognized only when the implied fair value of a reporting unit's goodwill is less than its carrying amount. The Company has the option of performing a qualitative assessment of indefinite-lived intangible assets before performing a quantitative impairment test. Upon determining that an intangible asset classified as indefinite-lived is impaired, the Company reassesses the useful life of the impaired assets and begins to amortize the remaining carrying value over that useful life if it is determined that the asset no longer has an indefinite useful life. As of December 31, 2016, the Company has no indefinite-lived intangible assets. See Note 3 for further information. Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) Impairment of Long-Lived Assets The carrying value of long-lived assets held-and-used, other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, is evaluated when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable or the useful life has changed. The carrying value of a long-lived asset group is considered impaired when the total projected undiscounted cash flows from such asset group are separately identifiable and are less than the carrying value. In that event, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair market value of the long-lived asset group. Fair market value is determined primarily using present value techniques based on projected cash flows from the asset group. Losses on long-lived assets held-for-sale, other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, are determined in a similar manner, except that fair market values are reduced for anticipated disposal costs. See Note 3 for further information on the impairment tests performed in 2016 and 2015. Available-for-Sale Securities Short-term investments and other assets reported on the consolidated balance sheets include time deposits with financial institutions whose original maturity exceeds three months, but less than one year and investments in marketable securities which are classified as available-for-sale. These assets include assets that are held in trust related to the Company's non-qualified pension and deferred compensation plans (see Note 11) and assets that are intended to fund a portion of the Company's other postretirement benefit obligations outside of the U.S. These assets are reported at fair value, based on quoted market prices as of the end of the reporting period. Unrealized gains and losses are reported, net of their related tax consequences, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders' equity until sold. At the time of sale, the assets that are held in trust related to the Company's non-qualified pension and deferred compensation plans, any gains (losses) calculated by the specific identification method are recognized as a reduction (increase) to benefits expense, within selling, general, and administrative expenses. Financial Instruments The Company uses financial instruments in the normal course of its business, including from time to time, derivative financial instruments. Additionally, from time to time, the Company enters into contracts that are not considered derivative financial instruments in their entirety, but that include embedded derivative features. The convertible senior debentures due 2040, due 2041, and due 2042 contain embedded derivatives that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, outstanding derivative instruments were not material. The Company reports derivative instruments on the consolidated balance sheet at their fair values. The accounting for changes in fair value depends upon the purpose of the derivative instrument and whether it is designated and qualifies for hedge accounting. For instruments designated as hedges, the effective portion of gains or losses is reported in other comprehensive income (loss) and the ineffective portion, if any, is reported in current period net earnings (loss). Changes in the fair values of derivative instruments that are not designated as hedges, including embedded derivatives, are recorded in current period net earnings (loss). The Company has in the past used interest rate swap agreements to modify variable rate obligations to fixed rate obligations, thereby reducing exposure to market rate fluctuations. The Company uses financial instruments such as forward exchange contracts to mitigate a portion, but not all, of the risk associated with its firm commitments denominated in foreign currencies. The purpose of the Company's foreign currency management is to minimize the effect of exchange rate changes on actual cash flows from foreign currency denominated transactions. Other financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, held-to-maturity short-term investments, accounts receivable, and notes payable. The carrying amounts of these financial instruments reported on the consolidated balance sheets approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of these assets and liabilities. Stock-Based Compensation Compensation costs related to stock-based payment transactions are recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The amount of compensation cost is measured based on the grant-date fair value of the equity (or liability) instruments issued. Compensation cost is recognized over the period that an officer, employee, or non-employee director is required to provide service in exchange for the award. For options and restricted stock units subject to graded vesting, the Company recognizes expense over the service period for each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award was, in-substance, multiple awards. The Company recognizes compensation cost for restricted stock units ("RSUs") that are expected to vest and records cumulative adjustments in the period that the expectation changes. Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) Foreign Currency Translation The Company has significant operations outside of the United States. The Company finances its operations in Europe and certain locations in Asia in local currencies, and accordingly, these subsidiaries utilize the local currency as their functional currency. The Company's operations in Israel and most significant locations in Asia are largely financed in U.S. dollars, and accordingly, these subsidiaries utilize the U.S. dollar as their functional currency. For those subsidiaries where the local currency is the functional currency, assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets have been translated at the rate of exchange as of the balance sheet date. Translation adjustments do not impact the consolidated results of operations and are reported as a separate component of stockholders' equity. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate for the year. While the translation of revenues and expenses into U.S. dollars does not directly impact the statement of operations, the translation effectively increases or decreases the U.S. dollar equivalent of revenues generated and expenses incurred in those foreign currencies. For those foreign subsidiaries where the U.S. dollar is the functional currency, all foreign currency financial statement amounts are remeasured into U.S. dollars. Exchange gains and losses arising from remeasurement of foreign currency-denominated monetary assets and liabilities are included in the consolidated results of operations. Commitments and Contingencies Liabilities for loss contingencies, including environmental remediation costs, arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines, penalties, and other sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the assessment and/or remediation can be reasonably estimated. The costs for a specific environmental remediation site are discounted if the aggregate amount of the obligation and the amount and timing of the cash payments for that site are fixed or reliably determinable based upon information derived from the remediation plan for that site. Accrued liabilities for environmental matters recorded at December 31, 2016 and 2015 do not include claims against third parties. Restructuring and Severance Costs Restructuring and severance costs reflect charges resulting from cost reduction programs implemented by the Company. Restructuring and severance costs include exit costs, severance benefits pursuant to an on-going arrangement, voluntary termination compensation under a defined program, and any related pension curtailment and settlement charges. The Company recognizes expense for one-time benefits only after management has committed to a plan, the plan is sufficiently detailed to provide the number, classification, and location of employees to be terminated as well as the expected completion date, the plan has been sufficiently communicated to employees such that they are able to determine the type and amount of benefits they will receive if terminated, and it is unlikely that the plan will be significantly changed or withdrawn. If an employee is not required to render service beyond a minimum retention period, the Company recognizes expense once the aforementioned criteria have been met. If an employee is required to render service beyond a minimum retention period, the Company recognizes expense over the period that the employee is required to render future service. The Company recognizes expense for on-going benefit arrangements when the liability is reasonably estimable and considered probable. The Company recognizes expense for voluntary separation / early retirement when the employee delivers an irrevocable voluntary termination notice pursuant to a defined company program. The Company recognizes other exit costs as incurred. Self-Insurance Programs The Company uses a combination of insurance and self-insurance mechanisms to provide for the potential liabilities for workers' compensation, general liability, property damage, director and officers' liability, and vehicle liability. As part of its self-insurance program for certain risks, the Company created a wholly-owned captive insurance entity in 2007. At December 31, 2016, the captive insurance entity provides only property and general liability insurance, although it is licensed to also provide casualty and directors' and officers' insurance. The captive insurance entity had $5,000 accrued related to the Tianjin explosion at December 31, 2015 (See Note 8), and had no amounts accrued for outstanding claims at December 31, 2016. Certain cash and investments held by the captive insurance entity are restricted primarily for the purpose of potential insurance claims. Restricted cash of $10,211 and $11,627 is included in other noncurrent assets at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, representing required statutory reserves of the captive insurance entity. Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) Convertible Debentures The Company separately accounts for the liability and equity components of convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash in a manner that reflects the Company's nonconvertible debt borrowing rate. The liability component at issuance is recognized at fair value, based on the fair value of a similar instrument that does not have a conversion feature. A discount is recorded if debentures are issued at a coupon rate which is below the rate of a similar instrument that did not have a conversion feature at issuance. The equity component is based on the excess of the principal amount of the debentures over the fair value of the liability component, after adjusting for an allocation of debt issuance costs and the deferred tax impact, and is recorded as capital in excess of par. Debt discounts are amortized as additional non-cash interest expense over the expected life of the debt. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Recent Accounting Guidance Adopted In September 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern (SubTopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. Recent Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) 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 In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments Reclassifications Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified. Such reclassifications had no effect on reported net earnings (loss) attributable to Vishay stockholders, total assets, stockholders' equity, or the statements of cash flows.

Acquisition and Divestiture Act

Acquisition and Divestiture Activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Acquisition and Divestiture Activities [Abstract]
Acquisition and Divestiture Activities	Note 2 - Acquisition and Divestiture 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. Year ended December 31, 2016 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 year ended December 31, 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 financial statements, the pro forma statements of operations would not be materially different than the consolidated statements of operations presented. Year ended December 31, 2015 Vishay did not complete any acquisitions during the year ended December 31, 2015. Year ended December 31, 2014 Holy Stone Polytech Co., Ltd. On June 11, 2014, Vishay acquired Holy Stone Polytech Co., Ltd. ("Holy Stone Polytech"), a Japanese manufacturer of tantalum capacitors and formerly a subsidiary of Holy Stone Enterprise Co. Ltd., for $20,576, net of cash acquired. The Company is using the technology acquired to begin to penetrate the polymer tantalum capacitor market Capella Microsystems Inc. On July 11, 2014, Vishay entered into an agreement to acquire Capella for approximately $205,000. Capella is a fabless IC design company specializing in optoelectronic products. As a first step in the acquisition, Vishay launched a tender offer for Capella's outstanding shares. A total of 38,703,705 shares of Capella, or 88.95% of outstanding shares, were tendered and accepted by Vishay. The offer period expired on September 1, 2014. Pursuant to the terms of the tender offer, Vishay paid NT$139 for each share tendered. The aggregate purchase price was $180,167. Capella had cash and short-term investments on hand of $50,195 at the date of acquisition. Vishay funded the acquisition with cash on hand and $53,000 of borrowings under its credit facility. Subsequent to the acquisition of the noncontrolling interest in December 31, 2014, the Company repatriated cash from the current earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries to the United States primarily to repay those borrowings on the revolving credit facility, and also to realign the acquired entity structure to have Capella's U.S. subsidiary directly owned by Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. The acquisition has strengthened the in-house design capabilities of our entire optoelectronic components business. Upon the close of the tender offer, Vishay controlled Capella and began consolidating it in its financial statements. For financial reporting purposes, the results and operations and net assets of Capella are included in the Optoelectronic Components segment. Capella's results were not material to the Company's consolidated results for the year ended December 31, 2014. Vishay acquired the remaining outstanding shares of Capella on December 31, 2014 pursuant to the merger agreement. In connection with the closing of the merger, all remaining holders of Capella common stock other than Vishay and its subsidiaries received the same consideration for their shares as the holders who tendered their shares in the tender offer, or $21,067 in the aggregate. In evaluating the acquisition of Capella, the Company focused primarily on the ability to synergize Capella's optoelectronics design capabilities with Vishay's existing optoelectronics product lines and customers. As a result, the fair value of the acquired assets, including identified intangible assets, corresponds to a relatively smaller portion of the acquisition price, with the Company recording a substantial amount of goodwill associated with the acquisition. The Company recognized intangible asset impairment charges of $57,600 in the third fiscal quarter of 2015 to write-down acquired Capella assets to their fair value. See Note 3 for further information on the impairment charges. The Company recognized $843 of acquisition costs classified as a component of selling, general, and administrative expenses in its consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014. Note 2 - Acquisition and Divestiture Activities (continued) Pro Forma Results The unaudited pro forma results would have been as follows, assuming the 2014 acquisitions had occurred as of January 1, 2014: Year ended December 31, 2014 Pro forma net revenues $ 2,522,010 Pro forma net earnings attributable to Vishay stockholders 114,510 Pro forma basic earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders $ 0.78 Pro forma diluted earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders $ 0.75 The pro forma information presented for the year ended December 31, 2014 was adjusted to exclude acquisition-related costs incurred in 2014. The pro forma information also includes adjustments for interest expense that would have been incurred to finance the acquisition, amortization of acquired intangible assets (excluding effects of the 2015 impairment charges), depreciation of acquired property and equipment, and tax related effects. The unaudited pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of the results that would have been attained had the acquisition occurred on January 1, 2014.

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Note 3 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets As a result of a review of recent financial results and outlook for the MOSFETs segment following the recent completion of production transfers, Vishay determined that an interim indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment test was required for its Siliconix tradenames as of the end of the third fiscal quarter of 2016. As a result of this analysis, the Company determined that its Siliconix tradenames, with a carrying value of $20,359, were impaired. The Company recorded an impairment charge of $1,559 to write-down the tradenames to their fair value. The tradenames are no longer considered indefinite-lived and the remaining value will be amortized over the 10 year estimated remaining useful life. The fair value of indefinite-lived trademarks is measured as the discounted cash flow savings realized from owning such tradenames and not having to pay a royalty for their use. The evaluation of the fair value of indefinite-lived trademarks requires us to make significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions primarily include, but are not limited to: the assumed market-royalty rate; the discount rate; terminal growth rates; and forecasts of revenue. In light of a sustained decline in market capitalization for Vishay and its peer group companies, and other factors (including the cost reduction programs announced during the third fiscal quarter of 2015 as described in Note 4), Vishay determined that interim goodwill and indefinite-lived impairment tests were required as of the end of the third fiscal quarter of 2015. Prior to completing the interim assessment of goodwill for impairment, the Company performed a recoverability test of certain depreciable and amortizable long-lived assets. As a result of those assessments, it was determined that the depreciable and amortizable assets associated with the Company's Capella business were not recoverable, and the Company recorded impairment charges totaling $57,600 to write-down the related assets to their fair value. After completing step one of the goodwill impairment test, it was determined that the estimated fair value of the Capacitors reporting unit was less than the net book value of that reporting unit, requiring the completion of the second step of the impairment evaluation. Upon completion of the step two analysis for the Capacitors reporting unit, the Company recorded a full goodwill impairment charge of $5,380. The fair value of long-lived assets is measured primarily using present value techniques based on projected cash flows from the asset group. The evaluation of the recoverability of long-lived assets, and the determination of their fair value, requires the Company to make significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions primarily include, but are not limited to: the identification of the asset group at the lowest level of independent cash flows and the principal asset of the group; the discount rate; terminal growth rates; and forecasts of revenue, operating income, depreciation and amortization, and capital expenditures. The fair value of reporting units for goodwill impairment testing purposes is measured primarily using present value techniques based on projected cash flows from the reporting unit. The calculated results are evaluated for reasonableness using comparable company data. The determination of the fair value of the reporting units and the allocation of that value to individual assets and liabilities within those reporting units requires the Company to make significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions primarily include, but are not limited to: the selection of appropriate peer group companies; control premiums appropriate for acquisitions in the industries in which the Company competes; the discount rate; terminal growth rates; and forecasts of revenue, operating income, depreciation and amortization, and capital expenditures. The allocation requires several analyses to determine fair value of assets and liabilities including, among others, completed technology, tradenames, customer relationships, and certain property and equipment. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making these estimates, actual financial results could differ from those estimates. Changes in assumptions concerning future financial results or other underlying assumptions could have a significant impact on either the fair value of the reporting unit or the amount of the goodwill impairment charge; could have a significant impact on the conclusion that an asset group's carrying value is recoverable, that an indefinite-lived asset is not impaired, or the determination of any impairment charge if it was determined that the asset values were indeed impaired. The Company performs its annual goodwill and indefinite-lived impairment test as of the first day of the fiscal fourth quarter. The interim impairment tests performed as the last day of the third fiscal quarters of 2016 and 2015, were effectively the annual impairment tests for 2016 and 2015. The recorded impairment charges are non-cash in nature and do not affect Vishay's liquidity, cash flows from operating activities, or debt covenants, and will not have a material impact on future operations. Note 3 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (continued) The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows: Optoelectronic Components Resistors & Inductors Capacitors Total Balance at January 1, 2015 $ 96,849 $ 42,146 $ 5,364 $ 144,359 Goodwill impairment charges - - (5,380 ) (5,380 ) Exchange rate effects - (751 ) 16 (735 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 96,849 $ 41,395 $ - $ 138,244 Sonntag acquisition - 3,485 - 3,485 Exchange rate effects - (322 ) - (322 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 96,849 $ 44,558 $ - $ 141,407 Other intangible assets are as follows: December 31, 2016 2015 Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization (Definite-lived): Patents and acquired technology $ 93,395 $ 93,606 Capitalized software 53,807 53,401 Customer relationships 84,905 85,418 Tradenames 53,680 35,493 Non-competition agreements 1,266 2,261 287,053 270,179 Accumulated amortization: Patents and acquired technology (81,807 ) (76,258 ) Capitalized software (49,388 ) (47,394 ) Customer relationships (42,787 ) (37,989 ) Tradenames (27,460 ) (23,798 ) Non-competition agreements (1,148 ) (1,841 ) (202,590 ) (187,280 ) Net Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization 84,463 82,899 Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization (Indefinite-lived): Tradenames - 20,359 $ 84,463 $ 103,258 Amortization expense (excluding capitalized software) was $14,842, $21,829, and $18,651, for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. Estimated annual amortization expense of intangible assets on the balance sheet at December 31, 2016 for each of the next five years is as follows: 2017 $ 15,884 2018 11,096 2019 7,332 2020 6,567 2021 5,787

Restructuring and Related Activ

Restructuring and Related Activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Activities	Note 4 – Restructuring and Related Activities The Company places a strong emphasis on controlling its costs 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. These programs were substantially implemented by the end of the first fiscal quarter of 2016, with some additional costs incurred in the remainder of 2016. Many of the severance costs were recognized ratably over the required stay periods. In November 2016, the Company announced an extension of one of these programs. 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 during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 and reported on a separate line in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations: Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 MOSFETs Enhanced Competitiveness Program $ 9,744 $ 5,367 $ 6,025 Voluntary Separation / Retirement Program - 95 12,792 Modules Production Transfer (463 ) - 2,080 Global Cost Reduction Programs 9,918 13,753 - Total $ 19,199 $ 19,215 $ 20,897 MOSFETs Enhanced Competitiveness Program Over a period of approximately 2 years and in a period 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 previously occurring in-house was transferred to third-party foundries. This 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 may continue to incur other exit costs associated with the production transfer, including certain contract termination costs. As a result of a review of recent financial results and outlook for the Company's MOSFETs segment following the recent completion of production transfers, the Company has determined to implement further cost reductions for the MOSFETs segment. On November 7, 2016, the Company announced an extension of the MOSFETs Enhanced Competitiveness Program. The revised program includes various cost reduction initiatives, primarily the transfer of all remaining manufacturing operations at its Santa Clara, California facility to other Vishay facilities or third-party subcontractors. The production transfers will be completed in steps by the end of 2017. The Company expects to incur cash charges of approximately $4,000 to $8,000, primarily related to severance, to implement these additional steps. The total cash charges for the MOSFETs Enhanced Competitiveness Program are expected to be $23,000 to $27,000. The Company expects to maintain its R&D and management presence in the Silicon Valley area, even after the cessation of manufacturing operations there. Note 4 – Restructuring and Related Activities (continued) 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 9,744 Cash paid (15,686 ) Foreign currency translation 2 Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 6,232 Severance benefits are generally paid in a lump sum at cessation of employment. Other exit costs of $5,763 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 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 (816 ) Foreign currency translation - Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 529 The payment terms vary by country, but generally were paid in a lump sum at cessation of employment. Certain participants are being paid in installments. The entire amount of the liability is considered current and is included in other accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Note 4 – Restructuring and Related Activities (continued) Modules Production Transfer In an effort to reduce costs and streamline production of its module products within its Diodes segment, the Company committed to two smaller cost reduction programs related to the transferring of production of certain of its products. The Company recorded restructuring and severance costs of $2,080 for the year ended December 31, 2014 related to these production transfer programs. Substantially all amounts related to these programs have been paid as of December 31, 2016. 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 9,918 Cash paid (16,237 ) Foreign currency translation (34 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 6,264 The following table summarizes the expense recognized by segment related to this program: Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 Diodes $ 788 $ 133 Optoelectronic Components 936 215 Resistors & Inductors 5,173 5,972 Capacitors 687 5,209 Unallocated Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses 2,334 2,224 Total $ 9,918 $ 13,753 Severance benefits are generally paid in a lump sum at cessation of employment. The current portion of the liability is $5,890 and is included in other accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The non-current portion of the liability is included in other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note 5 – Income Taxes Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes and noncontrolling interests consists of the following components: Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Domestic $ (135,953 ) $ (40,929 ) $ (50,106 ) Foreign 230,169 115,669 217,249 $ 94,216 $ 74,740 $ 167,143 Significant components of income taxes are as follows: Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Current: Federal $ 358 $ 290 $ (27,031 ) State and local 5 163 386 Foreign 46,999 63,573 60,282 47,362 64,026 33,637 Deferred: Federal 6,163 78,933 7,999 State and local (3,039 ) 311 204 Foreign (5,643 ) 39,203 7,460 (2,519 ) 118,447 15,663 Total income tax expense $ 44,843 $ 182,473 $ 49,300 Note 5 – Income Taxes (continued) Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows: December 31, 2016 2015 Deferred tax assets: Pension and other retiree obligations $ 47,104 $ 40,322 Inventories 7,691 7,848 Net operating loss carryforwards 183,562 183,298 Tax credit carryforwards 25,432 23,512 Other accruals and reserves 29,401 35,176 Total gross deferred tax assets 293,190 290,156 Less valuation allowance (165,269 ) (167,932 ) 127,921 122,224 Deferred tax liabilities: Tax over book depreciation (1,025 ) (4,038 ) Earnings not permanently reinvested (139,165 ) (162,667 ) Convertible debentures (203,641 ) (188,978 ) Other - net (10,646 ) (9,245 ) Total gross deferred tax liabilities (354,477 ) (364,928 ) Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) $ (226,556 ) $ (242,704 ) The Company makes significant judgments regarding the realizability of its deferred tax assets (principally net operating losses). The carrying value of deferred tax assets is based on the Company's assessment that it is more likely than not that the Company will realize these assets after consideration of all available positive and negative evidence. A reconciliation of income tax expense at the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to actual income tax provision is as follows: Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Tax at statutory rate $ 32,976 $ 26,159 $ 58,500 State income taxes, net of U.S. federal tax benefit (1,972 ) 309 384 Effect of foreign operations (26,551 ) (13,212 ) (27,372 ) Tax on earnings not permanently reinvested (3,553 ) 163,699 25,728 Unrecognized tax benefits (8,453 ) (1,353 ) (21,603 ) Change in valuation allowance on non-U.S. deferred tax assets 991 (8,888 ) - Foreign income taxable in the U.S. 18,442 7,025 13,499 Termination of U.S. pension 34,853 - - Tax effect of impairment charges (454 ) 8,305 - Other (1,436 ) 429 164 Total income tax expense $ 44,843 $ 182,473 $ 49,300 Note 5 – Income Taxes (continued) Income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 includes certain discrete tax items for changes in uncertain tax positions, valuation allowances, tax rates, and other related items. These items total $22,596, $152,437, and $1,228 (tax benefit) in 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the discrete items include $34,853 of additional tax expense related to the termination and settlement of the Vishay Retirement Plan (see Notes 10 and 11), $8,704 (tax benefit) for changes in uncertain tax positions related largely to statute expiration, and $3,553 (tax benefit) for periodic remeasurement of the deferred tax liability related to the cash repatriation program described below. The cash repatriation program is expected to occur over several years, and the deferred tax liability is based on the available sources of cash, applicable tax rates, and other factors and circumstances, as of each respective balance sheet date. Changes in the underlying facts and circumstances result in changes in the deferred tax liability balance, which are recorded as tax benefit or expense. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the discrete items include $163,954 of expense recorded in the fourth fiscal quarter primarily to repatriate $300,000 of foreign earnings to the United States, following an evaluation of the Company's anticipated domestic cash needs over the next several years and the Company's most efficient use of liquidity, and with consideration of the amount of cash that can be repatriated to the U.S. efficiently with lesser withholding taxes in foreign jurisdictions. They also include $8,888 (tax benefit) for changes in valuation allowances and $2,629 (tax benefit) for changes in uncertain tax positions. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the discrete items included $25,706 of expense related to an expected repatriation of cash and profits of non-U.S. subsidiaries to the United States, primarily to repay amounts borrowed on the revolving credit facility to provide future flexibility given the legal entity and the financial structure utilized for the Capella acquisition, a $25,706 (tax benefit) for changes in uncertain tax positions, and a $1,228 (tax benefit) recorded in the fourth fiscal quarter due to the enactment of The Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014. At December 31, 2016, the Company had the following significant net operating loss carryforwards for tax purposes: Expires Austria $ 14,862 No expiration Belgium 150,327 No expiration Brazil 12,534 No expiration Germany 22,916 No expiration Israel 27,666 No expiration Japan 5,295 2018 - 2025 Netherlands 19,019 2017 - 2025 The Republic of China (Taiwan) 9,019 2024 - 2026 United States 90,247 2033 - 2036 California 55,407 2020 - 2036 Pennsylvania 721,824 2018 - 2036 At December 31, 2016, the Company had the following significant tax credit carryforwards available: Expires U.S. Foreign Tax Credit $ 11,093 2020 - 2022 U.S. Federal Research Credit 1,986 2034 - 2036 California Research Credit 12,353 No expiration Note 5 – Income Taxes (continued) At December 31, 2016, no provision has been made for U.S. federal and state income taxes on approximately $2,484,372 of foreign earnings, which are deemed to be reinvested outside of the United States indefinitely. Upon distribution of those earnings in the form of dividends or otherwise, the Company would be subject to U.S. income taxes (subject to an adjustment for foreign tax credits), state income taxes, incremental foreign income taxes, and withholding taxes payable to various foreign countries. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred U.S. income tax liability is not practicable because of the complexities associated with its hypothetical calculation. During the fourth fiscal quarter of 2015, the Company recognized income tax expense, including U.S. federal and state income taxes, incremental foreign income taxes, and withholding taxes payable to foreign jurisdictions, on $300,000 of foreign earnings, (including $20,000 of 2015 earnings and $280,000 of earnings from prior periods). This tax expense was recognized in 2015 following an evaluation of the Company's anticipated domestic cash needs over the next several years and the Company's most efficient use of liquidity, and with consideration of the amount of cash that can be repatriated to the U.S. efficiently with lesser withholding taxes in foreign jurisdictions. The Company repatriated $46,000 pursuant to this program in 2016. During 2014, the Company recognized income tax expense on foreign earnings in anticipation of a repatriation intended to pay $53,000 of borrowings on its revolving credit facility used for the Capella acquisition (see Note 2). The tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2014 included all U.S. federal and state income taxes, incremental foreign income taxes, and withholding taxes payable to foreign jurisdictions. That repatriation was completed in 2015 . Net income taxes paid were $58,788, $49,301, and $62,051 for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. See Note 19 for a discussion of the tax-related uncertainties for the pre-spin-off period of Vishay Precision Group, Inc. ("VPG"), which was spun off on July 6, 2010. Note 5 – Income Taxes (continued) The following table summarizes changes in the liabilities associated with unrecognized tax benefits: Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Balance at beginning of year $ 23,527 $ 26,583 $ 45,877 Addition based on tax positions related to the current year 1,553 1,439 1,641 Addition based on tax positions related to prior years 1,047 1,894 6,484 Currency translation adjustments (96 ) (1,370 ) (1,387 ) Reduction based on tax positions related to prior years - - - Reduction for settlements (1,210 ) (4,879 ) (3,556 ) Reduction for lapses of statute of limitation (8,016 ) (140 ) (22,476 ) Balance at end of year $ 16,805 $ 23,527 $ 26,583 All of the unrecognized tax benefits of $16,805 and $23,527, as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, would reduce the effective tax rate if recognized. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had accrued interest and penalties related to the unrecognized tax benefits of $1,638 and $3,887, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, the Company recognized $542, $785, and $1,839, respectively, in interest and penalties. The Company and its subsidiaries file U.S. federal income tax returns, as well as tax returns in multiple state and foreign jurisdictions. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, certain tax examinations were completed and certain statutes of limitations lapsed. The tax provision for those years includes adjustments related to the resolution of these matters, as reflected in the table above. The tax returns of other non-U.S. subsidiaries which are currently under examination include Germany (2009 through 2012), India (2004 through 2013), Israel (2013 through 2014), and Taiwan (2014). The Company and its subsidiaries also file income tax returns in other taxing jurisdictions in the U.S. and around the world, many of which are still open to examinations. The timing of the resolution of income tax examinations is highly uncertain, as are the amounts and timing of tax payments that result from such examinations. These events could cause large fluctuations in the balance sheet classification of current and non-current unrecognized tax benefits. The Company believes that in the next 12 months it is reasonably possible that certain income tax examinations will conclude or the statutes of limitation on certain income tax periods open to examination will expire, or both. Given the uncertainties described above, the Company can only determine an estimate of potential decreases in unrecognized tax benefits ranging from $57 to $6,866.

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	Note 6 – Long-Term Debt Long-term debt consists of the following: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Credit facility $ 143,000 $ 190,000 Exchangeable unsecured notes, due 2102 - 38,642 Convertible senior debentures, due 2040 108,120 106,011 Convertible senior debentures, due 2041 55,442 54,424 Convertible senior debentures, due 2042 61,341 60,320 Deferred financing costs (10,880 ) (12,659 ) 357,023 436,738 Less current portion - - $ 357,023 $ 436,738 Credit Facility The Company maintains a credit facility with a consortium of banks led by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (the "Credit Facility"). On December 10, 2015, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, which provides an aggregate commitment of $640,000 of revolving loans available until December 10, 2020. The credit agreement initially became effective December 1, 2010 and was first amended and restated on August 8, 2013. The Credit Facility, as amended and restated, also provides for the ability of Vishay to request up to $50,000 of incremental revolving commitments, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. Borrowings under the Amended and Restated Credit Facility bear interest at LIBOR plus an interest margin. The applicable interest margin is based on Vishay's leverage ratio. Based on Vishay's current leverage ratio, borrowings bear interest at LIBOR plus 1.75%. Vishay also pays a fee, also based on its leverage ratio, on undrawn amounts. The undrawn commitment fee, based on Vishay's current leverage ratio, is 0.35% per annum. The previous credit agreement required Vishay to pay facility fees on the entire commitment amount. The Amended and Restated Credit Facility allows an unlimited amount of defined "Restricted Payments," which include cash dividends and share repurchases, provided the Company's pro forma leverage ratio is less than 2.25 to 1. If the Company's leverage ratio is greater than 2.25 to 1, the Amended and Restated Credit Facility allows such payments up to $75,000 per annum (subject to a cap of $225,000 for the term of the facility). The borrowings under the Credit Facility are secured by a lien on substantially all assets, including accounts receivable, inventory, machinery and equipment, and general intangibles (but excluding real estate, intellectual property registered or licensed for use in, or arising under the laws of, any country other than the United States, assets located outside of the United States and deposit and securities accounts), of Vishay and certain significant subsidiaries located in the United States, and pledges of stock in certain significant domestic and foreign subsidiaries; and are guaranteed by certain significant subsidiaries. Certain of the Company's subsidiaries are permitted to borrow under the Credit Facility, subject to the satisfaction of specified conditions. Any borrowings by these subsidiaries under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by Vishay and certain subsidiaries. The Credit Facility also limits or restricts the Company and its subsidiaries, from, among other things, incurring indebtedness, incurring liens on its respective assets, making investments and acquisitions, making asset sales, and making other restricted payments (assuming the Company's leverage ratio is greater than 2.25 to 1), and requires the Company to comply with other covenants, including the maintenance of specific financial ratios. The Amended and Restated Credit Facility also removes certain restrictions related to intercompany transactions. These changes are expected to enable the Company to streamline its complex subsidiary structure and provide greater operating flexibility. Note 6 – Long-Term Debt (continued) The Credit Facility also contains customary events of default, including, but not limited to, failure to pay principal or interest, failure to pay or default under other material debt, material misrepresentation or breach of warranty, violation of certain covenants, a change of control, the commencement of bankruptcy proceedings, the insolvency of Vishay or certain of its significant subsidiaries, and the rendering of a judgment in excess of $25,000 against Vishay or certain of its significant subsidiaries. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the Credit Facility, the Company's obligations under the credit facility may be accelerated and the lending commitments under the credit facility terminated. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, there was $490,136 and $442,745, respectively, available under the Credit Facility. Letters of credit totaling $6,864 and $7,255 were outstanding at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. 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 December 22, 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 December 6, 2016 (per $1 principal amount) 76.1163 55.5456 89.4945 Effective conversion price effective December 6, 2016 (per share) $ 13.14 $ 18.00 $ 11.17 130% of the conversion price (per share) $ 17.08 $ 23.40 $ 14.52 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. The convertible debentures due 2042 became convertible subsequent to the December 31, 2016 evaluation of the conversion criteria, due to the sale price of Vishay's common stock exceeding 130% of the conversion price for the applicable period in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2016. The debentures due 2042 will remain convertible until April 1, 2017, at which time the conversion criteria will be reevaluated. At the direction of its Board of Directors, the Company intends, upon future conversion of any of the convertible senior debentures, to repay the principal amounts of the convertible senior debentures in cash and settle any additional amounts in shares of Vishay common stock Vishay must provide additional shares upon conversion if there is a "fundamental change" in the business as defined in the indenture governing the debentures. Vishay may not redeem the debentures prior to the respective call dates. On or after the call date and prior to the maturity date, Vishay may redeem for cash all or part of the debentures at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the debentures to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date, if the last reported sale price of Vishay's common stock has been at least 150% of the conversion price then in effect for at least 20 trading days during any 30 consecutive trading day period prior to the date on which Vishay provides notice of redemption. Note 6 – Long-Term Debt (continued) 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 balance sheets as follows: Principal amount of the debentures Unamortized discount Embedded derivative Carrying value of liability component Equity component (including temporary equity) - net carrying value December 31, 2016 Due 2040 $ 275,000 (167,273 ) 393 $ 108,120 $ 110,094 Due 2041 $ 150,000 (94,843 ) 285 $ 55,442 $ 62,246 Due 2042 $ 150,000 (88,835 ) 176 $ 61,341 $ 57,874 Total $ 575,000 $ (350,951 ) $ 854 $ 224,903 $ 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 statements of operations for the years ended December 31: 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 2016 Due 2040 $ 6,188 2,292 88 (183 ) $ 8,385 Due 2041 $ 3,375 1,171 47 (153 ) $ 4,440 Due 2042 $ 3,375 1,147 54 (126 ) $ 4,450 Total $ 12,938 $ 4,610 $ 189 $ (462 ) $ 17,275 2015 Due 2040 $ 6,188 2,120 88 50 $ 8,446 Due 2041 $ 3,375 1,078 47 97 $ 4,597 Due 2042 $ 3,375 1,066 54 64 $ 4,559 Total $ 12,938 $ 4,264 $ 189 $ 211 $ 17,602 2014 Due 2040 $ 6,188 1,960 88 35 $ 8,271 Due 2041 $ 3,375 993 47 (8 ) $ 4,407 Due 2042 $ 3,375 990 54 41 $ 4,460 Total $ 12,938 $ 3,943 $ 189 $ 68 $ 17,138 Note 6 – Long-Term Debt (continued) Exchangeable Unsecured Notes, due 2102 On December 13, 2002, Vishay issued $105,000 in nominal (or principal) amount of its floating rate unsecured exchangeable notes due 2102 in connection with an acquisition. The notes are governed by a note instrument and a put and call agreement dated December 13, 2002. The notes could be put to Vishay in exchange for shares of its common stock and, under certain circumstances, could be called by Vishay for similar consideration. Under the terms of the put and call agreement, by reason of the spin-off of VPG on July 6, 2010, Vishay was required to take action so that the existing notes were deemed exchanged as of the date of the spin-off, for a combination of new notes of Vishay reflecting a lower principal amount of the notes and new notes issued by VPG. Based on the relative trading prices of Vishay and VPG common stock on the ten trading days following the spin-off, Vishay retained the liability for an aggregate $95,042 principal amount of exchangeable notes effective July 6, 2010. The assumption of a portion of the liability by VPG was recorded as a reduction in parent net investment just prior to the completion of the spin-off. Under the terms of the put and call agreement, the holders could have, at any time, put the notes to Vishay in exchange for shares of Vishay's common stock, and Vishay could have called 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 VPG, the put/call rate of the Vishay notes was $15.39 per share of common stock. The payment of quarterly cash dividends did not affect the put/call rate of the notes (See Note 7). In 2013, a holder of the notes exercised its option to exchange $56,400 principal amount of the notes for 3,664,729 shares of Vishay common stock. Following this transaction, Vishay had outstanding exchangeable unsecured notes with a principal amount of $38,642, which were exchangeable for an aggregate of 2,511,742 shares of Vishay common stock. On June 28, 2016 and March 31, 2016, pursuant to agreements dated June 13, 2016 and March 10, 2016, respectively, the Company acquired from holders $12,436 and $26,206, respectively, principal amount of the Company's floating rate exchangeable unsecured notes due 2102. The purchase price for these privately negotiated transactions was $11,449 and $22,595, respectively. Vishay recognized gains on early extinguishment of debt of $4,597 presented as a separate line item in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2016. Following the June 28, 2016 transaction, no exchangeable unsecured notes are outstanding. Other Borrowings Information Aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt, based on the terms stated in the respective agreements, are as follows: 2017 $ - 2018 - 2019 - 2020 143,000 2021 - Thereafter 575,000 The annual maturities of long-term debt are based on the amount required to settle the obligation. Accordingly, the discounts associated with the convertible debentures due 2040, due 2041, and due 2042 are excluded from the calculation of the annual maturities of long-term debt in the table above. At December 31, 2016, the Company had committed and uncommitted short-term credit lines with various U.S. and foreign banks aggregating approximately $11,000, with substantially no amounts borrowed. At December 31, 2015, the Company had committed and uncommitted short-term credit lines with various U.S. and foreign banks aggregating approximately $13,700, with substantially no amounts borrowed. Interest paid was $19,316, $19,134, and $18,394 for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. See Note 18 for further discussion on the fair value of the Company's long-term debt.

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Note 7 – Stockholders' Equity The Company's Class B common stock carries 10 votes per share while the common stock carries 1 vote per share. Class B shares are transferable only to certain permitted transferees while the common stock is freely transferable. Class B shares are convertible on a one-for-one basis at any time into shares of common stock. Transfers of Class B shares other than to permitted transferees result in the automatic conversion of the Class B shares into common stock. The Board of Directors may only declare dividends or other distributions with respect to the common stock or the Class B common stock if it grants such dividends or distributions in the same amount per share with respect to the other class of stock. Stock dividends or distributions on any class of stock are payable only in shares of stock of that class. Shares of either common stock or Class B common stock cannot be split, divided, or combined unless the other is also split, divided, or combined equally. In 2014, the Company's Board of Directors approved the initiation of a quarterly cash dividend program. Cash dividends were paid quarterly in 2016 and 2015 as follows: Record date Payment date Amount (per share) Record date Payment date Amount (per share) March 11, 2016 March 29, 2016 $ 0.0625 March 12, 2015 March 25, 2015 $ 0.0600 June 15, 2016 June 29, 2016 $ 0.0625 June 11, 2015 June 25, 2015 $ 0.0600 September 15, 2016 September 29, 2016 $ 0.0625 September 2, 2015 September 24, 2015 $ 0.0600 December 8, 2016 December 22, 2016 $ 0.0625 December 3, 2015 December 22, 2015 $ 0.0600 The Amended and Restated Credit Facility allows an unlimited amount of defined "Restricted Payments," which include cash dividends and share repurchases, provided the Company's pro forma leverage ratio is less than 2.25 to 1. If the Company's leverage ratio is greater than 2.25 to 1, the Amended and Restated Credit Facility allows such payments up to $75,000 per annum (subject to a cap of $225,000 for the term of the facility). The amount and timing of any future stock repurchases or cash dividends remains subject to authorization of the Company's Board of Directors. At December 31, 2016, the Company had reserved shares of common stock for future issuance as follows: Restricted stock units outstanding 1,004,000 Phantom stock units outstanding 145,000 Common stock options outstanding 77,000 2007 Stock Incentive Program - available to grant 3,474,000 Convertible senior debentures, due 2040* 23,585,258 Convertible senior debentures, due 2041* 9,470,490 Convertible senior debentures, due 2042* 15,350,865 Conversion of Class B common stock 12,129,227 65,235,840 ___________________ *At December 31, 2016, the convertible senior debentures due 2040, due 2041, and due 2042 are convertible into 20,931,983, 8,331,840, and 13,424,175 shares, respectively, of Vishay common stock. The Company has reserved adequate shares to ensure it could issue the maximum amount of shares to be delivered upon a make-whole fundamental change as defined in the indentures governing the debentures.

Other Income (Expense)

Other Income (Expense)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Income (Expense) [Abstract]
Other Income (Expense)	Note 8 – Other Income (Expense) The caption "Other" on the consolidated statements of operations consists of the following: Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Foreign exchange gain (loss) $ 292 $ 3,180 $ (1,115 ) Interest income 4,264 4,397 4,939 Other 160 399 (1,335 ) $ 4,716 $ 7,976 $ 2,489 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, the Company recorded, as a separate line on the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2015, a loss of $5,350 related to these items, which represented the insurance deductible and certain costs which were considered to be not recoverable. The Company's insurance coverage generally provides for replacement cost of damaged items. Any amount received in excess of the book value is treated as a gain. The Company also had business interruption claims under its insurance policies. The Company did not record any gains on damaged property or business interruption income until all contingencies were resolved. During 2016, the Company received proceeds totaling $13,406 under its various insurance policies, of which $4,911 is classified as proceeds from the sale of property and equipment on the accompanying consolidated statement of cash flows, and the remainder is considered cash flows from operating activities. The Company recorded, as a separate line on the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2016, a gain of $8,809, equal to the proceeds received less the costs incurred for inventory, property, and equipment damage (at net book value) and related repair and clean-up costs.

Other Accrued Expenses

Other Accrued Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Accrued Expenses (Tables) [Abstract]
Other Accrued Expenses	Note 9 – Other Accrued Expenses Other accrued expenses consist of the following: December 31, 2016 2015 Sales returns and allowances $ 34,479 $ 33,086 Goods received, not yet invoiced 30,987 30,193 Accrued restructuring 12,655 26,791 Other 71,010 74,266 $ 149,131 $ 164,336

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Note 10 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) The cumulative balance of each component of other comprehensive income (loss) and the income tax effects allocated to each component are as follows: Pension and other post-retirement actuarial items Currency translation adjustment Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities Total Balance at January 1, 2014 $ (129,918 ) $ 190,998 $ 554 $ 61,634 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications (60,602 ) (106,295 ) 2,175 $ (164,722 ) Tax effect 18,117 - (758 ) $ 17,359 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax (42,485 ) (106,295 ) 1,417 $ (147,363 ) Amounts reclassified out of AOCI 25,604 - (78 ) $ 25,526 Tax effect (8,961 ) - 24 $ (8,937 ) Amounts reclassified out of AOCI, net of tax 16,643 - (54 ) $ 16,589 Net comprehensive income (loss) $ (25,842 ) $ (106,295 ) $ 1,363 $ (130,774 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 $ (155,760 ) $ 84,703 $ 1,917 $ (69,140 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 15,169 (80,106 ) (1,503 ) $ (66,440 ) Tax effect (4,196 ) - 526 $ (3,670 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax 10,973 (80,106 ) (977 ) $ (70,110 ) Amounts reclassified out of AOCI 12,869 - (680 ) $ 12,189 Tax effect (4,504 ) - 238 $ (4,266 ) Amounts reclassified out of AOCI, net of tax 8,365 - (442 ) $ 7,923 Net comprehensive income (loss) $ 19,338 $ (80,106 ) $ (1,419 ) $ (62,187 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ (136,422 ) $ 4,597 $ 498 $ (131,327 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications (32,398 ) (35,863 ) 941 $ (67,320 ) Tax effect 9,815 - (329 ) $ 9,486 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax (22,583 ) (35,863 ) 612 $ (57,834 ) Amounts reclassified out of AOCI 91,014 - - $ 91,014 Tax effect 3,495 - - $ 3,495 Amounts reclassified out of AOCI, net of tax 94,509 - - $ 94,509 Net comprehensive income (loss) $ 71,926 $ (35,863 ) $ 612 $ 36,675 Balance at December 31, 2016 $ (64,496 ) $ (31,266 ) $ 1,110 $ (94,652 ) Reclassifications of pension and other post-retirement actuarial items out of AOCI, including the recognition of the settlement charge for the termination of the Vishay Retirement Plan in 2016, are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Note 11). Historically, valuation allowances were recorded against the deferred taxes associated with certain unrecognized pension and other postretirement actuarial items. Changes in estimates related to these valuation allowances are recorded in the statement of operations and do not affect accumulated other comprehensive income until the underlying pension or other postretirement benefit plan is extinguished. As a result of the termination and settlement of the Vishay Retirement Plan, the Company recorded $34,853 of additional income tax expense and the related reclassification adjustment within accumulated other comprehensive income related to changes in estimates recorded in 2010. The amount of unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities reclassified out of AOCI as a result of sales of securities held by the Company's rabbi trust used to fund a deferred compensation plan was $0, $680, and $24 for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. These reclassifications are recorded as a component of compensation expense within Selling, General, and Administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. The pre-tax amount of unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities reclassified out of AOCI as a result of sales of available-for-sale securities was $0, $0, and $54 for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. These reclassifications are recorded as a component of Other Income on the consolidated statements of operations. The tax effect of the reclassifications of unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities is recorded as a component of Income Tax Expense on the consolidated statements of operations. Other comprehensive income (loss) includes Vishay's proportionate share of other comprehensive income (loss) of nonconsolidated subsidiaries accounted for under the equity method.

Pensions and Other Postretireme

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]
Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits	Note 11 – Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits The Company maintains various retirement benefit plans. GAAP requires employers to recognize the funded status of a benefit plan, measured as the difference between plan assets at fair value and the benefit obligation, in its balance sheet. The recognition of the funded status on the balance sheet requires employers to recognize actuarial items (such as actuarial gains and losses, prior service costs, and transition obligations) as a component of other comprehensive income, net of tax. The following table summarizes amounts recorded on the consolidated balance sheets associated with these various retirement benefit plans: December 31, 2016 2015 Included in "Other assets": U.S. pension plans $ - $ 21,202 Non-U.S. pension plans 248 159 Total included in other assets $ 248 $ 21,361 Included in "Payroll and related expenses": U.S. pension plans $ (35 ) $ (51 ) Non-U.S. pension plans (6,405 ) (6,089 ) U.S. other postretirement plans (717 ) (701 ) Non-U.S. other postretirement plans (322 ) (224 ) Total included in payroll and related expenses $ (7,479 ) $ (7,065 ) Accrued pension and other postretirement costs: U.S. pension plans $ (38,879 ) $ (37,181 ) Non-U.S. pension plans (194,180 ) (203,361 ) U.S. other postretirement plans (6,930 ) (7,208 ) Non-U.S. other postretirement plans (6,303 ) (6,264 ) Other retirement obligations (11,497 ) (10,604 ) Total accrued pension and other postretirement costs $ (257,789 ) $ (264,618 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss: U.S. pension plans $ 7,313 $ 76,141 Non-U.S. pension plans 82,360 73,216 U.S. other postretirement plans (2,287 ) (3,129 ) Non-U.S. other postretirement plans 1,474 1,446 Total accumulated other comprehensive loss* $ 88,860 $ 147,674 * - Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss are presented in this table pre-tax. Defined Benefit Pension Plans U.S. Pension Plans The Company maintains several defined benefit pension plans which covered most full-time U.S. employees. These include pension plans which are "qualified" under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA") and the Internal Revenue Code, and "non-qualified" pension plans which provide defined benefits primarily to U.S. employees whose benefits under the qualified pension plan would be limited by ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code. Pension benefits earned are generally based on years of service and compensation during active employment. The Society of Actuaries Retirement Plans Experience Committee issued new mortality tables and a new mortality improvement scale in 2014. The new mortality tables and mortality improvement scale are based on a recent study of mortality experience in the United States, and reflect improved retiree longevity. The use of the new mortality tables and mortality improvement scale increased the Company's projected benefit obligations by approximately $24,000 in 2014 and will increase future net periodic pension cost. An updated mortality improvement scale issued by the Society of Actuaries in 2015 reduced the Company's benefit obligation by approximately $8,000, which mitigates the increased future net periodic pension cost resulting from the new mortality tables. An updated mortality improvement scale issued by the Society of Actuaries in 2016 did not have a material effect Note 11 – Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (continued) Qualified U.S. Pension Plans The qualified U.S. pension plans historically included both contributory and non-contributory plans. The Company's principal qualified U.S. pension plan (the Vishay Retirement Plan) was funded through Company and participant contributions to an irrevocable trust fund. The Company's other qualified U.S. pension plans, which were assumed as a result of past acquisitions, were funded only through Company contributions. In 2008, the Company adopted amendments to the Vishay Retirement Plan such that effective January 1, 2009, the plan was frozen. Pursuant to these amendments, no new employees could participate in the plan, no further participant contributions were required or permitted, and no further benefits accrued after December 31, 2008. Benefits accumulated as of December 31, 2008 will be paid to employees upon retirement, and the Company has made additional cash contributions to the plan to fund this accumulated benefit obligation. To mitigate the loss in benefits of these employees, effective January 1, 2009, the Company increased the Company-match portion of its 401(k) defined contribution savings plan for employees impacted by the pension freeze. The Company's other qualified U.S. pension plans had all been effectively frozen in prior years. All of the Company's qualified U.S. pension plans have been merged into the Vishay Retirement Plan. During the third fiscal quarter of 2014, the Company executed two partial-settlement transactions to reduce the risk associated with its U.S. qualified pension obligations. These transactions included the purchase of annuity contracts for approximately 700 participants pursuant to an arrangement inherited in a past acquisition and a special limited-time voluntary lump-sum payment offer to certain former employees who were deferred vested participants of the plan not currently receiving periodic payments of their pension benefit. A total of 800 participants accepted the voluntary lump-sum offer. The plan is no longer obligated to pay any benefits to the 1,500 participants covered by these two settlement transactions. These former participants represented approximately 23% of the total participants prior to executing these transactions. These partial-settlement transactions were funded entirely with plan assets and resulted in the recognition of non-cash settlement charges aggregating $15,588, representing previously unrecognized actuarial items. These non-cash charges are presented on a separate line in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. In the second fiscal quarter of 2015, the Company began the process of terminating the Vishay Retirement Plan. Plan participants had their benefits either converted into a lump sum cash payment or an annuity contract placed with an insurance carrier. These non-cash charges are presented on a separate line in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The termination and settlement required no additional cash contributions. Excess plan assets will be transferred to a qualified defined contribution retirement plan, and are presented on the accompanying reconciliation as a negative Company contribution. Note 11 – Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (continued) Non-qualified U.S. Pension Plans The Company's principal non-qualified U.S. pension plan (the Vishay Non-qualified Retirement Plan) was a contributory pension plan designed to provide similar defined benefits to covered U.S. employees whose benefits under the Vishay Retirement Plan would be limited by ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code. The Vishay Non-qualified Retirement Plan is identical in construction to the Vishay Retirement Plan, except that the plan is not qualified under ERISA. The Vishay Non-qualified Retirement Plan, like all non-qualified plans, is considered to be unfunded. The Company maintains a non-qualified trust, referred to as a "rabbi" trust, to fund benefit payments under this plan. Rabbi trust assets are subject to creditor claims under certain conditions and are not the property of employees. Therefore, they are accounted for as other noncurrent assets. Assets held in trust related to the non-qualified pension plan were $22,896 and $21,137 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. In 2008, the Company adopted amendments to the Vishay Non-Qualified Retirement Plan such that effective January 1, 2009, the plan was frozen. Pursuant to these amendments, no new employees may participate in the plans, no further participant contributions were required or permitted, and no further benefits shall accrue after December 31, 2008. Benefits accumulated as of December 31, 2008 will be paid to employees upon retirement, and the Company will likely need to make additional cash contributions to the rabbi trust to fund this accumulated benefit obligation. To mitigate the loss in benefits of these employees, effective January 1, 2009, the Company increased the Company-match portion of its 401(k) defined contribution savings plan for employees impacted by the pension freeze. The Company also maintains other pension plans which provide supplemental defined benefits primarily to former U.S. employees whose benefits under qualified pension plans were limited by ERISA. These non-qualified plans are all non-contributory plans, and are considered to be unfunded. In 2004, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Dr. Felix Zandman, its Executive Chairman and then-Chief Executive Officer. Pursuant to this agreement, the Company is providing an annual retirement benefit of approximately $614 to his surviving spouse. The Company maintains a non-qualified trust, referred to as a "rabbi" trust, to fund benefit payments under this plan. Rabbi trust assets are subject to creditor claims under certain conditions and are not the property of employees. Therefore, they are accounted for as other noncurrent assets. Assets held in trust related to this non-qualified pension plan were $2,389 and $2,995 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. In 2010, the Compensation Committee determined to modify Dr. Gerald Paul's and the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors determined to modify Mr. Marc Zandman's employment arrangements such that upon any termination (other than for cause) after attaining age 62, the executive would be entitled to the same payments and benefits he would have received if his respective employment was terminated by Vishay without cause or by the respective executive for good reason. These modifications were included in formal amendments signed on August 8, 2010. The expense associated with the modifications to the employment arrangements of Dr. Gerald Paul and Mr. Marc Zandman effectively represents a defined retirement benefit that will be recognized over the remaining service period of the individuals. Non-U.S. Pension Plans The Company provides pension and similar benefits to employees of certain non-U.S. subsidiaries consistent with local practices. Pension benefits earned are generally based on years of service and compensation during active employment. Note 11 – Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (continued) The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the benefit obligation, plan assets, and funded status related to U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 274,122 $ 260,554 $ 301,475 $ 289,663 Service cost - 3,291 - 3,265 Interest cost 11,788 5,475 11,657 5,636 Plan amendments - 291 - 267 Transfer from equity affiliate - 358 - - Actuarial (gains) losses 19,916 17,202 (23,099 ) (1,871 ) Benefits paid (15,625 ) (12,607 ) (15,911 ) (12,230 ) Curtailments and settlements (251,287 ) - - - Currency translation - (8,137 ) - (24,176 ) Benefit obligation at end of year $ 38,914 $ 266,427 $ 274,122 $ 260,554 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 258,092 $ 51,263 $ 273,644 49,156 Actual return on plan assets 14,068 2,588 (5,439 ) 1,159 Transfer from equity affiliate - 358 - - Company contributions (5,248 ) 27,311 5,798 15,621 Benefits paid (15,625 ) (12,607 ) (15,911 ) (12,230 ) Curtailments and settlements (251,287 ) - - - Currency translation - (2,823 ) - (2,443 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ - $ 66,090 $ 258,092 $ 51,263 Funded status at end of year $ (38,914 ) $ (200,337 ) $ (16,030 ) $ (209,291 ) The plan assets are stated at fair value. See Note 18 for further discussion of the valuation of the plan assets. Amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheet consist of the following: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans Other assets $ - $ 248 $ 21,202 $ 159 Accrued benefit liability - currrent (35 ) (6,405 ) (51 ) (6,089 ) Accrued benefit liability - non-current (38,879 ) (194,180 ) (37,181 ) (203,361 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss 7,313 82,360 76,141 73,216 $ (31,601 ) $ (117,977 ) $ 60,111 $ (136,075 ) Note 11 – Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (continued) Actuarial items consist of the following: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans Unrecognized net actuarial loss $ 6,241 $ 82,360 $ 74,926 $ 73,216 Unamortized prior service cost 1,072 - 1,215 - $ 7,313 $ 82,360 $ 76,141 $ 73,216 The following table sets forth additional information regarding the projected and accumulated benefit obligations: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans Accumulated benefit obligation, all plans $ 38,914 $ 247,838 $ 274,122 $ 242,054 Plans for which the accumulated benefit obligation exceeds plan assets: Projected benefit obligation $ 38,914 $ 253,390 $ 37,232 $ 247,960 Accumulated benefit obligation 38,914 240,793 37,232 234,910 Fair value of plan assets - 56,649 - 39,463 The following table sets forth the components of net periodic pension cost: Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans Service cost net of employee contributions $ - $ 3,291 $ - $ 3,265 $ - $ 3,275 Interest cost 11,788 5,475 11,657 5,636 13,821 8,555 Expected return on plan assets (11,302 ) (2,117 ) (13,566 ) (1,798 ) (14,892 ) (2,109 ) Amortization of actuarial losses 6,513 4,733 8,175 5,131 7,166 2,700 Amortization of prior service cost (credit) 144 261 64 (282 ) (56 ) (5 ) Curtailment and settlement losses 79,321 841 - 452 15,588 1,137 Net periodic pension cost $ 86,464 $ 12,484 $ 6,330 $ 12,404 $ 21,627 $ 13,553 Note 11 – Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (continued) See Note 10 for the pretax, tax effect and after tax amounts included in other comprehensive income during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014. The estimated actuarial items for the defined benefit pensions plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic pension cost during 2017 is $6,400. The following weighted average assumptions were used to determine benefit obligations at December 31 of the respective years: 2016 2015 U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans Discount rate 4.25 % 1.76 % 4.50 % 2.30 % Rate of compensation increase 0.00 % 2.12 % 0.00 % 1.99 % The following weighted average assumptions were used to determine the net periodic pension costs for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015: Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans Discount rate 4.50 % 2.30 % 4.00 % 2.15 % Rate of compensation increase 0.00 % 1.99 % 0.00 % 1.97 % Expected return on plan assets 4.50 % 3.38 % 5.00 % 3.86 % The plans' expected return on assets is based on management's expectations of long-term average rates of return to be achieved by the underlying investment portfolios. In establishing this assumption, management considers historical and expected returns for the asset classes in which the plans are invested, advice from pension consultants and investment advisors, and current economic and capital market conditions. The investment mix between equity securities and fixed income securities is based upon achieving a desired return, balancing higher return, more volatile equity securities, and lower return, less volatile fixed income securities and is adjusted for the expected duration of the obligation and the funded status of the plan. At December 31, 2015, the Company's U.S. defined benefit plans were invested in diversified portfolios of fixed income securities and cash due to the pending termination and settlement of the plans. Investment allocations are made across a range of securities, maturities and credit quality. The Company's non-U.S. defined benefit plan investments are based on local laws and customs. Most plans invest in cash and local government fixed income securities, although plans in certain countries have investments in equity securities. The plans do not invest in securities of Vishay or its subsidiaries. Negative investment returns could ultimately affect the funded status of the plans, requiring additional cash contributions. See Note 18 for further information on the fair value of the plan assets by asset category. Estimated future benefit payments are as follows: U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans 2017 $ 1,765 $ 14,754 2018 1,776 13,659 2019 7,664 14,860 2020 2,929 14,373 2021 2,959 14,624 2022-2026 15,435 77,493 The Company's anticipated 2017 contributions for defined benefit pension plans will approximate the expected benefit payments disclosed above. Note 11 – Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (continued) Other Postretirement Benefits In the U.S., the Company maintains unfunded non-pension postretirement plans, including medical benefits for certain executives and their surviving spouses, which are funded as costs are incurred. The Company also maintains two unfunded non-pension postretirement plans at two European subsidiaries. The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the benefit obligation, plan assets, and accrued benefit cost related to U.S. and non-U.S. non-pension defined benefit postretirement plans: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 7,909 $ 6,488 $ 8,677 $ 7,283 Service cost 126 268 121 273 Interest cost 340 143 333 147 Plan curtailments and settlements - - - (25 ) Actuarial (gains) losses (25 ) 171 (550 ) (50 ) Benefits paid (703 ) (221 ) (672 ) (389 ) Currency translation - (224 ) - (751 ) Benefit obligation at end of year $ 7,647 $ 6,625 $ 7,909 $ 6,488 Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ - $ - $ - $ - Funded status at end of year $ (7,647 ) $ (6,625 ) $ (7,909 ) $ (6,488 ) Amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheet consist of the following: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans Accrued benefit liability - current $ (717 ) $ (322 ) $ (701 ) $ (224 ) Accrued benefit liability - non-current (6,930 ) (6,303 ) (7,208 ) (6,264 ) Accumulated other comprehensive income (2,287 ) 1,474 (3,129 ) 1,446 $ (9,934 ) $ (5,151 ) $ (11,038 ) $ (5,042 ) Note 11 – Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (continued) Actuarial items consist of the following: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans Unrecognized net actuarial loss (gain) $ (1,303 ) $ 1,474 $ (1,308 ) $ 1,446 Unamortized prior service (credit) cost (984 ) - (1,821 ) - $ (2,287 ) $ 1,474 $ (3,129 ) $ 1,446 The following table sets forth the components of net periodic benefit cost: Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans Service cost $ 126 $ 268 $ 121 $ 273 $ 115 $ 307 Interest cost 340 143 333 147 351 244 Amortization of actuarial (gains) losses (30 ) 68 90 76 (140 ) 38 Amortization of prior service credit (837 ) - (837 ) - (824 ) - Net periodic benefit cost (benefit) $ (401 ) $ 479 $ (293 ) $ 496 $ (498 ) $ 589 The estimated actuarial items for the other postretirement benefit plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost during 2017 are not material and approximate the amounts amortized in 2016. The following weighted average assumptions were used to determine benefit obligations at December 31 of the respective years: 2016 2015 U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans Discount rate 4.25 % 1.50 % 4.50 % 2.31 % Rate of compensation increase 0.00 % 2.58 % 0.00 % 2.69 % The following weighted average assumptions were used to determine the net periodic benefit costs for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015: Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans Discount rate 4.50 % 2.31 % 4.00 % 2.25 % Rate of compensation increase 0.00 % 2.69 % 0.00 % 2.87 % The impact of a one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates on the net periodic benefit cost and postretirement benefit obligation is not material. Note 11 – Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (continued) Estimated future benefit payments are as follows: U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans 2017 $ 717 $ 322 2018 709 275 2019 699 378 2020 681 580 2021 656 414 2022-2026 2,695 2,456 As the plans are unfunded, the Company's anticipated contributions for 2017 are equal to its estimated benefits payments. Other Retirement Obligations The Company participates in various other defined contribution and government-mandated retirement plans based on local law or custom. The Company periodically makes required contributions for certain of these plans, whereas other plans are unfunded retirement bonus plans which will be paid at the employee's retirement date. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the consolidated balance sheets include $11,497 and $10,604, respectively, within accrued pension and other postretirement costs related to these plans. The Company's U.S. employees are eligible to participate in 401(k) savings plans, which provide for Company matching under various formulas. The Company's matching expense for the plans was $5,039, $5,369, and $5,285 for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. No material amounts are included on the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2016 and 2015 related to unfunded 401(k) contributions. Certain key employees participate in a deferred compensation plan. During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, these employees could defer a portion of their compensation until retirement, or elect shorter deferral periods. The Company maintains a liability within other noncurrent liabilities on its consolidated balance sheets related to these deferrals. The Company maintains a non-qualified trust, referred to as a "rabbi" trust, to fund payments under this plan. Rabbi trust assets are subject to creditor claims under certain conditions and are not the property of employees. Therefore, they are accounted for as other noncurrent assets. Assets held in trust related to the deferred compensation plan at December 31, 2016 and 2015 were approximately $16,632 and $15,717, respectively.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Note 12 – Stock-Based Compensation The Company has various stockholder-approved programs which allow for the grant of share-based compensation to officers, employees, and non-employee directors. 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 share-based compensation expense recognized: Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Restricted stock units $ 6,263 $ 3,705 $ 2,261 Phantom stock units 117 141 131 Stock options - - - Total $ 6,380 $ 3,846 $ 2,392 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 December 31, 2016 (amortization periods in years) Unrecognized Compensation Cost Weighted Average Remaining Amortization Periods Restricted stock units $ 2,413 0.7 Phantom stock units - 0.0 Stock options - 0.0 Total $ 2,413 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. Note 12 – Stock-Based Compensation (continued) 2007 Stock Incentive Program The Company's 2007 Stock Incentive Program (the "2007 Program"), as amended and restated, was approved by Vishay's stockholders at Vishay's Annual Meeting of Stockholders on May 20, 2014. The 2007 Program permits the grant of up to 6,500,000 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. At December 31, 2016, the Company has reserved 3,474,000 shares of common stock for future grants of equity awards pursuant to the 2007 Program. If any outstanding awards are forfeited by the holder or cancelled by the Company, the underlying shares would be available for regrant to others. Restricted Stock Units Each RSU entitles the recipient to receive a share of common stock when the RSU vests. RSU activity for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 is presented below (number of RSUs in thousands) Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Number of RSUs Weighted Average Grant-date Fair Value Number of RSUs Weighted Average Grant-date Fair Value Number of RSUs Weighted Average Grant-date Fair Value Outstanding: Beginning of year 1,028 $ 13.24 1,147 $ 12.75 1,059 $ 13.40 Granted 353 11.35 349 13.60 336 13.48 Vested* (155 ) 12.27 (182 ) 11.41 (146 ) 15.87 Cancelled or forfeited (222 ) 13.19 (286 ) 12.89 (102 ) 17.45 End of year 1,004 $ 12.74 1,028 $ 13.24 1,147 $ 12.75 Expected to vest 1,004 806 649 * The number of RSUs vested includes shares that the Company withheld on behalf of employees to satisfy statutory tax withholding requirements. The number of performance-based RSUs 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 ** The performance vesting criteria for the performance-based RSUs with a vesting date of January 1, 2017 were achieved. In the event of (i) any termination (other than for cause) after attaining retirement age (as defined in the respective executive's employment arrangement), the executive's outstanding RSUs shall immediately vest and the outstanding performance-based RSUs shall vest on their normal vesting date to the extent applicable performance criteria are realized; and (ii) a change of control of Vishay, all of such executive's outstanding RSUs and performance-based RSUs shall immediately vest. In the event of voluntary termination by the executive prior to attaining retirement age or termination for cause, the executive's outstanding RSUs and performance-based RSUs will be forfeited. Note 12 – Stock-Based Compensation (continued) 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. The following table summarizes the Company's phantom stock units activity for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 (number of phantom stock units in thousands) Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Number of Phantom Stock Units Grant- date Fair Value per Unit Number of Phantom Stock Units Grant- date Fair Value per Unit Number of Phantom Stock Units Grant- date Fair Value per Unit Outstanding: Beginning of year 132 119 107 Granted 10 $ 11.71 10 $ 14.09 10 $ 13.12 Dividend equivalents issued 3 3 2 Redeemed for common stock - - - End of year 145 132 119 Note 12 – Stock-Based Compensation (continued) 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. Under the 1998 Stock Option Program, certain executive officers and key employees were granted options. On March 16, 2008, the stockholder approval for the 1998 Stock Option Program expired. While no additional options may be granted pursuant to this plan, at December 31, 2016, 70,000 options issued under the 1998 Program remain outstanding and may be exercised in future periods. As of December 31, 2016, 77,000 options were outstanding. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, 105,000 options were outstanding. Since December 31, 2013, all outstanding options have vested and are exercisable. As of December 31, 2016, the weighted-average remaining contractual life of all exercisable options is 0.39 years and the exercise price of all exercisable options is $16.29. The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. There were no options granted in 2016, 2015, or 2014. The pretax aggregate intrinsic value (the difference between the closing stock price on the last trading day of 2016 of $16.20 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 December 31, 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 years ended December 31, 2016 and 2014, 27,619 and 4,337 options were exercised, respectively. The weighted average exercise prices for the options exercised in 2016 and 2014 were $12.90 and $11.62, respectively. No options were exercised during the year ended December 31, 2015.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Note 13 – Commitments and Contingencies Leases The Company uses various leased facilities and equipment in its operations. In the normal course of business, operating leases are generally renewed or replaced by other leases. Certain operating leases include escalation clauses. Total rental expense under operating leases was $27,431, $27,210, and $28,088 for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. Future minimum lease payments for operating leases with initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year are as follows: 2017 $ 24,851 2018 13,093 2019 8,284 2020 5,597 2021 4,182 Thereafter 10,697 Environmental Matters The Company is subject to various federal, state, local, and foreign laws and regulations governing environmental matters, including the use, discharge, and disposal of hazardous materials. The Company's manufacturing facilities are believed to be in substantial compliance with current laws and regulations. Complying with current laws and regulations has not had a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition. The Company has engaged environmental consultants and attorneys to assist management in evaluating potential liabilities related to environmental matters. Management assesses the input from these consultants along with other information known to the Company in its effort to continually monitor these potential liabilities. Management assesses its environmental exposure on a site-by-site basis, including those sites where the Company has been named as a "potentially responsible party." Such assessments include the Company's share of remediation costs, information known to the Company concerning the size of the hazardous waste sites, their years of operation, and the number of past users and their financial viability. The Company has accrued environmental liabilities of $7,783 as of December 31, 2016 relating to environmental matters related to its General Semiconductor subsidiary. The Company has also accrued approximately $7,675 at December 31, 2016 for other environmental matters. The liabilities recorded for these matters total $15,458, of which $8,623 is included in other accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet, and $6,835 is included in other noncurrent liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. While the ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be determined, management does not believe that the final disposition of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows beyond the amounts previously provided for in the consolidated financial statements. The Company's present and past facilities have been in operation for many years. These facilities have used substances and have generated and disposed of wastes which are or might be considered hazardous. Therefore, it is possible that additional environmental issues may arise in the future, which the Company cannot now predict. Litigation The Company is a party to various claims and lawsuits arising in the normal course of business. The Company is of the opinion that these litigations or claims will not have a material negative effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. Semiconductor Foundry Agreements The Company's Siliconix subsidiary maintains long-term foundry agreements with subcontractors to ensure access to external front-end capacity. Since 2004, Siliconix has maintained long-term foundry arrangements for semiconductor manufacturing with Tower Semiconductor, pursuant to which Siliconix transferred certain technology to Tower Semiconductor and committed to purchase a minimum amount of semiconductor wafers. The Company has minimum purchase commitments pursuant to the current arrangement of $37,010 and $16,786 for 2017 and 2018, respectively. The minimum purchase commitments are based on a 18-month rolling forecast, and accordingly, the 2018 minimum purchase commitments will likely increase. The Company has the option to purchase wafers in addition to the minimum commitment and, accordingly, actual purchases may be different than the amounts disclosed above. Note 13 – Commitments and Contingencies (continued) Product Quality Claims The Company is a party to various product quality claims in the normal course of business. The Company provides warranties for its products which offer replacement of defective products. Annual warranty expenses are generally not significant. The Company periodically receives claims which arise from consequential damages which result from a customer's installation of an alleged defective Vishay component into the customer's product. Although not covered by its stated warranty, Vishay may occasionally reimburse the customer for these consequential damages in limited circumstances. Executive Employment Agreements The Company has employment agreements with certain of its senior executives. These employment agreements provide incremental compensation in the event of termination. The Company does not provide any severance or other benefits specifically upon a change in control.

Current Vulnerability Due to Ce

Current Vulnerability Due to Certain Concentrations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Current Vulnerability Due to Certain Concentrations Abstract
Current Vulnerability Due to Certain Concentrations	Note 14 – Current Vulnerability Due to Certain Concentrations Market Concentrations While no single customer comprises greater than 10% of consolidated net revenues, a material portion of the Company's revenues are derived from the worldwide industrial, automotive, telecommunications, and computing markets. These markets have historically experienced wide variations in demand for end products. If demand for these end products should decrease, the producers thereof could reduce their purchases of the Company's products, which could have an adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and financial position. While no single customer comprises greater than 10% of consolidated net revenues, certain subsidiaries and product lines have customers which comprise greater than 10% of the subsidiary's or product line's net revenues. The loss of one of these customers could have a material effect on the results of operations of the subsidiary or product line and financial position of the subsidiary, which could result in an impairment charge which could be material to the Company's consolidated financial statements. Credit Risk Concentrations Financial instruments with potential credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, and notes receivable. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to receivables are generally limited due to the Company's large number of customers and their dispersion across many countries and industries. As of December 31, 2016, one customer comprised 15.4% of the Company's accounts receivable balance. This customer comprised 14.6% of the Company's accounts receivable balance as of December 31, 2015. No other customer comprised greater than 10% of the Company's accounts receivable balance as of December 31, 2016 or December 31, 2015. The Company continually monitors the credit risks associated with its accounts receivable and adjusts the allowance for uncollectible accounts accordingly. The credit risk exposure associated with the accounts receivable is limited by the allowance and is not considered material to the financial statements. The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments with various major financial institutions. The Company is exposed to credit risk related to the potential inability to access liquidity in financial institutions where its cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments are concentrated. As of December 31, 2016, the following financial institutions held over 10% of the Company's combined cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments balance: Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi* 12.4 % Bank Leumi* 10.6 % Deutsche Bank 10.6 % ___________________________________________________ *Participant in Credit Facility Sources of Supplies Many of the Company's products require the use of raw materials that are produced in only a limited number of regions around the world or are available from only a limited number of suppliers. The Company's consolidated results of operations may be materially and adversely affected if there are significant price increases for these raw materials, the Company has difficulty obtaining these raw materials, or the quality of available raw materials deteriorates. For periods in which the prices of these raw materials are rising, the Company may be unable to pass on the increased cost to the Company's customers, which would result in decreased margins for the products in which they are used. For periods in which the prices are declining, the Company may be required to write down its inventory carrying cost of these raw materials which, depending on the extent of the difference between market price and its carrying cost, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's net earnings. Vishay is a major consumer of the world's annual production of tantalum. Tantalum, a metal purchased in powder or wire form, is the principal material used in the manufacture of tantalum capacitors. There are few suppliers that process tantalum ore into capacitor grade tantalum powder. From time to time, there have been short-term market shortages of raw materials utilized by the Company. While these shortages have not historically adversely affected the Company's ability to increase production of products containing these raw materials, they have historically resulted in higher raw material costs for the Company. The Company cannot assure that any of these market shortages in the future would not adversely affect the Company's ability to increase production, particularly during periods of growing demand for the Company's products. Note 14 – Current Vulnerability Due to Certain Concentrations (continued) Certain raw materials used in the manufacture of the Company's products, such as gold, copper, palladium, and other metals, are traded on active markets and can be subject to significant price volatility. To ensure adequate supply and to provide cost certainty, the Company's policy is to enter into short-term commitments to purchase defined portions of annual consumption of the raw materials utilized by the Company if market prices decline below budget. If after entering into these commitments, the market prices for these raw materials decline, the Company must recognize losses on these adverse purchase commitments. Recently enacted rules in the U.S. on conflict minerals, which include tantalum, tungsten, tin, and gold, all of which are used in the Company's products, could result in increased prices and decreased supply of conflict minerals, which could negatively affect the Company's consolidated results of operations. Geographic Concentration The Company has operations outside the United States, and approximately 76% of revenues earned during 2016 were derived from sales to customers outside the United States. Additionally, as of December 31, 2016, $1,084,453 of the Company's cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments were held by subsidiaries outside of the United States. Some of the Company's products are produced and cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments are held in countries which are subject to risks of political, economic, and military instability. This instability could result in wars, riots, nationalization of industry, currency fluctuations, and labor unrest. These conditions could have an adverse impact on the Company's ability to operate in these regions and, depending on the extent and severity of these conditions, could materially and adversely affect the Company's overall financial condition, operating results, and ability to access its liquidity when needed. As of December 31, 2016 the Company's cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments were concentrated in the following countries: Germany 40.6 % Israel 24.0 % United States 9.4 % The Republic of China (Taiwan) 8.0 % Singapore 7.7 % People's Republic of China 5.9 % Other Asia 2.2 % Other Europe 1.6 % Other 0.6 % Certain of the Company's non-U.S. subsidiaries have cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments deposited in U.S. financial institutions. Vishay has been in operation in Israel for 46 years. The Company has never experienced any material interruption in its operations attributable to these factors, in spite of several Middle East crises, including wars.

Segment and Geographic Data

Segment and Geographic Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment and Geographic Data [Abstract]
Segment and Geographic Data	Note 15 –Segment and Geographic Data Vishay is a global manufacturer and supplier of electronic components. 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. These segments represent groupings of product lines based on their functionality: ● Metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors ("MOSFETs") function as solid state switches to control power. ● Diodes route, regulate, and block radio frequency, analog, and power signals; protect systems from surges or electrostatic discharge damage; or provide electromagnetic interference filtering. ● Optoelectronic components emit light, detect light, or do both. ● Resistors and inductors both impede electric current. Resistors are basic components used in all forms of electronic circuitry to adjust and regulate levels of voltage and current. Inductors use an internal magnetic field to change alternating current phase and resist alternating current. ● Capacitors store energy and discharge it when needed. Vishay's reporting segments generate substantially all of their revenue from product sales to the industrial, automotive, telecommunications, computing, consumer products, power supplies, military and aerospace, and medical end markets. A small portion of revenues are from royalties. 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 Company also regularly evaluates gross profit by segment to assist in the analysis of consolidated gross profit. The Company considers segment operating income to be the more important metric because it more fully captures the business operations of the segments. Note 15 –Segment and Geographic Data (continued) The following tables set forth business segment information: MOSFETs Diodes Optoelectronic Components Resistors & Inductors Capacitors Corporate / Other Total Year ended December 31, 2016: Product sales $ 406,336 $ 553,920 $ 272,126 $ 753,578 $ 337,212 $ - $ 2,323,172 Royalty revenues - - - 259 - - $ 259 Total revenue $ 406,336 $ 553,920 $ 272,126 $ 753,837 $ 337,212 $ - $ 2,323,431 Gross Profit $ 58,155 $ 134,937 $ 87,022 $ 222,786 $ 66,883 $ - $ 569,783 Segment Operating Income $ 22,254 $ 113,995 $ 67,548 $ 191,283 $ 46,338 $ - $ 441,418 Depreciation expense $ 34,531 $ 35,335 $ 15,549 $ 32,240 $ 17,817 $ 9,049 $ 144,521 Capital expenditures 22,430 29,860 18,276 47,006 14,410 2,653 $ 134,635 Total Assets as of December 31, 2016: $ 389,482 $ 714,898 $ 312,423 $ 905,795 $ 495,225 $ 259,978 $ 3,077,801 Year ended December 31, 2015: Product sales $ 426,672 $ 533,931 $ 279,553 $ 704,109 $ 352,900 $ - $ 2,297,165 Royalty revenues 11 - - 3,312 - - $ 3,323 Total revenue $ 426,683 $ 533,931 $ 279,553 $ 707,421 $ 352,900 $ - $ 2,300,488 Gross Profit $ 58,626 $ 119,762 $ 88,625 $ 208,384 $ 66,823 $ - $ 542,220 Segment Operating Income $ 21,366 $ 95,887 $ 68,410 $ 173,805 $ 44,863 $ - $ 404,331 Depreciation expense $ 47,172 $ 35,526 $ 14,118 $ 30,576 $ 18,168 $ 8,780 $ 154,340 Capital expenditures 29,289 38,971 21,853 38,169 14,763 4,097 $ 147,142 Total Assets as of December 31, 2015: $ 477,984 $ 718,548 $ 325,600 $ 839,249 $ 543,507 $ 248,098 $ 3,152,986 Year ended December 31, 2014: Product sales $ 470,377 $ 579,288 $ 258,248 $ 755,251 $ 425,593 $ - $ 2,488,757 Royalty revenues 160 - - 4,365 - - $ 4,525 Total revenue $ 470,537 $ 579,288 $ 258,248 $ 759,616 $ 425,593 $ - $ 2,493,282 Gross Profit $ 59,614 $ 132,021 $ 91,165 $ 241,090 $ 87,402 $ - $ 611,292 Segment Operating Income $ 21,095 $ 106,068 $ 73,463 $ 203,343 $ 62,460 $ - $ 466,429 Depreciation expense $ 53,939 $ 39,592 $ 13,266 $ 32,380 $ 20,524 $ 1,103 $ 160,804 Capital expenditures 33,672 41,713 23,008 42,950 12,694 2,937 $ 156,974 Total Assets as of December 31, 2014: $ 499,550 $ 732,502 $ 422,257 $ 812,664 $ 605,281 $ 201,897 $ 3,274,151 ________________ Note 15 –Segment and Geographic Data (continued) Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Reconciliation: Segment Operating Income $ 441,418 $ 404,331 $ 466,429 Restructuring and Severance Costs (19,199 ) (19,215 ) (20,897 ) Impairment of Intangible Assets (1,559 ) (57,600 ) - Impairment of Goodwill - (5,380 ) - U.S. Pension Settlement Charges (79,321 ) - (15,588 ) Unallocated Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses (239,622 ) (224,337 ) (240,833 ) Consolidated Operating Income (Loss) $ 101,717 $ 97,799 $ 189,111 Unallocated Other Income (Expense) (7,501 ) (23,059 ) (21,968 ) Consolidated Income Before Taxes $ 94,216 $ 74,740 $ 167,143 See Note 4 for restructuring and severance costs segment information. The following table summarizes net revenues based on revenues generated by subsidiaries located within the identified geographic area: Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 United States $ 542,506 $ 560,973 $ 590,145 Germany 746,657 719,246 821,005 Other Europe 83,744 88,553 107,598 Israel 10,007 12,597 13,871 Asia 940,517 919,119 960,663 $ 2,323,431 $ 2,300,488 $ 2,493,282 The following table summarizes property and equipment based on physical location: December 31, 2016 2015 United States $ 94,589 $ 94,512 Germany 120,223 122,817 Czech Republic 29,912 33,352 Other Europe 83,041 85,566 Israel 104,824 107,715 People's Republic of China 183,158 182,411 Republic of China (Taiwan) 124,724 126,780 Other Asia 105,400 109,815 Other 3,000 2,328 $ 848,871 $ 865,296

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Note 16 – Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the periods presented. Diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding adjusted to include the potentially dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units (see Note 12), convertible debt instruments (see Note 6), and other potentially dilutive securities. The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders (shares in thousands) Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Numerator: Numerator for basic earnings (loss) per share: Net earnings (loss) attributable to Vishay stockholders $ 48,792 $ (108,514 ) $ 117,629 Interest savings assuming conversion of dilutive convertible and exchangeable notes, net of tax 38 - 59 Numerator for diluted earnings (loss) per share: Net earnings (loss) attributed to Vishay stockholders - diluted $ 48,830 $ (108,514 ) $ 117,688 Denominator: Denominator for basic earnings (loss) per share: Weighted average shares 147,009 147,570 147,448 Outstanding phantom stock units 143 130 119 Adjusted weighted average shares - basic 147,152 147,700 147,567 Effect of dilutive securities: Convertible and exchangeable debt instruments 3,219 - 5,890 Restricted stock units 323 - 252 Other 3 - 7 Dilutive potential common shares 3,545 - 6,149 Denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per share: Adjusted weighted average shares - diluted 150,697 147,700 153,716 Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Vishay stockholders $ 0.33 $ (0.73 ) $ 0.80 Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Vishay stockholders $ 0.32 $ (0.73 ) $ 0.77 Note 16 – Earnings Per Share (continued) Diluted earnings per share for the years presented do not reflect the following weighted average potential common shares, as the effect would be antidilutive (in thousands) Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Convertible and exchangeable notes: Convertible Senior Debentures, due 2040 10,312 20,477 - Convertible Senior Debentures, due 2041 8,249 8,151 7,944 Convertible Senior Debentures, due 2042 - 13,133 - Exchangeable Unsecured Notes, due 2102 - 2,512 - Weighted average employee stock options 91 105 77 Weighted average other 512 1,014 706 In periods in which they are dilutive, if the potential common shares related to the exchangeable notes are included in the computation, the related interest savings, net of tax, assuming conversion/exchange is added to the net earnings used to compute earnings per share. The Company's convertible debt instruments are only convertible upon the occurrence of certain events. The convertible debentures due 2042 are convertible subsequent to the December 31, 2016 evaluation of the conversion criteria. In periods that the debentures are not convertible, the certain conditions which could trigger conversion of the remaining debentures have been deemed to be non-substantive, and accordingly, the Company has always assumed the conversion of these instruments in its diluted earnings per share computation during periods in which they are dilutive. At the direction of its Board of Directors, the Company intends, upon conversion, to repay the principal amounts of the convertible senior debentures, due 2040, due 2041, and due 2042, in cash and settle any additional amounts in shares of Vishay common stock. Accordingly, the debentures are included in the diluted earnings per share computation using the "treasury stock method" (similar to options and warrants) rather than the "if converted method" otherwise required for convertible debt. Under the "treasury stock method," Vishay calculates the number of shares issuable under the terms of the debentures based on the average market price of Vishay common stock during the period, and that number is included in the total diluted shares figure for the period. If the average market price is less than $13.14, 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 $18.00, 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 $11.17, no shares are included in the diluted earnings per share computation for the convertible senior debentures due 2042.

Additional Cash Flow Informatio

Additional Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Additional Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Additional Cash Flow Information	Note 17 – Additional Cash Flow Information Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of businesses acquired consists of the following : Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Accounts receivable $ (4,120 ) $ (11,250 ) $ (731 ) Inventories 13,760 (30,302 ) (23,753 ) Prepaid expenses and other current assets (12,180 ) (5,203 ) (5,031 ) Accounts payable 17,839 (13,419 ) 9,339 Other current liabilities (19,505 ) 32,925 (18,064 ) Net change in operating assets and liabilities $ (4,206 ) $ (27,249 ) $ (38,240 )

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Note 18 – 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. The following table provides the financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2016 and 2015: Total Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 December 31, 2016 Assets: Assets held in rabbi trusts $ 41,917 $ 27,297 $ 14,620 $ - Available for sale securities $ 3,969 3,969 - - Non - U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plan Assets: Equity securities $ 9,963 9,963 - - Fixed income securities $ 12,780 12,780 - - Cash $ 43,347 43,347 - - $ 111,976 $ 97,356 $ 14,620 $ - Liabilities: Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2040 $ (393 ) - - (393 ) Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2041 $ (285 ) - - (285 ) Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2042 $ (176 ) - - (176 ) $ (854 ) $ - $ - $ (854 ) December 31, 2015 Assets: Assets held in rabbi trusts $ 39,849 $ 25,906 $ 13,943 $ - Available for sale securities $ 3,604 3,604 - - U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plan Assets: Fixed income securities $ 255,804 254,555 1,249 - Cash $ 2,288 2,288 - - Non - U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plan Assets: Equity securities $ 9,302 9,302 - - Fixed income securities $ 13,416 13,416 - - Cash $ 28,545 28,545 - - $ 352,808 $ 337,616 $ 15,192 $ - 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 ) Note 18 – Fair Value Measurements (continued) In accordance with ASC Subtopic 350-20, and as described in Note 3, the Company performed nonrecurring fair value measurements of its indefinite-lived Siliconix tradenames and its Capacitors segment goodwill balance as of the last day of its third fiscal quarters of 2016 and 2015, respectively. As a result of the fair value measurements, the Siliconix tradenames with a carrying value of $20,359 were written down to their fair value of $18,800, resulting in an impairment charge of $1,559, and the goodwill of the Capacitors segment with a carrying value of was $5,380 was written down to its implied value of zero, resulting in an impairment charge of $5,380 recorded in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. In accordance with ASC Subtopic 360-10, and as described in Note 3, the Company performed a nonrecurring fair value measurement of its Capella business long-lived intangible assets as of the last day of its third fiscal quarter of 2015. As a result of the fair value measurement, the long-lived intangible assets of its Capella business with carrying values of $68,500, were written down to their fair values of $10,900, resulting in a total impairment charge of $57,600, recorded in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2015. The Company's nonrecurring fair value measurements of its Siliconix tradenames, goodwill, and long-lived intangible assets are considered Level 3 measurements. See Note 3 for further information on the measurements and inputs. 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 year. 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 maintains defined benefit retirement plans in certain of its U.S. and non-U.S. subsidiaries. The assets of the plans are measured at fair value. Equity securities held by the U.S. defined benefit retirement plans consist of various mutual funds and exchange traded funds that are valued based on quoted market prices on the last business day of the year. The fair value measurement of the mutual funds and exchange traded funds securities is considered a Level 1 measurement within the fair value hierarchy. Fixed income securities held by the U.S. defined benefit retirement plans consist of exchange traded funds and a short-term investment fund. The exchange traded funds are valued based on quoted market prices on the last business day of the year. The fair value measurement of the exchange traded funds securities is considered a Level 1 measurement within the fair value hierarchy. The short-term investment fund strictly invests in short-term investments, including commercial paper, certificates of deposit, U.S. government agency and instrumentality obligations, U.S. government obligations, corporate notes, and funding agreements. The maturity date of all investments held by the short-term investment fund is within one year from the financial statement date. There are no redemption restrictions on the plan's investment. The fair value of the short-term investment fund has been estimated using the net asset value per share of the investment. The fair value measurement of the short-term investment fund is considered a Level 2 measurement within the fair value hierarchy. Equity securities held by the non-U.S. defined benefit retirement plans consist of equity securities that are valued based on quoted market prices on the last business day of the year. The fair value measurement of the equity securities is considered a Level 1 measurement within the fair value hierarchy. Fixed income securities held by the non-U.S. defined benefit retirement plans consist of government bonds in the Philippines and India and corporate notes that are valued based on quoted market prices on the last business day of the year. The fair value measurement of the fixed income securities is considered a Level 1 measurement within the fair value hierarchy. Cash held by the U.S. and non-U.S. defined benefit retirement plans consists of demand deposits on account in various financial institutions to fund current benefit payments. The carrying amount of the cash approximates its fair value. 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 U.S. 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 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 London Interbank Offered Rate (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. Note 18 – Fair Value Measurements (continued) The Company enters into forward contracts with highly-rated financial institutions 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 $100,000 and $29,000 as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The forward contracts are short-term in nature and are expected to be renewed at the Company's discretion until the intercompany loans are repaid. We have not designated the forward contracts as hedges for accounting purposes, and as such the changes in the fair value of the contracts are recognized on the consolidated 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. Due to the timing of the renewal of the forward contracts, the value of the forward contracts were immaterial as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. The Company does not utilize derivatives or other financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes. The fair value of the long-term debt, excluding the derivative liability and capitalized deferred financing costs, at December 31, 2016 and 2015 is approximately $860,600 and $756,900, respectively, compared to its carrying value, excluding the derivative liability and capitalized deferred financing costs, of $367,049 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 December 31, 2016 and 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 December 31, 2016 and 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 on the consolidated 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 on the consolidated balance sheets approximate their fair values.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Note 19 – Related Party Transactions Vishay Precision Group, Inc. On July 6, 2010, Vishay completed the spin-off of its measurements and foil resistors businesses into an independent, publicly-traded company to be named Vishay Precision Group, Inc. through a tax-free stock dividend to Vishay's stockholders. Vishay's common stockholders received 1 share of VPG common stock for every 14 shares of Vishay common stock they held on the record date, June 25, 2010, and Vishay's Class B common stockholders received 1 share of VPG Class B common stock for every 14 shares of Vishay Class B common stock they held on the record date. Following the spin-off, VPG is an independent company and Vishay retains no ownership interest. Relationship with VPG after Spin-off Following the spin-off, VPG and Vishay operate separately, each as independent public companies. Vishay has no ownership interest in VPG. However, Ruta Zandman solely or on a shared basis with Marc Zandman and Ziv Shoshani, all of whom are members of Vishay's Board of Directors, control a large portion of the voting power of both Vishay and VPG. Marc Zandman, Vishay's Executive Chairman of the Board and an executive officer of Vishay, serves as the Chairman of VPG. Ziv Shoshani, CEO of VPG, serves as a director of Vishay. Additionally, Timothy V. Talbert, a member of Vishay's Board of Directors is also a member of the Board of Directors of VPG. In connection with the completion of the spin-off, Vishay and its subsidiaries entered into several agreements with VPG and its subsidiaries that govern the relationship of the parties following the spin-off. Among the agreements entered into with VPG and its subsidiaries were a transition services agreement, several lease agreements, and supply agreements. None of the agreements have had nor are expected to have a material impact on Vishay's financial position, results of operations, or liquidity. Some of these agreements have expired and have not been renewed. Vishay also entered into a trademark license agreement with VPG pursuant to which Vishay granted VPG the license to use certain trademarks, service marks, logos, trade names, entity names, and domain names which include the term "Vishay." The license granted VPG the limited, exclusive, royalty-free right and license to use certain marks and names incorporating the term "Vishay" in connection with the design, development, manufacture, marketing, provision and performance of certain VPG products that do not compete with any products within Vishay's product range as constituted immediately following the separation and certain services provided in connection with the products. The license cannot be terminated except as a result of willful misconduct or liquidation bankruptcy of VPG. Until the spin-off, VPG was included in Vishay's consolidated federal income tax returns and with Vishay and/or certain of Vishay's subsidiaries in applicable combined or unitary state and local income tax returns. In conjunction with the spin-off, Vishay and VPG entered a tax matters agreement under which Vishay generally will be liable for all U.S. federal, state, local, and foreign income taxes attributable to VPG with respect to taxable periods ending on or before the distribution date except to the extent that VPG has a liability for such taxes on its books at the time of the spin-off. Vishay is also principally responsible for managing any income tax audits by the various tax jurisdictions for pre-spin-off periods. Vishay has fully indemnified VPG of tax exposures arising prior to the spin-off.

Summary of Quarterly Financial

Summary of Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Summary of Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Summary of Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	Note 20 – Summary of Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) 2016 2015 First Second Third Fourth First Second Third Fourth Statement of Operations data: Net revenues $ 570,606 $ 590,051 $ 591,955 $ 570,819 $ 593,436 $ 590,470 $ 560,654 $ 555,928 Gross profit 137,309 146,128 153,901 132,445 145,038 141,482 130,144 125,556 Operating income (loss) 40,548 49,408 57,229 (45,468 ) 47,558 44,170 (24,155 ) 30,226 Net earnings (loss) 28,152 33,229 36,596 (48,604 ) 30,925 26,518 (27,550 ) (137,626 ) Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests 138 143 156 144 226 250 116 189 Net earnings (loss) attributable to Vishay stockholders 28,014 33,086 36,440 (48,748 ) 30,699 26,268 (27,666 ) (137,815 ) Per Share data: Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Vishay stockholders (a) $ 0.19 $ 0.22 $ 0.25 $ (0.33 ) $ 0.21 $ 0.18 $ (0.19 ) $ (0.93 ) Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Vishay stockholders (a) $ 0.19 $ 0.22 $ 0.24 $ (0.33 ) $ 0.20 $ 0.17 $ (0.19 ) $ (0.93 ) Certain Items Recorded during the Quarters: Operating income (loss): Restructuring and severance costs $ 6,475 $ 4,467 $ 1,197 $ 7,060 $ 1,410 $ 5,660 $ 2,324 $ 9,821 Impairment of intangible assets - - 1,559 - - - 57,600 - Impairment of goodwill - - - - - - 5,380 - U.S. pension settlement charges - - - 79,321 - - - - Other income (expense): Gain on early extinguishment of debt $ 3,611 $ 986 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - Gain (loss) related to Tianjin explosion - - - 8,809 - - (5,350 ) - Income tax expense: Tax effects of cash repatriation program $ (769 ) $ (1,217 ) $ (1,402 ) $ (165 ) $ - $ - $ - $ 163,954 Additional tax expense from AOCI - pension plan - - - 34,853 - - - - Tax effects of changes in uncertain tax posistions - - - (8,704 ) - - - (2,629 ) Tax effects of changes in valuation allowances - - - - - - - (8,888 ) Quarter end date April 2 July 2 October 1 December 31 April 4 July 4 October 3 December 31 (a) May not add due to differences in weighted average share counts. (b) 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.

Summary of Significant Accoun29

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported on the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Vishay and all of its subsidiaries in which a controlling financial interest is maintained. For those consolidated subsidiaries in which the Company's ownership is less than 100 percent, the outside stockholders' interests are shown as noncontrolling interest in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Investments in affiliates over which the Company has significant influence but not a controlling interest are carried on the equity basis. Investments in affiliates over which the Company does not have significant influence are accounted for by the cost method. All intercompany transactions, accounts, and profits are eliminated.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenue on product sales during the period when the sales process is complete. This generally occurs when products are shipped to the customer in accordance with terms of an agreement of sale, title and risk of loss have been transferred, collectibility is reasonably assured, and pricing is fixed or determinable. For the portion of sales where title and risk of loss passes at point of delivery, the Company recognizes revenue upon delivery to the customer, assuming all other criteria for revenue recognition are met. The Company historically has had agreements with distributors that provided limited rights of product return. The Company has modified these arrangements to allow distributors a limited credit for unsaleable products, which it terms a "scrap allowance." Consistent with industry practice, the Company also has a "stock, ship and debit" program whereby it considers requests by distributors for credits on previously purchased products that remain in distributors' inventory, to enable the distributors to offer more competitive pricing. In addition, the Company has contractual arrangements whereby it provides distributors with protection against price reductions initiated by the Company after product is sold by the Company to the distributor and prior to resale by the distributor. The Company records a reduction of revenue during each period, and records a related accrued expense for the period, based upon its estimate of product returns, scrap allowances, "stock, ship and debit" credits, and price protection credits that will be attributable to sales recorded through the end of the period. The Company makes these estimates based upon sales levels to its distributors during the period, inventory levels at the distributors, current and projected market conditions, and historical experience under the programs. While the Company utilizes a number of different methodologies to estimate the accruals, all of the methodologies take into account sales levels to distributors during the relevant period, inventory levels at the distributors, current and projected market trends and conditions, recent and historical activity under the relevant programs, changes in program policies, and open requests for credits. These procedures require the exercise of significant judgments. The Company believes that it has a reasonable basis to estimate future credits under the programs. Royalty revenues, included in net revenues on the consolidated statements of operations, were $259, $3,323, and $4,525 for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. The Company records royalty revenue in accordance with agreed upon terms when performance obligations are satisfied, the amount is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. Vishay earns royalties at the point of sale of products which incorporate licensed intellectual property. Accordingly, the amount of royalties recognized is determined based on periodic reporting to Vishay by its licensees, and based on judgments and estimates by Vishay management, which management considers reasonable.
Shipping and Handling Costs	Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) Shipping and Handling Costs Shipping and handling costs are included in costs of products sold.
Research and Development Expenses	Research and Development Expenses Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. The amount charged to expense for research and development (exclusive of purchased in-process research and development) aggregated $66,842, $64,193, and $65,299, for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. The Company spends additional amounts for the development of machinery and equipment for new processes and for cost reduction measures.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The provision for income taxes is determined using the asset and liability approach of accounting for income taxes. Under this approach, deferred taxes represent the future tax consequences expected to occur when the reported amounts of assets and liabilities are recovered or paid. The provision for income taxes represents income taxes paid or payable for the current year plus the change in deferred taxes during the year. Deferred taxes result from differences between the financial and tax bases of the Company's assets and liabilities and are adjusted for changes in tax rates and tax laws when changes are enacted. Valuation allowances have been established for deferred tax assets which the Company believes do not meet GAAP criteria of "more likely than not" to be realized. This criterion requires a level of judgment regarding future taxable income, which may be revised due to changes in market conditions, tax laws, or other factors. If the Company's assumptions and estimates change in the future, valuation allowances established may be increased, resulting in increased tax expense. Conversely, if the Company is ultimately able to utilize all or a portion of the deferred tax assets for which a valuation allowance has been established, then the related portion of the valuation allowance can be released, resulting in decreased tax expense. Except as described in Note 5, earnings generated by foreign subsidiaries are expected to be reinvested outside of the United States indefinitely. Upon distribution of those earnings in the form of dividends or otherwise, the Company would be subject to U.S. income taxes (subject to an adjustment for foreign tax credits), state income taxes, incremental foreign taxes and withholding taxes payable to various foreign jurisdictions. The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in evaluating the Company's tax positions and determining its provision for income taxes. During the ordinary course of business, there are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. The Company establishes reserves for tax-related uncertainties based on estimates of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. These reserves are established when the Company believes that certain positions might be challenged despite the Company's belief that its tax return positions are fully supportable. The Company adjusts these reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances and the provision for income taxes includes the impact of reserve provisions and changes to reserves that are considered appropriate. These accruals for tax-related uncertainties are based on management's best estimate of potential tax exposures. When particular matters arise, a number of years may elapse before such matters are audited by tax authorities and finally resolved. Favorable resolution of such matters could be recognized as a reduction to the Company's effective tax rate in the year of resolution. Unfavorable resolution of any particular issue could increase the effective tax rate and may require the use of cash in the year of resolution. The amount included in current liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets reflect only amounts expected to be settled in cash within one year.
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-Term Investments	Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-Term Investments Cash and cash equivalents includes demand deposits and highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased. Highly liquid investments with original maturities greater than three months, but less than one year are classified as short-term investments. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company's short-term investments were comprised of time deposits with financial institutions whose original maturity exceeds three months, but less than one year.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. The allowance is determined through an analysis of the aging of accounts receivable and assessments of risk that are based on historical trends and an evaluation of the impact of current and projected economic conditions. The Company evaluates the past-due status of its trade receivables based on contractual terms of sale. If the financial condition of the Company's customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. Bad debt expense (income realized upon subsequent collection) was $61, $(152), and $(424) for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.
Inventories	Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, determined by the first-in, first-out method, or market. Inventories are adjusted for estimated obsolescence and written down to net realizable value based upon estimates of future demand, technology developments, and market conditions.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment is carried at cost and is depreciated principally by the straight-line method based upon the estimated useful lives of the assets. Machinery and equipment are being depreciated over useful lives of seven to ten years. Buildings and building improvements are being depreciated over useful lives of twenty to forty years. Construction in progress is not depreciated until the assets are placed in service. The estimated cost to complete construction in progress at December 31, 2016 was approximately $43,383. Depreciation of capital lease assets is included in total depreciation expense. Depreciation expense was $144,521, $154,340, and $160,804 for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. Gains and losses on the disposal of assets which do not qualify for presentation as discontinued operations are included in the determination of operating margin (within selling, general, and administrative expenses). Individually material gains and losses on disposal are separately disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of a business acquired over the fair value of the related net assets at the date of acquisition. Certain of the Company's tradenames were assigned indefinite useful lives. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but rather are tested for impairment at least annually. These tests are performed more frequently whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired. The Company's business segments (see Note 15) represent its reporting units for goodwill impairment testing purposes. See Note 3 for further information on the impairment tests performed in 2016 and 2015. Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Patents and acquired technology are being amortized over useful lives of seven to twenty-five years. Capitalized software is amortized over periods of three to ten years, primarily included in costs of products sold on the consolidated statements of operations. Customer relationships are amortized over useful lives of five to twenty years. Noncompete agreements are amortized over periods of three to ten years. The Company continually evaluates the reasonableness of the useful lives of these assets. GAAP prescribes a two-step quantitative method for determining goodwill impairment. The Company has the option of performing a qualitative assessment before performing the two-step quantitative impairment test. If it is determined, on the basis of qualitative factors, that the fair value of the reporting unit is not more likely than not less than the carrying amount, the two-step quantitative impairment test is not required. If it is determined that the fair value of the reporting unit is more likely than not less than the carrying amount, the two-step quantitative impairment test is required. In the first step, the Company determines the fair value of the reporting unit and compares that fair value to the net book value of the reporting unit. The fair value of the reporting unit is determined using various valuation techniques, including a comparable companies market multiple approach and a discounted cash flow analysis (an income approach). If the net book value of the reporting unit were to exceed the fair value, the Company would then perform the second step of the quantitative impairment test, which requires allocation of the reporting unit's fair value to all of its assets and liabilities in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation, with any residual fair value being allocated to goodwill. An impairment charge will be recognized only when the implied fair value of a reporting unit's goodwill is less than its carrying amount. The Company has the option of performing a qualitative assessment of indefinite-lived intangible assets before performing a quantitative impairment test. Upon determining that an intangible asset classified as indefinite-lived is impaired, the Company reassesses the useful life of the impaired assets and begins to amortize the remaining carrying value over that useful life if it is determined that the asset no longer has an indefinite useful life. As of December 31, 2016, the Company has no indefinite-lived intangible assets. See Note 3 for further information.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) Impairment of Long-Lived Assets The carrying value of long-lived assets held-and-used, other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, is evaluated when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable or the useful life has changed. The carrying value of a long-lived asset group is considered impaired when the total projected undiscounted cash flows from such asset group are separately identifiable and are less than the carrying value. In that event, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair market value of the long-lived asset group. Fair market value is determined primarily using present value techniques based on projected cash flows from the asset group. Losses on long-lived assets held-for-sale, other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, are determined in a similar manner, except that fair market values are reduced for anticipated disposal costs. See Note 3 for further information on the impairment tests performed in 2016 and 2015.
Available-for-Sale Securities	Available-for-Sale Securities Short-term investments and other assets reported on the consolidated balance sheets include time deposits with financial institutions whose original maturity exceeds three months, but less than one year and investments in marketable securities which are classified as available-for-sale. These assets include assets that are held in trust related to the Company's non-qualified pension and deferred compensation plans (see Note 11) and assets that are intended to fund a portion of the Company's other postretirement benefit obligations outside of the U.S. These assets are reported at fair value, based on quoted market prices as of the end of the reporting period. Unrealized gains and losses are reported, net of their related tax consequences, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders' equity until sold. At the time of sale, the assets that are held in trust related to the Company's non-qualified pension and deferred compensation plans, any gains (losses) calculated by the specific identification method are recognized as a reduction (increase) to benefits expense, within selling, general, and administrative expenses.
Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments The Company uses financial instruments in the normal course of its business, including from time to time, derivative financial instruments. Additionally, from time to time, the Company enters into contracts that are not considered derivative financial instruments in their entirety, but that include embedded derivative features. The convertible senior debentures due 2040, due 2041, and due 2042 contain embedded derivatives that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, outstanding derivative instruments were not material. The Company reports derivative instruments on the consolidated balance sheet at their fair values. The accounting for changes in fair value depends upon the purpose of the derivative instrument and whether it is designated and qualifies for hedge accounting. For instruments designated as hedges, the effective portion of gains or losses is reported in other comprehensive income (loss) and the ineffective portion, if any, is reported in current period net earnings (loss). Changes in the fair values of derivative instruments that are not designated as hedges, including embedded derivatives, are recorded in current period net earnings (loss). The Company has in the past used interest rate swap agreements to modify variable rate obligations to fixed rate obligations, thereby reducing exposure to market rate fluctuations. The Company uses financial instruments such as forward exchange contracts to mitigate a portion, but not all, of the risk associated with its firm commitments denominated in foreign currencies. The purpose of the Company's foreign currency management is to minimize the effect of exchange rate changes on actual cash flows from foreign currency denominated transactions. Other financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, held-to-maturity short-term investments, accounts receivable, and notes payable. The carrying amounts of these financial instruments reported on the consolidated balance sheets approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of these assets and liabilities.
Foreign Currency Translation	Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) Foreign Currency Translation The Company has significant operations outside of the United States. The Company finances its operations in Europe and certain locations in Asia in local currencies, and accordingly, these subsidiaries utilize the local currency as their functional currency. The Company's operations in Israel and most significant locations in Asia are largely financed in U.S. dollars, and accordingly, these subsidiaries utilize the U.S. dollar as their functional currency. For those subsidiaries where the local currency is the functional currency, assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets have been translated at the rate of exchange as of the balance sheet date. Translation adjustments do not impact the consolidated results of operations and are reported as a separate component of stockholders' equity. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate for the year. While the translation of revenues and expenses into U.S. dollars does not directly impact the statement of operations, the translation effectively increases or decreases the U.S. dollar equivalent of revenues generated and expenses incurred in those foreign currencies. For those foreign subsidiaries where the U.S. dollar is the functional currency, all foreign currency financial statement amounts are remeasured into U.S. dollars. Exchange gains and losses arising from remeasurement of foreign currency-denominated monetary assets and liabilities are included in the consolidated results of operations.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation Compensation costs related to stock-based payment transactions are recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The amount of compensation cost is measured based on the grant-date fair value of the equity (or liability) instruments issued. Compensation cost is recognized over the period that an officer, employee, or non-employee director is required to provide service in exchange for the award. For options and restricted stock units subject to graded vesting, the Company recognizes expense over the service period for each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award was, in-substance, multiple awards. The Company recognizes compensation cost for restricted stock units ("RSUs") that are expected to vest and records cumulative adjustments in the period that the expectation changes.
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Liabilities for loss contingencies, including environmental remediation costs, arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines, penalties, and other sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the assessment and/or remediation can be reasonably estimated. The costs for a specific environmental remediation site are discounted if the aggregate amount of the obligation and the amount and timing of the cash payments for that site are fixed or reliably determinable based upon information derived from the remediation plan for that site. Accrued liabilities for environmental matters recorded at December 31, 2016 and 2015 do not include claims against third parties.
Restructuring and Severance Costs	Restructuring and Severance Costs Restructuring and severance costs reflect charges resulting from cost reduction programs implemented by the Company. Restructuring and severance costs include exit costs, severance benefits pursuant to an on-going arrangement, voluntary termination compensation under a defined program, and any related pension curtailment and settlement charges. The Company recognizes expense for one-time benefits only after management has committed to a plan, the plan is sufficiently detailed to provide the number, classification, and location of employees to be terminated as well as the expected completion date, the plan has been sufficiently communicated to employees such that they are able to determine the type and amount of benefits they will receive if terminated, and it is unlikely that the plan will be significantly changed or withdrawn. If an employee is not required to render service beyond a minimum retention period, the Company recognizes expense once the aforementioned criteria have been met. If an employee is required to render service beyond a minimum retention period, the Company recognizes expense over the period that the employee is required to render future service. The Company recognizes expense for on-going benefit arrangements when the liability is reasonably estimable and considered probable. The Company recognizes expense for voluntary separation / early retirement when the employee delivers an irrevocable voluntary termination notice pursuant to a defined company program. The Company recognizes other exit costs as incurred.
Self-Insurance Programs	Self-Insurance Programs The Company uses a combination of insurance and self-insurance mechanisms to provide for the potential liabilities for workers' compensation, general liability, property damage, director and officers' liability, and vehicle liability. As part of its self-insurance program for certain risks, the Company created a wholly-owned captive insurance entity in 2007. At December 31, 2016, the captive insurance entity provides only property and general liability insurance, although it is licensed to also provide casualty and directors' and officers' insurance. The captive insurance entity had $5,000 accrued related to the Tianjin explosion at December 31, 2015 (See Note 8), and had no amounts accrued for outstanding claims at December 31, 2016. Certain cash and investments held by the captive insurance entity are restricted primarily for the purpose of potential insurance claims. Restricted cash of $10,211 and $11,627 is included in other noncurrent assets at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, representing required statutory reserves of the captive insurance entity.
Convertible Debentures	Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) Convertible Debentures The Company separately accounts for the liability and equity components of convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash in a manner that reflects the Company's nonconvertible debt borrowing rate. The liability component at issuance is recognized at fair value, based on the fair value of a similar instrument that does not have a conversion feature. A discount is recorded if debentures are issued at a coupon rate which is below the rate of a similar instrument that did not have a conversion feature at issuance. The equity component is based on the excess of the principal amount of the debentures over the fair value of the liability component, after adjusting for an allocation of debt issuance costs and the deferred tax impact, and is recorded as capital in excess of par. Debt discounts are amortized as additional non-cash interest expense over the expected life of the debt.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified. Such reclassifications had no effect on reported net earnings (loss) attributable to Vishay stockholders, total assets, stockholders' equity, or the statements of cash flows.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Recent Accounting Guidance Adopted In September 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern (SubTopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. Recent Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) 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 In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments

Earnings Per Share (Policies)

Earnings Per Share (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 upon the occurrence of certain events. The convertible debentures due 2042 are convertible subsequent to the December 31, 2016 evaluation of the conversion criteria. In periods that the debentures are not convertible, the certain conditions which could trigger conversion of the remaining debentures have been deemed to be non-substantive, and accordingly, the Company has always assumed the conversion of these instruments in its diluted earnings per share computation during periods in which they are dilutive. At the direction of its Board of Directors, the Company intends, upon conversion, to repay the principal amounts of the convertible senior debentures, due 2040, due 2041, and due 2042, in cash and settle any additional amounts in shares of Vishay common stock. Accordingly, the debentures are included in the diluted earnings per share computation using the "treasury stock method" (similar to options and warrants) rather than the "if converted method" otherwise required for convertible debt. Under the "treasury stock method," Vishay calculates the number of shares issuable under the terms of the debentures based on the average market price of Vishay common stock during the period, and that number is included in the total diluted shares figure for the period. If the average market price is less than $13.14, 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 $18.00, 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 $11.17, 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)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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.

Acquisition and Divestiture A32

Acquisition and Divestiture Activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Acquisition and Divestiture Activities [Abstract]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]	Note 2 - Acquisition and Divestiture Activities (continued) Pro Forma Results The unaudited pro forma results would have been as follows, assuming the 2014 acquisitions had occurred as of January 1, 2014: Year ended December 31, 2014 Pro forma net revenues $ 2,522,010 Pro forma net earnings attributable to Vishay stockholders 114,510 Pro forma basic earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders $ 0.78 Pro forma diluted earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders $ 0.75

Goodwill and Other Intangible33

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill rollforward	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows: Optoelectronic Components Resistors & Inductors Capacitors Total Balance at January 1, 2015 $ 96,849 $ 42,146 $ 5,364 $ 144,359 Goodwill impairment charges - - (5,380 ) (5,380 ) Exchange rate effects - (751 ) 16 (735 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 96,849 $ 41,395 $ - $ 138,244 Sonntag acquisition - 3,485 - 3,485 Exchange rate effects - (322 ) - (322 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 96,849 $ 44,558 $ - $ 141,407
Other Intangible Assets	Other intangible assets are as follows: December 31, 2016 2015 Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization (Definite-lived): Patents and acquired technology $ 93,395 $ 93,606 Capitalized software 53,807 53,401 Customer relationships 84,905 85,418 Tradenames 53,680 35,493 Non-competition agreements 1,266 2,261 287,053 270,179 Accumulated amortization: Patents and acquired technology (81,807 ) (76,258 ) Capitalized software (49,388 ) (47,394 ) Customer relationships (42,787 ) (37,989 ) Tradenames (27,460 ) (23,798 ) Non-competition agreements (1,148 ) (1,841 ) (202,590 ) (187,280 ) Net Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization 84,463 82,899 Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization (Indefinite-lived): Tradenames - 20,359 $ 84,463 $ 103,258
Estimated annual amortization expense for each of the next five years	Estimated annual amortization expense of intangible assets on the balance sheet at December 31, 2016 for each of the next five years is as follows: 2017 $ 15,884 2018 11,096 2019 7,332 2020 6,567 2021 5,787

Restructuring and Related Act34

Restructuring and Related Activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Expenses	The following table summarizes restructuring and related expenses which were recognized during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 and reported on a separate line in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations: Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 MOSFETs Enhanced Competitiveness Program $ 9,744 $ 5,367 $ 6,025 Voluntary Separation / Retirement Program - 95 12,792 Modules Production Transfer (463 ) - 2,080 Global Cost Reduction Programs 9,918 13,753 - Total $ 19,199 $ 19,215 $ 20,897
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 by segment related to this program: Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 Diodes $ 788 $ 133 Optoelectronic Components 936 215 Resistors & Inductors 5,173 5,972 Capacitors 687 5,209 Unallocated Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses 2,334 2,224 Total $ 9,918 $ 13,753
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 9,918 Cash paid (16,237 ) Foreign currency translation (34 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 6,264
MOSFETs Enhanced Competitiveness Program [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block]	Note 4 – Restructuring and Related Activities (continued) 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 9,744 Cash paid (15,686 ) Foreign currency translation 2 Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 6,232
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 (816 ) Foreign currency translation - Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 529

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Components of income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes and noncontrolling interest	Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes and noncontrolling interests consists of the following components: Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Domestic $ (135,953 ) $ (40,929 ) $ (50,106 ) Foreign 230,169 115,669 217,249 $ 94,216 $ 74,740 $ 167,143
Components of income taxes	Significant components of income taxes are as follows: Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Current: Federal $ 358 $ 290 $ (27,031 ) State and local 5 163 386 Foreign 46,999 63,573 60,282 47,362 64,026 33,637 Deferred: Federal 6,163 78,933 7,999 State and local (3,039 ) 311 204 Foreign (5,643 ) 39,203 7,460 (2,519 ) 118,447 15,663 Total income tax expense $ 44,843 $ 182,473 $ 49,300
Deferred tax assets and liabilities	Note 5 – Income Taxes (continued) Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows: December 31, 2016 2015 Deferred tax assets: Pension and other retiree obligations $ 47,104 $ 40,322 Inventories 7,691 7,848 Net operating loss carryforwards 183,562 183,298 Tax credit carryforwards 25,432 23,512 Other accruals and reserves 29,401 35,176 Total gross deferred tax assets 293,190 290,156 Less valuation allowance (165,269 ) (167,932 ) 127,921 122,224 Deferred tax liabilities: Tax over book depreciation (1,025 ) (4,038 ) Earnings not permanently reinvested (139,165 ) (162,667 ) Convertible debentures (203,641 ) (188,978 ) Other - net (10,646 ) (9,245 ) Total gross deferred tax liabilities (354,477 ) (364,928 ) Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) $ (226,556 ) $ (242,704 )
Federal statutory income tax rate reconciliation	A reconciliation of income tax expense at the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to actual income tax provision is as follows: Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Tax at statutory rate $ 32,976 $ 26,159 $ 58,500 State income taxes, net of U.S. federal tax benefit (1,972 ) 309 384 Effect of foreign operations (26,551 ) (13,212 ) (27,372 ) Tax on earnings not permanently reinvested (3,553 ) 163,699 25,728 Unrecognized tax benefits (8,453 ) (1,353 ) (21,603 ) Change in valuation allowance on non-U.S. deferred tax assets 991 (8,888 ) - Foreign income taxable in the U.S. 18,442 7,025 13,499 Termination of U.S. pension 34,853 - - Tax effect of impairment charges (454 ) 8,305 - Other (1,436 ) 429 164 Total income tax expense $ 44,843 $ 182,473 $ 49,300
Net operating loss carryforwards	At December 31, 2016, the Company had the following significant net operating loss carryforwards for tax purposes: Expires Austria $ 14,862 No expiration Belgium 150,327 No expiration Brazil 12,534 No expiration Germany 22,916 No expiration Israel 27,666 No expiration Japan 5,295 2018 - 2025 Netherlands 19,019 2017 - 2025 The Republic of China (Taiwan) 9,019 2024 - 2026 United States 90,247 2033 - 2036 California 55,407 2020 - 2036 Pennsylvania 721,824 2018 - 2036
Summary of significant tax credit carryforwards available	At December 31, 2016, the Company had the following significant tax credit carryforwards available: Expires U.S. Foreign Tax Credit $ 11,093 2020 - 2022 U.S. Federal Research Credit 1,986 2034 - 2036 California Research Credit 12,353 No expiration
Unrecognized tax benefits	The following table summarizes changes in the liabilities associated with unrecognized tax benefits: Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Balance at beginning of year $ 23,527 $ 26,583 $ 45,877 Addition based on tax positions related to the current year 1,553 1,439 1,641 Addition based on tax positions related to prior years 1,047 1,894 6,484 Currency translation adjustments (96 ) (1,370 ) (1,387 ) Reduction based on tax positions related to prior years - - - Reduction for settlements (1,210 ) (4,879 ) (3,556 ) Reduction for lapses of statute of limitation (8,016 ) (140 ) (22,476 ) Balance at end of year $ 16,805 $ 23,527 $ 26,583

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Schedule of long-term debt instruments	Long-term debt consists of the following: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Credit facility $ 143,000 $ 190,000 Exchangeable unsecured notes, due 2102 - 38,642 Convertible senior debentures, due 2040 108,120 106,011 Convertible senior debentures, due 2041 55,442 54,424 Convertible senior debentures, due 2042 61,341 60,320 Deferred financing costs (10,880 ) (12,659 ) 357,023 436,738 Less current portion - - $ 357,023 $ 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 December 22, 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 December 6, 2016 (per $1 principal amount) 76.1163 55.5456 89.4945 Effective conversion price effective December 6, 2016 (per share) $ 13.14 $ 18.00 $ 11.17 130% of the conversion price (per share) $ 17.08 $ 23.40 $ 14.52 Call date November 20, 2020 May 20, 2021 June 7, 2022
Liability and equity components of the convertible debentures	The carrying values of the liability and equity components of the convertible debentures are reflected in the Company's consolidated balance sheets as follows: Principal amount of the debentures Unamortized discount Embedded derivative Carrying value of liability component Equity component (including temporary equity) - net carrying value December 31, 2016 Due 2040 $ 275,000 (167,273 ) 393 $ 108,120 $ 110,094 Due 2041 $ 150,000 (94,843 ) 285 $ 55,442 $ 62,246 Due 2042 $ 150,000 (88,835 ) 176 $ 61,341 $ 57,874 Total $ 575,000 $ (350,951 ) $ 854 $ 224,903 $ 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
Schedule of Interest Expense on Convertible Debt [Table Text Block]	Interest expense related to the debentures is reflected on the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31: 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 2016 Due 2040 $ 6,188 2,292 88 (183 ) $ 8,385 Due 2041 $ 3,375 1,171 47 (153 ) $ 4,440 Due 2042 $ 3,375 1,147 54 (126 ) $ 4,450 Total $ 12,938 $ 4,610 $ 189 $ (462 ) $ 17,275 2015 Due 2040 $ 6,188 2,120 88 50 $ 8,446 Due 2041 $ 3,375 1,078 47 97 $ 4,597 Due 2042 $ 3,375 1,066 54 64 $ 4,559 Total $ 12,938 $ 4,264 $ 189 $ 211 $ 17,602 2014 Due 2040 $ 6,188 1,960 88 35 $ 8,271 Due 2041 $ 3,375 993 47 (8 ) $ 4,407 Due 2042 $ 3,375 990 54 41 $ 4,460 Total $ 12,938 $ 3,943 $ 189 $ 68 $ 17,138
Aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt	Other Borrowings Information Aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt, based on the terms stated in the respective agreements, are as follows: 2017 $ - 2018 - 2019 - 2020 143,000 2021 - Thereafter 575,000

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends Declared [Table Text Block]	In 2014, the Company's Board of Directors approved the initiation of a quarterly cash dividend program. Cash dividends were paid quarterly in 2016 and 2015 as follows: Record date Payment date Amount (per share) Record date Payment date Amount (per share) March 11, 2016 March 29, 2016 $ 0.0625 March 12, 2015 March 25, 2015 $ 0.0600 June 15, 2016 June 29, 2016 $ 0.0625 June 11, 2015 June 25, 2015 $ 0.0600 September 15, 2016 September 29, 2016 $ 0.0625 September 2, 2015 September 24, 2015 $ 0.0600 December 8, 2016 December 22, 2016 $ 0.0625 December 3, 2015 December 22, 2015 $ 0.0600
Shares of common stock reserved for future issuance	At December 31, 2016, the Company had reserved shares of common stock for future issuance as follows: Restricted stock units outstanding 1,004,000 Phantom stock units outstanding 145,000 Common stock options outstanding 77,000 2007 Stock Incentive Program - available to grant 3,474,000 Convertible senior debentures, due 2040* 23,585,258 Convertible senior debentures, due 2041* 9,470,490 Convertible senior debentures, due 2042* 15,350,865 Conversion of Class B common stock 12,129,227 65,235,840 ___________________ *At December 31, 2016, the convertible senior debentures due 2040, due 2041, and due 2042 are convertible into 20,931,983, 8,331,840, and 13,424,175 shares, respectively, of Vishay common stock. The Company has reserved adequate shares to ensure it could issue the maximum amount of shares to be delivered upon a make-whole fundamental change as defined in the indentures governing the debentures.

Other Income (Expense) (Tables)

Other Income (Expense) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Income (Expense) [Abstract]
Summary of other Income (expense)	The caption "Other" on the consolidated statements of operations consists of the following: Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Foreign exchange gain (loss) $ 292 $ 3,180 $ (1,115 ) Interest income 4,264 4,397 4,939 Other 160 399 (1,335 ) $ 4,716 $ 7,976 $ 2,489

Other Accrued Expenses (Tables)

Other Accrued Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Accrued Expenses (Tables) [Abstract]
Summary of other accrued expenses	Other accrued expenses consist of the following: December 31, 2016 2015 Sales returns and allowances $ 34,479 $ 33,086 Goods received, not yet invoiced 30,987 30,193 Accrued restructuring 12,655 26,791 Other 71,010 74,266 $ 149,131 $ 164,336

Accumulated Other Comprehensi40

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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, 2014 $ (129,918 ) $ 190,998 $ 554 $ 61,634 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications (60,602 ) (106,295 ) 2,175 $ (164,722 ) Tax effect 18,117 - (758 ) $ 17,359 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax (42,485 ) (106,295 ) 1,417 $ (147,363 ) Amounts reclassified out of AOCI 25,604 - (78 ) $ 25,526 Tax effect (8,961 ) - 24 $ (8,937 ) Amounts reclassified out of AOCI, net of tax 16,643 - (54 ) $ 16,589 Net comprehensive income (loss) $ (25,842 ) $ (106,295 ) $ 1,363 $ (130,774 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 $ (155,760 ) $ 84,703 $ 1,917 $ (69,140 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 15,169 (80,106 ) (1,503 ) $ (66,440 ) Tax effect (4,196 ) - 526 $ (3,670 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax 10,973 (80,106 ) (977 ) $ (70,110 ) Amounts reclassified out of AOCI 12,869 - (680 ) $ 12,189 Tax effect (4,504 ) - 238 $ (4,266 ) Amounts reclassified out of AOCI, net of tax 8,365 - (442 ) $ 7,923 Net comprehensive income (loss) $ 19,338 $ (80,106 ) $ (1,419 ) $ (62,187 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ (136,422 ) $ 4,597 $ 498 $ (131,327 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications (32,398 ) (35,863 ) 941 $ (67,320 ) Tax effect 9,815 - (329 ) $ 9,486 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax (22,583 ) (35,863 ) 612 $ (57,834 ) Amounts reclassified out of AOCI 91,014 - - $ 91,014 Tax effect 3,495 - - $ 3,495 Amounts reclassified out of AOCI, net of tax 94,509 - - $ 94,509 Net comprehensive income (loss) $ 71,926 $ (35,863 ) $ 612 $ 36,675 Balance at December 31, 2016 $ (64,496 ) $ (31,266 ) $ 1,110 $ (94,652 )

Pensions and Other Postretire41

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Retirement Plan amounts recorded on consolidated balance sheets	The following table summarizes amounts recorded on the consolidated balance sheets associated with these various retirement benefit plans: December 31, 2016 2015 Included in "Other assets": U.S. pension plans $ - $ 21,202 Non-U.S. pension plans 248 159 Total included in other assets $ 248 $ 21,361 Included in "Payroll and related expenses": U.S. pension plans $ (35 ) $ (51 ) Non-U.S. pension plans (6,405 ) (6,089 ) U.S. other postretirement plans (717 ) (701 ) Non-U.S. other postretirement plans (322 ) (224 ) Total included in payroll and related expenses $ (7,479 ) $ (7,065 ) Accrued pension and other postretirement costs: U.S. pension plans $ (38,879 ) $ (37,181 ) Non-U.S. pension plans (194,180 ) (203,361 ) U.S. other postretirement plans (6,930 ) (7,208 ) Non-U.S. other postretirement plans (6,303 ) (6,264 ) Other retirement obligations (11,497 ) (10,604 ) Total accrued pension and other postretirement costs $ (257,789 ) $ (264,618 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss: U.S. pension plans $ 7,313 $ 76,141 Non-U.S. pension plans 82,360 73,216 U.S. other postretirement plans (2,287 ) (3,129 ) Non-U.S. other postretirement plans 1,474 1,446 Total accumulated other comprehensive loss* $ 88,860 $ 147,674 * - Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss are presented in this table pre-tax.
Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Reconciliation of benefit obligation, plan assets, and funded status	The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the benefit obligation, plan assets, and funded status related to U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 274,122 $ 260,554 $ 301,475 $ 289,663 Service cost - 3,291 - 3,265 Interest cost 11,788 5,475 11,657 5,636 Plan amendments - 291 - 267 Transfer from equity affiliate - 358 - - Actuarial (gains) losses 19,916 17,202 (23,099 ) (1,871 ) Benefits paid (15,625 ) (12,607 ) (15,911 ) (12,230 ) Curtailments and settlements (251,287 ) - - - Currency translation - (8,137 ) - (24,176 ) Benefit obligation at end of year $ 38,914 $ 266,427 $ 274,122 $ 260,554 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 258,092 $ 51,263 $ 273,644 49,156 Actual return on plan assets 14,068 2,588 (5,439 ) 1,159 Transfer from equity affiliate - 358 - - Company contributions (5,248 ) 27,311 5,798 15,621 Benefits paid (15,625 ) (12,607 ) (15,911 ) (12,230 ) Curtailments and settlements (251,287 ) - - - Currency translation - (2,823 ) - (2,443 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ - $ 66,090 $ 258,092 $ 51,263 Funded status at end of year $ (38,914 ) $ (200,337 ) $ (16,030 ) $ (209,291 )
Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheet	Amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheet consist of the following: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans Other assets $ - $ 248 $ 21,202 $ 159 Accrued benefit liability - currrent (35 ) (6,405 ) (51 ) (6,089 ) Accrued benefit liability - non-current (38,879 ) (194,180 ) (37,181 ) (203,361 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss 7,313 82,360 76,141 73,216 $ (31,601 ) $ (117,977 ) $ 60,111 $ (136,075 )
Components of actuarial items	Note 11 – Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (continued) Actuarial items consist of the following: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans Unrecognized net actuarial loss $ 6,241 $ 82,360 $ 74,926 $ 73,216 Unamortized prior service cost 1,072 - 1,215 - $ 7,313 $ 82,360 $ 76,141 $ 73,216
Projected and accumulated benefit obligations	The following table sets forth additional information regarding the projected and accumulated benefit obligations: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans Accumulated benefit obligation, all plans $ 38,914 $ 247,838 $ 274,122 $ 242,054 Plans for which the accumulated benefit obligation exceeds plan assets: Projected benefit obligation $ 38,914 $ 253,390 $ 37,232 $ 247,960 Accumulated benefit obligation 38,914 240,793 37,232 234,910 Fair value of plan assets - 56,649 - 39,463
Components of the net periodic benefit costs	The following table sets forth the components of net periodic pension cost: Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans Service cost net of employee contributions $ - $ 3,291 $ - $ 3,265 $ - $ 3,275 Interest cost 11,788 5,475 11,657 5,636 13,821 8,555 Expected return on plan assets (11,302 ) (2,117 ) (13,566 ) (1,798 ) (14,892 ) (2,109 ) Amortization of actuarial losses 6,513 4,733 8,175 5,131 7,166 2,700 Amortization of prior service cost (credit) 144 261 64 (282 ) (56 ) (5 ) Curtailment and settlement losses 79,321 841 - 452 15,588 1,137 Net periodic pension cost $ 86,464 $ 12,484 $ 6,330 $ 12,404 $ 21,627 $ 13,553
Weighted average assumptions used	The following weighted average assumptions were used to determine benefit obligations at December 31 of the respective years: 2016 2015 U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans Discount rate 4.25 % 1.76 % 4.50 % 2.30 % Rate of compensation increase 0.00 % 2.12 % 0.00 % 1.99 % The following weighted average assumptions were used to determine the net periodic pension costs for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015: Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans Discount rate 4.50 % 2.30 % 4.00 % 2.15 % Rate of compensation increase 0.00 % 1.99 % 0.00 % 1.97 % Expected return on plan assets 4.50 % 3.38 % 5.00 % 3.86 %
Estimated future benefit payments	Estimated future benefit payments are as follows: U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans 2017 $ 1,765 $ 14,754 2018 1,776 13,659 2019 7,664 14,860 2020 2,929 14,373 2021 2,959 14,624 2022-2026 15,435 77,493
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Reconciliation of benefit obligation, plan assets, and funded status	The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the benefit obligation, plan assets, and accrued benefit cost related to U.S. and non-U.S. non-pension defined benefit postretirement plans: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 7,909 $ 6,488 $ 8,677 $ 7,283 Service cost 126 268 121 273 Interest cost 340 143 333 147 Plan curtailments and settlements - - - (25 ) Actuarial (gains) losses (25 ) 171 (550 ) (50 ) Benefits paid (703 ) (221 ) (672 ) (389 ) Currency translation - (224 ) - (751 ) Benefit obligation at end of year $ 7,647 $ 6,625 $ 7,909 $ 6,488 Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ - $ - $ - $ - Funded status at end of year $ (7,647 ) $ (6,625 ) $ (7,909 ) $ (6,488 )
Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheet	Amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheet consist of the following: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans Accrued benefit liability - current $ (717 ) $ (322 ) $ (701 ) $ (224 ) Accrued benefit liability - non-current (6,930 ) (6,303 ) (7,208 ) (6,264 ) Accumulated other comprehensive income (2,287 ) 1,474 (3,129 ) 1,446 $ (9,934 ) $ (5,151 ) $ (11,038 ) $ (5,042 )
Components of actuarial items	Note 11 – Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (continued) Actuarial items consist of the following: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans Unrecognized net actuarial loss (gain) $ (1,303 ) $ 1,474 $ (1,308 ) $ 1,446 Unamortized prior service (credit) cost (984 ) - (1,821 ) - $ (2,287 ) $ 1,474 $ (3,129 ) $ 1,446
Components of the net periodic benefit costs	The following table sets forth the components of net periodic benefit cost: Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans Service cost $ 126 $ 268 $ 121 $ 273 $ 115 $ 307 Interest cost 340 143 333 147 351 244 Amortization of actuarial (gains) losses (30 ) 68 90 76 (140 ) 38 Amortization of prior service credit (837 ) - (837 ) - (824 ) - Net periodic benefit cost (benefit) $ (401 ) $ 479 $ (293 ) $ 496 $ (498 ) $ 589
Weighted average assumptions used	The following weighted average assumptions were used to determine benefit obligations at December 31 of the respective years: 2016 2015 U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans Discount rate 4.25 % 1.50 % 4.50 % 2.31 % Rate of compensation increase 0.00 % 2.58 % 0.00 % 2.69 % The following weighted average assumptions were used to determine the net periodic benefit costs for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015: Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans Discount rate 4.50 % 2.31 % 4.00 % 2.25 % Rate of compensation increase 0.00 % 2.69 % 0.00 % 2.87 %
Estimated future benefit payments	Note 11 – Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (continued) Estimated future benefit payments are as follows: U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans 2017 $ 717 $ 322 2018 709 275 2019 699 378 2020 681 580 2021 656 414 2022-2026 2,695 2,456

Share-Based Compensation (Table

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Summary of recognized stock-based compensation expense	The following table summarizes share-based compensation expense recognized: Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Restricted stock units $ 6,263 $ 3,705 $ 2,261 Phantom stock units 117 141 131 Stock options - - - Total $ 6,380 $ 3,846 $ 2,392
Schedule of unrecognized compensation cost, nonvested awards	The following table summarizes unrecognized compensation cost and the weighted average remaining amortization periods at December 31, 2016 (amortization periods in years) Unrecognized Compensation Cost Weighted Average Remaining Amortization Periods Restricted stock units $ 2,413 0.7 Phantom stock units - 0.0 Stock options - 0.0 Total $ 2,413
Restricted Stock Units Activity	RSU activity for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 is presented below (number of RSUs in thousands) Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Number of RSUs Weighted Average Grant-date Fair Value Number of RSUs Weighted Average Grant-date Fair Value Number of RSUs Weighted Average Grant-date Fair Value Outstanding: Beginning of year 1,028 $ 13.24 1,147 $ 12.75 1,059 $ 13.40 Granted 353 11.35 349 13.60 336 13.48 Vested* (155 ) 12.27 (182 ) 11.41 (146 ) 15.87 Cancelled or forfeited (222 ) 13.19 (286 ) 12.89 (102 ) 17.45 End of year 1,004 $ 12.74 1,028 $ 13.24 1,147 $ 12.75 Expected to vest 1,004 806 649 * The number of RSUs vested includes shares that the Company withheld on behalf of employees to satisfy statutory tax withholding requirements.
Schedule of share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, performance-based units, vested and expected to vest	The number of performance-based RSUs 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 ** The performance vesting criteria for the performance-based RSUs with a vesting date of January 1, 2017 were achieved.
Phantom stock units activity under the 2007 Program	The following table summarizes the Company's phantom stock units activity for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 (number of phantom stock units in thousands) Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Number of Phantom Stock Units Grant- date Fair Value per Unit Number of Phantom Stock Units Grant- date Fair Value per Unit Number of Phantom Stock Units Grant- date Fair Value per Unit Outstanding: Beginning of year 132 119 107 Granted 10 $ 11.71 10 $ 14.09 10 $ 13.12 Dividend equivalents issued 3 3 2 Redeemed for common stock - - - End of year 145 132 119

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Future minimum lease payments for operating leases	Future minimum lease payments for operating leases with initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year are as follows: 2017 $ 24,851 2018 13,093 2019 8,284 2020 5,597 2021 4,182 Thereafter 10,697

Current Vulnerability Due to 44

Current Vulnerability Due to Certain Concentrations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Geographic Concentration [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Current Vulnerability Due to Certain Concentrations	As of December 31, 2016 the Company's cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments were concentrated in the following countries: Germany 40.6 % Israel 24.0 % United States 9.4 % The Republic of China (Taiwan) 8.0 % Singapore 7.7 % People's Republic of China 5.9 % Other Asia 2.2 % Other Europe 1.6 % Other 0.6 %
Credit Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Current Vulnerability Due to Certain Concentrations	The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments with various major financial institutions. The Company is exposed to credit risk related to the potential inability to access liquidity in financial institutions where its cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments are concentrated. As of December 31, 2016, the following financial institutions held over 10% of the Company's combined cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments balance: Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi* 12.4 % Bank Leumi* 10.6 % Deutsche Bank 10.6 % ___________________________________________________ *Participant in Credit Facility

Segment and Geographic Data (Ta

Segment and Geographic Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment and Geographic Data [Abstract]
Segment reporting information	Note 15 –Segment and Geographic Data (continued) The following tables set forth business segment information: MOSFETs Diodes Optoelectronic Components Resistors & Inductors Capacitors Corporate / Other Total Year ended December 31, 2016: Product sales $ 406,336 $ 553,920 $ 272,126 $ 753,578 $ 337,212 $ - $ 2,323,172 Royalty revenues - - - 259 - - $ 259 Total revenue $ 406,336 $ 553,920 $ 272,126 $ 753,837 $ 337,212 $ - $ 2,323,431 Gross Profit $ 58,155 $ 134,937 $ 87,022 $ 222,786 $ 66,883 $ - $ 569,783 Segment Operating Income $ 22,254 $ 113,995 $ 67,548 $ 191,283 $ 46,338 $ - $ 441,418 Depreciation expense $ 34,531 $ 35,335 $ 15,549 $ 32,240 $ 17,817 $ 9,049 $ 144,521 Capital expenditures 22,430 29,860 18,276 47,006 14,410 2,653 $ 134,635 Total Assets as of December 31, 2016: $ 389,482 $ 714,898 $ 312,423 $ 905,795 $ 495,225 $ 259,978 $ 3,077,801 Year ended December 31, 2015: Product sales $ 426,672 $ 533,931 $ 279,553 $ 704,109 $ 352,900 $ - $ 2,297,165 Royalty revenues 11 - - 3,312 - - $ 3,323 Total revenue $ 426,683 $ 533,931 $ 279,553 $ 707,421 $ 352,900 $ - $ 2,300,488 Gross Profit $ 58,626 $ 119,762 $ 88,625 $ 208,384 $ 66,823 $ - $ 542,220 Segment Operating Income $ 21,366 $ 95,887 $ 68,410 $ 173,805 $ 44,863 $ - $ 404,331 Depreciation expense $ 47,172 $ 35,526 $ 14,118 $ 30,576 $ 18,168 $ 8,780 $ 154,340 Capital expenditures 29,289 38,971 21,853 38,169 14,763 4,097 $ 147,142 Total Assets as of December 31, 2015: $ 477,984 $ 718,548 $ 325,600 $ 839,249 $ 543,507 $ 248,098 $ 3,152,986 Year ended December 31, 2014: Product sales $ 470,377 $ 579,288 $ 258,248 $ 755,251 $ 425,593 $ - $ 2,488,757 Royalty revenues 160 - - 4,365 - - $ 4,525 Total revenue $ 470,537 $ 579,288 $ 258,248 $ 759,616 $ 425,593 $ - $ 2,493,282 Gross Profit $ 59,614 $ 132,021 $ 91,165 $ 241,090 $ 87,402 $ - $ 611,292 Segment Operating Income $ 21,095 $ 106,068 $ 73,463 $ 203,343 $ 62,460 $ - $ 466,429 Depreciation expense $ 53,939 $ 39,592 $ 13,266 $ 32,380 $ 20,524 $ 1,103 $ 160,804 Capital expenditures 33,672 41,713 23,008 42,950 12,694 2,937 $ 156,974 Total Assets as of December 31, 2014: $ 499,550 $ 732,502 $ 422,257 $ 812,664 $ 605,281 $ 201,897 $ 3,274,151 ________________
Operating margin reconciliation	Note 15 –Segment and Geographic Data (continued) Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Reconciliation: Segment Operating Income $ 441,418 $ 404,331 $ 466,429 Restructuring and Severance Costs (19,199 ) (19,215 ) (20,897 ) Impairment of Intangible Assets (1,559 ) (57,600 ) - Impairment of Goodwill - (5,380 ) - U.S. Pension Settlement Charges (79,321 ) - (15,588 ) Unallocated Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses (239,622 ) (224,337 ) (240,833 ) Consolidated Operating Income (Loss) $ 101,717 $ 97,799 $ 189,111 Unallocated Other Income (Expense) (7,501 ) (23,059 ) (21,968 ) Consolidated Income Before Taxes $ 94,216 $ 74,740 $ 167,143 See Note 4 for restructuring and severance costs segment information.
Revenues Based on Geographic Area	The following table summarizes net revenues based on revenues generated by subsidiaries located within the identified geographic area: Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 United States $ 542,506 $ 560,973 $ 590,145 Germany 746,657 719,246 821,005 Other Europe 83,744 88,553 107,598 Israel 10,007 12,597 13,871 Asia 940,517 919,119 960,663 $ 2,323,431 $ 2,300,488 $ 2,493,282
Property and Equipment Based on Geographic Area	The following table summarizes property and equipment based on physical location: December 31, 2016 2015 United States $ 94,589 $ 94,512 Germany 120,223 122,817 Czech Republic 29,912 33,352 Other Europe 83,041 85,566 Israel 104,824 107,715 People's Republic of China 183,158 182,411 Republic of China (Taiwan) 124,724 126,780 Other Asia 105,400 109,815 Other 3,000 2,328 $ 848,871 $ 865,296

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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) Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Numerator: Numerator for basic earnings (loss) per share: Net earnings (loss) attributable to Vishay stockholders $ 48,792 $ (108,514 ) $ 117,629 Interest savings assuming conversion of dilutive convertible and exchangeable notes, net of tax 38 - 59 Numerator for diluted earnings (loss) per share: Net earnings (loss) attributed to Vishay stockholders - diluted $ 48,830 $ (108,514 ) $ 117,688 Denominator: Denominator for basic earnings (loss) per share: Weighted average shares 147,009 147,570 147,448 Outstanding phantom stock units 143 130 119 Adjusted weighted average shares - basic 147,152 147,700 147,567 Effect of dilutive securities: Convertible and exchangeable debt instruments 3,219 - 5,890 Restricted stock units 323 - 252 Other 3 - 7 Dilutive potential common shares 3,545 - 6,149 Denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per share: Adjusted weighted average shares - diluted 150,697 147,700 153,716 Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Vishay stockholders $ 0.33 $ (0.73 ) $ 0.80 Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Vishay stockholders $ 0.32 $ (0.73 ) $ 0.77
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	Note 16 – Earnings Per Share (continued) Diluted earnings per share for the years presented do not reflect the following weighted average potential common shares, as the effect would be antidilutive (in thousands) Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Convertible and exchangeable notes: Convertible Senior Debentures, due 2040 10,312 20,477 - Convertible Senior Debentures, due 2041 8,249 8,151 7,944 Convertible Senior Debentures, due 2042 - 13,133 - Exchangeable Unsecured Notes, due 2102 - 2,512 - Weighted average employee stock options 91 105 77 Weighted average other 512 1,014 706

Additional Cash Flow Informat47

Additional Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Additional Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of businesses acquired consists of the following : Years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Accounts receivable $ (4,120 ) $ (11,250 ) $ (731 ) Inventories 13,760 (30,302 ) (23,753 ) Prepaid expenses and other current assets (12,180 ) (5,203 ) (5,031 ) Accounts payable 17,839 (13,419 ) 9,339 Other current liabilities (19,505 ) 32,925 (18,064 ) Net change in operating assets and liabilities $ (4,206 ) $ (27,249 ) $ (38,240 )

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 as of December 31, 2016 and 2015: Total Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 December 31, 2016 Assets: Assets held in rabbi trusts $ 41,917 $ 27,297 $ 14,620 $ - Available for sale securities $ 3,969 3,969 - - Non - U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plan Assets: Equity securities $ 9,963 9,963 - - Fixed income securities $ 12,780 12,780 - - Cash $ 43,347 43,347 - - $ 111,976 $ 97,356 $ 14,620 $ - Liabilities: Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2040 $ (393 ) - - (393 ) Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2041 $ (285 ) - - (285 ) Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2042 $ (176 ) - - (176 ) $ (854 ) $ - $ - $ (854 ) December 31, 2015 Assets: Assets held in rabbi trusts $ 39,849 $ 25,906 $ 13,943 $ - Available for sale securities $ 3,604 3,604 - - U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plan Assets: Fixed income securities $ 255,804 254,555 1,249 - Cash $ 2,288 2,288 - - Non - U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plan Assets: Equity securities $ 9,302 9,302 - - Fixed income securities $ 13,416 13,416 - - Cash $ 28,545 28,545 - - $ 352,808 $ 337,616 $ 15,192 $ - 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 )

Summary of Quarterly Financia49

Summary of Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Summary of Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information	2016 2015 First Second Third Fourth First Second Third Fourth Statement of Operations data: Net revenues $ 570,606 $ 590,051 $ 591,955 $ 570,819 $ 593,436 $ 590,470 $ 560,654 $ 555,928 Gross profit 137,309 146,128 153,901 132,445 145,038 141,482 130,144 125,556 Operating income (loss) 40,548 49,408 57,229 (45,468 ) 47,558 44,170 (24,155 ) 30,226 Net earnings (loss) 28,152 33,229 36,596 (48,604 ) 30,925 26,518 (27,550 ) (137,626 ) Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests 138 143 156 144 226 250 116 189 Net earnings (loss) attributable to Vishay stockholders 28,014 33,086 36,440 (48,748 ) 30,699 26,268 (27,666 ) (137,815 ) Per Share data: Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Vishay stockholders (a) $ 0.19 $ 0.22 $ 0.25 $ (0.33 ) $ 0.21 $ 0.18 $ (0.19 ) $ (0.93 ) Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Vishay stockholders (a) $ 0.19 $ 0.22 $ 0.24 $ (0.33 ) $ 0.20 $ 0.17 $ (0.19 ) $ (0.93 ) Certain Items Recorded during the Quarters: Operating income (loss): Restructuring and severance costs $ 6,475 $ 4,467 $ 1,197 $ 7,060 $ 1,410 $ 5,660 $ 2,324 $ 9,821 Impairment of intangible assets - - 1,559 - - - 57,600 - Impairment of goodwill - - - - - - 5,380 - U.S. pension settlement charges - - - 79,321 - - - - Other income (expense): Gain on early extinguishment of debt $ 3,611 $ 986 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - Gain (loss) related to Tianjin explosion - - - 8,809 - - (5,350 ) - Income tax expense: Tax effects of cash repatriation program $ (769 ) $ (1,217 ) $ (1,402 ) $ (165 ) $ - $ - $ - $ 163,954 Additional tax expense from AOCI - pension plan - - - 34,853 - - - - Tax effects of changes in uncertain tax posistions - - - (8,704 ) - - - (2,629 ) Tax effects of changes in valuation allowances - - - - - - - (8,888 ) Quarter end date April 2 July 2 October 1 December 31 April 4 July 4 October 3 December 31 (a) May not add due to differences in weighted average share counts. (b) 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.

Summary of Significant Accoun50

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Minimum ownership of entities that do not have a non-controlling interest (in hundredths)	100.00%
Royalty revenues	$ 259	$ 3,323	$ 4,525
Research and development expense	$ 66,842	64,193	65,299
Minimum number of months until maturity from original purchase date for a highly liquid investment to be considered a short-term investment (in months)	3 months
Bad debt expense	$ 61	(152)	(424)
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated cost to complete construction in progress	43,383
Depreciation expense	144,521	154,340	$ 160,804
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Cash and investments restricted for potential insurance claims	10,211	11,627
Outstanding claim accrual	$ 0	$ 5,000
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Life	7 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Life	10 years
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Life	20 years
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Life	40 years
Patents and Acquired Technology [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	7 years
Patents and Acquired Technology [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	25 years
Capitalized Software [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	3 years
Capitalized Software [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	10 years
Customer Relationships [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	5 years
Customer Relationships [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	20 years
Non-competition Agreements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	3 years
Non-competition Agreements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	10 years

Acquisition and Divestiture A51

Acquisition and Divestiture Activities (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 27, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)$ / shares	Sep. 01, 2014USD ($)shares	Jul. 11, 2014USD ($)	Jul. 11, 2014TWD / shares
Business Acquisition, Equity Interests Issued or Issuable [Line Items]
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired			$ 0	$ 6,750	$ 197,986
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests			0	0	(21,067)
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue					2,522,010
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss)					$ 114,510
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic | $ / shares					$ 0.78
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted | $ / shares					$ 0.75
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]
Goodwill	$ 144,359		141,407	138,244	$ 144,359
Holy Stone Polytech [Member]
Business Acquisition, Equity Interests Issued or Issuable [Line Items]
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired					20,576
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired					3,736
Goodwill related to acquisitions					$ 6,328
Business Acquisition, Name of Acquired Entity					Holy Stone Polytech Co., Ltd.
Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition					Jun. 11, 2014
Capella [Member]
Business Acquisition, Equity Interests Issued or Issuable [Line Items]
Number of shares acquired | shares						38,703,705
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired						88.95%
Gross purchase price of acquired business		$ 180,167
Acquired cash and short-term investments						$ 50,195
Borrowings to fund acquisition		$ 53,000
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests	21,067
Business Acquisition, Transaction Costs	$ 843				$ 843
Business Acquisition, Name of Acquired Entity					Capella Microsystems (Taiwan) Inc.
Business Acquisition, Date of Acquisition Agreement					Jul. 11, 2014
Business Acquisition, Share Price | TWD / shares								TWD 139
Offered purchase price							$ 205,000
Sonntag [Member]
Business Acquisition, Equity Interests Issued or Issuable [Line Items]
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired			5,450
Goodwill related to acquisitions			$ 3,485
Gross purchase price of acquired business				$ 6,750
Business Acquisition, Name of Acquired Entity			Sonntag Electronic GmbH
Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition			Jan. 1, 2016

Goodwill and Other Intangible52

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Oct. 01, 2016	Jul. 02, 2016	Apr. 02, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Oct. 03, 2015	Jul. 04, 2015	Apr. 04, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period				$ 138,244				$ 144,359	$ 138,244	$ 144,359
Goodwill impairment loss	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	0	$ 0	$ (5,380)	$ 0	0	0	(5,380)	$ 0
Exchange rate effects									(322)	(735)
Balance at end of period	141,407				138,244				141,407	138,244	144,359
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-Lived Trade Names	0				20,359				0	20,359
Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization	287,053				270,179				287,053	270,179
Accumulated amortization	(202,590)				(187,280)				(202,590)	(187,280)
Net Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization	84,463				82,899				84,463	82,899
Intangible assets, net	84,463				103,258				84,463	103,258
Amortization expense (excluding capitalized software)									14,842	21,829	18,651
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Future Amortization Expense [Abstract]
2,017	15,884								15,884
2,018	11,096								11,096
2,019	7,332								7,332
2,020	6,567								6,567
2,021	5,787								5,787
Sonntag [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill acquired during period									3,485
Capella Microsystems (Taiwan) Inc. [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use										57,600
Resistors And Inductors Segment [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period				41,395				42,146	41,395	42,146
Goodwill impairment loss										0
Exchange rate effects									(322)	(751)
Balance at end of period	44,558				41,395				44,558	41,395	42,146
Resistors And Inductors Segment [Member] | Sonntag [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill acquired during period									3,485
Capacitors Segment [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period				0				5,364	0	5,364
Goodwill impairment loss										(5,380)
Exchange rate effects									0	16
Balance at end of period	0				0				0	0	5,364
Capacitors Segment [Member] | Sonntag [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill acquired during period									0
Optoelectronic Components Segment [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period				$ 96,849				$ 96,849	96,849	96,849
Goodwill impairment loss										0
Exchange rate effects									0	0
Balance at end of period	96,849				96,849				96,849	96,849	$ 96,849
Optoelectronic Components Segment [Member] | Sonntag [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill acquired during period									0
Patents and Acquired Technology [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization	93,395				93,606				93,395	93,606
Accumulated amortization	(81,807)				(76,258)				(81,807)	(76,258)
Capitalized Software [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization	53,807				53,401				53,807	53,401
Accumulated amortization	(49,388)				(47,394)				(49,388)	(47,394)
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization	84,905				85,418				84,905	85,418
Accumulated amortization	(42,787)				(37,989)				(42,787)	(37,989)
Tradenames [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization	53,680				35,493				53,680	35,493
Accumulated amortization	(27,460)				(23,798)				(27,460)	(23,798)
Non-competition Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization	1,266				2,261				1,266	2,261
Accumulated amortization	$ (1,148)				$ (1,841)				$ (1,148)	$ (1,841)

Restructuring and Related Act53

Restructuring and Related Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Oct. 01, 2016	Jul. 02, 2016	Apr. 02, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Oct. 03, 2015	Jul. 04, 2015	Apr. 04, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve, current	$ 12,655				$ 26,791				$ 12,655	$ 26,791
Restructuring and related expenses	7,060	$ 1,197	$ 4,467	$ 6,475	9,821	$ 2,324	$ 5,660	$ 1,410	19,199	19,215	$ 20,897
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and related expenses	7,060	$ 1,197	$ 4,467	$ 6,475	9,821	$ 2,324	$ 5,660	$ 1,410	19,199	19,215	20,897
Global Cost Reduction Program [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve, current	5,890								5,890
Restructuring and related expenses									9,918	13,753	0
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and related expenses									9,918	13,753	0
Cash paid									(16,237)	(986)
Foreign currency translation									(34)	(150)
Balance at end of period	6,264				12,617				$ 6,264	12,617
Term of restructuring program									24 months
Expected Restructuring Costs	30,000								$ 30,000
Global Cost Reduction Program [Member] | Diodes Segment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related expenses									788	133
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and related expenses									788	133
Global Cost Reduction Program [Member] | Optoelectronic Components Segment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related expenses									936	215
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and related expenses									936	215
Global Cost Reduction Program [Member] | Resistors And Inductors Segment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related expenses									5,173	5,972
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and related expenses									5,173	5,972
Global Cost Reduction Program [Member] | Capacitors Segment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related expenses									687	5,209
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and related expenses									687	5,209
Global Cost Reduction Program [Member] | Unallocated Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related expenses									2,334	2,224
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and related expenses									2,334	2,224
MOSFETs Enhanced Competitiveness Program [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve, current	6,232								6,232
Restructuring and related expenses									9,744	5,367	6,025	$ 2,328
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and related expenses									9,744	5,367	6,025	2,328
Cash paid									(15,686)	(426)	(856)	(267)
Foreign currency translation									2	1
Balance at end of period	6,232				12,172				$ 6,232	12,172	7,230	2,061
Term of restructuring program									2 years
Other Exit Costs									$ 5,763
Voluntary Separation/Retirement Program [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve, current	529								529
Restructuring and related expenses									0	95	12,792	486
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and related expenses									0	95	12,792	486
Cash paid									(816)	(3,166)	(8,054)	(98)
Foreign currency translation									0	(258)	(455)	3
Balance at end of period	529				$ 1,345				529	1,345	4,674	$ 391
Modules Product Transfer [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related expenses									(463)	0	2,080
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and related expenses									(463)	$ 0	$ 2,080
Minimum [Member] | MOSTFETs Program Extension [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Expected Restructuring Costs	4,000								4,000
Minimum [Member] | MOSFETs Enhanced Competitiveness Program [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Expected Restructuring Costs	23,000								23,000
Maximum [Member] | MOSTFETs Program Extension [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Expected Restructuring Costs	8,000								8,000
Maximum [Member] | MOSFETs Enhanced Competitiveness Program [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Expected Restructuring Costs	$ 27,000								$ 27,000

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended											12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Oct. 01, 2016	Jul. 02, 2016	Apr. 02, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Oct. 03, 2015	Jul. 04, 2015	Apr. 04, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes and noncontrolling interests [Abstract]
Domestic												$ (135,953)	$ (40,929)	$ (50,106)
Foreign												230,169	115,669	217,249
Income before taxes												94,216	74,740	167,143
Current income tax expense:
Federal												358	290	(27,031)
State and local												5	163	386
Foreign												46,999	63,573	60,282
Total current income tax expense												47,362	64,026	33,637
Deferred income tax expense:
Federal												6,163	78,933	7,999
State and local												(3,039)	311	204
Foreign												(5,643)	39,203	7,460
Total deferred income tax expense												(2,519)	118,447	15,663
Total income tax expense												44,843	182,473	49,300
Deferred tax assets:
Pension and other retiree obligations	$ 47,104				$ 40,322							47,104	40,322
Inventories	7,691				7,848							7,691	7,848
Net operating loss carryforwards	183,562				183,298							183,562	183,298
Tax credit carryforwards	25,432				23,512							25,432	23,512
Other accruals and reserves	29,401				35,176							29,401	35,176
Total gross deferred tax assets	293,190				290,156							293,190	290,156
Less valuation allowance	(165,269)				(167,932)							(165,269)	(167,932)
Deferred tax assets, net	127,921				122,224							127,921	122,224
Deferred tax liabilities:
Tax over book depreciation	(1,025)				(4,038)							(1,025)	(4,038)
Earnings not permanently reinvested	(139,165)				(162,667)							(139,165)	(162,667)
Convertible debentures	(203,641)				(188,978)							(203,641)	(188,978)
Other - net	(10,646)				(9,245)							(10,646)	(9,245)
Total gross deferred tax liabilities	(354,477)				(364,928)							(354,477)	(364,928)
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	(226,556)				(242,704)							(226,556)	(242,704)
Reconciliation of income tax expense at federal statutory rate to actual income tax provision [Abstract]
Tax at statutory rate												32,976	26,159	58,500
State income taxes, net of U.S. federal tax benefit												(1,972)	309	384
Effect of foreign operations												(26,551)	(13,212)	(27,372)
Tax on earnings not permanently reinvested												(3,553)	163,699	25,728
Unrecognized tax benefits												(8,453)	(1,353)	(21,603)
Change in valuation allowance on deferred tax asset												991	(8,888)	0
Foreign income taxable in the U.S.												18,442	7,025	13,499
Discrete Tax Items - Pension Settlement	34,853	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0				34,853	0	0
Discrete Tax Items Repatriation	(165)	(1,402)	(1,217)	(769)	163,954	0	0	0				(3,553)	163,954	25,706
Tax effect of impairment charges												(454)	8,305	0
Tax effect of change in tax law									$ (1,228)
Tax effect of changes in valuation allowances	0	0	0	0	(8,888)	0	0	0
Tax effects of changes in uncertain tax positions	(8,704)	0	0	0	(2,629)	0	0	0				(8,704)	2,629	(25,706)
Other												(1,436)	429	164
Total income tax expense												44,843	182,473	49,300
Net operating loss carryforwards [Abstract]
Discrete Tax Items Included Income Tax Expense									(1,228)	$ (2,867)	$ (1,330)	22,596	152,437	(1,228)
Available tax credit carryforwards [Abstract]
Discrete Tax Items Repatriation	(165)	$ (1,402)	$ (1,217)	(769)	163,954	$ 0	$ 0	0				(3,553)	163,954	25,706
Expected repatriation													300,000	53,000
Income tax uncertainties [Abstract]
Cash repatriated during the current period												46,000	53,000
Foreign earnings without provision for US Tax	2,484,372											2,484,372
Net income taxes paid (refunded)												58,788	49,301	62,051
Company accrued interest and penalties related to the unrecognized tax benefits	1,638				3,887							1,638	3,887
Company recognized interest and penalties.												542	785	1,839
Unrecognized tax benefits [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year				$ 23,527				$ 26,583				23,527	26,583	45,877
Addition based on tax positions related to the current year												1,553	1,439	1,641
Addition based on tax positions related to prior years												1,047	1,894	6,484
Currency translation adjustments												(96)	(1,370)	(1,387)
Reduction based on tax positions related to prior years												0	0	0
Reduction for settlements												(1,210)	(4,879)	(3,556)
Reduction for lapses of statute of limitation												(8,016)	(140)	(22,476)
Balance at end of year	16,805				$ 23,527				$ 26,583			16,805	23,527	$ 26,583
Current Year Earnings [Member]
Available tax credit carryforwards [Abstract]
Expected repatriation													20,000
Prior Year Earnings [Member]
Available tax credit carryforwards [Abstract]
Expected repatriation													$ 280,000
Minimum [Member]
Available tax credit carryforwards [Abstract]
Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible	57											57
Maximum [Member]
Available tax credit carryforwards [Abstract]
Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible	6,866											6,866
AUSTRIA [Member]
Net operating loss carryforwards [Abstract]
Net operating loss carryforward	14,862											14,862
BELGIUM [Member]
Net operating loss carryforwards [Abstract]
Net operating loss carryforward	150,327											150,327
BRAZIL [Member]
Net operating loss carryforwards [Abstract]
Net operating loss carryforward	12,534											12,534
Germany [Member]
Net operating loss carryforwards [Abstract]
Net operating loss carryforward	22,916											22,916
Israel [Member]
Net operating loss carryforwards [Abstract]
Net operating loss carryforward	27,666											27,666
JAPAN [Member]
Net operating loss carryforwards [Abstract]
Net operating loss carryforward	5,295											$ 5,295
JAPAN [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Net operating loss carryforwards [Abstract]
Expiration date NOL carryforward												Dec. 31, 2018
JAPAN [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Net operating loss carryforwards [Abstract]
Expiration date NOL carryforward												Dec. 31, 2025
NETHERLANDS [Member]
Net operating loss carryforwards [Abstract]
Net operating loss carryforward	19,019											$ 19,019
NETHERLANDS [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Net operating loss carryforwards [Abstract]
Expiration date NOL carryforward												Dec. 31, 2017
NETHERLANDS [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Net operating loss carryforwards [Abstract]
Expiration date NOL carryforward												Dec. 31, 2025
The Republic of China (Taiwan) [Member]
Net operating loss carryforwards [Abstract]
Net operating loss carryforward	9,019											$ 9,019
The Republic of China (Taiwan) [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Net operating loss carryforwards [Abstract]
Expiration date NOL carryforward												Dec. 31, 2024
The Republic of China (Taiwan) [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Net operating loss carryforwards [Abstract]
Expiration date NOL carryforward												Dec. 31, 2026
California [Member]
Net operating loss carryforwards [Abstract]
Net operating loss carryforward	55,407											$ 55,407
California [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Net operating loss carryforwards [Abstract]
Expiration date NOL carryforward												Dec. 31, 2020
California [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Net operating loss carryforwards [Abstract]
Expiration date NOL carryforward												Dec. 31, 2036
Pennsylvania [Member]
Net operating loss carryforwards [Abstract]
Net operating loss carryforward	721,824											$ 721,824
Pennsylvania [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Net operating loss carryforwards [Abstract]
Expiration date NOL carryforward												Dec. 31, 2018
Pennsylvania [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Net operating loss carryforwards [Abstract]
Expiration date NOL carryforward												Dec. 31, 2036
United States [Member]
Net operating loss carryforwards [Abstract]
Net operating loss carryforward	90,247											$ 90,247
United States [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Net operating loss carryforwards [Abstract]
Expiration date NOL carryforward												Dec. 31, 2033
United States [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Net operating loss carryforwards [Abstract]
Expiration date NOL carryforward												Dec. 31, 2036
Research Tax Credit [Member] | California [Member]
Net operating loss carryforwards [Abstract]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount	12,353											$ 12,353
Available tax credit carryforwards [Abstract]
Tax Credit Carryforward	12,353											12,353
Research Tax Credit [Member] | United States [Member]
Net operating loss carryforwards [Abstract]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount	1,986											1,986
Available tax credit carryforwards [Abstract]
Tax Credit Carryforward	1,986											$ 1,986
Research Tax Credit [Member] | United States [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Net operating loss carryforwards [Abstract]
Expiration Date tax credit carryforward												Dec. 31, 2034
Research Tax Credit [Member] | United States [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Net operating loss carryforwards [Abstract]
Expiration Date tax credit carryforward												Dec. 31, 2036
U.S. Foreign Tax Credit [Member]
Net operating loss carryforwards [Abstract]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount	11,093											$ 11,093
Available tax credit carryforwards [Abstract]
Tax Credit Carryforward	$ 11,093											$ 11,093
U.S. Foreign Tax Credit [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Net operating loss carryforwards [Abstract]
Expiration Date tax credit carryforward												Dec. 31, 2020
U.S. Foreign Tax Credit [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Net operating loss carryforwards [Abstract]
Expiration Date tax credit carryforward												Dec. 31, 2022

Long-Term Debt (Details)

Long-Term Debt (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2016USD ($)	Apr. 02, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)shares$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)shares	Jul. 06, 2010USD ($)	Dec. 13, 2002USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt			$ 357,023	$ 436,738
Credit facility			143,000	190,000
Deferred Financing Costs			(10,880)	(12,659)
Less current portion			0	0
Long-term debt, less current portion			357,023	436,738
Liability and equity components of convertible debentures [Abstract]
Principal amount of the debentures			575,000	575,000
Unamortized discount			(350,951)	(355,561)
Embedded derivative			854	1,316
Carrying value of liability component			224,903	220,755
Equity component - net carrying value			230,214	230,214
Interest expense related to debentures [Abstract]
Contractual coupon interest			12,938	12,938	$ 12,938
Non-cash amortization of debt discount			4,610	4,264	3,943
Non-cash amortization of deferred financing costs			189	189	189
Non-cash change in value of derivative liability			(462)	211	68
Total interest expense related to the debentures			17,275	17,602	17,138
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital leases			(34,044)	0	(11)
Committed and uncommitted short-term credit lines			11,000	13,700
Aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt [Abstract]
2,017			0
2,018			0
2,019			0
2,020			143,000
2,021			0
Thereafter			575,000
Interest paid			19,316	19,134	18,394
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 640,000
Line of Credit Facility, Initiation Date			Dec. 10, 2015
Expiration date			Dec. 10, 2020
Maximum incremental revolving commitments			$ 50,000
Interest rate description			Borrowings under the Amended and Restated Credit Facility bear interest at LIBOR plus an interest margin. The applicable interest margin is based on Vishay's leverage ratio. Based on Vishay's current leverage ratio, borrowings bear interest at LIBOR plus 1.75%. Vishay also pays a fee, also based on its leverage ratio, on undrawn amounts. The undrawn commitment fee, based on Vishay’s current leverage ratio, is 0.35% per annum. The previous credit agreement required Vishay to pay facility fees on the entire commitment amount.
Basis spread on variable rate (in hundredths)			1.75%
Commitment fees (in hundredths)			0.35%
Covenant terms			The Amended and Restated Credit Facility allows an unlimited amount of defined “Restricted Payments,” which include cash dividends and share repurchases, provided the Company’s pro forma leverage ratio is less than 2.25 to 1. If the Company’s leverage ratio is greater than 2.25 to 1, the Amended and Restated Credit Facility allows such payments up to $75,000 per annum (subject to a cap of $225,000 for the term of the facility).
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Compliance			The Credit Facility also contains customary events of default, including, but not limited to, failure to pay principal or interest, failure to pay or default under other material debt, material misrepresentation or breach of warranty, violation of certain covenants, a change of control, the commencement of bankruptcy proceedings, the insolvency of Vishay or certain of its significant subsidiaries, and the rendering of a judgment in excess of $25,000 against Vishay or certain of its significant subsidiaries. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the Credit Facility, the Company's obligations under the credit facility may be accelerated and the lending commitments under the credit facility terminated.
Available borrowing capacity			$ 490,136	442,745
Letters of credit outstanding			6,864	7,255
Credit facility accelerated repayment minimum judgement			25,000
Exchangeable Unsecured Notes, Due 2102 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Exchangeable unsecured notes, due 2102			$ 0	38,642
Debt Instruments [Abstract]
130% of the conversion price | $ / shares			$ 15.39
Principal amount of notes exchanged						$ 56,400
Common shares issued for conversion of exchangeable notes | shares						3,664,729
Liability and equity components of convertible debentures [Abstract]
Principal amount of the debentures			$ 38,642				$ 95,042	$ 105,000
Interest expense related to debentures [Abstract]
Number of shares of common stock the Notes are exchangeable into (in shares) | shares			2,511,742
Principal amount of repurchased debt	$ 12,436	$ 26,206
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital leases	$ 11,449	$ 22,595
Repurchase Date	Jun. 28, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016
Number of shares of common stock the Notes are exchangeable into (in shares) | shares			2,511,742
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2040 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible Debt, Noncurrent			$ 108,120	106,011
Debt Instruments [Abstract]
Convertible senior debentures issuance date			Nov. 9, 2010
Debt maturity date			Nov. 15, 2040
Cash coupon rate			2.25%
Nonconvertible debt borrowing rate at issuance			8.00%
Effective conversion rate			76.1163
Effective conversion price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares			$ 13.14
130% of the conversion price | $ / shares			$ 17.08
Convertible senior debentures call date			Nov. 20, 2020
Debt instrument percentage of conversion price (in hundredths)			130.00%
Debt instrument, Percentage of sale price of common stock (in hundredths)			98.00%
Liability and equity components of convertible debentures [Abstract]
Principal amount of the debentures			$ 275,000	275,000
Unamortized discount			(167,273)	(169,565)
Embedded derivative			393	576
Carrying value of liability component			108,120	106,011
Equity component - net carrying value			110,094	110,094
Interest expense related to debentures [Abstract]
Contractual coupon interest			6,188	6,188	6,188
Non-cash amortization of debt discount			2,292	2,120	1,960
Non-cash amortization of deferred financing costs			88	88	88
Non-cash change in value of derivative liability			(183)	50	35
Total interest expense related to the debentures			$ 8,385	8,446	8,271
Debt instrument percentage of conversion price (in hundredths)			130.00%
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2041 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible Debt, Noncurrent			$ 55,442	54,424
Debt Instruments [Abstract]
Convertible senior debentures issuance date			May 13, 2011
Debt maturity date			May 15, 2041
Cash coupon rate			2.25%
Nonconvertible debt borrowing rate at issuance			8.375%
Effective conversion rate			55.5456
Effective conversion price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares			$ 18
130% of the conversion price | $ / shares			$ 23.40
Convertible senior debentures call date			May 20, 2021
Debt instrument percentage of conversion price (in hundredths)			130.00%
Debt instrument, Percentage of sale price of common stock (in hundredths)			98.00%
Liability and equity components of convertible debentures [Abstract]
Principal amount of the debentures			$ 150,000	150,000
Unamortized discount			(94,843)	(96,014)
Embedded derivative			285	438
Carrying value of liability component			55,442	54,424
Equity component - net carrying value			62,246	62,246
Interest expense related to debentures [Abstract]
Contractual coupon interest			3,375	3,375	3,375
Non-cash amortization of debt discount			1,171	1,078	993
Non-cash amortization of deferred financing costs			47	47	47
Non-cash change in value of derivative liability			(153)	97	(8)
Total interest expense related to the debentures			$ 4,440	4,597	4,407
Debt instrument percentage of conversion price (in hundredths)			130.00%
Convertible Senior Debentures 2042 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible Debt, Noncurrent			$ 61,341	60,320
Debt Instruments [Abstract]
Convertible senior debentures issuance date			May 31, 2012
Debt maturity date			Jun. 1, 2042
Cash coupon rate			2.25%
Nonconvertible debt borrowing rate at issuance			7.50%
Effective conversion rate			89.4945
Effective conversion price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares			$ 11.17
130% of the conversion price | $ / shares			$ 14.52
Convertible senior debentures call date			Jun. 7, 2022
Debt instrument percentage of conversion price (in hundredths)			130.00%
Debt instrument, Percentage of sale price of common stock (in hundredths)			98.00%
Liability and equity components of convertible debentures [Abstract]
Principal amount of the debentures			$ 150,000	150,000
Unamortized discount			(88,835)	(89,982)
Embedded derivative			176	302
Carrying value of liability component			61,341	60,320
Equity component - net carrying value			57,874	57,874
Interest expense related to debentures [Abstract]
Contractual coupon interest			3,375	3,375	3,375
Non-cash amortization of debt discount			1,147	1,066	990
Non-cash amortization of deferred financing costs			54	54	54
Non-cash change in value of derivative liability			(126)	64	41
Total interest expense related to the debentures			$ 4,450	$ 4,559	$ 4,460
Debt instrument percentage of conversion price (in hundredths)			130.00%

Stockholders' Equity (Details)

Stockholders' Equity (Details)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016$ / sharesshares

Oct. 01, 2016$ / shares

Jul. 02, 2016$ / shares

Apr. 02, 2016$ / shares

Dec. 31, 2015$ / shares

Oct. 03, 2015$ / shares

Jul. 04, 2015$ / shares

Apr. 04, 2015$ / shares

Dec. 31, 2016shares$ / shares

Dec. 31, 2015$ / shares

Dec. 31, 2014$ / shares

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Cash dividends per share | $ / shares

$ 0.25

$ 0.24

$ 0.24

Shares reserved (in shares)

65,235,840

65,235,840

Class B Convertible Common Stock [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Voting rights per share

10

Conversion feature

one-for-one

Shares reserved (in shares)

[1]

12,129,227

12,129,227

Common Stock [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Voting rights per share

1

Common stock options outstanding [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Shares reserved (in shares)

77,000

77,000

Restricted stock units outstanding [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Shares reserved (in shares)

1,004,000

1,004,000

Available to grant 2007 Stock Incentive Program - [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Shares reserved (in shares)

3,474,000

3,474,000

Phantom stock units outstanding [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Shares reserved (in shares)

145,000

145,000

Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2040 [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Shares reserved (in shares)

23,585,258

23,585,258

Number of shares debentures are convertible into (in shares)

20,931,983

Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2041 [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Shares reserved (in shares)

[1]

9,470,490

9,470,490

Number of shares debentures are convertible into (in shares)

8,331,840

Convertible Senior Debentures 2042 [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Shares reserved (in shares)

[1]

15,350,865

15,350,865

Number of shares debentures are convertible into (in shares)

13,424,175

Dividend Paid [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Cash dividends per share | $ / shares

$ 0.0625

$ 0.0625

$ 0.0625

$ 0.0625

$ 0.0600

$ 0.0600

$ 0.0600

$ 0.0600

Record date

Dec. 8, 2016

Sep. 15, 2016

Jun. 15, 2016

Mar. 11, 2016

Dec. 3, 2015

Sep. 2, 2015

Jun. 11, 2015

Mar. 12, 2015

Payment date

Dec. 22, 2016

Sep. 29, 2016

Jun. 29, 2016

Mar. 29, 2016

Dec. 22, 2015

Sep. 24, 2015

Jun. 25, 2015

Mar. 25, 2015

[1]

The convertible senior debentures due 2040, due 2041, and due 2042 are convertible into 20,134,043, 8,014,230, and 12,912,435 shares, respectively, of Vishay common stock. The Company has reserved the maximum amount of shares to be delivered upon a make-whole fundamental change as defined in the indentures governing the debentures.

Other Income (Expense) (Details

Other Income (Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Oct. 01, 2016	Jul. 02, 2016	Apr. 02, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Oct. 03, 2015	Jul. 04, 2015	Apr. 04, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Income (Expense) [Abstract]
Foreign exchange gain (loss)									$ 292	$ 3,180	$ (1,115)
Interest income									4,264	4,397	4,939
Other									160	399	(1,335)
Other Income (expense)									4,716	7,976	2,489
Insurance proceeds received									13,406
Insurance proceeds classified as investing activities									4,911
Loss related to Tianjin explosion	$ 8,809	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ (5,350)	$ 0	$ 0	$ (8,809)	$ 5,350	$ 0

Other Accrued Expenses (Details

Other Accrued Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Accrued Expenses (Tables) [Abstract]
Sales returns and allowances	$ 34,479	$ 33,086
Goods received, not yet invoiced	30,987	30,193
Restructuring reserve, current	12,655	26,791
Other	71,010	74,266
Total other accrued expenses	$ 149,131	$ 164,336

Accumulated Other Comprehensi59

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ (131,327)	$ (69,140)	$ 61,634
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(67,320)	(66,440)	(164,722)
Tax effect	9,486	(3,670)	17,359
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax	(57,834)	(70,110)	(147,363)
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI	91,014	12,189	25,526
Tax effect	3,495	(4,266)	(8,937)
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI, net of tax	94,509	7,923	16,589
Other comprehensive income (loss)	36,675	(62,187)	(130,774)
Ending Balance	(94,652)	(131,327)	(69,140)
Pension and Other Post-Retirement Actuarial Items [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(136,422)	(155,760)	(129,918)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(32,398)	15,169	(60,602)
Tax effect	9,815	(4,196)	18,117
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax	(22,583)	10,973	(42,485)
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI	91,014	12,869	25,604
Tax effect	3,495	(4,504)	(8,961)
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI, net of tax	94,509	8,365	16,643
Other comprehensive income (loss)	71,926	19,338	(25,842)
Ending Balance	(64,496)	(136,422)	(155,760)
Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	4,597	84,703	190,998
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(35,863)	(80,106)	(106,295)
Tax effect	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax	(35,863)	(80,106)	(106,295)
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI	0	0	0
Tax effect	0	0	0
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI, net of tax	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(35,863)	(80,106)	(106,295)
Ending Balance	(31,266)	4,597	84,703
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available-for-Sale Securities [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	498	1,917	554
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	941	(1,503)	2,175
Tax effect	(329)	526	(758)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax	612	(977)	1,417
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI	0	(680)	(78)
Tax effect	0	238	24
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI, net of tax	0	(442)	(54)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	612	(1,419)	1,363
Ending Balance	$ 1,110	$ 498	$ 1,917

Accumulated Other Comprehensi60

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Reclassifications (Details) - Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available-for-Sale Securities [Member] - Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Rabbi Trust Assets [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Component of Selling, General, and Administrative Expense	$ 0	$ 680	$ 24
Other AFS Securities [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Component of Other Income	$ 0	$ 0	$ 54

Pensions and Other Postretire61

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Plan	Oct. 01, 2016USD ($)	Jul. 02, 2016USD ($)	Apr. 02, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Oct. 03, 2015USD ($)	Jul. 04, 2015USD ($)	Apr. 04, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Plan	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Change in benefit obligation [Roll forward]
Increase in PBO due to new actuarial tables										$ (8,000)	$ 24,000
Amounts recognized in balance sheet associated with retirement benefit plans [Abstract]
Included in other assets	$ 248				$ 21,361				$ 248	21,361
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Current Liabilities	(7,479)				(7,065)				(7,479)	(7,065)
Accrued pension and other postretirement costs	(257,789)				(264,618)				(257,789)	(264,618)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	88,860				147,674				88,860	147,674
Components of actuarial items [Abstract]
Total actuarial items	88,860				147,674				88,860	147,674
Components of net periodic pension cost [Abstract]
Curtailment and settlement losses (gains)	79,321	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	79,321	0	15,588
Amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic pension cost during next fiscal year									6,400
Other retirement obligations [Abstract]
Company's matching expense for 401(k) savings plans									5,039	5,369	5,285
U.S. Pension Plans [Member]
Change in benefit obligation [Roll forward]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year				274,122				301,475	274,122	301,475
Service cost									0	0	0
Interest cost									11,788	11,657	13,821
Plan amendments and initiations									0	0
Transfer from equity affiliate (liabilities)									0	0
Actuarial (gains) losses									19,916	(23,099)
Benefits paid									(15,625)	(15,911)
Curtailments and settlements									(251,287)	0
Currency translation									0	0
Benefit obligation at end of year	38,914				274,122				38,914	274,122	$ 301,475
Number of pension plan participants for whom annuity contracts were purchased											700
Participants who accepted voluntary lump-sum offer											800
Reduction of plan participants											1,500
Percentage of total participants											23.00%
Change in plan assets [Roll forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year				258,092				273,644	258,092	273,644
Actual return on plan assets									14,068	(5,439)
Defined Benefit Plan, Transfer from Equity Affiliate (assets)									0	0
Company contributions									(5,248)	5,798
Benefits paid									(15,625)	(15,911)
Curtailments and settlements									(251,287)	0
Currency translation									0	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0				258,092				0	258,092	$ 273,644
Funded status at end of year	(38,914)				(16,030)				(38,914)	(16,030)
Amounts recognized in balance sheet associated with retirement benefit plans [Abstract]
Included in other assets	0				21,202				0	21,202
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Current Liabilities	(35)				(51)				(35)	(51)
Accrued pension and other postretirement costs	(38,879)				(37,181)				(38,879)	(37,181)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	7,313				76,141				7,313	76,141
Total	(31,601)				60,111				(31,601)	60,111
Components of actuarial items [Abstract]
Unrecognized net actuarial loss (gain)	6,241				74,926				6,241	74,926
Unamortized prior service (credit) cost	1,072				1,215				1,072	1,215
Total actuarial items	7,313				76,141				7,313	76,141
Projected and accumulated benefit obligations [Abstract]
Accumulated benefit obligation, all plans	38,914				274,122				38,914	274,122
Plans for which the accumulated benefit obligation exceeds plan assets [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligation	38,914				37,232				38,914	37,232
Accumulated benefit obligation	38,914				37,232				38,914	37,232
Fair value of plan assets	$ 0				$ 0				0	0
Components of net periodic pension cost [Abstract]
Net service cost									0	0	0
Interest cost									11,788	11,657	13,821
Expected return on plan assets									(11,302)	(13,566)	(14,892)
Amortization of actuarial losses									6,513	8,175	7,166
Amortization of prior service (credit) cost									144	64	(56)
Curtailment and settlement losses (gains)									79,321	0	15,588
Net periodic benefit cost									$ 86,464	$ 6,330	21,627
Weighted average assumptions used to calculate benefit obligations [Abstract]
Discount rate (in hundredths)	4.25%				4.50%				4.25%	4.50%
Rate of compensation increase (in hundredths)	0.00%				0.00%				0.00%	0.00%
Weighted average assumptions used calculating net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Discount rate (in hundredths)									4.50%	4.00%
Rate of compensation increase (in hundredths)									0.00%	0.00%
Expected return on plan assets (in hundredths)									4.50%	5.00%
Estimated future benefit payments [Abstract]
2,017	$ 1,765								$ 1,765
2,018	1,776								1,776
2,019	7,664								7,664
2,020	2,929								2,929
2,021	2,959								2,959
2022-2026	15,435								15,435
Non-U.S. Pension Plans [Member]
Change in benefit obligation [Roll forward]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year				260,554				289,663	260,554	$ 289,663
Service cost									3,291	3,265	3,275
Interest cost									5,475	5,636	8,555
Plan amendments and initiations									291	267
Transfer from equity affiliate (liabilities)									358	0
Actuarial (gains) losses									17,202	(1,871)
Benefits paid									(12,607)	(12,230)
Curtailments and settlements									0	0
Currency translation									(8,137)	(24,176)
Benefit obligation at end of year	266,427				$ 260,554				266,427	260,554	289,663
Change in plan assets [Roll forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year				51,263				49,156	51,263	49,156
Actual return on plan assets									2,588	1,159
Defined Benefit Plan, Transfer from Equity Affiliate (assets)									358	0
Company contributions									27,311	15,621
Benefits paid									(12,607)	(12,230)
Curtailments and settlements									0	0
Currency translation									(2,823)	(2,443)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	66,090				51,263				66,090	51,263	49,156
Funded status at end of year	(200,337)				(209,291)				(200,337)	(209,291)
Amounts recognized in balance sheet associated with retirement benefit plans [Abstract]
Included in other assets	248				159				248	159
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Current Liabilities	(6,405)				(6,089)				(6,405)	(6,089)
Accrued pension and other postretirement costs	(194,180)				(203,361)				(194,180)	(203,361)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	82,360				73,216				82,360	73,216
Total	(117,977)				(136,075)				(117,977)	(136,075)
Components of actuarial items [Abstract]
Unrecognized net actuarial loss (gain)	82,360				73,216				82,360	73,216
Unamortized prior service (credit) cost	0				0				0	0
Total actuarial items	82,360				73,216				82,360	73,216
Projected and accumulated benefit obligations [Abstract]
Accumulated benefit obligation, all plans	247,838				242,054				247,838	242,054
Plans for which the accumulated benefit obligation exceeds plan assets [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligation	253,390				247,960				253,390	247,960
Accumulated benefit obligation	240,793				234,910				240,793	234,910
Fair value of plan assets	$ 56,649				$ 39,463				56,649	39,463
Components of net periodic pension cost [Abstract]
Net service cost									3,291	3,265	3,275
Interest cost									5,475	5,636	8,555
Expected return on plan assets									(2,117)	(1,798)	(2,109)
Amortization of actuarial losses									4,733	5,131	2,700
Amortization of prior service (credit) cost									261	(282)	(5)
Curtailment and settlement losses (gains)									841	452	1,137
Net periodic benefit cost									$ 12,484	$ 12,404	13,553
Weighted average assumptions used to calculate benefit obligations [Abstract]
Discount rate (in hundredths)	1.76%				2.30%				1.76%	2.30%
Rate of compensation increase (in hundredths)	2.12%				1.99%				2.12%	1.99%
Weighted average assumptions used calculating net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Discount rate (in hundredths)									2.30%	2.15%
Rate of compensation increase (in hundredths)									1.99%	1.97%
Expected return on plan assets (in hundredths)									3.38%	3.86%
Estimated future benefit payments [Abstract]
2,017	$ 14,754								$ 14,754
2,018	13,659								13,659
2,019	14,860								14,860
2,020	14,373								14,373
2,021	14,624								14,624
2022-2026	77,493								77,493
U.S. Postretirement Plans [Member]
Change in benefit obligation [Roll forward]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year				7,909				8,677	7,909	$ 8,677
Service cost									126	121	115
Interest cost									340	333	351
Actuarial (gains) losses									(25)	(550)
Benefits paid									(703)	(672)
Curtailments and settlements									0	0
Currency translation									0	0
Benefit obligation at end of year	7,647				$ 7,909				7,647	7,909	8,677
Change in plan assets [Roll forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year				0					0
Benefits paid									(703)	(672)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0				0				0	0
Funded status at end of year	(7,647)				(7,909)				(7,647)	(7,909)
Amounts recognized in balance sheet associated with retirement benefit plans [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Current Liabilities	(717)				(701)				(717)	(701)
Accrued pension and other postretirement costs	(6,930)				(7,208)				(6,930)	(7,208)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(2,287)				(3,129)				(2,287)	(3,129)
Total	(9,934)				(11,038)				(9,934)	(11,038)
Components of actuarial items [Abstract]
Unrecognized net actuarial loss (gain)	(1,303)				(1,308)				(1,303)	(1,308)
Unamortized prior service (credit) cost	(984)				(1,821)				(984)	(1,821)
Total actuarial items	$ (2,287)				$ (3,129)				(2,287)	(3,129)
Components of net periodic pension cost [Abstract]
Net service cost									126	121	115
Interest cost									340	333	351
Amortization of actuarial losses									(30)	90	(140)
Amortization of prior service (credit) cost									(837)	(837)	(824)
Net periodic benefit cost									$ (401)	$ (293)	(498)
Weighted average assumptions used to calculate benefit obligations [Abstract]
Discount rate (in hundredths)	4.25%				4.50%				4.25%	4.50%
Rate of compensation increase (in hundredths)	0.00%				0.00%				0.00%	0.00%
Weighted average assumptions used calculating net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Discount rate (in hundredths)									4.50%	4.00%
Rate of compensation increase (in hundredths)									0.00%	0.00%
Estimated future benefit payments [Abstract]
2,017	$ 717								$ 717
2,018	709								709
2,019	699								699
2,020	681								681
2,021	656								656
2022-2026	$ 2,695								$ 2,695
Other postretirement benefits [Abstract]
Number of unfunded non-pension postretirement plans | Plan	2								2
Non-U.S. Postretirement Plans [Member]
Change in benefit obligation [Roll forward]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year				6,488				$ 7,283	$ 6,488	$ 7,283
Service cost									268	273	307
Interest cost									143	147	244
Actuarial (gains) losses									171	(50)
Benefits paid									(221)	(389)
Curtailments and settlements									0	(25)
Currency translation									(224)	(751)
Benefit obligation at end of year	$ 6,625				$ 6,488				6,625	6,488	7,283
Change in plan assets [Roll forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year				$ 0					0
Benefits paid									(221)	(389)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0				0				0	0
Funded status at end of year	(6,625)				(6,488)				(6,625)	(6,488)
Amounts recognized in balance sheet associated with retirement benefit plans [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Current Liabilities	(322)				(224)				(322)	(224)
Accrued pension and other postretirement costs	(6,303)				(6,264)				(6,303)	(6,264)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	1,474				1,446				1,474	1,446
Total	(5,151)				(5,042)				(5,151)	(5,042)
Components of actuarial items [Abstract]
Unrecognized net actuarial loss (gain)	1,474				1,446				1,474	1,446
Unamortized prior service (credit) cost	0				0				0	0
Total actuarial items	$ 1,474				$ 1,446				1,474	1,446
Components of net periodic pension cost [Abstract]
Net service cost									268	273	307
Interest cost									143	147	244
Amortization of actuarial losses									68	76	38
Amortization of prior service (credit) cost									0	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost									$ 479	$ 496	$ 589
Weighted average assumptions used to calculate benefit obligations [Abstract]
Discount rate (in hundredths)	1.50%				2.31%				1.50%	2.31%
Rate of compensation increase (in hundredths)	2.58%				2.69%				2.58%	2.69%
Weighted average assumptions used calculating net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Discount rate (in hundredths)									2.31%	2.25%
Rate of compensation increase (in hundredths)									2.69%	2.87%
Estimated future benefit payments [Abstract]
2,017	$ 322								$ 322
2,018	275								275
2,019	378								378
2,020	580								580
2,021	414								414
2022-2026	$ 2,456								$ 2,456
Other postretirement benefits [Abstract]
Number of European subsidiaries with unfunded non-pension postretirement plans | Plan	2								2
Other Retirement Obligations [Member]
Amounts recognized in balance sheet associated with retirement benefit plans [Abstract]
Accrued pension and other postretirement costs	$ (11,497)				$ (10,604)				$ (11,497)	$ (10,604)
Deferred Compensation [Member]
Defined benefit pension plans [Abstract]
Assets held in trust	16,632				15,717				16,632	15,717
Non-qualified Pension Plans [Member]
Defined benefit pension plans [Abstract]
Assets held in trust	22,896				21,137				22,896	21,137
Dr. Felix Zandman [Member] | Non-qualified Pension Plans [Member]
Defined benefit pension plans [Abstract]
Assets held in trust	2,389				$ 2,995				2,389	$ 2,995
Deferred compensation arrangement, annual retirement benefit to surviving spouse	$ 614								$ 614

Share-Based Compensation (Detai

Share-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense recognized	$ 6,380	$ 3,846	$ 2,392
Unrecognized Compensation Cost	2,413
Unrecognized compensation cost not expected to be recognized	$ 0
Expiration date of 2007 Stock Incentive Plan	May 20, 2024
Outstanding:
Balance (in shares)	105,000	105,000
Granted (in shares)	0	0	0
Granted, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Stock options exercised (in shares)	27,619	0	4,337
Exercised, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 12.90		$ 11.62
Balance (in shares)	77,000	105,000	105,000
Ending balance, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 16.29
Vested and expected to vest (in shares)	77,000	105,000	105,000
Exercisable (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	77,000	105,000	105,000
Weighted-average remaining contractual life of all exercisable options (in years)	4 months 20 days
Stock price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 16.20
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, exercisable, intrinsic value	$ 0
Intrinsic value under share based compensation scheme	$ 85	$ 0	$ 18
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options outstanding, number of options (in shares)	77,000
Options outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual life (in years)	4 months 20 days
Options outstanding, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 16.29
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense recognized	$ 0	0	0
Unrecognized Compensation Cost	$ 0
Weighted Average Remaining Amortization Periods (in years)	0 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense recognized	$ 6,263	$ 3,705	$ 2,261
Unrecognized Compensation Cost	$ 2,413
Weighted Average Remaining Amortization Periods (in years)	8 months 12 days
Exercisable (in shares)
Expected to vest	1,004,000	806,000	649,000
Outstanding:
Balance (in shares)	1,028,000	1,147,000	1,059,000
Granted (in shares)	353,000	349,000	336,000
Vested (in shares)	(155,000)	(182,000)	(146,000)
Cancelled or forfeited (in shares)	(222,000)	(286,000)	(102,000)
Balance (in shares)	1,004,000	1,028,000	1,147,000
Beginning balance, Weighted average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 13.24	$ 12.75	$ 13.40
Granted, Weighted average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)	11.35	13.60	13.48
Vested, Weighted average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)	12.27	11.41	15.87
Forfeitures, Weighted average grant date fair value	13.19	12.89	17.45
Ending balance, Weighted average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 12.74	$ 13.24	$ 12.75
Phantom Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense recognized	$ 117	$ 141	$ 131
Unrecognized Compensation Cost	$ 0
Weighted Average Remaining Amortization Periods (in years)	0 years
Outstanding:
Balance (in shares)	132,000	119,000	107,000
Granted (in shares)	10,000	10,000	10,000
Dividend equivalents issued	3,000	3,000	2,000
Redeemed for common stock (in shares)	0	0	0
Balance (in shares)	145,000	132,000	119,000
Granted, Weighted average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 11.71	$ 14.09	$ 13.12
Performance Vested Restricted Stock Units [Member] | Scheduled to Vest January 1, 2017 [Member]
Exercisable (in shares)
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Not Expected To Vest Outstanding Number	0
Expected to vest	192,000
Outstanding:
Balance (in shares)	192,000
Performance Vested Restricted Stock Units [Member] | Scheduled to Vest January 1, 2018 [Member]
Exercisable (in shares)
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Not Expected To Vest Outstanding Number	0
Expected to vest	202,000
Outstanding:
Balance (in shares)	202,000
Performance Vested Restricted Stock Units [Member] | Scheduled to Vest January 1, 2019 [Member]
Exercisable (in shares)
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Not Expected To Vest Outstanding Number	0
Expected to vest	213,000
Outstanding:
Balance (in shares)	213,000
1998 Stock Option Program [Member]
Outstanding:
Balance (in shares)	70,000
2007 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum number of shares authorized under restricted stock, unrestricted stock, RSU's and stock options to officers, employees and non-employee directors (in shares)	6,500,000
Exercisable (in shares)
Available for future grants (in shares)	3,474,000

Commitments and Contingencies63

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Total rental expense under operating leases	$ 27,431	$ 27,210	$ 28,088
Future minimum lease payments for operating leases [Abstract]
2,017	24,851
2,018	13,093
2,019	8,284
2,020	5,597
2,021	4,182
Thereafter	10,697
Environmental Matters
Accrued environmental liabilities	15,458
Accrued environmental liabilities, current	8,623
Accrued environmental liabilities, noncurrent	6,835
Estimated purchase commitments [Abstract]
2,017	37,010
2,018	16,786
General Semiconductor [Member]
Environmental Matters
Accrued environmental liabilities	7,783
Other Sites [Member]
Environmental Matters
Accrued environmental liabilities	$ 7,675

Current Vulnerability Due to 64

Current Vulnerability Due to Certain Concentrations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Concentration Risks [Abstract]
Duration of business operations in Israel (in years)	P46Y
Credit Concentration Risk [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments [Member] | Bank Leumi [Member]
Concentration Risks [Abstract]
Concentration risk percentage (in hundredths)	10.60%
Credit Concentration Risk [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments [Member] | Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi [Member]
Concentration Risks [Abstract]
Concentration risk percentage (in hundredths)	12.40%
Credit Concentration Risk [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments [Member] | Deutsche Bank [Member]
Concentration Risks [Abstract]
Concentration risk percentage (in hundredths)	10.60%
Geographic Concentration [Member] | Outside Of United States [Member]
Concentration Risks [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments	$ 1,084,453
Geographic Concentration [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments [Member] | United States [Member]
Concentration Risks [Abstract]
Concentration risk percentage (in hundredths)	9.40%
Geographic Concentration [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments [Member] | Germany [Member]
Concentration Risks [Abstract]
Concentration risk percentage (in hundredths)	40.60%
Geographic Concentration [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments [Member] | Other Europe [Member]
Concentration Risks [Abstract]
Concentration risk percentage (in hundredths)	1.60%
Geographic Concentration [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments [Member] | Israel [Member]
Concentration Risks [Abstract]
Concentration risk percentage (in hundredths)	24.00%
Geographic Concentration [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments [Member] | People's Republic Of China [Member]
Concentration Risks [Abstract]
Concentration risk percentage (in hundredths)	5.90%
Geographic Concentration [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments [Member] | Other Asia [Member]
Concentration Risks [Abstract]
Concentration risk percentage (in hundredths)	2.20%
Geographic Concentration [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments [Member] | Other [Member]
Concentration Risks [Abstract]
Concentration risk percentage (in hundredths)	0.60%
Geographic Concentration [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments [Member] | Singapore [Member]
Concentration Risks [Abstract]
Concentration risk percentage (in hundredths)	7.70%
Geographic Concentration [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments [Member] | The Republic of China (Taiwan) [Member]
Concentration Risks [Abstract]
Concentration risk percentage (in hundredths)	8.00%
Geographic Concentration [Member] | Revenue [Member] | Outside Of United States [Member]
Concentration Risks [Abstract]
Concentration risk percentage (in hundredths)	76.00%
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member]
Concentration Risks [Abstract]
Concentration risk percentage (in hundredths)	15.40%	14.60%

Segment and Geographic Data (De

Segment and Geographic Data (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Oct. 01, 2016USD ($)	Jul. 02, 2016USD ($)	Apr. 02, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Oct. 03, 2015USD ($)	Jul. 04, 2015USD ($)	Apr. 04, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Segment	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reporting segments | Segment									5
Segment Operating Income Description									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.
Product sales									$ 2,323,172	$ 2,297,165	$ 2,488,757
Royalty revenues									259	3,323	4,525
Total revenue	$ 570,819	$ 591,955	$ 590,051	$ 570,606	$ 555,928	$ 560,654	$ 590,470	$ 593,436	2,323,431	2,300,488	2,493,282
Gross profit	132,445	153,901	146,128	137,309	125,556	130,144	141,482	145,038	569,783	542,220	611,292
Depreciation expense									144,521	154,340	160,804
Capital expenditures									134,635	147,142	156,974
Total Assets	3,077,801				3,152,986				3,077,801	3,152,986	3,274,151
Operating margin reconciliation [Abstract]
Impairment of Intangible Assets	0	(1,559)	0	0	0	(57,600)	0	0	(1,559)	(57,600)	0
Impairment of goodwill	0	0	0	0	0	(5,380)	0	0	0	(5,380)	0
Restructuring and severance costs	(7,060)	(1,197)	(4,467)	(6,475)	(9,821)	(2,324)	(5,660)	(1,410)	(19,199)	(19,215)	(20,897)
U.S. pension settlement charges	(79,321)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	(79,321)	0	(15,588)
Segment Operating Income									441,418	404,331	466,429
Consolidated Operating Income	(45,468)	$ 57,229	$ 49,408	$ 40,548	30,226	$ (24,155)	$ 44,170	$ 47,558	101,717	97,799	189,111
Unallocated Other Income (Expense)									(7,501)	(23,059)	(21,968)
Income before taxes									94,216	74,740	167,143
MOSFETS Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Product sales									406,336	426,672	470,377
Royalty revenues									0	11	160
Total revenue									406,336	426,683	470,537
Gross profit									58,155	58,626	59,614
Depreciation expense									34,531	47,172	53,939
Capital expenditures									22,430	29,289	33,672
Total Assets	389,482				477,984				389,482	477,984	499,550
Operating margin reconciliation [Abstract]
Segment Operating Income									22,254	21,366	21,095
Diodes Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Product sales									553,920	533,931	579,288
Royalty revenues									0	0	0
Total revenue									553,920	533,931	579,288
Gross profit									134,937	119,762	132,021
Depreciation expense									35,335	35,526	39,592
Capital expenditures									29,860	38,971	41,713
Total Assets	714,898				718,548				714,898	718,548	732,502
Operating margin reconciliation [Abstract]
Segment Operating Income									113,995	95,887	106,068
Optoelectronic Components Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Product sales									272,126	279,553	258,248
Royalty revenues									0	0	0
Total revenue									272,126	279,553	258,248
Gross profit									87,022	88,625	91,165
Depreciation expense									15,549	14,118	13,266
Capital expenditures									18,276	21,853	23,008
Total Assets	312,423				325,600				312,423	325,600	422,257
Operating margin reconciliation [Abstract]
Impairment of goodwill										0
Segment Operating Income									67,548	68,410	73,463
Resistors And Inductors Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Product sales									753,578	704,109	755,251
Royalty revenues									259	3,312	4,365
Total revenue									753,837	707,421	759,616
Gross profit									222,786	208,384	241,090
Depreciation expense									32,240	30,576	32,380
Capital expenditures									47,006	38,169	42,950
Total Assets	905,795				839,249				905,795	839,249	812,664
Operating margin reconciliation [Abstract]
Impairment of goodwill										0
Segment Operating Income									191,283	173,805	203,343
Capacitors Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Product sales									337,212	352,900	425,593
Royalty revenues									0	0	0
Total revenue									337,212	352,900	425,593
Gross profit									66,883	66,823	87,402
Depreciation expense									17,817	18,168	20,524
Capital expenditures									14,410	14,763	12,694
Total Assets	495,225				543,507				495,225	543,507	605,281
Operating margin reconciliation [Abstract]
Impairment of goodwill										(5,380)
Segment Operating Income									46,338	44,863	62,460
Corporate Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Product sales									0	0	0
Royalty revenues									0	0	0
Total revenue									0	0	0
Gross profit									0	0	0
Depreciation expense									9,049	8,780	1,103
Capital expenditures									2,653	4,097	2,937
Total Assets	$ 259,978				$ 248,098				259,978	248,098	201,897
Operating margin reconciliation [Abstract]
Segment Operating Income									0	0	0
Operating Segments [Member]
Operating margin reconciliation [Abstract]
Segment Operating Income									441,418	404,331	466,429
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Operating margin reconciliation [Abstract]
Impairment of goodwill									0	(5,380)	0
Restructuring and severance costs									(19,199)	(19,215)	(20,897)
U.S. pension settlement charges									(79,321)	0	(15,588)
Segment Reconciling Items [Member] | Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Operating margin reconciliation [Abstract]
Segment Operating Income									$ (239,622)	$ (224,337)	$ (240,833)

Segment and Geographic Data, Re

Segment and Geographic Data, Revenue and assets by geographic area (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Oct. 01, 2016	Jul. 02, 2016	Apr. 02, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Oct. 03, 2015	Jul. 04, 2015	Apr. 04, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net revenues	$ 570,819	$ 591,955	$ 590,051	$ 570,606	$ 555,928	$ 560,654	$ 590,470	$ 593,436	$ 2,323,431	$ 2,300,488	$ 2,493,282
Property and equipment, net	848,871				865,296				848,871	865,296
United States [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net revenues									542,506	560,973	590,145
Property and equipment, net	94,589				94,512				94,589	94,512
Germany [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net revenues									746,657	719,246	821,005
Property and equipment, net	120,223				122,817				120,223	122,817
Czech Republic [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net	29,912				33,352				29,912	33,352
Other Europe [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net revenues									83,744	88,553	107,598
Property and equipment, net	83,041				85,566				83,041	85,566
Israel [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net revenues									10,007	12,597	13,871
Property and equipment, net	104,824				107,715				104,824	107,715
Asia [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net revenues									940,517	919,119	$ 960,663
People's Republic of China [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net	183,158				182,411				183,158	182,411
Republic of China (Taiwan) [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net	124,724				126,780				124,724	126,780
Other Asia [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net	105,400				109,815				105,400	109,815
Other Geographic Area [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net	$ 3,000				$ 2,328				$ 3,000	$ 2,328

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016		Oct. 01, 2016		Jul. 02, 2016		Apr. 02, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015		Oct. 03, 2015		Jul. 04, 2015		Apr. 04, 2015		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Numerator for basic earnings (loss) per share:
Net earnings attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ (48,748)		$ 36,440		$ 33,086		$ 28,014		$ (137,815)		$ (27,666)		$ 26,268		$ 30,699		$ 48,792	$ (108,514)	$ 117,629
Interest savings assuming conversion of dilutive convertible and exchangeable notes, net of tax																	38	0	59
Numerator for diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Net earnings (loss) attributed to Vishay stockholders - diluted																	$ 48,830	$ (108,514)	$ 117,688
Denominator for basic earnings (loss) per share:
Weighted average shares																	147,009	147,570	147,448
Incremental outstanding phantom stock units																	143	130	119
Adjusted weighted average shares outstanding - basic																	147,152	147,700	147,567
Effect of dilutive securities:
Convertible and exchangeable debt instruments (in shares)																	3,219	0	5,890
Restricted stock units (in shares)																	323	0	252
Other (in shares)																	3	0	7
Dilutive potential common shares (in shares)																	3,545	0	6,149
Denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Adjusted weighted average shares - diluted																	150,697	147,700	153,716
Basic earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ (0.33)	[1]	$ 0.25	[1]	$ 0.22	[1]	$ 0.19	[1]	$ (0.93)	[1]	$ (0.19)	[1]	$ 0.18	[1]	$ 0.21	[1]	$ 0.33	$ (0.73)	$ 0.80
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders (in dollars per share)	(0.33)	[1]	$ 0.24	[1]	$ 0.22	[1]	$ 0.19	[1]	$ (0.93)	[1]	$ (0.19)	[1]	$ 0.17	[1]	$ 0.20	[1]	$ 0.32	$ (0.73)	$ 0.77
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)																	10,312	20,477	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)	13.14																$ 13.14
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)																	8,249	8,151	7,944
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																$ 18
Convertible Senior Debentures 2042 [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount (in shares)																	0	13,133	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)	$ 11.17																$ 11.17
Exchangeable Unsecured Notes, Due 2102 [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount (in shares)																	0	2,512	0
Weighted average 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)																	91	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)																	512	1,014	706
[1]	May not add due to differences in weighted average share counts.

Additional Cash Flow Informat68

Additional Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of businesses acquired [Abstract]
Accounts receivable	$ (4,120)	$ (11,250)	$ (731)
Inventories	13,760	(30,302)	(23,753)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(12,180)	(5,203)	(5,031)
Accounts payable	17,839	(13,419)	9,339
Other current liabilities	(19,505)	32,925	(18,064)
Net change in operating assets and liabilities	$ (4,206)	$ (27,249)	$ (38,240)

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Oct. 01, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Oct. 03, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets:
Held-to-maturity Securities, Transferred Security, at Carrying Value	$ 0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Unrecognized Holding Gain	0
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Held-to-maturity Securities	0
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	(854)		$ (1,316)
Long-term Debt	367,049		448,080
Derivative, Notional Amount	100,000		29,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Assets held in rabbi trusts	41,917		39,849
Available for sale securities	3,969		3,604
Fair Value Assets	111,976		352,808
Liabilities:
Fair Value Liabilities	(854)		(1,316)
U.S. Plans [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets	0		258,092		$ 273,644
U.S. Plans [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets			255,804
U.S. Plans [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets			2,288
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets	66,090		51,263		49,156
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets	9,963		9,302
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets	12,780		13,416
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets	43,347		28,545
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Assets held in rabbi trusts	27,297		25,906
Available for sale securities	3,969		3,604
Fair Value Assets	97,356		337,616
Liabilities:
Fair Value Liabilities	0		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | U.S. Plans [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets			254,555
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | U.S. Plans [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets			2,288
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets	9,963		9,302
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets	12,780		13,416
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets	43,347		28,545
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Liabilities:
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	860,600		756,900
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Assets held in rabbi trusts	14,620		13,943
Available for sale securities	0		0
Fair Value Assets	14,620		15,192
Liabilities:
Fair Value Liabilities	0		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | U.S. Plans [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets			1,249
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | U.S. Plans [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets			0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets	0		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets	0		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets	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	(854)		(1,316)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of definite-lived intangible asset		$ 18,800
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | U.S. Plans [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets			0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | U.S. Plans [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets			0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets	0		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets	0		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Non-U.S. Plans [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of plan assets	0		0
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2040 [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	$ (393)		(576)
Convertible debentures issuance date	Nov. 9, 2010
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2040 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	$ (393)		(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	(393)		(576)
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2041 [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	$ (285)		(438)
Convertible debentures issuance date	May 13, 2011
Convertible Senior Debentures, Due 2041 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	$ (285)		(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	$ (285)		(438)
Convertible Senior Debentures 2042 [Member]
Liabilities:
Convertible debentures issuance date	May 31, 2012
Convertible Senior Debentures 2042 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	$ (176)		(302)
Convertible Senior Debentures 2042 [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	0		0
Convertible Senior Debentures 2042 [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	0		0
Convertible Senior Debentures 2042 [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Liabilities:
Embedded derivative	$ (176)		$ (302)
Capella Microsystems (Taiwan) Inc. [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets:
Fair value of definite-lived intangible asset				$ 10,900	$ 68,500
Capacitors Segment [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Assets:
Goodwill, Fair Value Disclosure				$ 0

Related Party Transactions (Det

Related Party Transactions (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Common Class B [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Ratio for stock dividend for Vishay Precision Group, Inc	1 share of VPG Class B common stock for every 14 shares of Vishay Class B common stock
Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Ratio for stock dividend for Vishay Precision Group, Inc	1 share of VPG common stock for every 14 shares of Vishay common stock

Summary of Quarterly Financia71

Summary of Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended																			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016		Oct. 01, 2016		Jul. 02, 2016		Apr. 02, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015		Oct. 03, 2015		Jul. 04, 2015		Apr. 04, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Operations data:
Net revenues	$ 570,819		$ 591,955		$ 590,051		$ 570,606		$ 555,928		$ 560,654		$ 590,470		$ 593,436					$ 2,323,431	$ 2,300,488	$ 2,493,282
Gross profit	132,445		153,901		146,128		137,309		125,556		130,144		141,482		145,038					569,783	542,220	611,292
Operating Income	(45,468)		57,229		49,408		40,548		30,226		(24,155)		44,170		47,558					101,717	97,799	189,111
Net earnings (loss)	(48,604)		36,596		33,229		28,152		(137,626)		(27,550)		26,518		30,925					49,373	(107,733)	117,843
Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	144		156		143		138		189		116		250		226					581	781	214
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Vishay stockholders	$ (48,748)		$ 36,440		$ 33,086		$ 28,014		$ (137,815)		$ (27,666)		$ 26,268		$ 30,699					$ 48,792	$ (108,514)	$ 117,629
Per Share data:
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Vishay stockholders:	$ (0.33)	[1]	$ 0.25	[1]	$ 0.22	[1]	$ 0.19	[1]	$ (0.93)	[1]	$ (0.19)	[1]	$ 0.18	[1]	$ 0.21	[1]				$ 0.33	$ (0.73)	$ 0.80
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Vishay stockholders:	$ (0.33)	[1]	$ 0.24	[1]	$ 0.22	[1]	$ 0.19	[1]	$ (0.93)	[1]	$ (0.19)	[1]	$ 0.17	[1]	$ 0.20	[1]				$ 0.32	$ (0.73)	$ 0.77
Operating income (loss):
Restructuring and related expenses	$ 7,060		$ 1,197		$ 4,467		$ 6,475		$ 9,821		$ 2,324		$ 5,660		$ 1,410					$ 19,199	$ 19,215	$ 20,897
Impairment of Intangible Assets	0		1,559		0		0		0		57,600		0		0					1,559	57,600	0
Impairment of Goodwill	0		0		0		0		0		5,380		0		0					0	5,380	0
U.S. pension settlement charges	79,321		0		0		0		0		0		0		0					79,321	0	15,588
Other income (expense):
Gain on early extinguishment of debt	0		0		986		3,611		0		0		0		0					4,597	0	0
Loss related to Tianjin explosion	8,809		0		0		0		0		(5,350)		0		0					(8,809)	5,350	0
Income Tax Expense
Discrete Tax Items Repatriation	(165)		(1,402)		(1,217)		(769)		163,954		0		0		0					(3,553)	163,954	25,706
Discrete Tax Items - Pension Settlement	34,853		0		0		0		0		0		0		0					34,853	0	0
Tax effects of changes in uncertain tax positions	(8,704)		0		0		0		(2,629)		0		0		0					(8,704)	2,629	(25,706)
Tax effect of changes in valuation allowances	$ 0		$ 0		$ 0		$ 0		$ (8,888)		$ 0		$ 0		$ 0
Discrete Tax Items Included Income Tax Expense																	$ (1,228)	$ (2,867)	$ (1,330)	$ 22,596	$ 152,437	$ (1,228)
Quarter end date	Dec. 31, 2016	[2]	Oct. 1, 2016	[2]	Jul. 2, 2016	[2]	Apr. 2, 2016	[2]	Dec. 31, 2015	[2]	Oct. 3, 2015	[2]	Jul. 4, 2015	[2]	Apr. 4, 2015	[2]				Dec. 31, 2016
Number of weeks in an interim reporting period																				P91D
[1]	May not add due to differences in weighted average share counts.
[2]	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.