Vishay Precision (VPG) 10-Q 6 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Nov. 06, 2013	Nov. 06, 2013
		Class B Convertible Common Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]
Entity Registrant Name	'Vishay Precision Group, Inc.	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001487952	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'	'
Trading Symbol	'VPG	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	1,025,176	12,709,042
Document Type	'10-Q	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	28-Sep-13	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'	'

Consolidated_Condensed_Balance

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$68,273	$93,881
Accounts receivable, net	37,030	28,766
Inventories:	'	'
Raw materials	15,847	14,204
Work in process	19,655	13,696
Finished goods	19,398	21,489
Inventories, net	54,900	49,389
Deferred income taxes	3,992	4,258
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	13,861	9,572
Total current assets	178,056	185,866
Property and equipment, at cost:	'	'
Land	1,979	2,023
Buildings and improvements	47,371	47,627
Machinery and equipment	74,360	75,783
Software	5,779	5,427
Construction in progress	1,666	1,788
Accumulated depreciation	-81,913	-80,556
Property and equipment, net	49,242	52,092
Goodwill	18,472	'
Intangible assets, net	23,827	8,009
Other assets	19,245	17,206
Total assets	288,842	263,173
Liabilities and equity	'	'
Trade accounts payable	8,501	9,190
Payroll and related expenses	13,338	12,831
Other accrued expenses	15,650	8,499
Income taxes	7	1,425
Current portion of long-term debt	3,896	167
Total current liabilities	41,392	32,112
Long-term debt, less current portion	24,029	11,154
Deferred income taxes	1,183	1,831
Other liabilities	7,707	7,433
Accrued pension and other postretirement costs	12,734	13,835
Total liabilities	87,045	66,365
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Equity:	'	'
Common stock	1,271	1,235
Capital in excess of par value	188,640	181,938
Retained earnings	31,519	28,356
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-19,849	-14,983
Total Vishay Precision Group, Inc. stockholders' equity	201,684	196,649
Noncontrolling interests	113	159
Total equity	201,797	196,808
Total liabilities and equity	288,842	263,173
Class B Convertible Common Stock [Member]	'	'
Equity:	'	'
Common stock	$103	$103

Consolidated_Condensed_Stateme

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	$57,729	$55,430	$178,027	$166,606
Costs of products sold	38,486	36,691	117,255	109,136
Gross profit	19,243	18,739	60,772	57,470
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	18,485	15,646	54,847	47,923
Acquisition costs	57	'	752	'
Restructuring costs	99	'	487	'
Operating income	602	3,093	4,686	9,547
Other income (expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	-276	-75	-771	-216
Other	210	-295	-1,073	15
Other income (expense) - net	-66	-370	-1,844	-201
Income before taxes	536	2,723	2,842	9,346
Income tax (benefit) expense	-919	811	-339	2,796
Net earnings	1,455	1,912	3,181	6,550
Less: net (loss) earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	-11	-30	18	24
Net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders	$1,466	$1,942	$3,163	$6,526
Basic earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders	$0.11	$0.15	$0.23	$0.49
Diluted earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders	$0.11	$0.14	$0.23	$0.47
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	13,734	13,371	13,504	13,366
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	13,944	13,893	13,940	13,881

Consolidated_Condensed_Stateme1

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net earnings	$1,455	$1,912	$3,181	$6,550
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	1,715	3,505	-5,086	1,603
Pension and other postretirement actuarial items, net of tax	-59	-55	220	18
Other comprehensive (loss) income	1,656	3,450	-4,866	1,621
Comprehensive (loss) income	3,111	5,362	-1,685	8,171
Less: comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-11	-30	18	24
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to VPG stockholders	$3,122	$5,392	($1,703)	$8,147

Consolidated_Condensed_Stateme2

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Operating activities	'	'
Net earnings	$3,181	$6,550
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	9,016	8,727
(Gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment	-27	219
Share-based compensation expense	929	866
Inventory write-offs for obsolescence	901	996
Other	-3,214	-537
Net changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-3,031	991
Inventories	4,909	-945
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-2,997	-1,126
Trade accounts payable	-1,504	-1,345
Other current liabilities	-2,013	-878
Net cash provided by operating activities	6,150	13,518
Investing activities	'	'
Capital expenditures	-3,910	-5,805
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	76	271
Purchase of businesses	-48,919	'
Net cash used in investing activities	-52,753	-5,534
Financing activities	'	'
Proceeds from long-term debt	25,000	'
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital leases	-2,362	-136
Debt issuance costs	-384	'
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-64	-50
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	22,190	-186
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-1,195	624
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-25,608	8,422
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	93,881	80,828
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	68,273	89,250
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing transactions:	'	'
Conversion of exchangeable notes to common stock	$5,861	'

Consolidated_Condensed_Stateme3

Consolidated Condensed Statement of Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Class B Convertible Common Stock [Member]	Capital In Excess Of Par Value [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Total VPG Inc. Stockholders' Equity [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
In Thousands
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$196,808	$1,235	$103	$181,938	$28,356	($14,983)	$196,649	$159
Net earnings	3,181	'	'	'	3,163	'	3,163	18
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-4,866	'	'	'	'	-4,866	-4,866	'
Share-based compensation expense	619	'	'	619	'	'	619	'
Restricted stock issuances (103,633 shares)	258	10	'	248	'	'	258	'
Common stock issuance from conversion of exchangeable notes (259,687 shares)	5,861	26	'	5,835	'	'	5,861	'
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-64	'	'	'	'	'	'	-64
Balance at Sep. 28, 2013	$201,797	$1,271	$103	$188,640	$31,519	($19,849)	$201,684	$113

Consolidated_Condensed_Stateme4

Consolidated Condensed Statement of Equity (Parenthetical)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
	Common Stock [Member]
Restricted stock issuances, shares	103,633
Conversion of exchangeable notes, shares	259,687

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Additional Financial Statement Information [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Note 1 - Basis of Presentation
	Background
	Vishay Precision Group, Inc. ("VPG" or the "Company") is an internationally recognized designer, manufacturer and marketer of components based on resistive foil technology, sensors, and sensor-based systems specializing in the growing markets of stress, force, weight, pressure, and current measurements. The Company provides vertically integrated products and solutions that are primarily based upon its proprietary foil technology. These products are marketed under a variety of brand names that the Company believes are characterized as having a very high level of precision and quality. VPG's global operations enable it to produce a wide variety of products in strategically effective geographical locations that also optimize its resources for specific technologies, sensors, assemblies and systems.
	Interim Financial Statements
	These unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") for interim financial statements and therefore do not include all information and footnotes necessary for the presentation of financial position, results of operations, and cash flows required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements. The information furnished reflects all normal recurring adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair summary of the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods presented. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the combined and consolidated financial statements and notes thereto as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, included in VPG's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, filed with the SEC on March 12, 2013. The results of operations for the fiscal quarter and nine fiscal months ended September 28, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
	VPG reports interim financial information for 13-week periods beginning on a Sunday and ending on a Saturday, except for the first quarter, which always begins on January 1, and the fourth quarter, which always ends on December 31. The four fiscal quarters in 2013 and 2012 end on the following dates:
		2013	2012
	Quarter 1	March 30th	March 31st
	Quarter 2	June 29th	June 30th
	Quarter 3	September 28th	September 29th
	Quarter 4	December 31st	December 31st
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In July 2012, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2012-02, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment. Under the revised guidance, when testing an indefinite-lived intangible asset for impairment, the Company has the option of performinga qualitative assessment before calculating the fair value of the asset. If the Company determines, on the basis of qualitative factors, that the fairvalue of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is not "more likely than not" impaired, the Company would not need to calculate the fair value of theasset. The ASU does not revise the requirement to test indefinite-lived intangible assets annually for impairment. In addition, the ASU does not amend the requirement to test these assets for impairment between annual tests if there is a change in events or circumstances; however, it does revise the examples of events and circumstances that an entity should consider in interim periods. The adoption of the ASU had no effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which requires disclosure about amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement of operations or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income, but only if the amount reclassified is required to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For amounts that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional detail about those amounts. ASU 2013-02 is to be applied prospectively and is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2012, or in the first quarter of fiscal year 2013 for the Company. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions	'
	Note 2 - Related Party Transactions
	Until July 6, 2010, VPG was part of Vishay Intertechnology, and the assets and liabilities consisted of those that Vishay Intertechnology attributed to its precision measurement and foil resistor businesses. Following the spin-off on July 6, 2010, VPG is an independent, publicly-traded company, and Vishay Intertechnology does not retain any ownership interest in VPG.
	Shared Facilities
	VPG and Vishay Intertechnology shared certain manufacturing and administrative sites. Costs were allocated based on relative usage of the respective facilities.
	Subsequent to the spin-off, VPG and Vishay Intertechnology continue to share certain manufacturing locations. VPG owns one location in Japan at which it leases space to Vishay Intertechnology. Vishay Intertechnology owns one location in Israel and one location in the United States, at each of which it leases space to VPG.
	Commitments, Contingencies, and Concentrations
	Relationships with Vishay Intertechnology after Spin-Off
	In connection with the spin-off, on July 6, 2010, the Company and its subsidiaries entered into several agreements with Vishay Intertechnology and its subsidiaries that govern the relationship of the parties following the spin-off.
	Transition Services Agreement
	Pursuant to the Transition Services Agreement, Vishay Intertechnology provided VPG with certain information technology support services for its foil resistor business. The Transition Services Agreement terminated on March 1, 2012.
	Lease Agreements
	Subsequent to the spin-off, VPG and Vishay Intertechnology continue to share certain manufacturing locations.
	Future minimum lease payments by VPG for these facilities are estimated as follows (in thousands):
	Remainder of 2013	$	32
	2014		129
	2015		65
	Thereafter		-
	Future minimum lease receipts from Vishay Intertechnology for these shared facilities are estimated as follows (in thousands):
	Remainder of 2013	$	9
	2014		39
	2015		19
	Thereafter		-

Acquisition_Activity

Acquisition Activity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Acquisition Activity [Abstract]	'
Acquisition Activity	'
	Note 3 - Acquisition Activity
	On December 18, 2012, the Company and its indirectly wholly owned subsidiary, Vishay Precision Group Canada ULC ("VPG Canada"), entered into an asset purchase agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of the George Kelk Corporation ("KELK"), a privately held company based in Toronto, Canada. On January 31, 2013, the Company and VPG Canada completed the acquisition for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $49.0 million (CDN) ($49.0 million USD), subject to working capital and other adjustments. The acquisition was financed using a combination of cash on hand as well as borrowings under the Company's amended and restated credit agreement (see Note 7). KELK engineers, designs and manufactures highly accurate electronic measurement and control equipment used by metals rolling mills and mining applications throughout the world. This acquisition expands the Company's geographic and end market strength in the metals measurement processing market and adds new products to the Company's Weighing and Control Systems reporting segment. For financial reporting purposes, the results of operations for this business have been included in the Weighing and Control Systems reporting segment beginning February 1, 2013. The amount of net revenues and net losses of VPG Canada included in the consolidated condensed statements of operations were as follows(in thousands):
			Fiscal				Nine fiscal months
			quarter ended				ended
			September 28,				September 28,
			2013				2013
	Net revenues		$		8,196		$		24,214
	Net earnings (loss) attributable		$		386		$		(684	)
	to VPG stockholders (1)
	(1)	The net earnings (loss) attributable to VPG stockholders includes the effect of purchase accounting adjustments, acquisition costs, restructuring costs, and intercompany interest expense.
	The following table summarizes the preliminary fair values assigned to the assets and liabilities as of the January 31, 2013 acquisition date. These amounts are determined based upon certain valuations and studies that have yet to be finalized, and accordingly, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are subject to adjustment once the detailed analyses are finalized. The amounts presented have been updated from the first quarter of 2013, but remain preliminary (in thousands):
			As originally reported
			31-Jan-13			Adjustments				31-Jan-13
	Working capital (1)		$	4,300		$	4,300			$	8,600
	Property and equipment			2,100			-				2,100
	Intangible assets:
	Patents and acquired technology			3,200			2,100				5,300
	Non-competition agreements			100			100				200
	Customer relationships			14,300			(2,100	)			12,200
	Trade names			1,600			-				1,600
	Total intangible assets			19,200			100				19,300
	Fair value of acquired identifiable assets			25,600			4,400				30,000
	Purchase price		$	50,000		$	(1,000	)		$	49,000
	Goodwill		$	24,400		$	(5,400	)		$	19,000
	(1)	Working capital accounts include accounts receivable, inventory, prepaid expenses and other current assets, trade accounts payable, accrued payroll and other accrued expenses.
	The table above reflects adjustments to the preliminary purchase price allocation as originally reported in the Form 10-Q at March 30, 2013. These adjustments were retrospectively applied to the Company's consolidated condensed balance sheet. During the second quarter of 2013, the Company recast its first quarter operating results to reflect these adjustments. The impact was an increase in the costs of products sold during the first quarter of $1.2 million.
	The purchase price allocation for KELK continues to be evaluated. As the Company finalizes the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, additional purchase price adjustments may be recorded during the measurement period. Fair value estimates are based on a complex series of judgments about future events and uncertainties, and rely heavily on estimates and assumptions. The finalization of the purchase accounting assessment may result in additional changes in the valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed and may have a material impact on the Company's results of operations.
	The change in the carrying amount of goodwill is as follows (in thousands):
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	-
	Goodwill acquired in the KELK acquisition		19,000
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		(528	)
	Balance at September 28, 2013	$	18,472
	The preliminary weighted average useful lives for patents and acquired technology, non-competition agreements and customer relationships are 17, 5, and 18 years, respectively. Trade names are treated as indefinite-lived intangible assets. The Company will test trade names for impairment at least annually, in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP").
	Seventy-five percent of the goodwill associated with this transaction is deductible for income tax purposes. The Company will test the goodwill for impairment at least annually, in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
	The Company recorded acquisition costs in its consolidated condensed statement of operations as follows(in thousands):
			Fiscal quarter			Nine fiscal
			ended			months ended
			September 28,			September 28,
			2013			2013
	Accounting and legal fees		$	57		$	610
	Appraisal fees			-			84
	Other			-			58
			$	57		$	752
	The following unaudited pro forma summary financial information presents the operating results of the combined company, assuming the acquisition had occurred as of January 1, 2012 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
			Fiscal quarter ended						Nine fiscal months ended
			September 28,			September 29,			September 28,			September 29,
			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Pro forma net revenues		$	57,729		$	62,216		$	181,578		$	188,783
	Pro forma net earnings attributable to VPG
	stockholders		$	2,577		$	1,919		$	7,569		$	6,903
	Pro forma basic earnings per share
	attributable to VPG stockholders		$	0.19		$	0.14		$	0.56		$	0.52
	Pro forma diluted earnings per share
	attributable to VPG stockholders		$	0.18		$	0.14		$	0.54		$	0.5
	The pro forma information presented for the fiscal quarter and nine fiscal months ended September 28, 2013 include adjustments for acquisition costs, restructuring costs, and the fair market value adjustments associated with inventory and advance customer payments. The pro forma information presented for the fiscal quarter and nine fiscal months ended September 29, 2012 includes adjustments for interest expense that would have been incurred to finance the acquisition, the amortization of intangible assets, acquisition costs and the fair market value adjustments associated with inventory and advance customer payments. The unaudited pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of the results that would have been attained had the acquisition occurred on January 1, 2012.

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
Intangible Assets	'
	Note 4 - Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets were as follows (in thousands):
		September 28,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Intangible assets subject to amortization
	(Definite-lived):
	Patents and acquired technology	$	9,176		$	4,104
	Customer relationships		18,309			6,587
	Trade names		1,875			1,998
	Non-competition agreements		13,252			14,462
			42,612			27,151
	Accumulated amortization:
	Patents and acquired technology		(3,136	)		(2,908	)
	Customer relationships		(5,466	)		(4,736	)
	Trade names		(1,717	)		(1,736	)
	Non-competition agreements		(10,018	)		(9,762	)
			(20,337	)		(19,142	)
	Net intangible assets subject to amortization		22,275			8,009
	Intangible assets not subject to amortization
	(Indefinite-lived):
	Trade names		1,552			-
		$	23,827		$	8,009
	The increase in net intangible assets from December 31, 2012 is due to the acquisition of the KELK business on January 31, 2013. The Company has preliminarily allocated $17.7 million of the purchase price to definite-lived intangible assets and $1.6 million to indefinite-lived intangible assets. Amortization expense for the fiscal quarters ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012 was $0.8 million and $0.7 million, respectively. Amortization expense for the nine fiscal months ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012 was $2.3 million and $2.2 million, respectively. The KELK intangible assets accounted for $0.3 million of amortization expense for the fiscal quarter ended September 28, 2013 and $0.7 million of amortization expense for the nine fiscal months ended September 28, 2013.
	Estimated annual amortization expense for the full year of 2013 and each of the next four years is as follows (in thousands):
	2013	$	3,112
	2014		2,802
	2015		2,474
	2016		1,630
	2017		1,634

Restructuring_Costs

Restructuring Costs	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Restructuring Costs [Abstract]	'
Restructuring Costs	'
	Note 5 - Restructuring Costs
	Restructuring costs reflect the cost reduction programs implemented by the Company. Restructuring costs are expensed during the period in which the Company determines it will incur those costs and all requirements for accrual are met. Because these costs are recorded based upon estimates, actual expenditures for the restructuring activities may differ from the initially recorded costs. If the initial estimates are too low or too high, the Company could be required to either record additional expense in future periods or to reverse part of the previously recorded charges.
	The Company recorded restructuring costs of $0.1 million during the fiscal quarter ended September 28, 2013. These costs were comprised of employee termination costs, including severance and a statutory retirement allowance at KELK and were incurred in connection with a cost reduction in one of the manufacturing areas. The restructuring costs were fully paid during the third quarter of 2013.
	The Company recorded restructuring costs of $0.4 million during the fiscal quarter ended March 30, 2013. These costs were comprised of employee termination costs, including severance and a statutory retirement allowance, covering 16 technical, production and administrative employees at one of the Company's subsidiaries in Japan. The restructuring was undertaken primarily in response to the declining business conditions in Japan. The restructuring costs were fully paid during the second quarter of 2013.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Note 6 - Income Taxes
	VPG calculates the tax provision for interim periods using an estimated annual effective tax rate methodology which is based on a current projection of full-year earnings before taxes amongst different taxing jurisdictions and adjusted for the impact of discrete quarterly items. The effective tax rate for the fiscal quarter ended September 28, 2013 was (171.5)% versus 29.8% for the fiscal quarter ended September 29, 2012. The effective tax rate for the nine fiscal months ended September 28, 2013 was (11.9)% versus 29.9% for the nine fiscal months ended September 29, 2012. The primary change in the effective tax rate for both periods presented is the result of the recording of discrete items coupled with changes in the geographic mix of pretax earnings. For the fiscal quarter ending September 28, 2013, the Company recorded a net discrete tax benefit associated with changes in statutory tax rates and foreign exchange variations. In July, a new tax law was enacted in Israel which effectively increases the corporate income tax rate on certain types of income earned after January 1, 2014. Accordingly, the Company's net deferred tax assets in Israel were increased to reflect the higher rate which allowed the recording of a one-time benefit of $1.3 million.
	Income taxes for VPG for the fiscal quarters and nine fiscal months ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012, as presented in these consolidated condensed financial statements, are calculated on a separate tax return basis.
	The provision for income taxes consists of provisions for federal, state, and foreign income taxes. The effective tax rates for the fiscal quarters and nine fiscal months ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012 reflect VPG's expected tax rate on reported income before income tax and tax adjustments. VPG operates in an international environment with significant operations in various locations outside the United States. Accordingly, the consolidated income tax rate is a composite rate reflecting VPG's earnings and the applicable tax rates in the various locations in which VPG operates.
	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 the provision for income taxes. During the ordinary course of business, there are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. VPG 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 VPG believes that certain positions might be challenged despite its belief that the tax return positions are supportable. VPG 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. Penalties and tax-related interest expense are reported as a component of income tax expense. The Company anticipates $0.1 million to $0.3 million of unrecognized tax benefits to be reversed within the next twelve months of the reporting date, due to the expiration of statute of limitations in certain jurisdictions.

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt	'
	Note 7 - Long-Term Debt
	Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):
		September 28,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	2013 credit agreement - revolving facility	$	-	$	-
	2013 credit agreement - U.S. term facility		8,500		-
	2013 credit agreement - Canadian term facility		14,250		-
	U.S. credit facility - revolving debt (1)		-		-
	Israeli credit facility - revolving debt (2)		-		-
	Exchangeable unsecured notes, due 2102		4,097		9,958
	Other debt		1,078		1,363
			27,925		11,321
	Less current portion		3,896		167
		$	24,029	$	11,154
	-1		Through December 31, 2012, multi-currency revolving facility with interest payable at agent's prime rate, the Federal Funds rate or LIBOR, adjusted by an interest rate margin of 0.00% to 2.75% per annum, depending on the Company's leverage ratio. This facility was amended and restated on January 29, 2013, as described below.
	-2		Multi-currency revolving facility with interest payable at LIBOR plus an interest rate margin of 2.15% per annum.
	2013 Credit Agreement
	On January 29, 2013, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "2013 Credit Agreement") among the Company, VPG Canada, the lenders party thereto, RBS Citizens, National Association as joint book-runner and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association as agent for such lenders (the "Agent"), pursuant to which the terms of the Company's multi-currency, secured credit facility was revised and expanded to provide for the following facilities: (1) a secured revolving facility in an aggregate principal amount of $15.0 million (the "2013 Revolving Facility"), the proceeds of which may be used for general corporate purposes, with sublimits of (i) $10.0 million which can be used for letters of credit for the account of the Company or VPG Canada, and (ii) up to $5.0 million which can be used for loans outstanding for up to 5 business days ("Swing Loans"); (2) a secured term facility for the Company, the proceeds of which are to be loaned by the Company to its subsidiaries to fund the KELK acquisition, in an aggregate principal amount of $10.0 million (the "U.S. Term Facility"); and (3) a secured term facility for VPG Canada in an aggregate principal amount of $15.0 million (the "Canadian Term Facility"). The aggregate principal amount of the 2013 Revolving Facility may be increased by a maximum of $10.0 million upon the request of the Company, subject to the terms of the 2013 Credit Agreement. The 2013 Credit Agreement terminates on January 29, 2018. The term loans are being repaid in quarterly installments.
	Interest payable on amounts borrowed under the 2013 Revolving Facility (other than with respect to Swing Loans), the U.S. Term Facility and the Canadian Term Facility (collectively, the "Facilities") is based upon, at the Company's option, (1) the Agent's prime rate, the Federal Funds Rate, or a LIBOR floor (the "Base Rate"), or (2) LIBOR plus a specified margin. An interest margin of 0.25% is added to Base Rate loans. Depending upon the Company's leverage ratio, an interest rate margin ranging from 2.00% to 3.00% per annum is added to the applicable Base Rate or LIBOR rate to determine the interest payable on the Facilities. The Company is required to pay a quarterly fee of 0.30% per annum to 0.50% per annum on the unused portion of the 2013 Revolving Facility, which is determined based on the Company's leverage ratio each quarter. Additional customary fees apply with respect to letters of credit.
	The obligations of the Company under the 2013 Credit Agreement are secured by pledges of stock in certain domestic and foreign subsidiaries, as well as guarantees by substantially all of the Company's domestic subsidiaries. The obligations of the Company and the guarantors under the 2013 Credit Agreement are secured by substantially all the assets (excluding real estate) of the Company and such guarantors. The Canadian Term Facility is secured by substantially all the assets of VPG Canada and by a secured guarantee by the Company and its domestic subsidiaries. The 2013 Credit Agreement restricts the Company from paying cash dividends and requires the Company to comply with other customary covenants, representations and warranties, including the maintenance of specific financial ratios. The financial maintenance covenants include (a) a tangible net worth of not less than $118.0 million, plus 50% of cumulative net earnings for each fiscal quarter since inception, excluding quarterly net losses; (b) a leverage ratio of not more than 2.5 to 1.0; and (c) a fixed charges coverage ratio of not less than 1.5 to 1.0. The Company was in compliance with its financial maintenance covenants at September 28, 2013. If the Company is not in compliance with any of these covenant restrictions, the credit facility could be terminated by the lenders, and all amounts outstanding pursuant to the credit facility could become immediately payable.
	Israeli Credit Facility
	Vishay Advanced Technologies Ltd. ("VAT"), an Israeli company and subsidiary of the Company, entered into a Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with HSBC Bank Plc (the "Lender") in November 2011 securing a multi-currency, secured revolving facility in an aggregate principal amount of $15.0 million (the "VAT Revolving Facility"). The VAT Revolving Facility was amended on June 27, 2013 to revise certain covenants and the quarterly commitment fee paid on the unused portion of the facility. All other terms of the facility remained unchanged. The VAT Revolving Facility terminates on November 30, 2014. There was no balance outstanding on this facility at September 28, 2013 or December 31, 2012.
	Interest payable on the VAT Revolving Facility is based upon LIBOR ("VAT Base Rate"). An interest rate margin of 2.15% per annum is added to the VAT Base Rate to determine the interest payable on the VAT Revolving Facility. VAT paid a one-time fee on the commitment and, as amended, is required to pay a quarterly fee of 0.40% per annum on the unused portion of the VAT Revolving Facility.
	The Credit Agreement requires VAT to comply with customary covenants, representations and warranties, including the maintenance of specific financial ratios. During the first quarter of 2013, VAT was in compliance with the leverage ratio, but, as a result of the legal entity merger within Israel, reported in the Company's 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K, VAT was not in compliance with the covenant for tangible net worth to total assets ratio and the covenant for minimum tangible shareholders' equity. The Company obtained a waiver from the Lender respecting such non-compliance as of March 30, 2013. VAT renegotiated the covenants associated with this facility during the second quarter of 2013. The revised financial maintenance covenants require VAT to maintain (a) a leverage ratio of not more than 2.5 to 1.0; (b) a tangible shareholders' equity of not less than $48.0 million; and (c) a tangible net worth to total assets ratio of not less than 0.65 to 1.0. As of September 28, 2013, VAT was in compliance with its financial maintenance covenants. In the event of covenant non-compliance, the VAT Revolving Facility could be terminated by the Lender, and any amounts outstanding pursuant to the VAT Revolving Facility could become immediately payable.
	Credit Lines
	In connection with the acquisition of the KELK business in January 2013, VPG Canada entered into an uncommitted $3.0 million line of credit with Royal Bank of Canada.
	Exchangeable Unsecured Notes, due 2102
	By reason of the spin-off, Vishay Intertechnology was required to take action so that the existing exchangeable notes of Vishay Intertechnology were deemed exchanged as of the date of the spin-off, for a combination of new notes of Vishay Intertechnology and notes issued by VPG.
	VPG assumed the liability for an aggregate $10.0 million principal amount of exchangeable notes effective July 6, 2010. The maturity date of the notes is December 13, 2102.
	The notes are subject to a put and call agreement under which the holders may at any time put the notes to the Company in exchange for shares of the Company's common stock, and the Company may call the notes in exchange for cash or for shares of its common stock at any time after January 1, 2018. The put/call rate of the VPG notes is $22.57 per share of common stock. Effective August 28, 2013, a holder of the Company's exchangeable notes exercised its option to exchange approximately $5.9 million principal amount of the notes for 259,687 shares of VPG common stock. Following this transaction, VPG has outstanding exchangeable unsecured notes with a principal amount of approximately $4.1 million, which are exchangeable for an aggregate of 181,537 shares of VPG common stock. (See also Note 12 - Earnings Per Share).
	The notes bear interest at LIBOR. Interest is payable quarterly on March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 of each calendar year.
	Other Debt
	Other debt consists of debt held by VPG's Japanese subsidiary and is payable monthly over the next 9 years at a zero percent interest rate.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	Note 8 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at September 28, 2013 were(in thousands):
					Pension
					and Other
		Foreign			Postretirement
		Currency			Benefit Plans			Total
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	(11,044	)	$	(3,939	)	$	(14,983	)
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		(5,086	)		-			(5,086	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
	comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		-			220			220
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)		(5,086	)		220			(4,866	)
	Balance at September 28, 2013	$	(16,130	)	$	(3,719	)	$	(19,849	)
	Reclassifications of pension and other postretirement actuarial items out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Note 9).

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	'
	Note 9 - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
	Employees of VPG participate in various defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans.
	Defined Benefit Plans
	U.S. Pension Plan
	The Vishay Precision Group Nonqualified Retirement Plan is a contributory pension plan and, like all nonqualified plans, is considered to be unfunded. VPG maintains a nonqualified trust, referred to as a "rabbi" trust, to fund benefits under this plan. Within the trust, plan assets are invested in money market funds and company-owned life insurance policies. 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 assets within the consolidated condensed balance sheets. The consolidated condensed balance sheets include assets held in trust related to the nonqualified pension plan of $1.6 million at September 28, 2013 and $1.8 million at December 31, 2012, and the related pension liabilities of $1.8 million and $1.8 million at September 28, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
	The Vishay Precision Group Nonqualified Retirement Plan is frozen, therefore, no further participant contributions are permitted and participants do not continue to accrue benefits.
	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.
	Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
	In the U.S., the Company maintains two unfunded non-pension other postretirement benefit plans ("OPEB") which are funded as costs are incurred. These plans provide medical and death benefits to retirees.
	The following table sets forth the components of net periodic cost of pension and other postretirement benefit plans (in thousands):
		Fiscal quarter ended					Fiscal quarter ended
		28-Sep-13					29-Sep-12
		Pension			OPEB		Pension			OPEB
		Plans			Plans		Plans			Plans
	Net service cost	$	111		$	18	$	116		$	11
	Interest cost		212			24		212			28
	Expected return on plan assets		(149	)		-		(146	)		-
	Amortization of actuarial losses		42			8		24			18
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	216		$	50	$	206		$	57
		Nine fiscal months ended					Nine fiscal months ended
		28-Sep-13					29-Sep-12
		Pension			OPEB		Pension			OPEB
		Plans			Plans		Plans			Plans
	Net service cost	$	338		$	55	$	346		$	33
	Interest cost		640			73		637			84
	Expected return on plan assets		(449	)		-		(439	)		-
	Amortization of actuarial losses		127			22		72			54
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	656		$	150	$	616		$	171
	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. At September 28, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the consolidated condensed balance sheets include $0.9 million and $0.9 million, respectively, within accrued pension and other postretirement costs related to these plans.
	In the U.S., certain key employees participate in a nonqualified deferred compensation plan. The accompanying consolidated condensed balance sheets include a notional liability within other noncurrent liabilities related to these deferrals. VPG maintains a nonqualified trust, referred to as a "rabbi" trust, to fund payments under this plan. Within the trust, plan assets are invested in money market funds and company-owned life insurance policies. 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 assets within the consolidated condensed balance sheets. The consolidated condensed balance sheets include assets held in trust related to the deferred compensation plan of $3.0 million at September 28, 2013 and $2.5 million at December 31, 2012, and the related notional liabilities of $3.4 million and $3.1 million at September 28, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Compensation	'
	Note 10 - Share-Based Compensation
	On May 21, 2013, the stockholders of the Company approved the Amended and Restated Vishay Precision Group, Inc. Stock Incentive Program (as amended and restated, the "Plan"). The Plan provides for an increase of 500,000 in the number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the Plan, from 500,000 shares to an aggregate of 1,000,000 shares. Aside from the increase in the number of shares of common stock available for issuance thereunder, the Plan is substantially unchanged as a result of the amendment and restatement approved by the Company's stockholders. At September 28, 2013, the Company had reserved 683,595 shares of common stock for future grant of equity awards pursuant to the Plan. If any outstanding awards are forfeited by the holder or cancelled by the Company, the underlying shares would be available for regrant to others.
	Stock Options
	The following table summarizes the Company's stock option activity (number of options in thousands):
		2013
						Weighted
				Weighted		Average
		Number		Average		Remaining
		of		Exercise		Contractual
		Options		Price		Life (yrs)
	Outstanding:
	Balance at January 1, 2013	32		$	18.03
	Granted	-			-
	Exercised	-			-
	Expired	(5	)		17.87
	Balance at September 28, 2013	27		$	18.06	3.22
	Exercisable:
	End of period	27		$	18.23
	The pretax intrinsic value (the difference between the closing stock price of VPG's common stock on the last trading day of the fiscal quarter of $14.55 per share and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the options holders had all option holders exercised their options on September 28, 2013 is not material. No options were exercised during the fiscal quarter or nine fiscal months ended September 28, 2013.
	Restricted Stock Units
	On January 16, 2013, VPG's three executive officers were granted annual equity awards in the form of restricted stock units ("RSUs"), of which 75% are performance-based. The awards have an aggregate target grant-date fair value of $0.8 million and were comprised of 63,262 RSUs, as determined using the average of the closing stock price of the last 5 trading days preceding January 1, 2013. Twenty-five percent of these awards will vest on January 1, 2016, subject to the executives' continued employment. The performance-based portion of the RSUs will also vest on January 1, 2016, subject to the satisfaction of certain performance objectives relating to three year cumulative "free cash" and net earnings goals. The Company recognizes compensation cost for RSUs that are expected to vest and for which performance criteria are expected to be met.
	On May 21, 2013, the Board of Directors approved the issuance of an aggregate of 3,910 RSUs to the three independent board members and to the non-executive chairman of the Board, with an aggregate grant-date fair value of $0.1 million. The compensation cost with respect to the awards is recognized ratably over the one year vesting period of such awards.
	RSU activity for 2013 is presented below (number of RSUs in thousands):
				Weighted
		Number		Average
		of		Grant-date
		RSUs		Fair Value
	Outstanding:
	Balance at January 1, 2013	193		$	15.98
	Granted	67			13.07
	Vested	(114	)		15.88
	Balance at September 28, 2013	146		$	14.72
	The amount of compensation cost related to share-based payment transactions is measured based on the grant-date fair value of the equity instruments issued. VPG determines compensation cost for RSUs based on the grant-date fair value of the underlying common stock. Compensation cost is recognized over the period that the participant provides service in exchange for the award. RSUs with performance-based vesting criteria are expected to vest as follows(number of RSUs in thousands):
	Vesting Date		Number of RSUs
	15-Mar-14		9
	20-Mar-14		9
	1-Jan-15		38
	20-Mar-15		9
	1-Jan-16		47
	Share-Based Compensation Expense
	The following table summarizes share-based compensation expense recognized (in thousands):
		Fiscal quarter ended				Nine fiscal months ended
		September 28,		September 29,		September 28,		September 29,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Stock options	$	-	$	3	$	2	$	8
	Total restricted stock units		225		301		927		858
	Total	$	225	$	304	$	929	$	866

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	Note 11 - Segment Information
	VPG reports in three product segments: the Foil Technology Products segment, the Force Sensors segment, and the Weighing and Control Systems segment. The Foil Technology Products reporting segment is comprised of the foil resistor and strain gage operating segments. The Force Sensors reporting segment is comprised of transducers, load cells and modules. The Weighing and Control Systems reporting segment is comprised of instruments, complete systems for process control, and on-board weighing applications. The results of operations from the newly acquired KELK business are reported in the Weighing and Control Systems reporting segment.
	VPG evaluates reporting segment performance based on multiple performance measures including gross profits, revenues and operating income, exclusive of certain items. Management believes that evaluating segment performance, excluding items such as restructuring costs, acquisition costs, and other items is meaningful because it provides insight with respect to the intrinsic operating results of VPG. The following table sets forth reporting segment information (in thousands):
		Fiscal quarter ended						Nine fiscal months ended
		September 28,			September 29,			September 28,			September 29,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Net third-party revenues:
	Foil Technology Products	$	22,433		$	26,307		$	71,308		$	80,698
	Force Sensors		16,388			16,502			48,876			50,285
	Weighing & Control Systems		18,908			12,621			57,843			35,623
	Total	$	57,729		$	55,430		$	178,027		$	166,606
	Gross profit:
	Foil Technology Products	$	8,235		$	10,247		$	26,731		$	32,908
	Force Sensors		2,882			3,326			10,586			10,000
	Weighing & Control Systems		8,126			5,166			23,455			14,562
	Total	$	19,243		$	18,739		$	60,772		$	57,470
	Reconciliation of segment operating income to
	consolidated results:
	Foil Technology Products	$	3,912		$	5,960		$	13,926		$	19,745
	Force Sensors		658			1,161			3,915			3,242
	Weighing & Control Systems		2,464			1,966			7,488			4,918
	Unallocated G&A expenses		(6,276	)		(5,994	)		(19,404	)		(18,358	)
	Acquisition costs		(57	)		-			(752	)		-
	Restructuring costs		(99	)		-			(487	)		-
	Consolidated condensed operating income	$	602		$	3,093		$	4,686		$	9,547
	Acquisition costs:
	Weighing & Control Systems	$	(57	)	$	-		$	(752	)	$	-
	Restructuring costs:
	Foil Technology Products	$	-		$	-		$	(388	)	$	-
	Weighing & Control Systems		(99	)		-			(99	)		-
		$	(99	)	$	-		$	(487	)	$	-
	Products are transferred between segments on a basis intended to reflect, as nearly as practicable, the market value of the products. Intersegment sales from the Foil Technology Products segment to the Force Sensors segment and Weighing and Control Systems segment were $0.5 million and $0.3 million during the fiscal quarters ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012, respectively, and $1.4 million and $1.1 million during the nine fiscal months ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012, respectively. Intersegment sales from the Force Sensors segment to the Foil Technology Products segment and Weighing and Control Systems segment were $0.5 million and $0.6 million during the fiscal quarters ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012, respectively, and $1.7 million and $1.8 million during the nine fiscal months ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012, respectively. Intersegment sales from the Weighing and Control Systems segment to the Force Sensors segment were $0.4 million and $0.6 million during the fiscal quarters ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012, respectively, and $1.0 million and $1.9 million during the nine fiscal months ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012, respectively.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	Note 12 - Earnings Per Share
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders (in thousands, except earnings per share):
		Fiscal quarter ended					Nine fiscal months ended
		September 28,			September 29,		September 28,		September 29,
		2013			2012		2013		2012
	Numerator:
	Numerator for basic earnings per share:
	Net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders	$	1,466		$	1,942	$	3,163	$	6,526
	Adjustment to the numerator for net earnings:
	Interest savings assuming conversion of
	dilutive exchangeable notes, net of tax		4			7		13		24
	Numerator for diluted earnings per share:
	Net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders	$	1,470		$	1,949	$	3,176	$	6,550
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per share:
	Weighted average shares		13,734			13,371		13,504		13,366
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Exchangeable notes		181			441		355		441
	Employee stock options		1			-		1		1
	Restricted stock units		28			81		80		73
	Dilutive potential common shares		210			522		436		515
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share:
	Adjusted weighted average shares		13,944			13,893		13,940		13,881
	Basic earnings per share attributable to VPG
	stockholders	$	0.11		$	0.15	$	0.23	$	0.49
	Diluted earnings per share attributable to VPG
	stockholders	$	0.11		$	0.14	$	0.23	$	0.47
	Effective August 28, 2013, a holder of the Company's exchangeable notes exercised its option to exchange approximately $5.9 million principal amount of the notes for 259,687 shares of VPG common stock. Following this transaction, VPG has outstanding exchangeable unsecured notes with a principal amount of approximately $4.1 million, which are exchangeable for an aggregate of 181,537 shares of VPG common stock. This transaction has no effect on the calculation of the weighted average shares outstanding used for computing diluted earnings per share because the Company's earnings per share computation assumes that the exchangeable unsecured notes would be converted.
	Diluted earnings per share for the periods presented do not reflect the following weighted average potential common shares, as the effect would be antidilutive (in thousands):
		Fiscal quarter ended				Nine fiscal months ended
		September 28,		September 29,		September 28,	September 29,
		2013		2012		2013	2012
	Weighted average employee stock options	23		28		23	28
	Weighted average warrants	-		630		-	630
	The warrants expired on December 13, 2012. The warrants were antidilutive in the prior year through the expiration date.

Additional_Financial_Statement

Additional Financial Statement Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Additional Financial Statement Information [Abstract]	'
Additional Financial Statement Information	'
	Note 13 - Additional Financial Statement Information
	The caption "other" on the consolidated condensed statements of operations consists of the following (in thousands):
		Fiscal quarter ended							Nine fiscal months ended
		September 28,				September 29,			September 28,			September 29,
		2013				2012			2013			2012
	Foreign exchange gain (loss)	$	184			$	(207	)	$	(1,005	)	$	(201	)
	Interest income		57				164			191			497
	Other		(31	)			(252	)		(259	)		(281	)
		$	210			$	(295	)	$	(1,073	)	$	15
	Other accrued expenses consist of the following (in thousands):
		September 28,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Accrued customer advances	$	6,146		$	846
	Accrued commissions		1,758			299
	Goods received, not yet invoiced		1,741			1,746
	Accrued taxes, other than income taxes		2,206			2,048
	Accrued professional fees		1,303			1,339
	Other		2,496			2,221
		$	15,650		$	8,499
	The increase in accrued customer advances and accrued commissions from December 31, 2012 is mainly due to the acquisition of the KELK business on January 31, 2013. Customer advance payments attributable to KELK at September 28, 2013 were $5.0 million. Customer advance payments represent amounts received from customers for sales, for which the earnings process has not yet been completed. Accrued commissions attributable to KELK at September 28, 2013 were $1.5 million.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Note 14 - Fair Value Measurements
	Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement, 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 tables provide the financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis (in thousands):
				Fair value measurements at reporting date using:
		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		Fair Value		Inputs		Inputs		Inputs
	28-Sep-13
	Assets
	Assets held in rabbi trusts	$	4,583	$	1,097	$	3,486	$	-
	31-Dec-12
	Assets
	Assets held in rabbi trusts	$	4,299	$	1,102	$	3,197	$	-
	The Company maintains nonqualified trusts, referred to as "rabbi" trusts, to fund payments under deferred compensation and nonqualified pension plans. Rabbi trust assets consist primarily of marketable securities, classified as available-for-sale money market funds at September 28, 2013 and December 31, 2012, and company-owned life insurance assets. The marketable securities held in the rabbi trusts are valued using quoted market prices on the last business day of the period. The company-owned life insurance assets are valued in consultation with the Company's insurance brokers using the value of underlying assets of the insurance contracts. The fair value measurement of the marketable securities held in the rabbi trust is considered a Level 1 measurement and the measurement of the company-owned life insurance assets is considered a Level 2 measurement within the fair value hierarchy.
	The fair value of the long-term debt at September 28, 2013 and December 31, 2012 is approximately $26.2 million and $7.5 million, respectively, compared to its carrying value of $27.9 million and $11.3 million, 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. The fair value of long-term debt is considered a Level 2 measurement within the fair value hierarchy.
	The Company's financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable. The carrying amounts for these financial instruments reported in the consolidated condensed balance sheets approximate their fair values.

Related_Party_Transactions_Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments	'
	Remainder of 2013	$	32
	2014		129
	2015		65
	Thereafter		-
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Receipts	'
	Remainder of 2013	$	9
	2014		39
	2015		19
	Thereafter		-

Acquisition_Activity_Tables

Acquisition Activity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Acquisition Activity [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Revenue and Earnings	'
			Fiscal				Nine fiscal months
			quarter ended				ended
			September 28,				September 28,
			2013				2013
	Net revenues		$		8,196		$		24,214
	Net earnings (loss) attributable		$		386		$		(684	)
	to VPG stockholders (1)
	(1)	The net earnings (loss) attributable to VPG stockholders includes the effect of purchase accounting adjustments, acquisition costs, restructuring costs, and intercompany interest expense.
Schedule of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	'
			As originally reported
			31-Jan-13			Adjustments				31-Jan-13
	Working capital (1)		$	4,300		$	4,300			$	8,600
	Property and equipment			2,100			-				2,100
	Intangible assets:
	Patents and acquired technology			3,200			2,100				5,300
	Non-competition agreements			100			100				200
	Customer relationships			14,300			(2,100	)			12,200
	Trade names			1,600			-				1,600
	Total intangible assets			19,200			100				19,300
	Fair value of acquired identifiable assets			25,600			4,400				30,000
	Purchase price		$	50,000		$	(1,000	)		$	49,000
	Goodwill		$	24,400		$	(5,400	)		$	19,000
	(1)	Working capital accounts include accounts receivable, inventory, prepaid expenses and other current assets, trade accounts payable, accrued payroll and other accrued expenses.
Summary of Goodwill Activity	'
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	-
	Goodwill acquired in the KELK acquisition		19,000
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		(528	)
	Balance at September 28, 2013	$	18,472
Schedule of Acquisition Costs	'
			Fiscal quarter			Nine fiscal
			ended			months ended
			September 28,			September 28,
			2013			2013
	Accounting and legal fees		$	57		$	610
	Appraisal fees			-			84
	Other			-			58
			$	57		$	752
Pro Forma Information	'
			Fiscal quarter ended						Nine fiscal months ended
			September 28,			September 29,			September 28,			September 29,
			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Pro forma net revenues		$	57,729		$	62,216		$	181,578		$	188,783
	Pro forma net earnings attributable to VPG
	stockholders		$	2,577		$	1,919		$	7,569		$	6,903
	Pro forma basic earnings per share
	attributable to VPG stockholders		$	0.19		$	0.14		$	0.56		$	0.52
	Pro forma diluted earnings per share
	attributable to VPG stockholders		$	0.18		$	0.14		$	0.54		$	0.5

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Intangible Assets	'
		September 28,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Intangible assets subject to amortization
	(Definite-lived):
	Patents and acquired technology	$	9,176		$	4,104
	Customer relationships		18,309			6,587
	Trade names		1,875			1,998
	Non-competition agreements		13,252			14,462
			42,612			27,151
	Accumulated amortization:
	Patents and acquired technology		(3,136	)		(2,908	)
	Customer relationships		(5,466	)		(4,736	)
	Trade names		(1,717	)		(1,736	)
	Non-competition agreements		(10,018	)		(9,762	)
			(20,337	)		(19,142	)
	Net intangible assets subject to amortization		22,275			8,009
	Intangible assets not subject to amortization
	(Indefinite-lived):
	Trade names		1,552			-
		$	23,827		$	8,009
Schedule of Estimated Amortization Expense	'
	2013	$	3,112
	2014		2,802
	2015		2,474
	2016		1,630
	2017		1,634

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Long-term Debt	'
		September 28,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	2013 credit agreement - revolving facility	$	-	$	-
	2013 credit agreement - U.S. term facility		8,500		-
	2013 credit agreement - Canadian term facility		14,250		-
	U.S. credit facility - revolving debt (1)		-		-
	Israeli credit facility - revolving debt (2)		-		-
	Exchangeable unsecured notes, due 2102		4,097		9,958
	Other debt		1,078		1,363
			27,925		11,321
	Less current portion		3,896		167
		$	24,029	$	11,154
	-1		Through December 31, 2012, multi-currency revolving facility with interest payable at agent's prime rate, the Federal Funds rate or LIBOR, adjusted by an interest rate margin of 0.00% to 2.75% per annum, depending on the Company's leverage ratio. This facility was amended and restated on January 29, 2013, as described below.
	-2		Multi-currency revolving facility with interest payable at LIBOR plus an interest rate margin of 2.15% per annum.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
					Pension
					and Other
		Foreign			Postretirement
		Currency			Benefit Plans			Total
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	(11,044	)	$	(3,939	)	$	(14,983	)
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		(5,086	)		-			(5,086	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
	comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		-			220			220
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)		(5,086	)		220			(4,866	)
	Balance at September 28, 2013	$	(16,130	)	$	(3,719	)	$	(19,849	)

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme1

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Net Pension and Other Retirement Plan Costs	'
		Fiscal quarter ended					Fiscal quarter ended
		28-Sep-13					29-Sep-12
		Pension			OPEB		Pension			OPEB
		Plans			Plans		Plans			Plans
	Net service cost	$	111		$	18	$	116		$	11
	Interest cost		212			24		212			28
	Expected return on plan assets		(149	)		-		(146	)		-
	Amortization of actuarial losses		42			8		24			18
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	216		$	50	$	206		$	57
		Nine fiscal months ended					Nine fiscal months ended
		28-Sep-13					29-Sep-12
		Pension			OPEB		Pension			OPEB
		Plans			Plans		Plans			Plans
	Net service cost	$	338		$	55	$	346		$	33
	Interest cost		640			73		637			84
	Expected return on plan assets		(449	)		-		(439	)		-
	Amortization of actuarial losses		127			22		72			54
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	656		$	150	$	616		$	171

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Stock Option Activity	'
		2013
						Weighted
				Weighted		Average
		Number		Average		Remaining
		of		Exercise		Contractual
		Options		Price		Life (yrs)
	Outstanding:
	Balance at January 1, 2013	32		$	18.03
	Granted	-			-
	Exercised	-			-
	Expired	(5	)		17.87
	Balance at September 28, 2013	27		$	18.06	3.22
	Exercisable:
	End of period	27		$	18.23
Schedule of RSU Activity	'
				Weighted
		Number		Average
		of		Grant-date
		RSUs		Fair Value
	Outstanding:
	Balance at January 1, 2013	193		$	15.98
	Granted	67			13.07
	Vested	(114	)		15.88
	Balance at September 28, 2013	146		$	14.72
Schedule of RSUs with Performance-based Vesting	'
	Vesting Date		Number of RSUs
	15-Mar-14		9
	20-Mar-14		9
	1-Jan-15		38
	20-Mar-15		9
	1-Jan-16		47
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Expense	'
		Fiscal quarter ended				Nine fiscal months ended
		September 28,		September 29,		September 28,		September 29,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Stock options	$	-	$	3	$	2	$	8
	Total restricted stock units		225		301		927		858
	Total	$	225	$	304	$	929	$	866

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting	'
		Fiscal quarter ended						Nine fiscal months ended
		September 28,			September 29,			September 28,			September 29,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Net third-party revenues:
	Foil Technology Products	$	22,433		$	26,307		$	71,308		$	80,698
	Force Sensors		16,388			16,502			48,876			50,285
	Weighing & Control Systems		18,908			12,621			57,843			35,623
	Total	$	57,729		$	55,430		$	178,027		$	166,606
	Gross profit:
	Foil Technology Products	$	8,235		$	10,247		$	26,731		$	32,908
	Force Sensors		2,882			3,326			10,586			10,000
	Weighing & Control Systems		8,126			5,166			23,455			14,562
	Total	$	19,243		$	18,739		$	60,772		$	57,470
	Reconciliation of segment operating income to
	consolidated results:
	Foil Technology Products	$	3,912		$	5,960		$	13,926		$	19,745
	Force Sensors		658			1,161			3,915			3,242
	Weighing & Control Systems		2,464			1,966			7,488			4,918
	Unallocated G&A expenses		(6,276	)		(5,994	)		(19,404	)		(18,358	)
	Acquisition costs		(57	)		-			(752	)		-
	Restructuring costs		(99	)		-			(487	)		-
	Consolidated condensed operating income	$	602		$	3,093		$	4,686		$	9,547
	Acquisition costs:
	Weighing & Control Systems	$	(57	)	$	-		$	(752	)	$	-
	Restructuring costs:
	Foil Technology Products	$	-		$	-		$	(388	)	$	-
	Weighing & Control Systems		(99	)		-			(99	)		-
		$	(99	)	$	-		$	(487	)	$	-

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	'
		Fiscal quarter ended					Nine fiscal months ended
		September 28,			September 29,		September 28,		September 29,
		2013			2012		2013		2012
	Numerator:
	Numerator for basic earnings per share:
	Net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders	$	1,466		$	1,942	$	3,163	$	6,526
	Adjustment to the numerator for net earnings:
	Interest savings assuming conversion of
	dilutive exchangeable notes, net of tax		4			7		13		24
	Numerator for diluted earnings per share:
	Net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders	$	1,470		$	1,949	$	3,176	$	6,550
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per share:
	Weighted average shares		13,734			13,371		13,504		13,366
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Exchangeable notes		181			441		355		441
	Employee stock options		1			-		1		1
	Restricted stock units		28			81		80		73
	Dilutive potential common shares		210			522		436		515
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share:
	Adjusted weighted average shares		13,944			13,893		13,940		13,881
	Basic earnings per share attributable to VPG
	stockholders	$	0.11		$	0.15	$	0.23	$	0.49
	Diluted earnings per share attributable to VPG
	stockholders	$	0.11		$	0.14	$	0.23	$	0.47
Schedule of Antidilutive Effects	'
		Fiscal quarter ended				Nine fiscal months ended
		September 28,		September 29,		September 28,	September 29,
		2013		2012		2013	2012
	Weighted average employee stock options	23		28		23	28
	Weighted average warrants	-		630		-	630

Additional_Financial_Statement1

Additional Financial Statement Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Additional Financial Statement Information [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Other Income in Operations	'
		Fiscal quarter ended							Nine fiscal months ended
		September 28,				September 29,			September 28,			September 29,
		2013				2012			2013			2012
	Foreign exchange gain (loss)	$	184			$	(207	)	$	(1,005	)	$	(201	)
	Interest income		57				164			191			497
	Other		(31	)			(252	)		(259	)		(281	)
		$	210			$	(295	)	$	(1,073	)	$	15
Schedule of Other Accrued Expenses	'
		September 28,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Accrued customer advances	$	6,146		$	846
	Accrued commissions		1,758			299
	Goods received, not yet invoiced		1,741			1,746
	Accrued taxes, other than income taxes		2,206			2,048
	Accrued professional fees		1,303			1,339
	Other		2,496			2,221
		$	15,650		$	8,499

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value	'
				Fair value measurements at reporting date using:
		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		Fair Value		Inputs		Inputs		Inputs
	28-Sep-13
	Assets
	Assets held in rabbi trusts	$	4,583	$	1,097	$	3,486	$	-
	31-Dec-12
	Assets
	Assets held in rabbi trusts	$	4,299	$	1,102	$	3,197	$	-

Related_Party_Transactions_Sch

Related Party Transactions (Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Remainder of 2013	$32
2014	129
2015	65
Thereafter	'

Related_Party_Transactions_Sch1

Related Party Transactions (Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Receipts) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Remainder of 2013	$9
2014	39
2015	19
Thereafter	'

Acquisition_Activity_Narrative

Acquisition Activity (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended			1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013
	Patents and Acquired Technology [Member]	Non Competition Agreement [Member]	Customer Relationships [Member]	George Kelk Corporation ("KELK") [Member]	George Kelk Corporation ("KELK") [Member]	George Kelk Corporation ("KELK") [Member]	George Kelk Corporation ("KELK") [Member]
				USD ($)	CAD	USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Purchase price	'	'	'	$49,000	49,000	'	'
Increase in cost of products sold that directly impacted operating results	'	'	'	'	'	$1,200	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, weighted average useful lives	'17 years	'5 years	'18 years	'	'	'	'
Percentage of goodwill	'	'	'	'	'	'	75.00%

Acquisition_Activity_Schedule_

Acquisition Activity (Schedule of Revenues and Earnings) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013		Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013		Sep. 29, 2012
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Net revenues	$57,729		$55,430	$178,027		$166,606
Net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders	1,466		1,942	3,163		6,526
George Kelk Corporation ("KELK") [Member]	'		'	'		'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Net revenues	8,196		'	24,214		'
Net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders	$386	[1]	'	($684)	[1]	'
[1]	The net earnings (loss) attributable to VPG stockholders includes the effect of purchase accounting adjustments, acquisition costs, restructuring costs, and intercompany interest expense.

Acquisition_Activity_Schedule_1

Acquisition Activity (Schedule of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed) (Details)

Sep. 28, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

USD ($)

USD ($)

George Kelk Corporation ("KELK") [Member]

George Kelk Corporation ("KELK") [Member]

George Kelk Corporation ("KELK") [Member]

George Kelk Corporation ("KELK") [Member]

George Kelk Corporation ("KELK") [Member]

George Kelk Corporation ("KELK") [Member]

As originally reported [Member]

As originally reported [Member]

As originally reported [Member]

As originally reported [Member]

As originally reported [Member]

Adjustments [Member]

Adjustments [Member]

Adjustments [Member]

Adjustments [Member]

Adjustments [Member]

USD ($)

CAD

Trade Names [Member]

Patents and Acquired Technology [Member]

Non Competition Agreement [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

George Kelk Corporation ("KELK") [Member]

George Kelk Corporation ("KELK") [Member]

George Kelk Corporation ("KELK") [Member]

George Kelk Corporation ("KELK") [Member]

George Kelk Corporation ("KELK") [Member]

George Kelk Corporation ("KELK") [Member]

George Kelk Corporation ("KELK") [Member]

George Kelk Corporation ("KELK") [Member]

George Kelk Corporation ("KELK") [Member]

George Kelk Corporation ("KELK") [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Trade Names [Member]

Patents and Acquired Technology [Member]

Non Competition Agreement [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

USD ($)

Trade Names [Member]

Patents and Acquired Technology [Member]

Non Competition Agreement [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Working capital

'

'

$8,600

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

$4,300

[1]

'

'

'

'

$4,300

[1]

'

'

'

'

Property and equipment

'

'

2,100

'

'

'

'

'

2,100

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Intangible assets:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total intangible assets

'

'

19,300

'

1,600

5,300

200

12,200

19,200

1,600

3,200

100

14,300

100

'

2,100

100

-2,100

Fair value of acquired identifiable assets

'

'

30,000

'

'

'

'

'

25,600

'

'

'

'

4,400

'

'

'

'

Purchase price

'

'

49,000

49,000

'

'

'

'

50,000

'

'

'

'

-1,000

'

'

'

'

Goodwill

$18,472

'

$19,000

'

'

'

'

'

$24,400

'

'

'

'

($5,400)

'

'

'

'

[1]

Working capital accounts include accounts receivable, inventory, prepaid expenses and other current assets, trade accounts payable, accrued payroll and other accrued expenses.

Acquisition_Activity_Summary_o

Acquisition Activity (Summary of Goodwill Activity) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013
Acquisition Activity [Abstract]	'
Balance at January 1, 2013	'
Goodwill acquired in the KELK acquisition	19,000
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-528
Balance at September 28, 2013	$18,472

Acquisition_Activity_Schedule_2

Acquisition Activity (Schedule of Acquisition Costs) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Acquisition costs	$57	'	$752	'
George Kelk Corporation ("KELK") [Member]	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Acquisition costs	57	'	752	'
Accounting and legal fees [Member] | George Kelk Corporation ("KELK") [Member]	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Acquisition costs	57	'	610	'
Appraisal fees [Member] | George Kelk Corporation ("KELK") [Member]	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Acquisition costs	'	'	84	'
Other [Member] | George Kelk Corporation ("KELK") [Member]	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Acquisition costs	'	'	$58	'

Acquisition_Activity_Pro_Forma

Acquisition Activity (Pro Forma Information) (Details) (George Kelk Corporation ("KELK") [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
George Kelk Corporation ("KELK") [Member]	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Pro forma net revenues	$57,729	$62,216	$181,578	$188,783
Pro forma net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders	$2,577	$1,919	$7,569	$6,903
Pro forma basic earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0.19	$0.14	$0.56	$0.52
Pro forma diluted earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0.18	$0.14	$0.54	$0.50

Intangible_Assets_Schedule_of_

Intangible Assets (Schedule of Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Intangible assets subject to amortization (Definite-lived):	$42,612	$27,151
Accumulated amortization	-20,337	-19,142
Net intangible assets subject to amortization	22,275	8,009
Intangible assets not subject to amortization (Indefinite-lived):	1,552	'
Intangible assets, net	23,827	8,009
Patents and acquired technology [Member]	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Intangible assets subject to amortization (Definite-lived):	9,176	4,104
Accumulated amortization	-3,136	-2,908
Customer relationships [Member]	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Intangible assets subject to amortization (Definite-lived):	18,309	6,587
Accumulated amortization	-5,466	-4,736
Trade names [Member]	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Intangible assets subject to amortization (Definite-lived):	1,875	1,998
Accumulated amortization	-1,717	-1,736
Non-competition agreements [Member]	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Intangible assets subject to amortization (Definite-lived):	13,252	14,462
Accumulated amortization	($10,018)	($9,762)

Intangible_Assets_Schedule_of_1

Intangible Assets (Schedule of Estimated Amortization Expense) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
2013	$3,112
2014	2,802
2015	2,474
2016	1,630
2017	$1,634

Intangible_Assets_Narrative_De

Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013
					George Kelk Corporation ("KELK") [Member]	George Kelk Corporation ("KELK") [Member]	George Kelk Corporation ("KELK") [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Purchase price allocated to definite-lived intangible assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	$17,700
Purchase price allocated to indefinite-lived intangible assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,600
Amortization	$800	$700	$2,300	$2,200	$300	$700	'

Restructuring_Costs_Details

Restructuring Costs (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Restructuring Costs [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring costs	$99	$400	'	$487	'

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Effective tax rate	-171.50%	29.80%	-11.90%	29.90%
Tax benefit	'	'	$1,300	'
Anticipated change in unrecognized tax benefits, lower bound	100	'	100	'
Anticipated change in unrecognized tax benefits, upper bound	$300	'	$300	'

LongTerm_Debt_Schedule_of_Long

Long-Term Debt (Schedule of Long-term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Exchangeable unsecured notes, due 2102	$4,097		$9,958
Other debt	1,078		1,363
Long-Term Debt	27,925		11,321
Less current portion	3,896		167
Long-term debt, less current portion	24,029		11,154
2013 credit agreement - revolving facility [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Secured debt	'		'
2013 credit agreement - U.S. term facility [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Secured debt	8,500		'
2013 credit agreement - Canadian term facility [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Secured debt	14,250		'
U.S. credit facility - revolving debt [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Secured debt	'	[1]	'	[1]
Israeli credit facility - revolving debt [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Secured debt	'	[2]	'	[2]
[1]	Through December 31, 2012, multi-currency revolving facility with interest payable at agent's prime rate, the Federal Funds rate or LIBOR, adjusted by an interest rate margin of 0.00% to 2.75% per annum, depending on the Company's leverage ratio. This facility was amended and restated on January 29, 2013, as described below.
[2]	Multi-currency revolving facility with interest payable at LIBOR plus an interest rate margin of 2.15% per annum.

LongTerm_Debt_Narrative_Detail

Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Aug. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Jan. 29, 2013

Jan. 29, 2013

Jan. 29, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Jan. 29, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Nov. 30, 2011

Sep. 28, 2013

Jan. 29, 2013

Jan. 29, 2013

Jan. 29, 2013

Jan. 29, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Jan. 29, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Jul. 06, 2010

Other Debt [Member]

Domestic Revolving Facility [Member]

Letter Of Credit [Member]

Swing Loans [Member]

2013 Credit Agreement [Member]

2013 Credit Agreement [Member]

Foreign Line Of Credit [Member]

Foreign Revolving Facility [Member]

Foreign Revolving Facility [Member]

Domestic Term Facility [Member]

Foreign Term Facility [Member]

Domestic Revolving Facility [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Exchangeable Unsecured Notes [Member]

2013 Credit Agreement [Member]

2013 Credit Agreement [Member]

Domestic Line Of Credit [Member]

2013 Credit Agreement [Member]

2013 Credit Agreement [Member]

Domestic Line Of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

'

'

'

'

$15,000

$10,000

$5,000

'

'

'

$15,000

'

$10,000

$15,000

$10,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expiration date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

29-Jan-18

'

'

30-Nov-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

13-Dec-02

Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.40%

'

'

'

'

0.30%

'

'

0.50%

'

'

'

Line Of Credit Uncommitted Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exchangeable unsecured notes, due 2102

'

4,097

9,958

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,000

Number of shares of common stock the notes are exchangeable into (in shares)

'

181,537

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exchangeable Notes Conversion Price Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$22.57

Debt Instrument, Term

'

'

'

'9 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stated interest rate

'

'

'

0.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate in addition to LIBOR

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.25%

'

'

'

2.15%

'

'

'

'

2.00%

0.00%

'

3.00%

2.75%

'

Minimum tangible net worth

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

118,000

'

48,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Required cumulative net earnings percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum leverage ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.5

'

2.5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Minimum fixed charges coverage ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Minimum tangible net worth ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.65

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Principal amount of notes exchanged for common stock

$5,900

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Conversion of exchangeable notes to common stock, shares

259,687

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Balance at January 1, 2013	'	'	($14,983)	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	1,715	3,505	-5,086	1,603
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	220	'
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	1,656	3,450	-4,866	1,621
Balance at September 28, 2013	-19,849	'	-19,849	'
Foreign Currency [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Balance at January 1, 2013	'	'	-11,044	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	'	'	-5,086	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	'	'
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	-5,086	'
Balance at September 28, 2013	-16,130	'	-16,130	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Balance at January 1, 2013	'	'	-3,939	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	'	'	'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	220	'
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	220	'
Balance at September 28, 2013	($3,719)	'	($3,719)	'

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (Schedule of Net Pension and Other Retirement Plan Costs) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net service cost	$111	$116	$338	$346
Interest cost	212	212	640	637
Expected return on plan assets	-149	-146	-449	-439
Amortization of actuarial losses	42	24	127	72
Net periodic benefit cost	216	206	656	616
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net service cost	18	11	55	33
Interest cost	24	28	73	84
Expected return on plan assets	'	'	'	'
Amortization of actuarial losses	8	18	22	54
Net periodic benefit cost	$50	$57	$150	$171

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem1

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Accrued pension and other postretirement costs	$12,734	$13,835
United States Pension Plans Of Us Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Assets Held-In-Trust, Noncurrent	1,600	1,800
Non qualified pension plan liabilities	1,800	1,800
Other Retirement Obligations [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Other retirement obligations	900	900
Non Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan Liaiblities [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Assets Held-In-Trust, Noncurrent	3,000	2,500
Non qualified deferred compensation plan liaiblities	$3,400	$3,100

ShareBased_Compensation_Narrat

Share-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended			1 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	21-May-13	Sep. 28, 2013	30-May-13	21-May-13	Jan. 16, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013
				Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized (in shares)	500,000	'	1,000,000	'	'	'
Additional shares authorized for issuance	500,000	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant (in shares)	'	683,595	'	'	'	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Grants In Period (in shares)	'	'	'	3,910	63,262	67,000
Vesting percentage by January 1, 2016	'	'	'	'	25.00%	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars)	'	'	'	$100	$800	'
Precentage Of Performance Based Units On Total Units Approved	'	'	'	'	75.00%	'
Share price	'	$14.55	'	'	'	'

ShareBased_Compensation_Schedu

Share-Based Compensation (Schedule of Stock Option Activity) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Number of Options	'
Balance at January 1, 2013	32,000
Granted	'
Exercised	'
Expired	-5,000
Balance at September 28, 2013	27,000
Exercisable	27,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price	'
Balance at January 1, 2013	$18.03
Granted	$0
Exercised	$0
Expired	$17.87
Balance at September 28, 2013	$18.06
Exercisable	$18.23
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'
Balance at September 28, 2013	'3 years 2 months 19 days

ShareBased_Compensation_Schedu1

Share-Based Compensation (Schedule of RSU Activity) (Details) (Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member], USD $)	1 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	21-May-13	Jan. 16, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of RSUs Balance at January 1, 2013	'	'	193,000
Number of RSUs Granted	3,910	63,262	67,000
Number of RSUs Vested & issued	'	'	-114,000
Number of RSUs Balance at September 28, 2013	'	'	146,000
Weighted Average Grant-date Fair Value Balance at January 1, 2013	'	'	$15.98
Weighted Average Grant-date Fair Value Granted	'	'	$13.07
Weighted Average Grant-date Fair Value Vested & issued	'	'	$15.88
Weighted Average Grant-date Fair Value Balance at September 28, 2013	'	'	$14.72

ShareBased_Compensation_Schedu2

Share-Based Compensation (Schedule of RSUs with Performance-based Vesting) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Vesting Date 1	15-Mar-14
Vesting Date 2	20-Mar-14
Vesting Date 3	1-Jan-15
Vesting Date 4	20-Mar-15
Vesting Date 5	1-Jan-16
Number of RSUs 1	9,000
Number of RSUs 2	9,000
Number of RSUs 3	38,000
Number of RSUs 4	9,000
Number of RSUs 5	47,000

ShareBased_Compensation_Schedu3

Share-Based Compensation (Schedule of Share-based Compensation Expense) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Stock options	'	$3	$2	$8
Total restricted stock units	225	301	927	858
Total	$225	$304	$929	$866

Segment_Information_Schedule_o

Segment Information (Schedule of Segment Reporting) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Net third-party revenues	$57,729	'	$55,430	$178,027	$166,606
Gross profit	19,243	'	18,739	60,772	57,470
Unallocated G&A expenses	-6,276	'	-5,994	-19,404	-18,358
Acquisition costs	-57	'	'	-752	'
Restructuring costs	-99	-400	'	-487	'
Segment operating income (loss)	602	'	3,093	4,686	9,547
Foil Technology Products [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Net third-party revenues	22,433	'	26,307	71,308	80,698
Gross profit	8,235	'	10,247	26,731	32,908
Restructuring costs	'	'	'	-388	'
Segment operating income (loss)	3,912	'	5,960	13,926	19,745
Force Sensors [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Net third-party revenues	16,388	'	16,502	48,876	50,285
Gross profit	2,882	'	3,326	10,586	10,000
Segment operating income (loss)	658	'	1,161	3,915	3,242
Weighing and Control Systems [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Net third-party revenues	18,908	'	12,621	57,843	35,623
Gross profit	8,126	'	5,166	23,455	14,562
Acquisition costs	-57	'	'	-752	'
Restructuring costs	-99	'	'	-99	'
Segment operating income (loss)	$2,464	'	$1,966	$7,488	$4,918

Segment_Information_Narrative_

Segment Information (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	$57,729	$55,430	$178,027	$166,606
Foil Technology Products [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	22,433	26,307	71,308	80,698
Foil Technology Products [Member] | Intersegment Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	500	300	1,400	1,100
Force Sensors [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	16,388	16,502	48,876	50,285
Force Sensors [Member] | Intersegment Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	500	600	1,700	1,800
Weighing and Control Systems [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	18,908	12,621	57,843	35,623
Weighing and Control Systems [Member] | Intersegment Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	$400	$600	$1,000	$1,900

Earnings_Per_Share_Computation

Earnings Per Share (Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Numerator:	'	'	'	'
Net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders	$1,466	$1,942	$3,163	$6,526
Adjustment to the numerator for net earnings:	'	'	'	'
Interest savings assuming conversion of dilutive exchangeable notes, net of tax	4	7	13	24
Numerator for diluted earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders	$1,470	$1,949	$3,176	$6,550
Denominator:	'	'	'	'
Weighted average shares	13,734	13,371	13,504	13,366
Effect of dilutive securities:	'	'	'	'
Exchangeable notes	181	441	355	441
Employee stock options	1	'	1	1
Restricted stock units	28	81	80	73
Dilutive potential common shares	210	522	436	515
Denominator for diluted earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Adjusted weighted average shares	13,944	13,893	13,940	13,881
Basic earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders	$0.11	$0.15	$0.23	$0.49
Diluted earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders	$0.11	$0.14	$0.23	$0.47

Earnings_Per_Share_Narrative_D

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'
Principal amount of notes exchanged for common stock	$5,900	'	'
Conversion of exchangeable notes to common stock, shares	259,687	'	'
Number of shares of common stock the notes are exchangeable into (in shares)	'	181,537	'
Exchangeable unsecured notes, due 2102	'	$4,097	$9,958

Earnings_Per_Share_Schedule_of

Earnings Per Share (Schedule of Antidilutive Effects) (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Weighted average employee stock options and warrants	23	28	23	28
Warrant [Member]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Weighted average employee stock options and warrants	'	630	'	630

Additional_Financial_Statement2

Additional Financial Statement Information (Schedule of Other Items in Operations) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Additional Financial Statement Information [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Foreign exchange (loss) gain	$184	($207)	($1,005)	($201)
Interest income	57	164	191	497
Other	-31	-252	-259	-281
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)	$210	($295)	($1,073)	$15

Additional_Financial_Statement3

Additional Financial Statement Information (Schedule of Other Accrued Expenses) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Additional Financial Statement Information [Abstract]	'	'
Accrued customer advances	$6,146	$846
Accrued commissions	1,758	299
Goods received, not yet invoiced	1,741	1,746
Accrued taxes, other than income taxes	2,206	2,048
Accrued professional fees	1,303	1,339
Other	2,496	2,221
Accrued Liabilities, Current	$15,650	$8,499

Additional_Financial_Statement4

Additional Financial Statement Information (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued customer advances	$6,146	$846
Accrued commissions	1,758	299
Kelk [Member]	'	'
Accrued customer advances	5,000	'
Accrued commissions	$1,500	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Schedu

Fair Value Measurements (Schedule of Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'	'
Assets held in rabbi trusts	$4,583	$4,299
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Assets held in rabbi trusts	1,097	1,102
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Assets held in rabbi trusts	3,486	3,197
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Assets held in rabbi trusts	'	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Narrat

Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	$26,200	$7,500
Long-term Debt, Carrying Value	$27,925	$11,321