Vishay Precision (VPG) 10-Q 5 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Nov. 05, 2014	Nov. 05, 2014
		Common Stock	Class B Convertible Common Stock
Entity Registrant Name	'Vishay Precision Group, Inc.	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001487952	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Trading Symbol	'VPG	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'	'
Document Period End Date	27-Sep-14	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	12,729,837	1,025,176

Consolidated_Condensed_Balance

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$75,424	$72,785
Accounts receivable, net	43,078	40,500
Inventories:	'	'
Raw materials	14,892	15,223
Work in process	20,316	19,962
Finished goods	18,701	19,788
Inventories, net	53,909	54,973
Deferred income taxes	2,887	4,784
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	11,216	10,500
Total current assets	186,514	183,542
Property and equipment, at cost:	'	'
Land	1,971	1,993
Buildings and improvements	48,680	47,793
Machinery and equipment	77,549	75,644
Software	6,822	6,333
Construction in progress	1,293	1,252
Accumulated depreciation	-88,359	-83,692
Property and equipment, net	47,956	49,323
Goodwill	18,266	18,880
Intangible assets, net	19,838	22,458
Other assets	20,074	17,901
Total assets	292,648	292,104
Liabilities and equity	'	'
Trade accounts payable	10,290	10,258
Payroll and related expenses	14,194	15,016
Other accrued expenses	14,827	15,814
Income taxes	525	615
Current portion of long-term debt	4,882	4,137
Total current liabilities	44,718	45,840
Long-term debt, less current portion	19,060	22,936
Deferred income taxes	1,003	1,259
Other liabilities	7,748	7,738
Accrued pension and other postretirement costs	10,061	10,780
Total liabilities	82,590	88,553
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Equity:	'	'
Common stock	1,273	1,271
Capital in excess of par value	189,335	188,424
Retained earnings	40,933	32,647
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-21,750	-19,027
Total Vishay Precision Group, Inc. stockholders' equity	209,894	203,418
Noncontrolling interests	164	133
Total equity	210,058	203,551
Total liabilities and equity	292,648	292,104
Class B Convertible Common Stock	'	'
Equity:	'	'
Common stock	$103	$103

Consolidated_Condensed_Stateme

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	$63,402	$57,729	$189,605	$178,027
Costs of products sold	39,625	38,486	119,084	117,255
Gross profit	23,777	19,243	70,521	60,772
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	19,668	18,485	58,286	54,847
Acquisition costs	0	57	0	752
Restructuring costs	144	99	475	487
Operating income	3,965	602	11,760	4,686
Other income (expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	-212	-276	-660	-771
Other	-81	210	-770	-1,073
Other income (expense) - net	-293	-66	-1,430	-1,844
Income before taxes	3,672	536	10,330	2,842
Income tax expense (benefit)	523	-919	1,955	-339
Net earnings	3,149	1,455	8,375	3,181
Less: net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	30	-11	89	18
Net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders	$3,119	$1,466	$8,286	$3,163
Basic earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders	$0.23	$0.11	$0.60	$0.23
Diluted earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders	$0.22	$0.11	$0.59	$0.23
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	13,757	13,734	13,755	13,504
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	13,977	13,944	13,968	13,940

Consolidated_Condensed_Stateme1

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net earnings	$3,149	$1,455	$8,375	$3,181
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-4,020	1,715	-2,802	-5,086
Pension and other postretirement actuarial items, net of tax	85	-59	79	220
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-3,935	1,656	-2,723	-4,866
Total comprehensive (loss) income	-786	3,111	5,652	-1,685
Less: net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests	30	-11	89	18
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to VPG stockholders	($816)	$3,122	$5,563	($1,703)

Consolidated_Condensed_Stateme2

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Operating activities	'	'
Net earnings	$8,375	$3,181
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	8,734	9,016
Loss (gain) on disposal of property and equipment	61	-27
Share-based compensation expense	780	929
Inventory write-offs for obsolescence	972	901
Other	-625	-3,214
Net changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-3,627	-3,031
Inventories	-482	4,909
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-750	-2,997
Trade accounts payable	228	-1,504
Other current liabilities	-1,126	-2,013
Net cash provided by operating activities	12,540	6,150
Investing activities	'	'
Capital expenditures	-5,626	-3,910
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	74	76
Purchase of business	0	-48,919
Net cash used in investing activities	-5,552	-52,753
Financing activities	'	'
Proceeds from long-term debt	0	25,000
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital leases	-3,105	-2,362
Debt issuance costs	0	-384
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-58	-64
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-3,163	22,190
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-1,186	-1,195
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	2,639	-25,608
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	72,785	93,881
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	75,424	68,273
Conversion of exchangeable notes to common stock	$0	$5,861

Consolidated_Condensed_Stateme3

Consolidated Condensed Statement of Equity (Unaudited) (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Class B Convertible Common Stock	Capital In Excess Of Par Value	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Total VPG Inc. Stockholders' Equity	Noncontrolling Interests
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance, beginning at Dec. 31, 2013	$203,551	$1,271	$103	$188,424	$32,647	($19,027)	$203,418	$133
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net earnings	8,375	'	'	'	8,286	'	8,286	89
Other comprehensive income	-2,723	'	'	'	'	-2,723	-2,723	'
Share-based compensation expense	672	'	'	672	'	'	672	'
Restricted stock issuances (20,145 shares)	241	2	'	239	'	'	241	'
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-58	'	'	'	'	'	'	-58
Balance, ending at Sep. 27, 2014	$210,058	$1,273	$103	$189,335	$40,933	($21,750)	$209,894	$164

Consolidated_Condensed_Stateme4

Consolidated Condensed Statement of Equity (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (Common Stock)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Common Stock	'
Restricted stock issuances, shares	20,145

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	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 consolidated financial statements and notes thereto as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013, included in VPG’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on March 12, 2014. The results of operations for the fiscal quarter and nine fiscal months ended September 27, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
	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 2014 and 2013 end on the following dates:
		2014	2013
	Quarter 1	March 29,	March 30,
	Quarter 2	June 28,	June 29,
	Quarter 3	September 27,	September 28,
	Quarter 4	December 31,	December 31,
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which provides a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and will supersede most current revenue recognition guidance.  The basis of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. The ASU is effective for public entities for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted under GAAP, and either full or modified retrospective application is required. The Company has not yet selected a transition method and the effects of this standard on the Company's financial position, results of operations and cash flows are not yet known.

Restructuring_Costs

Restructuring Costs	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring Costs	'
	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 27, 2014. These costs were comprised of employee termination costs, including severance at one of the Company's subsidiaries in the United States, and were incurred in connection with a cost reduction program. As of September 27, 2014, a portion of the costs were paid, and the remaining costs are expected to be paid by the first quarter of 2015.
	The Company recorded restructuring costs of $0.3 million during the six fiscal months ended June 28, 2014. These costs were comprised of employee termination costs, including severance and a statutory retirement allowance at the Company's subsidiary in Canada, and were incurred in connection with a cost reduction program. As of September 27, 2014, $0.2 million of the restructuring costs have been paid. The remaining costs are expected to be paid during the remainder of 2014 and the first quarter of 2015.
	The Company recorded restructuring costs of $0.1 million during the fourth quarter of 2013. These costs were comprised of employee termination costs, including severance and a statutory retirement allowance at the Company's subsidiary in Canada, and were incurred in connection with a cost reduction in one of the manufacturing areas. These costs were fully paid at the end of the first fiscal quarter of 2014.
	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 2013.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	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 27, 2014 was 14.2% versus (171.5)% for the fiscal quarter ended September 28, 2013. The effective tax rate for the nine fiscal months ended September 27, 2014 was 18.9% versus (11.9)% for the nine fiscal months ended September 28, 2013. VPG’s effective tax rate for both periods presented changed due to the results of geographical mix of pretax earnings. However, in the fiscal quarter and nine fiscal months ended September 28, 2013, the Company recorded a net discrete deferred tax benefit of $1.3 million associated with the increase in the Israeli statutory tax rate, resulting in an increase to the carrying value of the Company's net deferred tax assets in Israel.
	In the fiscal quarter ended June 28, 2014, VPG began a reorganization within the Company’s corporate entity structure. For the fiscal quarter ended June 28, 2014, this reorganization caused the Company to record a discrete income tax expense of $1.9 million associated with foreign earnings that were previously considered permanently reinvested. In addition, the reorganization resulted in the recording of a $2.0 million discrete income tax benefit for the reversal of an existing valuation allowance against U.S. foreign tax credit carryforwards. The Company expects to complete the reorganization during the fourth quarter of 2014.
	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 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 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. 27, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt	'
	Long-Term Debt
	Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):
		27-Sep-14		31-Dec-13
	2013 Credit Agreement - revolving facility	$	—	$	—
	2013 Credit Agreement - U.S. term facility	6,500		8,000
	2013 Credit Agreement - Canadian term facility	12,500		14,000
	Israeli Credit Agreement - revolving facility	—		—
	Exchangeable unsecured notes, due 2102	4,097		4,097
	Other debt	845		976
		23,942		27,073
	Less: current portion	4,882		4,137
		$	19,060	$	22,936

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, consist of the following (in thousands):
		Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Pension			Total
					and Other
					Postretirement
					Actuarial Items
	Balance at January 1, 2014	$	(16,761	)	$	(2,266	)	$	(19,027	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(2,802		)	—			(2,802		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—			79			79
	Balance at September 27, 2014	$	(19,563	)	$	(2,187	)	$	(21,750	)
		Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Pension			Total
					and Other
					Postretirement
					Actuarial Items
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	(11,044	)	$	(3,939	)	$	(14,983	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(5,086		)	—			(5,086		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—			279			279
	Balance at September 28, 2013	$	(16,130	)	$	(3,660	)	$	(19,790	)
	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 6).

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	'
	Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
	Employees of VPG participate in various defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit ("OPEB") plans.
	The following table sets forth the components of the net periodic benefit cost for the Company's defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans (in thousands):
		Fiscal quarter ended					Fiscal quarter ended
		September 27, 2014					September 28, 2013
		Pension			OPEB		Pension			OPEB
		Plans			Plans		Plans			Plans
	Net service cost	$	106		$	21	$	111		$	18
	Interest cost	238			31		212			24
	Expected return on plan assets	(200		)	—		(149		)	—
	Amortization of actuarial losses	7			9		42			8
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	151		$	61	$	216		$	50
		Nine fiscal months ended September 27, 2014					Nine fiscal months ended September 28, 2013
		Pension			OPEB		Pension			OPEB
		Plans			Plans		Plans			Plans
	Net service cost	$	318		$	63	$	338		$	55
	Interest cost	711			93		640			73
	Expected return on plan assets	(599		)	—		(449		)	—
	Amortization of actuarial losses	21			27		127			22
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	451		$	183	$	656		$	150

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Compensation	'
	Share-Based Compensation
	The Amended and Restated Vishay Precision Group, Inc. Stock Incentive Program (as amended and restated, the “Plan”) permits the issuance of up to 1,000,000 shares of common stock. At September 27, 2014, the Company had reserved 579,134 shares of common stock for future grant of equity awards (restricted stock, unrestricted stock, restricted stock units ("RSUs"), or stock options) 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 2014 stock option activity (number of options in thousands):
		Number		Weighted			Weighted
		of		Average			Average
		Options		Exercise			Remaining
				Price			Contractual
							Life (yrs)
	Outstanding:
	Balance at January 1, 2014	27		$	18.06
	Granted	—		—
	Exercised	(4	)	11.92
	Expired/forfeited	(5	)	20.58
	Balance at September 27, 2014	18		$	18.92		2.41
	Exercisable:
	End of period	18		$	18.92
	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 $15.16 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 27, 2014 is not material.
	Restricted Stock Units
	On January 29, 2014, VPG’s three executive officers were granted annual equity awards in the form of RSUs, of which 75% are performance-based. The awards have an aggregate grant-date fair value of $1.2 million and were comprised of 79,453 RSUs. Twenty-five percent of these awards will vest on January 1, 2017, subject to the executives' continued employment. The performance-based portion of the RSUs will also vest on January 1, 2017, subject to the satisfaction of certain performance objectives relating to three year cumulative “free cash” and net earnings goals, and their continued employment.
	On May 5, 2014, certain VPG employees were granted annual equity awards in the form of RSUs, of which 75% are performance-based. The awards have an aggregate grant-date fair value of $0.3 million and were comprised of 21,387 RSUs. Twenty-five percent of these awards will vest on January 1, 2017, subject to the employees' continued employment. The performance-based portion of the RSUs will also vest on January 1, 2017, subject to the satisfaction of certain performance objectives relating to three year cumulative earnings and cash flow goals, and their continued employment.
	On May 22, 2014, the Board of directors approved the issuance of an aggregate of 11,235 RSUs to the three independent board members and to the non-executive Chairman of the Board, with an aggregate grant-date fair value of $0.2 million. The compensation cost with respect to the awards is recognized ratably over the one year vesting period of such awards.
	RSU activity for 2014 is presented below (number of RSUs in thousands):
		Number		Weighted
		of		Average
		RSUs		Grant-date
				Fair Value
	Outstanding:
	Balance at January 1, 2014	146		$	14.72
	Granted	112		15.3
	Vested	(22	)	15.84
	Balance at September 27, 2014	236		$	14.89
	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. The Company recognizes compensation cost for RSUs that are expected to vest and for which performance criteria are expected to be met. 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		Expected to Vest		Not Expected to Vest		Total
	January 1, 2015		9		29		38
	January 1, 2016		23		24		47
	January 1, 2017		76		—		76
	Share-Based Compensation Expense
	The following table summarizes share-based compensation expense recognized (in thousands):
		Fiscal quarter ended						Nine fiscal months ended
		September 27, 2014			September 28, 2013			September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013
	Stock options	$	—		$	—		$	—	$	2
	Restricted stock units	295			225			780		927
	Total	$	295		$	225		$	780	$	929

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	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.
	VPG evaluates reporting segment performance based on multiple performance measures including revenues, gross profits 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 27, 2014			September 28, 2013			September 27, 2014			September 28, 2013
	Net third-party revenues:
	Foil Technology Products	$	27,327		$	22,433		$	81,362		$	71,308
	Force Sensors	17,480			16,388			50,893			48,876
	Weighing & Control Systems	18,595			18,908			57,350			57,843
	Total	$	63,402		$	57,729		$	189,605		$	178,027
	Gross profit:
	Foil Technology Products	$	11,305		$	8,235		$	32,420		$	26,731
	Force Sensors	3,940			2,882			11,164			10,586
	Weighing & Control Systems	8,532			8,126			26,937			23,455
	Total	$	23,777		$	19,243		$	70,521		$	60,772
	Reconciliation of segment operating income to consolidated results:
	Foil Technology Products	$	6,748		$	3,912		$	18,490		$	13,926
	Force Sensors	1,457			658			3,956			3,915
	Weighing & Control Systems	2,653			2,464			9,325			7,488
	Unallocated G&A expenses	(6,749		)	(6,276		)	(19,536		)	(19,404		)
	Acquisition costs	—			(57		)	—			(752		)
	Restructuring costs	(144		)	(99		)	(475		)	(487		)
	Consolidated condensed operating income	$	3,965		$	602		$	11,760		$	4,686
	Acquisition costs:
	Weighing & Control Systems	$	—		$	(57	)	$	—		$	(752	)
	Restructuring costs:
	Foil Technology Products	$	(144	)	$	—		$	(144	)	$	(388	)
	Weighing & Control Systems	—			(99		)	(331		)	(99		)
		$	(144	)	$	(99	)	$	(475	)	$	(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 $0.9 million and $0.5 million during the fiscal quarters ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, respectively, and $2.3 million and $1.4 million during the nine fiscal months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, 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 $0.5 million during the fiscal quarters ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, respectively, and $1.3 million and $1.7 million during the nine fiscal months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, respectively. Intersegment sales from the Weighing and Control Systems segment to the Force Sensors segment were $0.2 million and $0.4 million during the fiscal quarters ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, respectively, and $0.8 million and $1.0 million during the nine fiscal months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, respectively.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	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 27, 2014			September 28, 2013			September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013
	Numerator:
	Numerator for basic earnings per share:
	Net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders	$	3,119		$	1,466		$	8,286	$	3,163
	Adjustment to the numerator for net earnings:
	Interest savings assuming conversion of dilutive exchangeable notes, net of tax	2			4			5		13
	Numerator for diluted earnings per share:
	Net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders	$	3,121		$	1,470		$	8,291	$	3,176
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per share:
	Weighted average shares	13,757			13,734			13,755		13,504
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Exchangeable notes	181			181			181		355
	Employee stock options	—			1			1		1
	Restricted stock units	39			28			31		80
	Dilutive potential common shares	220			210			213		436
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share:
	Adjusted weighted average shares	13,977			13,944			13,968		13,940
	Basic earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders	$	0.23		$	0.11		$	0.6	$	0.23
	Diluted earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders	$	0.22		$	0.11		$	0.59	$	0.23
	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 27, 2014		September 28, 2013			September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013
	Weighted average employee stock options	18		23			18		23

Additional_Financial_Statement

Additional Financial Statement Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Additional Financial Statement Information	'
	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 27, 2014			September 28, 2013			September 27, 2014			September 28, 2013
	Foreign exchange (loss) gain	$	(103	)	$	184		$	(624	)	$	(1,005	)
	Interest income	56			57			176			191
	Other	(34		)	(31		)	(322		)	(259		)
		$	(81	)	$	210		$	(770	)	$	(1,073	)

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	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
	September 27, 2014
	Assets
	Assets held in rabbi trusts	$	4,660	$	925	$	3,735	$	—
	December 31, 2013
	Assets
	Assets held in rabbi trusts	$	4,678	$	1,087	$	3,591	$	—
	The Company maintains non-qualified trusts, referred to as “rabbi” trusts, to fund payments under deferred compensation and non-qualified pension plans. Rabbi trust assets consist primarily of marketable securities, classified as available-for-sale money market funds at September 27, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 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 27, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is approximately $22.4 million and $25.5 million, respectively, compared to its carrying value of $23.9 million and $27.1 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 whose carrying amounts reported in the consolidated condensed balance sheets approximate their fair values.

Basis_of_Presentation_Tables

Basis of Presentation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Fiscal Quarters	'
	The four fiscal quarters in 2014 and 2013 end on the following dates:
		2014	2013
	Quarter 1	March 29,	March 30,
	Quarter 2	June 28,	June 29,
	Quarter 3	September 27,	September 28,
	Quarter 4	December 31,	December 31,

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Long-term Debt	'
	Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):
		27-Sep-14		31-Dec-13
	2013 Credit Agreement - revolving facility	$	—	$	—
	2013 Credit Agreement - U.S. term facility	6,500		8,000
	2013 Credit Agreement - Canadian term facility	12,500		14,000
	Israeli Credit Agreement - revolving facility	—		—
	Exchangeable unsecured notes, due 2102	4,097		4,097
	Other debt	845		976
		23,942		27,073
	Less: current portion	4,882		4,137
		$	19,060	$	22,936

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, consist of the following (in thousands):
		Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Pension			Total
					and Other
					Postretirement
					Actuarial Items
	Balance at January 1, 2014	$	(16,761	)	$	(2,266	)	$	(19,027	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(2,802		)	—			(2,802		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—			79			79
	Balance at September 27, 2014	$	(19,563	)	$	(2,187	)	$	(21,750	)
		Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Pension			Total
					and Other
					Postretirement
					Actuarial Items
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	(11,044	)	$	(3,939	)	$	(14,983	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(5,086		)	—			(5,086		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—			279			279
	Balance at September 28, 2013	$	(16,130	)	$	(3,660	)	$	(19,790	)

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem1

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Net Pension and Other Retirement Plan Costs	'
	The following table sets forth the components of the net periodic benefit cost for the Company's defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans (in thousands):
		Fiscal quarter ended					Fiscal quarter ended
		September 27, 2014					September 28, 2013
		Pension			OPEB		Pension			OPEB
		Plans			Plans		Plans			Plans
	Net service cost	$	106		$	21	$	111		$	18
	Interest cost	238			31		212			24
	Expected return on plan assets	(200		)	—		(149		)	—
	Amortization of actuarial losses	7			9		42			8
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	151		$	61	$	216		$	50
		Nine fiscal months ended September 27, 2014					Nine fiscal months ended September 28, 2013
		Pension			OPEB		Pension			OPEB
		Plans			Plans		Plans			Plans
	Net service cost	$	318		$	63	$	338		$	55
	Interest cost	711			93		640			73
	Expected return on plan assets	(599		)	—		(449		)	—
	Amortization of actuarial losses	21			27		127			22
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	451		$	183	$	656		$	150

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Stock Option Activity	'
	The following table summarizes the Company’s 2014 stock option activity (number of options in thousands):
		Number		Weighted			Weighted
		of		Average			Average
		Options		Exercise			Remaining
				Price			Contractual
							Life (yrs)
	Outstanding:
	Balance at January 1, 2014	27		$	18.06
	Granted	—		—
	Exercised	(4	)	11.92
	Expired/forfeited	(5	)	20.58
	Balance at September 27, 2014	18		$	18.92		2.41
	Exercisable:
	End of period	18		$	18.92
Schedule of RSU Activity	'
	RSU activity for 2014 is presented below (number of RSUs in thousands):
		Number		Weighted
		of		Average
		RSUs		Grant-date
				Fair Value
	Outstanding:
	Balance at January 1, 2014	146		$	14.72
	Granted	112		15.3
	Vested	(22	)	15.84
	Balance at September 27, 2014	236		$	14.89
Schedule of RSUs with Performance-based Vesting	'
	RSUs with performance-based vesting criteria are expected to vest as follows (number of RSUs in thousands):
	Vesting Date		Expected to Vest		Not Expected to Vest		Total
	January 1, 2015		9		29		38
	January 1, 2016		23		24		47
	January 1, 2017		76		—		76
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Expense	'
	The following table summarizes share-based compensation expense recognized (in thousands):
		Fiscal quarter ended						Nine fiscal months ended
		September 27, 2014			September 28, 2013			September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013
	Stock options	$	—		$	—		$	—	$	2
	Restricted stock units	295			225			780		927
	Total	$	295		$	225		$	780	$	929

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting	'
	The following table sets forth reporting segment information (in thousands):
		Fiscal quarter ended						Nine fiscal months ended
		September 27, 2014			September 28, 2013			September 27, 2014			September 28, 2013
	Net third-party revenues:
	Foil Technology Products	$	27,327		$	22,433		$	81,362		$	71,308
	Force Sensors	17,480			16,388			50,893			48,876
	Weighing & Control Systems	18,595			18,908			57,350			57,843
	Total	$	63,402		$	57,729		$	189,605		$	178,027
	Gross profit:
	Foil Technology Products	$	11,305		$	8,235		$	32,420		$	26,731
	Force Sensors	3,940			2,882			11,164			10,586
	Weighing & Control Systems	8,532			8,126			26,937			23,455
	Total	$	23,777		$	19,243		$	70,521		$	60,772
	Reconciliation of segment operating income to consolidated results:
	Foil Technology Products	$	6,748		$	3,912		$	18,490		$	13,926
	Force Sensors	1,457			658			3,956			3,915
	Weighing & Control Systems	2,653			2,464			9,325			7,488
	Unallocated G&A expenses	(6,749		)	(6,276		)	(19,536		)	(19,404		)
	Acquisition costs	—			(57		)	—			(752		)
	Restructuring costs	(144		)	(99		)	(475		)	(487		)
	Consolidated condensed operating income	$	3,965		$	602		$	11,760		$	4,686
	Acquisition costs:
	Weighing & Control Systems	$	—		$	(57	)	$	—		$	(752	)
	Restructuring costs:
	Foil Technology Products	$	(144	)	$	—		$	(144	)	$	(388	)
	Weighing & Control Systems	—			(99		)	(331		)	(99		)
		$	(144	)	$	(99	)	$	(475	)	$	(487	)

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Computation of Basic and Diluted 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 27, 2014			September 28, 2013			September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013
	Numerator:
	Numerator for basic earnings per share:
	Net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders	$	3,119		$	1,466		$	8,286	$	3,163
	Adjustment to the numerator for net earnings:
	Interest savings assuming conversion of dilutive exchangeable notes, net of tax	2			4			5		13
	Numerator for diluted earnings per share:
	Net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders	$	3,121		$	1,470		$	8,291	$	3,176
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per share:
	Weighted average shares	13,757			13,734			13,755		13,504
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Exchangeable notes	181			181			181		355
	Employee stock options	—			1			1		1
	Restricted stock units	39			28			31		80
	Dilutive potential common shares	220			210			213		436
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share:
	Adjusted weighted average shares	13,977			13,944			13,968		13,940
	Basic earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders	$	0.23		$	0.11		$	0.6	$	0.23
	Diluted earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders	$	0.22		$	0.11		$	0.59	$	0.23
Schedule of Antidilutive Effects	'
	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 27, 2014		September 28, 2013			September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013
	Weighted average employee stock options	18		23			18		23

Additional_Financial_Statement1

Additional Financial Statement Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Other Income in Operations	'
	The caption “other” on the consolidated condensed statements of operations consists of the following (in thousands):
		Fiscal quarter ended						Nine fiscal months ended
		September 27, 2014			September 28, 2013			September 27, 2014			September 28, 2013
	Foreign exchange (loss) gain	$	(103	)	$	184		$	(624	)	$	(1,005	)
	Interest income	56			57			176			191
	Other	(34		)	(31		)	(322		)	(259		)
		$	(81	)	$	210		$	(770	)	$	(1,073	)

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value	'
	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
	September 27, 2014
	Assets
	Assets held in rabbi trusts	$	4,660	$	925	$	3,735	$	—
	December 31, 2013
	Assets
	Assets held in rabbi trusts	$	4,678	$	1,087	$	3,591	$	—

Restructuring_Costs_Details

Restructuring Costs (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Jun. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
				people
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring costs	$144,000	$100,000	$99,000	$400,000	$300,000	$475,000	$487,000
Restructuring costs paid	'	'	'	'	'	$200,000	'
Restructuring chargers, statutory retirement allowance, number of employees covered	'	'	'	16	'	'	'

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Effective tax rate	14.20%	'	-171.50%	18.90%	-11.90%
Tax benefit	'	'	$1.30	'	$1.30
Effective income tax rate reconciliation, repatriation of foreign earnings, amount	'	1.9	'	'	'
Effective income tax rate reconciliation, change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance, amount	'	-2	'	'	'
Anticipated change in unrecognized tax benefits, lower bound	0.1	'	'	0.1	'
Anticipated change in unrecognized tax benefits, upper bound	$0.30	'	'	$0.30	'

LongTerm_Debt_Schedule_of_Long

Long-Term Debt (Schedule of Long-term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Exchangeable unsecured notes, due 2102	$4,097	$4,097
Other debt	845	976
Long-Term Debt	23,942	27,073
Less: current portion	4,882	4,137
Long-term debt, less current portion	19,060	22,936
2013 credit agreement - revolving facility	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Secured debt	0	0
2013 credit agreement - U.S. term facility	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Secured debt	6,500	8,000
2013 credit agreement - Canadian term facility	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Secured debt	12,500	14,000
Israeli Credit Agreement - revolving facility	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Secured debt	$0	$0

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance, beginning	($19,027)	($14,983)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-2,802	-5,086
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	79	279
Balance, ending	-21,750	-19,790
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance, beginning	-16,761	-11,044
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-2,802	-5,086
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0
Balance, ending	-19,563	-16,130
Pension and Other Postretirement Actuarial Items	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance, beginning	-2,266	-3,939
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	79	279
Balance, ending	($2,187)	($3,660)

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem2

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. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Pension Plans	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net service cost	$106	$111	$318	$338
Interest cost	238	212	711	640
Expected return on plan assets	-200	-149	-599	-449
Amortization of actuarial losses	7	42	21	127
Net periodic benefit cost	151	216	451	656
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net service cost	21	18	63	55
Interest cost	31	24	93	73
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0	0
Amortization of actuarial losses	9	8	27	22
Net periodic benefit cost	$61	$50	$183	$150

ShareBased_Compensation_Narrat

Share-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	22-May-14	5-May-14	Jan. 29, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	22-May-14	5-May-14
			people		people
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of shares authorized	'	'	'	1,000,000	'	'
Number of shares available for grant	'	'	'	579,134	'	'
Share price (dollars per share)	'	'	'	15.16	'	'
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of executive officers granted options	'	'	3	'	'	'
Percentage of performance based units on total units approved	'	75.00%	75.00%	'	'	'
Vesting percentage by January 1, 2017	'	'	25.00%	'	'	25.00%
Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars)	'	'	$1.20	'	$0.20	$0.30
Number of RSUs Granted	11,235	21,387	79,453	112,000	'	'
Number of Board members granted options	'	'	'	'	3	'
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, award vesting period	'1 year	'3 years	'3 years	'	'	'

ShareBased_Compensation_Schedu

Share-Based Compensation (Schedule of Stock Option Activity) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014
Number of Options	'
Balance, beginning	27
Granted	0
Exercised	-4
Expired/forfeited	-5
Balance, ending	18
Exercisable	18
Weighted Average Exercise Price	'
Balance, beginning (dollars per share)	$18.06
Granted (dollars per share)	$0
Exercised (dollars per share)	$11.92
Expired/forfeited (dollars per share)	$20.58
Balance, ending (dollars per share)	$18.92
Exercisable (dollars per share)	$18.92
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'
Weighted average remaining contractual life (in years)	'2 years 4 months 28 days

ShareBased_Compensation_Schedu1

Share-Based Compensation (Schedule of RSU Activity) (Details) (Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), USD $)	0 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	22-May-14	5-May-14	Jan. 29, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Number of RSUs Balance, beginning	'	'	'	146,000
Number of RSUs Granted	11,235	21,387	79,453	112,000
Number of RSUs Vested	'	'	'	-22,000
Number of RSUs Balance, ending	'	'	'	236,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Grant-date Fair Value Balance, beginning (dollars per share)	'	'	'	$14.72
Weighted Average Grant-date Fair Value Granted (dollars per share)	'	'	'	$15.30
Weighted Average Grant-date Fair Value Vested (dollars per share)	'	'	'	$15.84
Weighted Average Grant-date Fair Value Balance, ending (dollars per share)	'	'	'	$14.89

ShareBased_Compensation_Schedu2

Share-Based Compensation (Schedule of RSUs with Performance-based Vesting) (Details) (Performance Based Restricted Stock Units)	Sep. 27, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Vesting on January 1, 2015	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Expected to Vest	9
Not Expected to Vest	29
Total	38
Vesting on January 1, 2016	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Expected to Vest	23
Not Expected to Vest	24
Total	47
Vesting on January 1, 2017	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Expected to Vest	76
Not Expected to Vest	0
Total	76

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. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Stock options	$0	$0	$0	$2
Restricted stock units	295	225	780	927
Total	$295	$225	$780	$929

Segment_Information_Schedule_o

Segment Information (Schedule of Segment Reporting) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Jun. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net third-party revenues	$63,402	'	$57,729	'	'	$189,605	$178,027
Gross profit	23,777	'	19,243	'	'	70,521	60,772
Segment operating income (loss)	3,965	'	602	'	'	11,760	4,686
Unallocated G&A expenses	-6,749	'	-6,276	'	'	-19,536	-19,404
Acquisition costs	0	'	-57	'	'	0	-752
Restructuring costs	-144	-100	-99	-400	-300	-475	-487
Foil Technology Products	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net third-party revenues	27,327	'	22,433	'	'	81,362	71,308
Gross profit	11,305	'	8,235	'	'	32,420	26,731
Segment operating income (loss)	6,748	'	3,912	'	'	18,490	13,926
Restructuring costs	-144	'	0	'	'	-144	-388
Force Sensors	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net third-party revenues	17,480	'	16,388	'	'	50,893	48,876
Gross profit	3,940	'	2,882	'	'	11,164	10,586
Segment operating income (loss)	1,457	'	658	'	'	3,956	3,915
Weighing and Control Systems	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net third-party revenues	18,595	'	18,908	'	'	57,350	57,843
Gross profit	8,532	'	8,126	'	'	26,937	23,455
Segment operating income (loss)	2,653	'	2,464	'	'	9,325	7,488
Acquisition costs	0	'	-57	'	'	0	-752
Restructuring costs	$0	'	($99)	'	'	($331)	($99)

Segment_Information_Narrative_

Segment Information (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
			segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	$63,402	$57,729	$189,605	$178,027
Number of reportable segments	'	'	3	'
Foil Technology Products	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	27,327	22,433	81,362	71,308
Foil Technology Products | Intersegment Eliminations	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	900	500	2,300	1,400
Force Sensors	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	17,480	16,388	50,893	48,876
Force Sensors | Intersegment Eliminations	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	500	500	1,300	1,700
Weighing and Control Systems	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	18,595	18,908	57,350	57,843
Weighing and Control Systems | Intersegment Eliminations	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	$200	$400	$800	$1,000

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 Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Numerator:	'	'	'	'
Net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders	$3,119	$1,466	$8,286	$3,163
Adjustment to the numerator for net earnings:	'	'	'	'
Interest savings assuming conversion of dilutive exchangeable notes, net of tax	2	4	5	13
Numerator for diluted earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders	$3,121	$1,470	$8,291	$3,176
Denominator:	'	'	'	'
Weighted average shares	13,757	13,734	13,755	13,504
Effect of dilutive securities:	'	'	'	'
Exchangeable notes	181	181	181	355
Employee stock options	0	1	1	1
Restricted stock units	39	28	31	80
Dilutive potential common shares	220	210	213	436
Denominator for diluted earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Adjusted weighted average shares	13,977	13,944	13,968	13,940
Basic earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders	$0.23	$0.11	$0.60	$0.23
Diluted earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders	$0.22	$0.11	$0.59	$0.23

Earnings_Per_Share_Schedule_of

Earnings Per Share (Schedule of Antidilutive Effects) (Details) (Stock Options)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Stock Options	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Weighted average employee stock options	18	23	18	23

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. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Foreign exchange (loss) gain	($103)	$184	($624)	($1,005)
Interest income	56	57	176	191
Other	-34	-31	-322	-259
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)	($81)	$210	($770)	($1,073)

Fair_Value_Measurements_Schedu

Fair Value Measurements (Schedule of Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets held in rabbi trusts	$4,660	$4,678
Level 1 Inputs	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets held in rabbi trusts	925	1,087
Level 2 Inputs	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets held in rabbi trusts	3,735	3,591
Level 3 Inputs	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets held in rabbi trusts	$0	$0

Fair_Value_Measurements_Narrat

Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'
Long-term debt, fair value	$22,400,000	$25,500,000
Long-term debt, carrying value	$23,942,000	$27,073,000