Vishay Precision (VPG) 10-K 11 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 11, 2015	Jun. 28, 2014
Document and Entity Informations [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Vishay Precision Group, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1487952
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Trading Symbol	vpg
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		12,693,625
Entity Well-Known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$210,691

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$79,642	$72,785
Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $171 and $172, respectively	37,514	40,500
Inventories:
Raw materials	15,017	15,223
Work in process	20,498	19,962
Finished goods	18,798	19,788
Inventories, net	54,313	54,973
Deferred income taxes	5,003	4,784
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	10,566	10,500
Total current assets	187,038	183,542
Property and equipment, at cost:
Land	1,893	1,993
Buildings and improvements	50,266	47,793
Machinery and equipment	79,109	75,644
Software	6,837	6,333
Construction in progress	3,786	1,252
Accumulated depreciation	-89,909	-83,692
Property and equipment, net	51,982	49,323
Goodwill	12,788	18,880
Intangible assets, net	17,489	22,458
Other assets	20,590	17,901
Total assets	289,887	292,104
Liabilities and equity
Trade accounts payable	10,371	10,258
Payroll and related expenses	14,252	15,016
Other accrued expenses	16,590	15,814
Income taxes	2,197	615
Current portion of long-term debt	5,120	4,137
Total current liabilities	48,530	45,840
Long-term debt, less current portion	17,713	22,936
Deferred income taxes	1,756	1,259
Other liabilities	7,658	7,738
Accrued pension and other postretirement costs	13,072	10,780
Total liabilities	88,729	88,553
Commitments and contingencies
Equity:
Preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share: authorized - 1,000,000 shares; none issued	0	0
Common stock	1,273	1,271
Capital in excess of par value	189,532	188,424
Retained earnings	36,500	32,647
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-26,452	-19,027
Total Vishay Precision Group, Inc. stockholders' equity	200,924	203,418
Noncontrolling interests	234	133
Total equity	201,158	203,551
Total liabilities and equity	289,887	292,104
Class B Convertible Common Stock
Equity:
Common stock	103	103
Treasury Stock
Equity:
Treasury stock, at cost - 2,000 shares held at December 31, 2014	-32	0
Total equity	($32)	$0

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets [Parenthetical] (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$171	$172
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$1	$1
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.10	$0.10
Common stock, shares authorized	25,000,000	25,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	12,729,837	12,711,692
Treasury Stock, shares	2,000	0
Class B Convertible Common Stock
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.10	$0.10
Common stock, shares authorized	3,000,000	3,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	1,025,176	1,025,176

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net revenues	$250,823	$240,275	$217,616
Costs of products sold	158,699	156,420	142,584
Gross profit	92,124	83,855	75,032
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	77,348	74,521	63,666
Acquisition costs	0	794	275
Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles	5,446	0	0
Restructuring costs	668	538	0
Operating income	8,662	8,002	11,091
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	-868	-1,022	-266
Other	-851	-1,579	-301
Other income (expense) - net	-1,719	-2,601	-567
Income before taxes	6,943	5,401	10,524
Income tax expense (benefit)	2,912	1,054	-1,240
Net earnings	4,031	4,347	11,764
Less: net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	178	56	73
Net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders	$3,853	$4,291	$11,691
Basic earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0.28	$0.32	$0.87
Diluted earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0.28	$0.31	$0.84
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	13,755	13,563	13,367
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	13,977	13,944	13,889

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net earnings	$4,031	$4,347	$11,764
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-4,887	-5,718	-1
Pension and other postretirement actuarial items	-2,538	1,674	-1,009
Other comprehensive loss	-7,425	-4,044	-1,010
Comprehensive (loss) income	-3,394	303	10,754
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	178	56	73
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to VPG stockholders	($3,572)	$247	$10,681

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating activities
Net earnings	$4,031	$4,347	$11,764
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities
Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles	5,446	0	0
Depreciation and amortization	11,677	11,990	11,661
Loss on disposal of property and equipment	63	41	158
Share-based compensation expense	1,008	743	1,170
Inventory write-offs for obsolescence	1,290	951	1,444
Deferred income taxes	-3,392	-2,324	-4,871
Other	3,210	112	-45
Net changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisition
Accounts receivable	513	-6,773	5,313
Inventories	-1,229	4,738	-1,643
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-158	349	-611
Trade accounts payable	526	252	-2,235
Other current liabilities	1,009	171	-1,011
Net cash provided by operating activities	23,994	14,597	21,094
Investing activities
Capital expenditures	-9,759	-6,748	-8,322
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	83	81	360
Purchase of business	0	-48,919	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-9,676	-55,586	-7,962
Financing activities
Proceeds from long-term debt	0	25,000	0
Principal payments on long-term debt	-4,137	-3,148	-181
Debt issuance costs	0	-384	0
Purchase of treasury stock	-32	0	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-77	-82	-67
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation plan	5	0	0
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-4,241	21,386	-248
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-3,220	-1,493	169
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	6,857	-21,096	13,053
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	72,785	93,881	80,828
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	79,642	72,785	93,881
Conversion of exchangeable notes to common stock	$0	$5,861	$0

Consolidated_Statements_of_Equ

Consolidated Statements of Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Class B Convertible Common Stock	Treasury Stock	Capital In Excess Of Par Value	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Total VPG Inc. Stockholders' Equity	Noncontrolling Interest
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance at beginning at Dec. 31, 2011	$184,938	$1,232	$103	$0	$180,758	$16,665	($13,973)	$184,785	$153
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	11,764					11,691		11,691	73
Other comprehensive loss	-1,010						-1,010	-1,010
Share-based compensation expense	786				786			786
Restricted stock issuances (25,104, 106,283 and 20,145 shares in 2012, 2013 and 2014)	397	3			394			397
Common stock issuance from conversion of exchangeable notes (259,687 shares)	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-67								-67
Balance at end at Dec. 31, 2012	196,808	1,235	103	0	181,938	28,356	-14,983	196,649	159
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	4,347					4,291		4,291	56
Other comprehensive loss	-4,044						-4,044	-4,044
Share-based compensation expense	359				359			359
Restricted stock issuances (25,104, 106,283 and 20,145 shares in 2012, 2013 and 2014)	302	10			292			302
Common stock issuance from conversion of exchangeable notes (259,687 shares)	5,861	26			5,835			5,861
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-82								-82
Balance at end at Dec. 31, 2013	203,551	1,271	103	0	188,424	32,647	-19,027	203,418	133
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	4,031					3,853		3,853	178
Other comprehensive loss	-7,425						-7,425	-7,425
Share-based compensation expense	864				864			864
Restricted stock issuances (25,104, 106,283 and 20,145 shares in 2012, 2013 and 2014)	241	2			239			241
Common stock issuance from conversion of exchangeable notes (259,687 shares)	0
Purchase of treasury stock (2,000 shares)	-32			-32				-32
Tax effects of share-based compensation plan	5				5			5
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-77								-77
Balance at end at Dec. 31, 2014	$201,158	$1,273	$103	($32)	$189,532	$36,500	($26,452)	$200,924	$234

Consolidated_Statements_of_Equ1

Consolidated Statements of Equity [Parenthetical]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Purchase of treasury stock, shares	2,000
Common Stock
Restricted stock issuances (in shares)	20,145	106,283	25,104
Common stock issuance from conversion of convertible notes		259,687

Background_and_Summary_of_Sign

Background and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Background and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Background and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Background
	Vishay Precision Group, Inc. (“VPG” or the “Company”) is an internationally recognized designer, manufacturer and marketer of sensors, and sensor-based measurement systems, as well as specialty resistors and strain gages based upon the Company's proprietary technology. The Company provides precision products and solutions, many of which are “designed-in” by its customers, specializing in the growing markets of stress, force, weight, pressure, and current measurements.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the individual entities in which the Company maintained a controlling financial interest. For those subsidiaries in which the Company’s ownership is less than 100 percent, the outside stockholders’ interests are shown as noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
	All transactions, accounts, and profits between individual members comprising the Company have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.
	Revenue Recognition
	The Company recognizes revenue on product sales during the period when the sales process is complete. This generally occurs when products are shipped to the customer in accordance with terms of an agreement of sale, title and risk of loss have been transferred, collectability is reasonably assured, and pricing is fixed or determinable. For sales where title and risk of loss pass at the point of delivery, the Company recognizes revenue upon delivery to the customer, assuming all other criteria for revenue recognition are met.
	The Company has post-shipment obligations, such as customer acceptance, training, or installation, with respect to some of its larger systems products. In such circumstances, revenue is deferred until the obligation has been completed, unless such obligation is deemed inconsequential or perfunctory.
	Given the specialized nature of the Company’s products, it generally does not allow product returns.
	Shipping and Handling Costs
	Shipping and handling costs are included in costs of products sold.
	Research and Development Expenses
	Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. The amount charged to expense for research and development was $10.1 million, $9.3 million, and $6.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The Company spends additional amounts for the development of machinery and equipment for new processes, and for cost reduction measures.
	Income Taxes
	The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
	The Company records net deferred tax assets to the extent it believes these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such a determination, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies and results of recent operations. In the event the Company were to determine that it would be able to realize its deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, the Company would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income tax.
	The Company records uncertain tax positions in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 740, Income Taxes, on the basis of a two-step process whereby the Company first determines whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained based on the technical merits of the position and then measures those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold. The Company recognizes the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the tax authority.
	The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the income tax expense line in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Accrued interest and penalties are included within the related tax liability line in the consolidated balance sheets.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include demand deposits and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased. Highly liquid investments with maturities greater than three months are classified as short-term investments. There were no investments classified as short-term investments at December 31, 2014 or 2013.
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. The allowance is determined through an analysis of the aging of accounts receivable and assessments of risk that are based on historical trends and an evaluation of the impact of current and projected economic conditions. The Company evaluates the past-due status of its trade receivables based on contractual terms of sale. If the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $0.2 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Bad debt expense was $0.2 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.
	Inventories
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, determined by the first-in, first-out method, or market based on net realizable value. Inventories are adjusted for estimated excess and obsolescence and written down to net realizable value based upon estimates of future demand, technology developments, and market conditions.
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment is carried at cost and is depreciated principally by the straight-line method based upon the estimated useful lives of the assets. Machinery and equipment are being depreciated over useful lives of seven to ten years. Buildings and building improvements are being depreciated over useful lives of twenty to forty years or the life of the leased property. Software is being depreciated over useful lives of three to five years. Construction in progress is not depreciated until the assets are placed in service. Depreciation expense was $9.0 million, $9.0 million, and $8.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, which included software depreciation expense of $1.0 million, $0.9 million, and $0.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Business Combinations
	The purchase price of an acquired company is allocated between identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired, and liabilities assumed, from the acquired business based on their estimated fair values, with the residual of the purchase price recorded as goodwill. The results of operations of the acquired businesses are included in the Company's consolidated statement of operations from the dates of acquisition.
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill and indefinite-lived trade names are tested for impairment at least annually, and whenever events or changes in circumstances occur indicating that a possible impairment may have been incurred. The Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining if it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. However, if the Company concludes otherwise, then the Company is required to perform the first step of the two-step impairment test by calculating the fair value of the reporting unit and comparing it against its carrying amount. These estimated fair values are based on financial projections, certain cash flow measures, and market information. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, then the Company is required to perform the second step of the goodwill impairment. To measure the amount of the impairment, the Company determines the implied fair value of goodwill in the same manner as if the Company had acquired those reporting units. Specifically, the Company must allocate the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets of that unit, including any unrecognized intangible assets, in a hypothetical calculation that would yield the implied fair value of goodwill. The impairment loss is measured as the difference between the book value of the goodwill and the implied fair value of the goodwill computed in step two.
	The Company's required goodwill annual impairment test is completed as of the first day of the fourth fiscal quarter each year. As more fully described in Note 4, the impairment test for 2014 resulted in the Company recording an impairment charge in the fourth quarter of 2014. There was no impairment identified through the annual impairment test which was completed in 2013.
	The indefinite-lived trade names are tested for impairment by comparing the carrying value to the fair value based on current revenue projections of the related operations, under the relief from royalty method. Any excess carrying value over the applicable fair value is recognized as impairment. Any impairment would be recognized in the reporting period in which it has been identified. There was no impairment identified through the annual impairment tests completed in 2014 or 2013. Included in the Company's patents and acquired technology is an in-process research and development project acquired as part of the acquisition of the George Kelk Corporation ("KELK"). Until this project is ready for sale, it is analyzed as an indefinite-lived intangible asset. The Company's required annual indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment test is completed as of the first day of the fourth fiscal quarter each year. As more fully described in Note 4, the impairment test for 2014 resulted in the Company recording an impairment charge in the fourth quarter of 2014. There was no impairment identified through the annual impairment test which was completed in 2013.
	Definite-lived assets, such as customer relationships, patents and acquired technology, non-competition agreements, and certain trade names are amortized on a straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. Patents and acquired technology are being amortized over useful lives of seven to twenty years. Customer relationships are being amortized over useful lives of five to fifteen years. Trade names are being amortized over useful lives of seven to ten years. Non-competition agreements are being amortized over periods of five to ten years. The Company continually evaluates the reasonableness of the useful lives of these assets. Additionally, the Company reviews the carrying values of these assets for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable based on undiscounted estimated cash flows expected to result from its use and eventual disposition.
	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	The carrying value of long-lived assets held-and-used, other than goodwill and other intangible assets, is evaluated when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. The carrying value of a long-lived asset group is considered impaired when the total projected undiscounted cash flows from such asset group are separately identifiable and are less than the carrying value. In that event, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair market value of the long-lived asset group. Fair market value is determined primarily using present value techniques based on projected cash flows from the asset group. Losses on long-lived assets held-for-sale, other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, are determined in a similar manner, except that fair market values are reduced for disposal costs.
	Foreign Currency Translation
	The Company has significant operations outside of the United States. The Company's operations in Europe, Canada, and certain locations in Asia primarily generate and expend cash in local currencies, and accordingly, these subsidiaries utilize the local currency as their functional currency. The Company’s operations in Israel and certain locations in Asia primarily generate cash in U.S. dollars, and accordingly, these subsidiaries utilize the U.S. dollar as their functional currency.
	For those subsidiaries where the local currency is the functional currency, assets and liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets have been translated at the rate of exchange as of the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate for the year. Translation adjustments do not impact the consolidated statements of operations and are reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in the results of operations.
	For those foreign subsidiaries where the U.S. dollar is the functional currency, all foreign currency financial statement amounts are remeasured into U.S. dollars. Exchange gains and losses arising from remeasurement of foreign currency-denominated monetary assets and liabilities are included in the consolidated statements of operations.
	Share-Based Compensation
	Compensation costs related to share-based payments are recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The amount of compensation cost is measured based on the grant-date fair value of the equity instruments issued. Compensation cost is recognized over the period that an officer, employee, or non-employee director provides service in exchange for the award. For performance based awards, the Company recognizes compensation cost for awards that are expected to vest and for which performance criteria are expected to be met. For options and restricted stock units subject to graded vesting, the Company recognizes expense over the service period for each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award was comprised of multiple awards.
	Reclassifications
	Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current financial statement presentation.
	Commitments and Contingencies
	Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines, penalties, and other sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the assessment and/or remediation can be reasonably estimated.
	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.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	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.
	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 the United States, at which it leases space to VPG. Through July 2014, Vishay Intertechnology also leased a location in Israel to VPG. Lease receipts and payments related to the shared facilities are immaterial.

Acquisition_Activity

Acquisition Activity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisition Activity	Acquisition Activity
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	George Kelk Corporation
	On January 31, 2013, the Company and its indirectly wholly owned subsidiary, Vishay Precision Group Canada ULC (“VPG Canada”), completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of the George Kelk Corporation, based in Toronto, Canada, for an aggregate purchase price of $49.0 million (CDN) ($49.0 million USD). 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. 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 statement of operations were as follows (in thousands):
		Year ended
		December 31,
		2013
	Net revenues	$	31,114
	Net loss attributable to VPG stockholders (a)	$	(1,323	)
	(a)	The net 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 fair values assigned to the assets and liabilities as of the January 31, 2013 acquisition date (in thousands):
	Working capital (a)	$	7,400
	Property and equipment	2,100
	Intangible assets:
	Patents and acquired technology	4,300
	Non-competition agreements	200
	Customer relationships	12,200
	In-process research and development	1,000
	Trade names	1,600
	Total intangible assets	19,300
	Fair value of acquired identifiable assets	28,800
	Purchase price	$	49,000
	Goodwill	$	20,200
	(a)	Working capital accounts include accounts receivable, inventory, prepaid expenses and other current assets, net deferred tax assets, trade accounts payable, accrued payroll, other accrued expenses, and non-current deferred tax liability.
	The weighted average useful lives for patents and acquired technology, non-competition agreements and customer relationships are 17, 5, and 15 years, respectively. In-process research and development and trade names are treated as indefinite-lived intangible assets.
	Seventy-five percent of the goodwill associated with this transaction is deductible for income tax purposes.
	The Company recorded acquisition costs in its consolidated statements of operations as follows (in thousands):
		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013		2012
	Accounting and legal fees	$	—		$	652	$	184
	Appraisal fees	—			84		20
	Other	—			58		71
		$	—		$	794	$	275
	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):
		Year ended December 31,
		2012
	Pro forma net revenues	$	247,200
	Pro forma net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders	$	10,534
	Pro forma basic earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders	$	0.79
	Pro forma diluted earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders	$	0.76
	The pro forma information presented for the year ended December 31, 2012 includes adjustments for interest expense that would have been incurred to finance the acquisition of $0.8 million, the amortization of intangible assets of $0.9 million, acquisition costs of $0.8 million and the fair market value adjustments associated with inventory and advance customer payments of $4.9 million. 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. Pro forma information for the year ended December 31, 2013 is not presented as it would not be materially different than the consolidated statement of operations presented.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of businesses acquired over the fair value of the net assets acquired at the date of acquisition. The Company performed the first step of the two-step impairment test as of the first day of the fiscal 2014 fourth quarter by calculating the fair value of its only reporting unit having goodwill and comparing it against its carrying amount. The Company estimated the fair value of its reporting unit by considering both an income approach and a market approach to valuation. The income approach to valuation used the Company’s estimates of the future cash flows of the reporting unit discounted to their net present value using a discount rate determined using the capital asset pricing model and adjusted for the forecast risk inherent in the Company’s projections of future cash flows. The income approach to valuation is dependent on inputs from management such as expected revenue growth, profitability, capital expenditures and working capital requirements. The market approach to valuation used the market capitalization of public companies similar to the reporting unit to calculate an implied EBITDA multiple, and the Company applied that calculated EBITDA multiple to the expected EBITDA of the reporting unit to estimate the fair value of the reporting unit, after consideration of appropriate control premiums. Both of these approaches to estimating the fair value of the Company’s reporting unit with goodwill use inputs that are considered “Level 3” inputs to the fair value estimate (see Note 15 for a definition of Level 3 valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy). The Company equally weighed the results of the income approach and the market approach to arrive at the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. After completing step one, the Company determined that the carrying amount of its reporting unit with goodwill exceeded its fair value. Therefore, the Company was required to perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test. After completing the second step of the goodwill impairment test, as described in Note 1, the Company determined that goodwill was impaired and recorded a $4.6 million impairment charge in the fourth quarter of 2014. There has been a slow-down in the steel industry due to excess capacity, particularly in China, which has impacted the reporting unit, where demand is currently lower.
	To measure the amount of the impairment, the Company determined the implied fair value of goodwill in the same manner as if the Company had acquired that reporting unit. The Company allocated the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets of that unit, including any unrecognized intangible assets, in a hypothetical calculation that yielded the implied fair value of goodwill. The impairment loss is measured as the difference between the book value of the goodwill and the implied fair value of the goodwill computed in step two.
	The determination of the fair value of the reporting unit and the allocation of that value to individual assets and liabilities within the reporting unit requires the Company to make significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions include the selection of appropriate peer group companies, control premiums appropriate for acquisitions in the industries in which the Company competes, the discount rate, terminal growth rates, and forecasts of revenue, operating income, depreciation and amortization, and capital expenditures.
	Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making these estimates, actual financial results could differ from those estimates. Changes in assumptions concerning future financial results or other underlying assumptions could have a significant impact on either the fair value of the reporting unit or the amount of the goodwill impairment charges.
	The change in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment is as follows (in thousands):
		Weighing and Control Systems Segment			Total
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	—		$	—
	Goodwill acquired in the KELK acquisition	20,200			20,200
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	(1,320		)	(1,320		)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	18,880		$	18,880
	Impairment charges	(4,612		)	(4,612		)
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	(1,480		)	(1,480		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	12,788			12,788
	Intangible assets were as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Intangible assets subject to amortization
	(Definite-lived):
	Patents and acquired technology	$	7,599		$	8,091
	Customer relationships	16,734			17,897
	Trade names	1,722			1,846
	Non-competition agreements	11,687			12,921
		37,742			40,755
	Accumulated amortization:
	Patents and acquired technology	(3,477		)	(3,240		)
	Customer relationships	(6,664		)	(5,750		)
	Trade names	(1,677		)	(1,719		)
	Non-competition agreements	(9,906		)	(10,019		)
		(21,724		)	(20,728		)
	Net intangible assets subject to amortization	$	16,018		$	20,027
	Intangible assets not subject to amortization
	(Indefinite-lived):
	Trade names	1,376			1,496
	In-process research and development	95			935
		$	17,489		$	22,458
	Certain intangible assets are subject to foreign currency translation.
	The Company has performed its annual impairment test on the indefinite-lived trade names as of the first day of the fiscal 2014 fourth quarter and has determined that there was no impairment.
	The Company has performed its annual impairment test on the indefinite-lived in-process research and development ("IPRD") asset as of the first day of the fiscal 2014 fourth quarter. Given the current economic conditions in the steel industry, the revenue projections have come down significantly for this product, thereby impacting its fair value. The impairment test for 2014 resulted in the Company recording an impairment charge in the fourth quarter of 2014 of $0.8 million. The value of IPRD was determined using an income approach to valuation, whereby the Company estimated the future cash flows associated with the IPRD and discounted those cash flows back to their net present value using a discount rate of 15.5%, determined using the capital asset pricing model and adjusted for the forecast risk inherent in the Company’s projections of cash flows associated with this asset. The Company’s estimates of cash flows include revenues to be generated by the products supported by the IPRD and the expected profits on those product sales. This approach to determining the fair value of the IPRD uses inputs that are considered Level 3 inputs to the fair value estimate.
	Amortization expense was $2.6 million, $3.0 million, and $2.8 million, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Estimated annual amortization expense for each of the next five years is as follows (in thousands):
	2015	$	2,104
	2016	1,464
	2017	1,468
	2018	1,240
	2019	1,052
	As part of certain acquisitions, the Company entered into non-competition agreements with certain employees, former employees, and owners of acquired companies. Some payments under these agreements are made over the non-competition period. Pursuant to these agreements, at December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had liabilities of $0.2 million and $0.6 million, respectively, recorded in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

Restructuring_Costs

Restructuring Costs	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 $0.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2014. This included two cost reduction programs implemented by the Company.
	Restructuring costs of $0.5 million 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 December 31, 2014, $0.3 million of the restructuring costs have been paid. The remaining costs are recorded within other accrued expenses on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet, and are expected to be paid during the first quarter of 2015.
	Restructuring costs of $0.2 million 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 December 31, 2014, $0.1 million of the restructuring costs have been paid. The remaining costs are recorded within other accrued expenses on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet, and are expected to be paid during the first quarter of 2015.
	The Company recorded restructuring costs of $0.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2013. This included two cost reduction programs implemented by the Company.
	Restructuring costs of $0.4 million 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.
	Restructuring costs of $0.1 million 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. The restructuring costs were fully paid in the first quarter of 2014.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	For financial reporting purposes, income before taxes includes the following components (in thousands):
		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Domestic	$	(2,688	)	$	(4,857	)	$	(2,105	)
	Foreign	9,631			10,258			12,629
		$	6,943		$	5,401		$	10,524
	The expense (benefit) for income taxes is comprised of (in thousands):
		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	2,007		$	41		$	(40	)
	State and local	45			156			220
	Foreign	4,252			3,181			3,451
		6,304			3,378			3,631
	Deferred:
	Federal	(3,169		)	425			(394		)
	State and local	(33		)	(41		)	(78		)
	Foreign	(190		)	(2,708		)	(4,399		)
		(3,392		)	(2,324		)	(4,871		)
	Total income tax expense (benefit)	$	2,912		$	1,054		$	(1,240	)
	A reconciliation of income tax expense (benefit) at the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to actual income tax provision is as follows (in thousands):
		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Tax at statutory rate	$	2,430		$	1,890		$	3,683
	State income taxes, net of U.S. federal tax benefit	8			76			94
	Effect of foreign operations	(1,022		)	(1,673		)	(1,979		)
	Residual U.S. tax on foreign earnings	2,426			(190		)	(2		)
	Change in valuation allowance	(1,361		)	2,113			(3,163		)
	Change in unrecognized tax benefits, net	273			150			45
	Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles	303			—			—
	Specialty tax credits	(362		)	(341		)	(73		)
	Statutory rate changes	(166		)	(1,324		)	220
	Other	383			353			(65		)
	Total income tax expense (benefit)	$	2,912		$	1,054		$	(1,240	)
	Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Pension and other postretirement costs	$	5,093		$	4,240
	Inventories	1,817			2,122
	Net operating/capital loss carryforwards	7,362			7,555
	Tax credit carryforwards	4,550			3,096
	Deferred compensation	2,055			1,993
	Other accruals and reserves	3,533			3,252
	Total gross deferred tax assets	24,410			22,258
	Less: valuation allowance	(5,768		)	(5,249		)
		18,642			17,009
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Tax over book depreciation	(1,628		)	(645		)
	Intangible assets, including tax deductible goodwill	(193		)	(1,574		)
	Total gross deferred tax liabilities	(1,821		)	(2,219		)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	16,821		$	14,790
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had tax credit carryforwards of $4.6 million and $3.1 million, respectively. The primary component of the 2014 and 2013 carryforward relates to U.S. foreign tax credits. In 2014, VPG concluded a legal reorganization of certain of the Company’s Asian subsidiaries.  This reorganization caused the Company to record a tax expense, net of current year foreign tax credits, of $2.4 million.  However, this reorganization enabled the Company to reverse $1.6 million worth of a valuation allowance recorded on previously valued U.S. foreign tax credits. The Company has completed the appropriate weighing of positive and negative evidence as required by ASC 740 and determined that the realization of the entire foreign tax credit carryforward is not more likely than not to be realized before its expiration, therefore the Company has recorded a $0.4 million and $2.0 million valuation allowance as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable, however, could be adjusted if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced or increased, or if objective negative evidence continues, in the form of generating excess foreign tax credits while not utilizing existing credit carryforwards, could cause a revaluation of potential future utilization. A portion of the U.S. foreign tax credit carryforward will begin to expire in 2020.
	At December 31, 2014, the Company had the following significant deferred tax assets for net operating/capital loss carryforwards for tax purposes (in thousands):
		December 31,
	Jurisdiction	2014			Begin to Expire
	Israel	$	2,704		No expiration
	Israel - capital losses	1,797			No expiration
	Netherlands	247			2021
	United States - state	2,460			2023
	A valuation allowance is required when it is more likely than not that all, or a portion of, a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company assesses the available positive and negative evidence to estimate if sufficient future taxable income will be generated to use the existing deferred tax assets. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable, however, could be adjusted if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced or increased, or if objective negative evidence, in the form of cumulative losses, is no longer present and additional weight may be given to subjective evidence, such as projections for growth. An example of significant objective negative evidence is a three year cumulative loss incurred as of the balance sheet date. Such objective evidence limits the ability to consider other subjective evidence, such as the projections for future growth. The Company has recorded a valuation allowance against certain jurisdictional net operating loss carryforwards and other tax attributes. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the valuation allowance was $5.8 million and $5.2 million, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company increased its valuation allowance in the amount of $0.5 million and $2.4 million, respectively. The net increase in the Company’s valuation allowance as of December 31, 2014 is mainly attributable to the decrease of $1.6 million of the valuation allowance on a portion of the U.S. foreign tax credit carryforward, offset by the recording of a $1.8 million valuation allowance on Israeli capital loss carryforwards. The significant increase in the Company’s valuation allowance in 2013 was due to the recording of a $2.0 million valuation allowance on a portion of the U.S. foreign tax credit carryforward. The Company believes that there is not sufficient positive evidence existing as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, to conclude that it is more likely than not that this portion of the foreign tax credit carryforward will be realized before its expiration and thus has recorded a valuation allowance accordingly.
	At December 31, 2014, the Company had the following significant valuation allowances for tax purposes (in thousands):
		December 31,
Jurisdiction	2014
Israel	$	1,799
Netherlands	247
United States	3,400
Undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries amounted to approximately $101.5 million at December 31, 2014, versus $103.5 million at December 31, 2013. The majority of undistributed earnings are considered to be indefinitely reinvested; accordingly, no provision has been made for U.S. federal and state income taxes. Upon repatriation of those earnings, in the form of dividends or otherwise, the Company would be subject to U.S. income taxes (subject to an adjustment for foreign tax credits), state income taxes, incremental foreign income taxes, and withholding taxes payable to the various foreign countries. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred U.S. income tax liability is not practicable because of the complexities associated with the hypothetical calculation; however, unrecognized foreign tax credit carryforwards would be available to reduce some portion of the U.S. liability. Withholding taxes of approximately $13.8 million would be payable upon remittance of all previously unremitted earnings at December 31, 2014.
Net income taxes paid were $3.1 million, $3.4 million and $5.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to income taxes in the U.S., various states and numerous foreign jurisdictions with varying statutes as to which tax years are subject to examination by the tax authorities. The Company has taken positions on its tax returns that may be challenged by domestic and foreign tax authorities for which reserves have been established for tax-related uncertainties. These accruals for tax-related uncertainties are based on the Company’s best estimate of potential tax exposures. When particular matters arise, a number of years may elapse before such matters are audited and finally resolved. Favorable resolution of such matters could be recognized as a reduction to the Company’s effective tax rate in the year of resolution. Unfavorable resolution of any particular issue could increase the effective tax rate and may require the use of cash in the year of resolution.
As a former member of Vishay Intertechnology’s worldwide group, the Company has joint and several liability with Vishay Intertechnology to multiple tax authorities until the statute of limitations has lapsed for these tax years. However, under the terms of the Tax Matters Agreement, Vishay Intertechnology has agreed to assume this liability and any similar liability for U.S. federal, state or local, and foreign income taxes that are determined on a separate company, consolidated, combined, unitary, or similar basis for each taxable period in which VPG was a part of Vishay Intertechnology’s affiliated group.
Under the Tax Matters Agreement, Vishay Intertechnology is contractually obligated for any increase in contingent income tax liabilities recorded in connection with the Company’s uncertain tax positions, which were previously taken by Vishay Intertechnology on its tax returns with respect to a VPG entity up to the date of the spin-off. As of December 31, 2014, the Company recorded in its consolidated balance sheet, a gross tax liability of $0.5 million (including accrued interest and penalties) related to these tax positions in other liabilities with a corresponding receivable from Vishay Intertechnology recorded in other assets.
The following table summarizes changes in the Company's gross liabilities, excluding interest and penalties, associated with unrecognized tax benefits (in thousands):
	December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Balance at beginning of year	$	1,192		$	1,101		$	1,431
Addition based on tax positions related to current year	136			53			198
Addition based on tax positions related to prior years	180			78			99
Currency translation adjustments	(100		)	38			—
Reduction for lapses of statute of limitations	(56		)	(78		)	(627		)
Balance before indemnification receivable	1,352			1,192			1,101
Receivable from Vishay Intertechnology for indemnification	(281		)	(350		)	(338		)
Balance at end of year	$	1,071		$	842		$	763
The Company recognizes accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits and penalties as a component of income tax expense. Related to the unrecognized tax benefits noted above, the Company accrued total penalties and interest of $0.5 million as of December 31, 2014, of which total accrued penalties and interest of $0.3 million are recorded within the indemnification receivable. As of December 31, 2013, and December 31, 2012, the Company accrued total penalties and interest of $0.5 million, of which $0.4 million was recorded within the indemnification receivable from Vishay Intertechnology, respectively.
Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, is $1.4 million, $1.2 million and $1.1 million, respectively, of tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate. The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that an increase in unrecognized tax benefits related to foreign exposures of between $0.1 million and $0.2 million may be necessary within the coming year. As of December 31, 2014, the Company anticipates that it is reasonably possible that approximately $0.1 million to $0.3 million of its current unrecognized tax benefits may be reversed within the next twelve months of the balance sheet date due to the expiration of statutes of limitation in certain jurisdictions. In addition, the Company believes it is reasonably possible that approximately $0.4 million to $0.6 million of current unrecognized tax benefits may be realized within the next twelve months of the balance sheet date as the result of a cash payment made to the taxing authorities. The unrecognized tax benefits that are anticipated to be reversed due to statute lapses are covered by the Tax Matters Agreement. Upon reversal, the Company will recognize a component of pretax expense associated with the reversal of a portion of the indemnification receivable, and an income tax benefit associated with the reversal of the unrecognized tax benefit.
The Company and its subsidiaries file U.S. federal income tax returns, as well as income tax returns in multiple U.S. state and local and foreign jurisdictions. The Company files income tax returns on a combined, unitary, or stand-alone basis in multiple state and local jurisdictions, which generally have statutes of limitations ranging from 3 to 4 years. Additionally, the Company's foreign subsidiaries file income tax returns in the countries in which they have operations. Generally, these countries have statutes of limitations ranging from 3 to 10 years.
Currently, the Company has an ongoing income tax audit in India for the 2010 through 2013 tax years. As a consequence of an on-going Vishay Intertechnology audit, the Company’s Israeli subsidiary may also be subject to audit for the 2008 through 2010 tax years.

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	Long-Term Debt
	Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014		2013
	2013 Credit Agreement - revolving facility	$	—	$	—
	2013 Credit Agreement - U.S. term facility	6,000		8,000
	2013 Credit Agreement - Canadian term facility	12,000		14,000
	Israeli Credit Agreement - revolving facility	—		—
	Exchangeable unsecured notes, due 2102	4,097		4,097
	Other debt	736		976
		22,833		27,073
	Less: current portion	5,120		4,137
		$	17,713	$	22,936
	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, 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 were 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 its U.S. and Canadian subsidiaries, 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 commitment 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 total interest rate was 2.76% at December 31, 2014.
	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 December 31, 2014. 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 Agreement
	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 terminated on November 30, 2014.
	Interest payable on the VAT Revolving Facility was based upon LIBOR (“VAT Base Rate”). An interest rate margin of 2.15% per annum was 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, was required to pay a quarterly fee of 0.40% per annum on the unused portion of the VAT Revolving Facility. The total interest rate was 2.40% at December 31, 2013.
	Other Lines of Credit
	In addition to the 2013 Revolving Facility and the VAT Revolving Facility discussed above, certain subsidiaries of the Company had committed short-term lines of credit with various foreign banks aggregating approximately $3.9 million and $4.0 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. There are no outstanding balances related to these arrangements.
	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 13).
	The notes bear interest at LIBOR. Interest is payable quarterly on March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 of each calendar year. The total interest rate was 0.26% at December 31, 2014.
	Other Debt
	Other debt consists of debt held by VPG’s Japanese subsidiary and is payable monthly over the next 7 years at a zero percent interest rate.
	Aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt are as follows (in thousands):
	2015	$	5,120
	2016	6,120
	2017	7,120
	2018	120
	2019	120
	Thereafter	4,233
	Interest paid on third-party debt was $0.8 million, $0.7 million and $0.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2014, December 31, 2013, and December 31, 2012, respectively.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholders’ Equity
	The Company’s Class B convertible common stock carries ten votes per share. The common stock carries one vote per share. Class B shares are transferable only to certain permitted transferees while the common stock is freely transferable. Class B shares are convertible on a one-for-one basis at any time into shares of common stock. Transfers of Class B shares other than to permitted transferees result in the automatic conversion of the Class B shares into common stock.
	The Board of Directors may only declare dividends or other distributions with respect to the common stock or the Class B convertible common stock if it grants such dividends or distributions in the same amount per share with respect to the other class of stock. As discussed in Note 7, the Company is restricted from paying cash dividends. Stock dividends or distributions, on any class of stock, are payable only in shares of stock of that class. Shares of either common stock or Class B convertible common stock cannot be split, divided, or combined unless the other is also split, divided, or combined equally.
	The Board of Directors is authorized, without further stockholder approval, to issue from time to time up to an aggregate of 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series. The Board of Directors may fix or alter the designation, preferences, rights and any qualification, limitations, restrictions of the shares of any series, including the dividend rights, dividend rates, conversion rights, voting rights, redemption terms and prices, liquidation preferences and the number of shares constituting any series. No shares of the Company’s preferred stock are currently outstanding.
	On September 23, 2014, the Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase plan, authorizing the Company to repurchase, in the aggregate, up to 500,000 shares of its outstanding common stock. The stock repurchase plan will expire in September 2015. The stock repurchase plan does not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of common stock, and it may be terminated or suspended at any time at the Company's direction. At December 31, 2014, the Company has repurchased 2,000 shares of its common stock.
	Issuance of Stock Purchase Warrants of Vishay Precision Group, Inc.
	Effective July 6, 2010, the Company issued 630,252 warrants to acquire shares of VPG common stock to holders of Vishay Intertechnology warrants pursuant to a warrant agreement entered into by Vishay Intertechnology and its transfer agent dated December 13, 2002. In accordance with the terms of the 2002 warrant agreement, the exercise prices of these warrants were determined based on the relative trading prices of Vishay Intertechnology and VPG common stock on the ten trading days following the spin-off. Of these warrants, 500,000 had an exercise price of $26.56 per share and 130,252 had an exercise price of $40.23 per share. These warrants expired in December 2012.
	Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	The cumulative balance of each component of other comprehensive income (loss) and the income tax effects allocated to each component are as follows (in thousands):
		Beginning			Before-Tax			Tax			Net-of-Tax			Ending
		Balance			Amount			Effect			Amount			Balance
	December 31, 2012
	Pension and other postretirement actuarial items	$	(2,931	)	$	(1,474	)	$	355		$	(1,119	)	$	(4,050	)
	Reclassification adjustment for recognition of actuarial items				161			(51		)	110			110
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	(11,042		)	(1		)	—			(1		)	(11,043		)
		$	(13,973	)	$	(1,314	)	$	304		$	(1,010	)	$	(14,983	)
	December 31, 2013
	Pension and other postretirement actuarial items	$	(3,940	)	$	1,888		$	(353	)	$	1,535		$	(2,405	)
	Reclassification adjustment for recognition of actuarial items				191			(52		)	139			139
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	(11,043		)	(5,718		)	—			(5,718		)	(16,761		)
		$	(14,983	)	$	(3,639	)	$	(405	)	$	(4,044	)	$	(19,027	)
	December 31, 2014
	Pension and other postretirement actuarial items	$	(2,266	)	$	(3,357	)	$	782		$	(2,575	)	$	(4,841	)
	Reclassification adjustment for recognition of actuarial items				60			(23		)	37			37
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	(16,761		)	(4,887		)	—			(4,887		)	(21,648		)
		$	(19,027	)	$	(8,184	)	$	759		$	(7,425	)	$	(26,452	)
	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).

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits
	Defined Benefit Plans
	Employees of the Company participate in various defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans.
	U.S. Pension Plan
	The Vishay Precision Group Nonqualified Retirement Plan, like all nonqualified plans, is considered to be unfunded. The Company maintains a nonqualified trust, referred to as a “rabbi” trust, to fund benefits under this plan. Rabbi trust assets are subject to creditor claims under certain conditions and are not the property of employees. Therefore, they are accounted for as other noncurrent assets within the consolidated balance sheets. The assets held in the rabbi trust are invested in money market funds and company-owned life insurance policies. The consolidated balance sheets include assets held in trust related to the nonqualified pension plan of $1.7 million at December 31, 2014 and $1.6 million at December 31, 2013, and the related liabilities of $2.1 million and $1.8 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The Vishay Precision Group Nonqualified Retirement Plan is frozen. Accordingly, no new employees may participate in the plan, no further participant contributions are permitted, and no further benefits accrue. Benefits accumulated prior to the freezing of the U.S. pension plan will be paid to employees upon retirement, and the Company will likely need to make additional cash contributions to the rabbi trust to fund this accumulated benefit obligation.
	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 a reconciliation of the benefit obligation, plan assets, and funded status related to pension and other postretirement benefit plans (in thousands):
		December 31, 2014								December 31, 2013
		Pension				OPEB				Pension			OPEB
		Plans				Plans				Plans			Plans
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	22,351			$	2,826			$	23,308		$	2,687
	Service cost (adjusted for actual employee contributions)	417				62				453			77
	Interest cost	938				131				860			114
	Contributions by participants	53				—				53			—
	Actuarial losses (gains)	3,409				534				(1,356		)	162
	Benefits paid	(978		)		(222		)		(780		)	(214		)
	Currency translation	(1,535		)		—				(187		)	—
	Benefit obligation at end of year	$	24,655			$	3,331			$	22,351		$	2,826
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	15,354			$	—			$	13,091		$	—
	Actual return on plan assets	875				—				1,195			—
	Company contributions	1,349				222				1,472			214
	Contributions by participants	53				—				53			—
	Benefits paid	(978		)		(222		)		(780		)	(214		)
	Currency translation	(956		)		—				323			—
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	15,697			$	—			$	15,354		$	—
	Funded status at end of year	$	(8,958	)		$	(3,331	)		$	(6,997	)	$	(2,826	)
	Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet consist of the following pretax amounts (in thousands):
		December 31, 2014								December 31, 2013
		Pension				OPEB				Pension			OPEB
		Plans				Plans				Plans			Plans
	Accrued pension and other postretirement costs	$	(8,958	)		$	(3,331	)		$	(6,997	)	$	(2,826	)
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	5,382				1,139				2,411			639
		$	(3,576	)		$	(2,192	)		$	(4,586	)	$	(2,187	)
	Unrecognized actuarial gains and losses arise from several factors, including experience and assumption changes with respect to the obligations and from the difference between expected returns and actual returns on plan assets.  Actuarial items consist of the following (in thousands):
		December 31, 2014								December 31, 2013
		Pension				OPEB				Pension			OPEB
		Plans				Plans				Plans			Plans
	Unrecognized net actuarial loss	$	5,375			$	1,139			$	2,402		$	639
	Unrecognized prior service cost	2				—				3			—
	Unamortized transition obligation	5				—				6			—
		$	5,382			$	1,139			$	2,411		$	639
	The following table sets forth additional information regarding the projected and accumulated benefit obligations for the pension plans (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014				2013
	Accumulated benefit obligation, all plans	$	23,760			$	20,947
	Plans for which the accumulated benefit obligation exceeds plan assets:
	Projected benefit obligation	$	23,678			$	21,447
	Accumulated benefit obligation	23,160				20,390
	Fair value of plan assets	14,890				14,623
	Unrecognized gains and losses are amortized into future net periodic pension cost using the 10% corridor method over the expected remaining service life of the employee group.  The following table sets forth the components of net periodic cost of pension and other postretirement benefit plans (in thousands):
		Years ended December 31,
		2014								2013						2012
		Pension				OPEB				Pension			OPEB			Pension			OPEB
		Plans				Plans				Plans			Plans			Plans			Plans
	Annual service cost	$	470			$	62			$	506		$	77		$	528		$	67
	Less: employee contributions	53				—				53			—			52			—
	Net service cost	417				62				453			77			476			67
	Interest cost	938				131				860			114			865			101
Expected return on plan assets	(789		)		—				(605		)	—			(595		)	—
Amortization of actuarial losses	26				33				166			23			95			37
Amortization of transition obligation	1				—				4			—			1			28
Net periodic benefit cost	$	593			$	226			$	878		$	214		$	842		$	233
See Note 8 for the pretax, tax effect, and after tax amounts included in other comprehensive income during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012. The estimated actuarial items that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic pension cost during 2015 is $0.3 million.
The following weighted-average assumptions were used to determine benefit obligations at December 31 of the respective years:
	2014						2013
	Pension			OPEB			Pension			OPEB
	Plans			Plans			Plans			Plans
Discount rate	3.56	%		3.69	%		4.22	%		4.57	%
Rate of compensation increase	2.7	%		N/A			3.56	%		N/A
The following weighted-average assumptions were used to determine the net periodic pension costs for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	2014						2013
	Pension			OPEB			Pension			OPEB
	Plans			Plans			Plans			Plans
Discount rate	4.22	%		4.57	%		3.85	%		3.68	%
Rate of compensation increase	3.56	%		N/A			2.67	%		N/A
Expected return on plan assets	5.05	%		N/A			4.65	%		N/A
Health care trend rate	N/A			5.1	%		N/A			5.08	%
The health care trend ultimate rate remains flat at 5.00% per the terms of the plan. The impact of a one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates on the net periodic benefit cost and postretirement benefit obligation is not material.
The plans’ expected return on assets is based on management’s expectation of long-term average rates of return to be achieved by the underlying investment portfolios. In establishing this assumption, management considers historical and expected returns for the asset classes in which the plans are invested, advice from pension consultants and investment advisors, and current economic and capital market conditions.
The investment mix between equity securities and fixed income securities is based upon achieving a desired return, balancing higher return, more volatile equity securities, and lower return, less volatile fixed income securities. The target allocation of plan assets approximates the actual allocation of plan assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
Plan assets are comprised of:
	December 31, 2014					December 31, 2013
	Pension			OPEB		Pension			OPEB
	Plans			Plans		Plans			Plans
Equity securities	45	%		—		48	%		—
Fixed income securities	41	%		—		33	%		—
Cash and cash equivalents	14	%		—		19	%		—
Total	100	%		—		100	%		—
The Company maintains defined benefit retirement plans in certain of its subsidiaries. The assets of the plans are measured at fair value.
Equity securities held by the defined benefit retirement plans consist of equity securities that are valued based on quoted market prices on the last business day of the year. The fair value measurement of the equity securities is considered a Level 1 measurement within the fair value hierarchy.
Fixed income securities held by the defined benefit retirement plans consist of government bonds and corporate notes that are valued based on quoted market prices on the last business day of the year. The fair value measurement of the fixed income securities is considered a Level 1 measurement within the fair value hierarchy.
Cash held by the defined benefit retirement plans consists of deposits on account in various financial institutions. The carrying amount of the cash approximates its fair value.
A summary of the Company’s pension plan assets for each fair value hierarchy level are as follows for the periods presented (see Note 15 for further description of the levels within the fair value hierarchy (in thousands)):
As of December 31, 2014					Fair value measurements at reporting date using:
	Total Fair Value				Level 1 Inputs				Level 2 Inputs			Level 3 Inputs
Defined benefit pension plan assets
Equity securities	$	6,998			$	6,998			$	—		$	—
Fixed income securities	6,482				6,482				—			—
Cash and cash equivalents	2,217				2,217				—			—
As of December 31, 2013					Fair value measurements at reporting date using:
	Total Fair Value				Level 1 Inputs				Level 2 Inputs			Level 3 Inputs
Defined benefit pension plan assets
Equity securities	$	7,312			$	7,312			$	—		$	—
Fixed income securities	5,010				5,010				—			—
Cash and cash equivalents	3,033				3,033				—			—
Estimated future benefit payments are as follows (in thousands):
	Pension				OPEB
	Plans				Plans
2015	$	719			$	182
2016	782				185
2017	665				207
2018	709				176
2019	681				192
2020 - 2024	4,461				1,137
The Company anticipates making contributions to its funded and unfunded pension and postretirement benefit plans of approximately $1.4 million during 2015.
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 December 31, 2014 and 2013, the consolidated balance sheets include $0.8 million and $1.0 million, respectively, within accrued pension and other postretirement costs related to these plans.
Most of the Company’s U.S. employees are eligible to participate in 401(k) savings plans which provide company matching under various formulas. The Company’s matching expense for the plans was $0.6 million, $0.7 million, and $0.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. No material amounts are included in the consolidated balance sheets related to unfunded 401(k) contributions.
Certain key employees participate in a nonqualified deferred compensation plan, which allows these employees to defer a portion of their compensation until retirement, or elect shorter deferral periods. The accompanying consolidated balance sheets include a liability within other noncurrent liabilities related to these deferrals. The Company maintains a nonqualified trust, referred to as a “rabbi” trust, to fund payments under this plan. Rabbi trust assets are subject to creditor claims under certain conditions and are not the property of employees. Therefore, they are accounted for as other noncurrent assets within the consolidated balance sheets. The assets held in the rabbi trust are invested in money market funds and company-owned life insurance policies. The consolidated balance sheets include assets held in trust related to the nonqualified deferred compensation plan of $3.0 million at December 31, 2014 and $3.1 million at December 31, 2013, and the related liabilities of $3.7 million and $3.5 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation
	The Amended and Restated Vishay Precision Group, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan (as amended and restated, the “Plan”) permits the issuance of up to 1,000,000 shares of common stock. At December 31, 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). If any outstanding awards are forfeited by the holder or cancelled by the Company, the underlying shares would be available for future grants under the Plan.
	Stock Options
	In connection with the spin-off, VPG agreed to issue certain replacement awards to VPG employees holding equity-based awards of Vishay Intertechnology based on VPG’s common stock. The vesting schedule, expiration date, and other terms of these awards are generally the same as those of the Vishay Intertechnology equity-based awards they replaced.
	The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity (number of options in thousands):
		Years ended December 31,
		2014						2013						2012
		Number		Weighted				Number			Weighted			Number		Weighted
		of		Average				of			Average			of		Average
		Options		Exercise				Options			Exercise			Options		Exercise
				Price							Price					Price
	Outstanding:
	Beginning of year	27		$	18.06			32			$	18.03		32		$	18.03
	Granted	—		—				—			—			—		—
	Exercised	(4	)	11.92				—			—			—		—
	Expired	(5	)	20.58				(5	)		17.87			—		—
	End of year	18		$	18.92			27			$	18.06		32		$	18.03
	Vested and expected to vest	18						27						32
	Exercisable:
	End of year	18						27						28
	The following table summarizes information concerning stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2014 (number of options in thousands):
	Ranges of Exercise Prices		Options Outstanding								Options Exercisable
			Number of Options		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life		Weighted Average Exercise Price				Number of Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price
	$18.92		18		2.16		$	18.92			18		$	18.92
	The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. There were no options granted in 2014, 2013 or 2012.
	The pretax aggregate intrinsic value (the difference between the closing stock price of VPG’s common stock on the last trading day of 2014 of $17.16 per share and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on December 31, 2014 is not material, as no options were in-the-money. The intrinsic value of options exercised in 2014 was not material. No options were exercised during the years ended December 31, 2013 or 2012.
	Restricted Stock Units
	Pursuant to the Plan, the Company issued RSUs to board members, executive officers, and certain employees of the Company during 2014. 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. The Company recognizes compensation cost for RSUs that are expected to vest and for which performance criteria are expected to be met.
	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 target grant-date fair value of $1.2 million and were comprised of 79,453 RSUs, as determined using the average of the closing stock prices of the Company's common stock for the last 5 trading days immediately preceding January 1, 2014. 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 target 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 goals 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 a grant-date fair value of $0.2 million. These RSUs will vest on May 22, 2015.
	RSU activity is presented below (number of RSUs in thousands):
		Years ended December 31,
		2014						2013						2012
		Number		Weighted				Number			Weighted			Number		Weighted
		of		Average				of			Average			of		Average
		RSUs		Grant-date				RSUs			Grant-date			RSUs		Grant-date
				Fair Value							Fair Value					Fair Value
	Outstanding:
	Beginning of year	146		$	14.72			193			$	15.98		129		$	16.03
	Granted	112		15.3				67			13.07			92		15.88
	Vested	(22	)	15.84				(114	)		15.88			(28	)	15.85
	End of year	236		$	14.89			146			$	14.72		193		$	15.98
	The fair value of the RSUs vested during 2014 approximates the grant-date fair value.
	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		19		19			38
	January 1, 2016		—		48			48
	January 1, 2017		73		3			76
	Share-Based Compensation Expense
	The following table summarizes pre-tax share-based compensation expense recognized (in thousands):
		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013				2012
	Stock options	$	—		$	3			$	10
	Restricted stock units	1,008			740				1,160
	Total	$	1,008		$	743			$	1,170
	Share-based compensation expense is recognized ratably over the vesting period of the awards and for RSUs with performance criteria, is recognized for RSU's that are expected to vest and for which performance criteria are expected to be met. The increase in share-based compensation expense from the prior year is mainly due to the evaluation of performance criteria on the awards granted in 2012 and 2013. It was determined in the fourth quarter of 2014 that certain performance criteria associated with the awards granted in 2012, which previously were not anticipated to be met, were met in the fourth quarter of 2014. Therefore, additional compensation expense was recorded. This was partially offset by a decrease in share-based compensation expense associated with the awards granted in 2013. It was determined in the fourth quarter of 2014 that certain performance criteria associated with the awards granted in 2013 were unlikely to be fully achieved, and therefore, share-based compensation expense was reduced in 2014 to reflect the anticipated performance level.
	The deferred tax benefit on share-based compensation expense was $0.2 million, $0.3 million, and $0.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company had $1.1 million of unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to share-based awards that will be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately two years.

Commitments_Contingencies_and_

Commitments, Contingencies, and Concentrations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments Contingencies and Concentrations	Commitments, Contingencies, and Concentrations
	Leases
	The Company uses various leased facilities and equipment in its operations. In the normal course of business, operating leases are generally renewed or replaced by other leases. Certain operating leases include escalation clauses.
	Total rental expense under operating leases was $4.1 million, $3.8 million, and $3.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Future minimum lease payments for operating leases (excluding related party leases as described in Note 2) with initial or remaining noncancellable lease terms in excess of one year are as follows (in thousands):
	2015	$	3,617
	2016	2,768
	2017	2,143
	2018	1,675
	2019	1,087
	Thereafter	1,681
	Litigation
	The Company is subject to various legal proceedings that constitute ordinary, routine litigation incidental to its business. The Company is of the opinion that the disposition of these proceedings, after taking into account recorded accruals and the availability and limits of its insurance coverage, will not have a material adverse effect on its business or its financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
	Executive Employment Agreements
	The Company has employment agreements with its executive officers which outline base salary, incentive compensation, and equity-based compensation. The initial employment agreement with the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer also provided for a special sign-on bonus of $0.4 million, which became payable on July 6, 2010, and was ratably amortized to selling, general, and administrative expense over the initial term of his employment agreement. The special sign-on bonus was fully amortized as of December 31, 2013. The employment agreements with the Company’s executive officers also provide for incremental compensation in the event of termination without cause or for good reason.
	Sources of Supplies
	Although most materials incorporated in the Company’s products are available from a number of sources, certain materials are available only from a relatively limited number of suppliers.
	Some of the most highly specialized materials for the Company’s sensors are sourced from a single vendor. The Company maintains a safety stock inventory of certain critical materials at its facilities.
	Certain metals used in the manufacture of the Company’s products are traded on active markets, and can be subject to significant price volatility.
	Market Concentrations
	No single customer comprises greater than 10% of net revenues.
	The vast majority of the Company’s products are used in the broad industrial market, with selected uses in military/aerospace, medical, agriculture and construction. Within the broad industrial segment, the Company’s products serve wide applications in the waste management, bulk hauling, logging, scale manufacturing, engineering systems, pharmaceutical, oil, chemical, steel, paper, and food industries.
	Credit Risk Concentrations
	Financial instruments with potential credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and notes receivable. The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents with various major financial institutions. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to receivables are generally limited due to the Company’s large number of customers and their dispersion across many countries and industries. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had no significant concentrations of credit risk.
	Geographic Concentrations
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, a significant percentage of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents are held outside the United States. See the following table for the percentage of cash and cash equivalents by region at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Asia	18	%	30	%
	United States	27	%	25	%
	Israel	23	%	16	%
	Europe	14	%	16	%
	United Kingdom	10	%	7	%
	Canada	8	%	6	%
	Total	100	%	100	%

Segment_and_Geographic_Data

Segment and Geographic Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment and Geographic Data	Segment and Geographic Data
	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 gross margins, revenues and operating income, exclusive of certain items. Management believes that evaluating segment performance, excluding items such as restructuring and severance costs, and other items is meaningful because it provides insight with respect to the intrinsic operating results of VPG. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies (see Note 1). Reporting segment assets are the owned or allocated assets used by each segment. Products are transferred between segments on a basis intended to reflect, as nearly as practicable, the market value of the products.
	The following table sets forth reporting segment information (in thousands):
		Foil Technology			Force			Weighing and			Corporate/			Total
		Products			Sensors			Control Systems			Other
	2014
	Net third-party revenues	$	108,001		$	68,301		$	74,521		$	—		$	250,823
	Intersegment revenues	3,190			1,773			1,039			(6,002		)	—
	Gross profit	42,449			15,135			34,540			—			92,124
	Segment operating income (loss)	23,668			5,629			11,578			(32,213		)	8,662
	Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles	—			—			5,446			—			5,446
	Restructuring costs	153			—			515			—			668
	Depreciation and amortization expense	5,192			3,489			2,120			876			11,677
	Capital expenditures	7,018			1,607			775			359			9,759
	Total assets	87,846			69,092			96,741			36,208			289,887
	2013
	Net third-party revenues	$	97,045		$	64,846		$	78,384		$	—		$	240,275
	Intersegment revenues	1,989			2,140			1,175			(5,304		)	—
	Gross profit	37,156			14,023			32,676			—			83,855
	Segment operating income (loss)	19,792			4,905			10,438			(27,133		)	8,002
	Acquisition costs	—			—			794			—			794
	Restructuring costs	388			—			150			—			538
	Depreciation and amortization expense	5,371			3,577			1,980			1,062			11,990
	Capital expenditures	3,353			2,485			704			206			6,748
	Total assets	84,325			68,498			108,285			30,996			292,104
	2012
	Net third-party revenues	$	105,207		$	65,787		$	46,622		$	—		$	217,616
	Intersegment revenues	1,442			2,732			2,530			(6,704		)	—
	Gross profit	42,848			13,483			18,701			—			75,032
	Segment operating income (loss)	25,467			4,504			5,983			(24,863		)	11,091
	Acquisition costs	—			—			275			—			275
	Depreciation and amortization expense	5,850			3,707			849			1,255			11,661
	Capital expenditures	4,333			3,307			422			260			8,322
	Total assets	118,893			61,040			54,789			28,451			263,173
	The “Corporate/Other” column for segment operating income (loss) includes unallocated selling, general, and administrative expenses and certain items which management excludes from segment results when evaluating segment performance, as follows (in thousands):
		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Unallocated selling, general, and administrative expenses	$	(26,099	)	$	(25,801	)	$	(24,588	)
	Acquisition costs	—			(794		)	(275		)
	Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles	(5,446		)	—			—
	Restructuring costs	(668		)	(538		)	—
		$	(32,213	)	$	(27,133	)	$	(24,863	)
	The following geographic data include net revenues based on revenues generated by subsidiaries located within that geographic area, and property and equipment based on physical location (in thousands):
		Years ended December 31,
	Net Revenues	2014			2013			2012
	United States	$	93,247		$	86,897		$	92,807
	United Kingdom	36,358			32,915			29,582
	Other Europe	57,014			53,691			54,212
	Israel	3,661			2,226			3,708
	Asia	37,916			32,410			36,177
	Canada	22,627			32,136			1,130
		$	250,823		$	240,275		$	217,616
		December 31,
	Property and Equipment - Net	2014			2013
	United States	$	5,750		$	6,209
	United Kingdom	5,628			6,075
	Other Europe	1,569			2,018
	Israel	18,663			16,394
	Asia	18,435			16,439
	Canada and Other	1,937			2,188
		$	51,982		$	49,323

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per share are computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the periods presented. Diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, adjusted to include the potentially dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units (see Note 10), warrants (see Note 8), and other potentially dilutive securities.
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders (in thousands, except earnings per share):
		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Numerator:
	Numerator for basic earnings per share:
	Net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders	$	3,853		$	4,291		$	11,691
	Adjustment to the numerator for net earnings:
	Interest savings assuming conversion of dilutive exchangeable notes, net of tax	6			15			30
	Numerator for diluted earnings per share:
	Net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders	$	3,859		$	4,306		$	11,721
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per share:
	Weighted average shares	13,755			13,563			13,367
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Exchangeable notes	181			311			441
	Employee stock options	1			1			1
	Restricted stock units	40			69			80
	Dilutive potential common shares	222			381			522
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share:
	Adjusted weighted average shares	13,977			13,944			13,889
	Basic earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders	$	0.28		$	0.32		$	0.87
	Diluted earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders	$	0.28		$	0.31		$	0.84
	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):
		Years ended December 31,
		2014		2013			2012
	Weighted average employee stock options	18		23			28
	Weighted average warrants	—		—			—
	The warrants expired on December 15, 2012. The warrants were antidilutive in 2012 through the expiration date. See Note 8 for discussion of the warrants.

Additional_Financial_Statement

Additional Financial Statement Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Additional Financial Information Statement Information	Additional Financial Statement Information
	The caption “Other” on the consolidated statements of operations consists of the following (in thousands):
		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Foreign exchange loss	$	(844	)	$	(1,667	)	$	(285	)
	Interest income	261			266			633
	Other	(268		)	(178		)	(649		)
		$	(851	)	$	(1,579	)	$	(301	)
	Other accrued expenses consist of the following (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Customer advance payments	$	5,167		$	6,099
	Goods received, not yet invoiced	3,265			2,067
	Accrued taxes, other than income taxes	1,879			1,874
	Accrued commissions	1,649			1,614
	Accrued professional fees	1,465			1,415
	Other	3,165			2,745
		$	16,590		$	15,814

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements
	ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, 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):
	As of December 31, 2014			Fair value measurements at reporting date using:
		Total Fair Value		Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs
	Assets:
	Assets held in rabbi trusts	$	4,725	$	915	$	3,810	$	—
	As of December 31, 2013			Fair value measurements at reporting date using:
		Total Fair Value		Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs
	Assets:
	Assets held in rabbi trusts	$	4,678	$	1,087	$	3,591	$	—
	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 December 31, 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 year. The company-owned life insurance assets are valued in consultation with the Company’s insurance brokers using the value of underlying assets of the insurance contracts. The fair value measurement of the marketable securities held in the rabbi trust is considered a Level 1 measurement and the measurement of the company-owned life insurance assets is considered a Level 2 measurement within the fair value hierarchy.
	The fair value of the long-term debt at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is approximately $21.7 million and $25.5 million, respectively, compared to its carrying value of $22.8 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 measurement of long-term debt is considered a Level 2 measurement.
	The Company’s financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, short-term notes payable, and accounts payable. The carrying amounts for these financial instruments reported in the consolidated balance sheets approximate their fair values.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events
	Executive RSU grant
	On January 20, 2015, 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 target grant-date fair value of $1.0 million and were comprised of 59,325 RSUs, as determined using the average of the closing stock prices of the Company's common stock for the last 5 trading days immediately preceding January 1, 2015. Twenty-five percent of these awards will vest on January 1, 2018, subject to the executives continued employment. The performance-based portion of the RSUs will also vest on January 1, 2018, subject to the executives continued employment and the satisfaction of certain performance objectives relating to three-year cumulative “free cash” and net earnings goals.
	Purchase of Treasury Stock
	In accordance with its stock repurchase plan, the Company has repurchased an additional 42,926 shares of its common stock from January 1, 2015 through March 11, 2015.

Summary_of_Quarterly_Financial

Summary of Quarterly Financial information (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	Summary of Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2014 (a)												2013 (a)
		First			Second			Third			Fourth			First			Second			Third			Fourth
	Statement of Operations data:
	Net revenues	$	61,041		$	65,162		$	63,402		$	61,218		$	57,461		$	62,837		$	57,729		$	62,248
	Gross profit	22,047			24,697			23,777			21,603			19,969			21,560			19,243			23,083
	Operating income (loss)	3,023			4,772			3,965			(3,098		)	1,297			2,787			602			3,316
	Net earnings (loss)	1,773			3,453			3,149			(4,344		)	436			1,290			1,455			1,166
	Less: net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	67			(8		)	30			89			49			(20		)	(11		)	38
	Net earnings (loss) attributable to VPG stockholders	1,706			3,461			3,119			(4,433		)	387			1,310			1,466			1,128
	Per Share Data: (b)
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	0.12		$	0.25		$	0.23		$	(0.32	)	$	0.03		$	0.1		$	0.11		$	0.08
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	0.12		$	0.25		$	0.22		$	(0.32	)	$	0.03		$	0.09		$	0.11		$	0.08
	Certain Items Recorded during the Quarters:
	Acquisition purchase accounting adjustments	$	39		$	2		$	15		$	19		$	1,238		$	2,260		$	903		$	454
	Acquisition costs	—			—			—			—			487			208			57			42
	Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles	—			—			—			5,446			—			—			—			—
	Restructuring costs	324			7			144			193			388			—			99			51
	Tax effect of adjustments for purchase accounting, acquisition costs, impairment charges and restructuring costs, and discrete tax items	(92		)	(2		)	(54		)	504			(692		)	(654		)	(1,297		)	792
	(a)	The Company reports interim financial information for the 13-week periods beginning on a Sunday and ending on a Saturday, except for the first fiscal quarter, which always begins on January 1, and the fourth fiscal quarter, which always ends on December 31. The first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2014 ended on March 29, June 28, September 27 and December 31, respectively. The first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2013 ended on March 30, June 29, September 28 and December 31, respectively.
	(b)	Quarterly amounts may not agree in total to the corresponding annual amounts due to rounding.

Background_and_Summary_of_Sign1

Background and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation, Policy	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the individual entities in which the Company maintained a controlling financial interest. For those subsidiaries in which the Company’s ownership is less than 100 percent, the outside stockholders’ interests are shown as noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
	All transactions, accounts, and profits between individual members comprising the Company have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates, Policy	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition, Policy	Revenue Recognition
	The Company recognizes revenue on product sales during the period when the sales process is complete. This generally occurs when products are shipped to the customer in accordance with terms of an agreement of sale, title and risk of loss have been transferred, collectability is reasonably assured, and pricing is fixed or determinable. For sales where title and risk of loss pass at the point of delivery, the Company recognizes revenue upon delivery to the customer, assuming all other criteria for revenue recognition are met.
	The Company has post-shipment obligations, such as customer acceptance, training, or installation, with respect to some of its larger systems products. In such circumstances, revenue is deferred until the obligation has been completed, unless such obligation is deemed inconsequential or perfunctory.
	Given the specialized nature of the Company’s products, it generally does not allow product returns.
Shipping and Handling Cost, Policy	Shipping and Handling Costs
	Shipping and handling costs are included in costs of products sold.
Research and Development Expense, Policy	Research and Development Expenses
	Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. The amount charged to expense for research and development was $10.1 million, $9.3 million, and $6.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The Company spends additional amounts for the development of machinery and equipment for new processes, and for cost reduction measures.
Income Taxes, Policy	Income Taxes
	The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
	The Company records net deferred tax assets to the extent it believes these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such a determination, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies and results of recent operations. In the event the Company were to determine that it would be able to realize its deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, the Company would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income tax.
	The Company records uncertain tax positions in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 740, Income Taxes, on the basis of a two-step process whereby the Company first determines whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained based on the technical merits of the position and then measures those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold. The Company recognizes the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the tax authority.
	The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the income tax expense line in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Accrued interest and penalties are included within the related tax liability line in the consolidated balance sheets.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include demand deposits and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased. Highly liquid investments with maturities greater than three months are classified as short-term investments. There were no investments classified as short-term investments at December 31, 2014 or 2013.
Allowance For Doubtful Accounts	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. The allowance is determined through an analysis of the aging of accounts receivable and assessments of risk that are based on historical trends and an evaluation of the impact of current and projected economic conditions. The Company evaluates the past-due status of its trade receivables based on contractual terms of sale. If the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $0.2 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Bad debt expense was $0.2 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.
Inventories, Policy	Inventories
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, determined by the first-in, first-out method, or market based on net realizable value. Inventories are adjusted for estimated excess and obsolescence and written down to net realizable value based upon estimates of future demand, technology developments, and market conditions.
Property and Equipment, Policy	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment is carried at cost and is depreciated principally by the straight-line method based upon the estimated useful lives of the assets. Machinery and equipment are being depreciated over useful lives of seven to ten years. Buildings and building improvements are being depreciated over useful lives of twenty to forty years or the life of the leased property. Software is being depreciated over useful lives of three to five years. Construction in progress is not depreciated until the assets are placed in service. Depreciation expense was $9.0 million, $9.0 million, and $8.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, which included software depreciation expense of $1.0 million, $0.9 million, and $0.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Business Combinations, Policy	Business Combinations
	The purchase price of an acquired company is allocated between identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired, and liabilities assumed, from the acquired business based on their estimated fair values, with the residual of the purchase price recorded as goodwill. The results of operations of the acquired businesses are included in the Company's consolidated statement of operations from the dates of acquisition.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Policy	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill and indefinite-lived trade names are tested for impairment at least annually, and whenever events or changes in circumstances occur indicating that a possible impairment may have been incurred. The Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining if it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. However, if the Company concludes otherwise, then the Company is required to perform the first step of the two-step impairment test by calculating the fair value of the reporting unit and comparing it against its carrying amount. These estimated fair values are based on financial projections, certain cash flow measures, and market information. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, then the Company is required to perform the second step of the goodwill impairment. To measure the amount of the impairment, the Company determines the implied fair value of goodwill in the same manner as if the Company had acquired those reporting units. Specifically, the Company must allocate the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets of that unit, including any unrecognized intangible assets, in a hypothetical calculation that would yield the implied fair value of goodwill. The impairment loss is measured as the difference between the book value of the goodwill and the implied fair value of the goodwill computed in step two.
	The Company's required goodwill annual impairment test is completed as of the first day of the fourth fiscal quarter each year. As more fully described in Note 4, the impairment test for 2014 resulted in the Company recording an impairment charge in the fourth quarter of 2014. There was no impairment identified through the annual impairment test which was completed in 2013.
	The indefinite-lived trade names are tested for impairment by comparing the carrying value to the fair value based on current revenue projections of the related operations, under the relief from royalty method. Any excess carrying value over the applicable fair value is recognized as impairment. Any impairment would be recognized in the reporting period in which it has been identified. There was no impairment identified through the annual impairment tests completed in 2014 or 2013. Included in the Company's patents and acquired technology is an in-process research and development project acquired as part of the acquisition of the George Kelk Corporation ("KELK"). Until this project is ready for sale, it is analyzed as an indefinite-lived intangible asset. The Company's required annual indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment test is completed as of the first day of the fourth fiscal quarter each year. As more fully described in Note 4, the impairment test for 2014 resulted in the Company recording an impairment charge in the fourth quarter of 2014. There was no impairment identified through the annual impairment test which was completed in 2013.
Finite-lived intangible assets, Policy	Definite-lived assets, such as customer relationships, patents and acquired technology, non-competition agreements, and certain trade names are amortized on a straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. Patents and acquired technology are being amortized over useful lives of seven to twenty years. Customer relationships are being amortized over useful lives of five to fifteen years. Trade names are being amortized over useful lives of seven to ten years. Non-competition agreements are being amortized over periods of five to ten years. The Company continually evaluates the reasonableness of the useful lives of these assets. Additionally, the Company reviews the carrying values of these assets for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable based on undiscounted estimated cash flows expected to result from its use and eventual disposition.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets, Policy	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	The carrying value of long-lived assets held-and-used, other than goodwill and other intangible assets, is evaluated when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. The carrying value of a long-lived asset group is considered impaired when the total projected undiscounted cash flows from such asset group are separately identifiable and are less than the carrying value. In that event, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair market value of the long-lived asset group. Fair market value is determined primarily using present value techniques based on projected cash flows from the asset group. Losses on long-lived assets held-for-sale, other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, are determined in a similar manner, except that fair market values are reduced for disposal costs.
Foreign Currency Translation, Policy	Foreign Currency Translation
	The Company has significant operations outside of the United States. The Company's operations in Europe, Canada, and certain locations in Asia primarily generate and expend cash in local currencies, and accordingly, these subsidiaries utilize the local currency as their functional currency. The Company’s operations in Israel and certain locations in Asia primarily generate cash in U.S. dollars, and accordingly, these subsidiaries utilize the U.S. dollar as their functional currency.
	For those subsidiaries where the local currency is the functional currency, assets and liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets have been translated at the rate of exchange as of the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate for the year. Translation adjustments do not impact the consolidated statements of operations and are reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in the results of operations.
	For those foreign subsidiaries where the U.S. dollar is the functional currency, all foreign currency financial statement amounts are remeasured into U.S. dollars. Exchange gains and losses arising from remeasurement of foreign currency-denominated monetary assets and liabilities are included in the consolidated statements of operations.
Share-Based Compensation, Policy	Share-Based Compensation
	Compensation costs related to share-based payments are recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The amount of compensation cost is measured based on the grant-date fair value of the equity instruments issued. Compensation cost is recognized over the period that an officer, employee, or non-employee director provides service in exchange for the award. For performance based awards, the Company recognizes compensation cost for awards that are expected to vest and for which performance criteria are expected to be met. For options and restricted stock units subject to graded vesting, the Company recognizes expense over the service period for each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award was comprised of multiple awards.
Reclassifications, Policy	Reclassifications
	Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current financial statement presentation.
Commitments and Contingencies, Policy	Commitments and Contingencies
	Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines, penalties, and other sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the assessment and/or remediation can be reasonably estimated.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy	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.

Acquisition_Activity_Tables

Acquisition Activity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Revenue and Earnings	The amount of net revenues and net losses of VPG Canada included in the consolidated statement of operations were as follows (in thousands):
		Year ended
		December 31,
		2013
	Net revenues	$	31,114
	Net loss attributable to VPG stockholders (a)	$	(1,323	)
	(a)	The net 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	The following table summarizes the fair values assigned to the assets and liabilities as of the January 31, 2013 acquisition date (in thousands):
	Working capital (a)	$	7,400
	Property and equipment	2,100
	Intangible assets:
	Patents and acquired technology	4,300
	Non-competition agreements	200
	Customer relationships	12,200
	In-process research and development	1,000
	Trade names	1,600
	Total intangible assets	19,300
	Fair value of acquired identifiable assets	28,800
	Purchase price	$	49,000
	Goodwill	$	20,200
	(a)	Working capital accounts include accounts receivable, inventory, prepaid expenses and other current assets, net deferred tax assets, trade accounts payable, accrued payroll, other accrued expenses, and non-current deferred tax liability.
Schedule of Acquisition Costs	The Company recorded acquisition costs in its consolidated statements of operations as follows (in thousands):
		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013		2012
	Accounting and legal fees	$	—		$	652	$	184
	Appraisal fees	—			84		20
	Other	—			58		71
		$	—		$	794	$	275
Pro Forma Information	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):
		Year ended December 31,
		2012
	Pro forma net revenues	$	247,200
	Pro forma net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders	$	10,534
	Pro forma basic earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders	$	0.79
	Pro forma diluted earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders	$	0.76

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	The change in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment is as follows (in thousands):
		Weighing and Control Systems Segment			Total
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	—		$	—
	Goodwill acquired in the KELK acquisition	20,200			20,200
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	(1,320		)	(1,320		)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	18,880		$	18,880
	Impairment charges	(4,612		)	(4,612		)
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	(1,480		)	(1,480		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	12,788			12,788
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	Intangible assets were as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Intangible assets subject to amortization
	(Definite-lived):
	Patents and acquired technology	$	7,599		$	8,091
	Customer relationships	16,734			17,897
	Trade names	1,722			1,846
	Non-competition agreements	11,687			12,921
		37,742			40,755
	Accumulated amortization:
	Patents and acquired technology	(3,477		)	(3,240		)
	Customer relationships	(6,664		)	(5,750		)
	Trade names	(1,677		)	(1,719		)
	Non-competition agreements	(9,906		)	(10,019		)
		(21,724		)	(20,728		)
	Net intangible assets subject to amortization	$	16,018		$	20,027
	Intangible assets not subject to amortization
	(Indefinite-lived):
	Trade names	1,376			1,496
	In-process research and development	95			935
		$	17,489		$	22,458
Schedule of Expected Amortization Expense	Estimated annual amortization expense for each of the next five years is as follows (in thousands):
	2015	$	2,104
	2016	1,464
	2017	1,468
	2018	1,240
	2019	1,052

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign	For financial reporting purposes, income before taxes includes the following components (in thousands):
		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Domestic	$	(2,688	)	$	(4,857	)	$	(2,105	)
	Foreign	9,631			10,258			12,629
		$	6,943		$	5,401		$	10,524
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	The expense (benefit) for income taxes is comprised of (in thousands):
		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	2,007		$	41		$	(40	)
	State and local	45			156			220
	Foreign	4,252			3,181			3,451
		6,304			3,378			3,631
	Deferred:
	Federal	(3,169		)	425			(394		)
	State and local	(33		)	(41		)	(78		)
	Foreign	(190		)	(2,708		)	(4,399		)
		(3,392		)	(2,324		)	(4,871		)
	Total income tax expense (benefit)	$	2,912		$	1,054		$	(1,240	)
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	A reconciliation of income tax expense (benefit) at the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to actual income tax provision is as follows (in thousands):
		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Tax at statutory rate	$	2,430		$	1,890		$	3,683
	State income taxes, net of U.S. federal tax benefit	8			76			94
	Effect of foreign operations	(1,022		)	(1,673		)	(1,979		)
	Residual U.S. tax on foreign earnings	2,426			(190		)	(2		)
	Change in valuation allowance	(1,361		)	2,113			(3,163		)
	Change in unrecognized tax benefits, net	273			150			45
	Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles	303			—			—
	Specialty tax credits	(362		)	(341		)	(73		)
	Statutory rate changes	(166		)	(1,324		)	220
	Other	383			353			(65		)
	Total income tax expense (benefit)	$	2,912		$	1,054		$	(1,240	)
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Pension and other postretirement costs	$	5,093		$	4,240
	Inventories	1,817			2,122
	Net operating/capital loss carryforwards	7,362			7,555
	Tax credit carryforwards	4,550			3,096
	Deferred compensation	2,055			1,993
	Other accruals and reserves	3,533			3,252
	Total gross deferred tax assets	24,410			22,258
	Less: valuation allowance	(5,768		)	(5,249		)
		18,642			17,009
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Tax over book depreciation	(1,628		)	(645		)
	Intangible assets, including tax deductible goodwill	(193		)	(1,574		)
	Total gross deferred tax liabilities	(1,821		)	(2,219		)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	16,821		$	14,790
Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards	At December 31, 2014, the Company had the following significant deferred tax assets for net operating/capital loss carryforwards for tax purposes (in thousands):
		December 31,
	Jurisdiction	2014			Begin to Expire
	Israel	$	2,704		No expiration
	Israel - capital losses	1,797			No expiration
	Netherlands	247			2021
	United States - state	2,460			2023
Summary of Valuation Allowance	At December 31, 2014, the Company had the following significant valuation allowances for tax purposes (in thousands):
		December 31,
	Jurisdiction	2014
	Israel	$	1,799
	Netherlands	247
	United States	3,400
Summary of Income Tax Contingencies	The following table summarizes changes in the Company's gross liabilities, excluding interest and penalties, associated with unrecognized tax benefits (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of year	$	1,192		$	1,101		$	1,431
	Addition based on tax positions related to current year	136			53			198
	Addition based on tax positions related to prior years	180			78			99
	Currency translation adjustments	(100		)	38			—
	Reduction for lapses of statute of limitations	(56		)	(78		)	(627		)
	Balance before indemnification receivable	1,352			1,192			1,101
	Receivable from Vishay Intertechnology for indemnification	(281		)	(350		)	(338		)
	Balance at end of year	$	1,071		$	842		$	763

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt	Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014		2013
	2013 Credit Agreement - revolving facility	$	—	$	—
	2013 Credit Agreement - U.S. term facility	6,000		8,000
	2013 Credit Agreement - Canadian term facility	12,000		14,000
	Israeli Credit Agreement - revolving facility	—		—
	Exchangeable unsecured notes, due 2102	4,097		4,097
	Other debt	736		976
		22,833		27,073
	Less: current portion	5,120		4,137
		$	17,713	$	22,936
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	Aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt are as follows (in thousands):
	2015	$	5,120
	2016	6,120
	2017	7,120
	2018	120
	2019	120
	Thereafter	4,233

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Schedule of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The cumulative balance of each component of other comprehensive income (loss) and the income tax effects allocated to each component are as follows (in thousands):
		Beginning			Before-Tax			Tax			Net-of-Tax			Ending
		Balance			Amount			Effect			Amount			Balance
	December 31, 2012
	Pension and other postretirement actuarial items	$	(2,931	)	$	(1,474	)	$	355		$	(1,119	)	$	(4,050	)
	Reclassification adjustment for recognition of actuarial items				161			(51		)	110			110
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	(11,042		)	(1		)	—			(1		)	(11,043		)
		$	(13,973	)	$	(1,314	)	$	304		$	(1,010	)	$	(14,983	)
	December 31, 2013
	Pension and other postretirement actuarial items	$	(3,940	)	$	1,888		$	(353	)	$	1,535		$	(2,405	)
	Reclassification adjustment for recognition of actuarial items				191			(52		)	139			139
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	(11,043		)	(5,718		)	—			(5,718		)	(16,761		)
		$	(14,983	)	$	(3,639	)	$	(405	)	$	(4,044	)	$	(19,027	)
	December 31, 2014
	Pension and other postretirement actuarial items	$	(2,266	)	$	(3,357	)	$	782		$	(2,575	)	$	(4,841	)
	Reclassification adjustment for recognition of actuarial items				60			(23		)	37			37
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	(16,761		)	(4,887		)	—			(4,887		)	(21,648		)
		$	(19,027	)	$	(8,184	)	$	759		$	(7,425	)	$	(26,452	)

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem1

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Reconciliation of the Benefit Obligation, Plan Assets, and Funded Status to Benefit Plans	The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the benefit obligation, plan assets, and funded status related to pension and other postretirement benefit plans (in thousands):
		December 31, 2014								December 31, 2013
		Pension				OPEB				Pension			OPEB
		Plans				Plans				Plans			Plans
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	22,351			$	2,826			$	23,308		$	2,687
	Service cost (adjusted for actual employee contributions)	417				62				453			77
	Interest cost	938				131				860			114
	Contributions by participants	53				—				53			—
	Actuarial losses (gains)	3,409				534				(1,356		)	162
	Benefits paid	(978		)		(222		)		(780		)	(214		)
	Currency translation	(1,535		)		—				(187		)	—
	Benefit obligation at end of year	$	24,655			$	3,331			$	22,351		$	2,826
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	15,354			$	—			$	13,091		$	—
	Actual return on plan assets	875				—				1,195			—
	Company contributions	1,349				222				1,472			214
	Contributions by participants	53				—				53			—
	Benefits paid	(978		)		(222		)		(780		)	(214		)
	Currency translation	(956		)		—				323			—
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	15,697			$	—			$	15,354		$	—
	Funded status at end of year	$	(8,958	)		$	(3,331	)		$	(6,997	)	$	(2,826	)
Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet Pretax Amounts	Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet consist of the following pretax amounts (in thousands):
		December 31, 2014								December 31, 2013
		Pension				OPEB				Pension			OPEB
		Plans				Plans				Plans			Plans
	Accrued pension and other postretirement costs	$	(8,958	)		$	(3,331	)		$	(6,997	)	$	(2,826	)
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	5,382				1,139				2,411			639
		$	(3,576	)		$	(2,192	)		$	(4,586	)	$	(2,187	)
Actuarial Items	Actuarial items consist of the following (in thousands):
		December 31, 2014								December 31, 2013
		Pension				OPEB				Pension			OPEB
		Plans				Plans				Plans			Plans
	Unrecognized net actuarial loss	$	5,375			$	1,139			$	2,402		$	639
	Unrecognized prior service cost	2				—				3			—
	Unamortized transition obligation	5				—				6			—
		$	5,382			$	1,139			$	2,411		$	639
Additional Information Regarding Projected and Accumulated Benefit Obligations for the Pension Plans	The following table sets forth additional information regarding the projected and accumulated benefit obligations for the pension plans (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014				2013
	Accumulated benefit obligation, all plans	$	23,760			$	20,947
	Plans for which the accumulated benefit obligation exceeds plan assets:
	Projected benefit obligation	$	23,678			$	21,447
	Accumulated benefit obligation	23,160				20,390
	Fair value of plan assets	14,890				14,623
Components of Net Periodic Costs of Benefit Plans	The following table sets forth the components of net periodic cost of pension and other postretirement benefit plans (in thousands):
		Years ended December 31,
		2014								2013						2012
		Pension				OPEB				Pension			OPEB			Pension			OPEB
		Plans				Plans				Plans			Plans			Plans			Plans
	Annual service cost	$	470			$	62			$	506		$	77		$	528		$	67
	Less: employee contributions	53				—				53			—			52			—
	Net service cost	417				62				453			77			476			67
	Interest cost	938				131				860			114			865			101
	Expected return on plan assets	(789		)		—				(605		)	—			(595		)	—
	Amortization of actuarial losses	26				33				166			23			95			37
	Amortization of transition obligation	1				—				4			—			1			28
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	593			$	226			$	878		$	214		$	842		$	233
Weighted-average Assumptions Used for Benefit Obligations and Net Periodic Pension Costs	The following weighted-average assumptions were used to determine benefit obligations at December 31 of the respective years:
		2014						2013
		Pension			OPEB			Pension			OPEB
		Plans			Plans			Plans			Plans
	Discount rate	3.56	%		3.69	%		4.22	%		4.57	%
	Rate of compensation increase	2.7	%		N/A			3.56	%		N/A
	The following weighted-average assumptions were used to determine the net periodic pension costs for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		2014						2013
		Pension			OPEB			Pension			OPEB
		Plans			Plans			Plans			Plans
	Discount rate	4.22	%		4.57	%		3.85	%		3.68	%
	Rate of compensation increase	3.56	%		N/A			2.67	%		N/A
	Expected return on plan assets	5.05	%		N/A			4.65	%		N/A
	Health care trend rate	N/A			5.1	%		N/A			5.08	%
Composition of Plan Assets	Plan assets are comprised of:
		December 31, 2014					December 31, 2013
		Pension			OPEB		Pension			OPEB
		Plans			Plans		Plans			Plans
	Equity securities	45	%		—		48	%		—
	Fixed income securities	41	%		—		33	%		—
	Cash and cash equivalents	14	%		—		19	%		—
	Total	100	%		—		100	%		—
Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets for Each Hierarchy Level	A summary of the Company’s pension plan assets for each fair value hierarchy level are as follows for the periods presented (see Note 15 for further description of the levels within the fair value hierarchy (in thousands)):
	As of December 31, 2014					Fair value measurements at reporting date using:
		Total Fair Value				Level 1 Inputs				Level 2 Inputs			Level 3 Inputs
	Defined benefit pension plan assets
	Equity securities	$	6,998			$	6,998			$	—		$	—
	Fixed income securities	6,482				6,482				—			—
	Cash and cash equivalents	2,217				2,217				—			—
	As of December 31, 2013					Fair value measurements at reporting date using:
		Total Fair Value				Level 1 Inputs				Level 2 Inputs			Level 3 Inputs
	Defined benefit pension plan assets
	Equity securities	$	7,312			$	7,312			$	—		$	—
	Fixed income securities	5,010				5,010				—			—
	Cash and cash equivalents	3,033				3,033				—			—
Estimated future Benefit Payments	Estimated future benefit payments are as follows (in thousands):
		Pension				OPEB
		Plans				Plans
	2015	$	719			$	182
	2016	782				185
	2017	665				207
	2018	709				176
	2019	681				192
	2020 - 2024	4,461				1,137

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock Options Activity	The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity (number of options in thousands):
		Years ended December 31,
		2014						2013						2012
		Number		Weighted				Number			Weighted			Number		Weighted
		of		Average				of			Average			of		Average
		Options		Exercise				Options			Exercise			Options		Exercise
				Price							Price					Price
	Outstanding:
	Beginning of year	27		$	18.06			32			$	18.03		32		$	18.03
	Granted	—		—				—			—			—		—
	Exercised	(4	)	11.92				—			—			—		—
	Expired	(5	)	20.58				(5	)		17.87			—		—
	End of year	18		$	18.92			27			$	18.06		32		$	18.03
	Vested and expected to vest	18						27						32
	Exercisable:
	End of year	18						27						28
Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable	The following table summarizes information concerning stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2014 (number of options in thousands):
	Ranges of Exercise Prices		Options Outstanding								Options Exercisable
			Number of Options		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life		Weighted Average Exercise Price				Number of Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price
	$18.92		18		2.16		$	18.92			18		$	18.92
Restricted Stock Units Activity	RSU activity is presented below (number of RSUs in thousands):
		Years ended December 31,
		2014						2013						2012
		Number		Weighted				Number			Weighted			Number		Weighted
		of		Average				of			Average			of		Average
		RSUs		Grant-date				RSUs			Grant-date			RSUs		Grant-date
				Fair Value							Fair Value					Fair Value
	Outstanding:
	Beginning of year	146		$	14.72			193			$	15.98		129		$	16.03
	Granted	112		15.3				67			13.07			92		15.88
	Vested	(22	)	15.84				(114	)		15.88			(28	)	15.85
	End of year	236		$	14.89			146			$	14.72		193		$	15.98
Restricted Stock Units Performance-based Vesting Criteria	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		19		19			38
	January 1, 2016		—		48			48
	January 1, 2017		73		3			76
Pre-tax Share-based Compensation Expense Recognized	The following table summarizes pre-tax share-based compensation expense recognized (in thousands):
		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013				2012
	Stock options	$	—		$	3			$	10
	Restricted stock units	1,008			740				1,160
	Total	$	1,008		$	743			$	1,170

Commitments_Contingencies_and_1

Commitments, Contingencies, and Concentrations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	Future minimum lease payments for operating leases (excluding related party leases as described in Note 2) with initial or remaining noncancellable lease terms in excess of one year are as follows (in thousands):
	2015	$	3,617
	2016	2,768
	2017	2,143
	2018	1,675
	2019	1,087
	Thereafter	1,681
Schedule Of Percentage Of Cash and Cash Equivalents Reported By Region	See the following table for the percentage of cash and cash equivalents by region at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Asia	18	%	30	%
	United States	27	%	25	%
	Israel	23	%	16	%
	Europe	14	%	16	%
	United Kingdom	10	%	7	%
	Canada	8	%	6	%
	Total	100	%	100	%

Segment_and_Geographic_Data_Ta

Segment and Geographic Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment and Geographic Data [Line Items]
Reporting Segment Information	The following table sets forth reporting segment information (in thousands):
		Foil Technology			Force			Weighing and			Corporate/			Total
		Products			Sensors			Control Systems			Other
	2014
	Net third-party revenues	$	108,001		$	68,301		$	74,521		$	—		$	250,823
	Intersegment revenues	3,190			1,773			1,039			(6,002		)	—
	Gross profit	42,449			15,135			34,540			—			92,124
	Segment operating income (loss)	23,668			5,629			11,578			(32,213		)	8,662
	Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles	—			—			5,446			—			5,446
	Restructuring costs	153			—			515			—			668
	Depreciation and amortization expense	5,192			3,489			2,120			876			11,677
	Capital expenditures	7,018			1,607			775			359			9,759
	Total assets	87,846			69,092			96,741			36,208			289,887
	2013
	Net third-party revenues	$	97,045		$	64,846		$	78,384		$	—		$	240,275
	Intersegment revenues	1,989			2,140			1,175			(5,304		)	—
	Gross profit	37,156			14,023			32,676			—			83,855
	Segment operating income (loss)	19,792			4,905			10,438			(27,133		)	8,002
	Acquisition costs	—			—			794			—			794
	Restructuring costs	388			—			150			—			538
	Depreciation and amortization expense	5,371			3,577			1,980			1,062			11,990
	Capital expenditures	3,353			2,485			704			206			6,748
	Total assets	84,325			68,498			108,285			30,996			292,104
	2012
	Net third-party revenues	$	105,207		$	65,787		$	46,622		$	—		$	217,616
	Intersegment revenues	1,442			2,732			2,530			(6,704		)	—
	Gross profit	42,848			13,483			18,701			—			75,032
	Segment operating income (loss)	25,467			4,504			5,983			(24,863		)	11,091
	Acquisition costs	—			—			275			—			275
	Depreciation and amortization expense	5,850			3,707			849			1,255			11,661
	Capital expenditures	4,333			3,307			422			260			8,322
	Total assets	118,893			61,040			54,789			28,451			263,173
Reporting Segment Information, Corporate Other and Excluded Items	The “Corporate/Other” column for segment operating income (loss) includes unallocated selling, general, and administrative expenses and certain items which management excludes from segment results when evaluating segment performance, as follows (in thousands):
		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Unallocated selling, general, and administrative expenses	$	(26,099	)	$	(25,801	)	$	(24,588	)
	Acquisition costs	—			(794		)	(275		)
	Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles	(5,446		)	—			—
	Restructuring costs	(668		)	(538		)	—
		$	(32,213	)	$	(27,133	)	$	(24,863	)
Sales Revenue, Segment
Segment and Geographic Data [Line Items]
Revenue from external customers and long-lived assets, by geographical areas	The following geographic data include net revenues based on revenues generated by subsidiaries located within that geographic area, and property and equipment based on physical location (in thousands):
		Years ended December 31,
	Net Revenues	2014			2013			2012
	United States	$	93,247		$	86,897		$	92,807
	United Kingdom	36,358			32,915			29,582
	Other Europe	57,014			53,691			54,212
	Israel	3,661			2,226			3,708
	Asia	37,916			32,410			36,177
	Canada	22,627			32,136			1,130
		$	250,823		$	240,275		$	217,616
Property Plant And Equipment Segment
Segment and Geographic Data [Line Items]
Revenue from external customers and long-lived assets, by geographical areas
		December 31,
	Property and Equipment - Net	2014			2013
	United States	$	5,750		$	6,209
	United Kingdom	5,628			6,075
	Other Europe	1,569			2,018
	Israel	18,663			16,394
	Asia	18,435			16,439
	Canada and Other	1,937			2,188
		$	51,982		$	49,323

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders (in thousands, except earnings per share):
		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Numerator:
	Numerator for basic earnings per share:
	Net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders	$	3,853		$	4,291		$	11,691
	Adjustment to the numerator for net earnings:
	Interest savings assuming conversion of dilutive exchangeable notes, net of tax	6			15			30
	Numerator for diluted earnings per share:
	Net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders	$	3,859		$	4,306		$	11,721
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per share:
	Weighted average shares	13,755			13,563			13,367
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Exchangeable notes	181			311			441
	Employee stock options	1			1			1
	Restricted stock units	40			69			80
	Dilutive potential common shares	222			381			522
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share:
	Adjusted weighted average shares	13,977			13,944			13,889
	Basic earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders	$	0.28		$	0.32		$	0.87
	Diluted earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders	$	0.28		$	0.31		$	0.84
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	Diluted earnings per share for the periods presented do not reflect the following weighted average potential common shares, as the effect would be antidilutive (in thousands):
		Years ended December 31,
		2014		2013			2012
	Weighted average employee stock options	18		23			28
	Weighted average warrants	—		—			—

Additional_Financial_Statement1

Additional Financial Statement Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)	The caption “Other” on the consolidated statements of operations consists of the following (in thousands):
		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Foreign exchange loss	$	(844	)	$	(1,667	)	$	(285	)
	Interest income	261			266			633
	Other	(268		)	(178		)	(649		)
		$	(851	)	$	(1,579	)	$	(301	)
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities	Other accrued expenses consist of the following (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Customer advance payments	$	5,167		$	6,099
	Goods received, not yet invoiced	3,265			2,067
	Accrued taxes, other than income taxes	1,879			1,874
	Accrued commissions	1,649			1,614
	Accrued professional fees	1,465			1,415
	Other	3,165			2,745
		$	16,590		$	15,814

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	The following tables provide the financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis (in thousands):
	As of December 31, 2014			Fair value measurements at reporting date using:
		Total Fair Value		Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs
	Assets:
	Assets held in rabbi trusts	$	4,725	$	915	$	3,810	$	—
	As of December 31, 2013			Fair value measurements at reporting date using:
		Total Fair Value		Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs
	Assets:
	Assets held in rabbi trusts	$	4,678	$	1,087	$	3,591	$	—

Summary_of_Quarterly_Financial1

Summary of Quarterly Financial information (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2014 (a)												2013 (a)
		First			Second			Third			Fourth			First			Second			Third			Fourth
	Statement of Operations data:
	Net revenues	$	61,041		$	65,162		$	63,402		$	61,218		$	57,461		$	62,837		$	57,729		$	62,248
	Gross profit	22,047			24,697			23,777			21,603			19,969			21,560			19,243			23,083
	Operating income (loss)	3,023			4,772			3,965			(3,098		)	1,297			2,787			602			3,316
	Net earnings (loss)	1,773			3,453			3,149			(4,344		)	436			1,290			1,455			1,166
	Less: net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	67			(8		)	30			89			49			(20		)	(11		)	38
	Net earnings (loss) attributable to VPG stockholders	1,706			3,461			3,119			(4,433		)	387			1,310			1,466			1,128
	Per Share Data: (b)
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	0.12		$	0.25		$	0.23		$	(0.32	)	$	0.03		$	0.1		$	0.11		$	0.08
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	0.12		$	0.25		$	0.22		$	(0.32	)	$	0.03		$	0.09		$	0.11		$	0.08
	Certain Items Recorded during the Quarters:
	Acquisition purchase accounting adjustments	$	39		$	2		$	15		$	19		$	1,238		$	2,260		$	903		$	454
	Acquisition costs	—			—			—			—			487			208			57			42
	Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles	—			—			—			5,446			—			—			—			—
	Restructuring costs	324			7			144			193			388			—			99			51
	Tax effect of adjustments for purchase accounting, acquisition costs, impairment charges and restructuring costs, and discrete tax items	(92		)	(2		)	(54		)	504			(692		)	(654		)	(1,297		)	792
	(a)	The Company reports interim financial information for the 13-week periods beginning on a Sunday and ending on a Saturday, except for the first fiscal quarter, which always begins on January 1, and the fourth fiscal quarter, which always ends on December 31. The first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2014 ended on March 29, June 28, September 27 and December 31, respectively. The first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2013 ended on March 30, June 29, September 28 and December 31, respectively.
	(b)	Quarterly amounts may not agree in total to the corresponding annual amounts due to rounding.

Background_and_Summary_of_Sign2

Background and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Minimum ownership of fully controlled entities	100.00%
Research and development expense	$10.10	$9.30	$6.40
Recognized tax benefit to be realized upon ultimate settlement	greater than 50 percent likely to be realized
Allowance for doubtful accounts	0.2	0.2
Bad debt expense	0.2	0.2	0.2
Depreciation expense	9	9	8.8
Customer relationships
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, useful life (in years)	15 years
Non-competition agreements
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, useful life (in years)	5 years
Minimum | Patents and acquired technology
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, useful life (in years)	7 years
Minimum | Customer relationships
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, useful life (in years)	5 years
Minimum | Trade names
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, useful life (in years)	7 years
Minimum | Non-competition agreements
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, useful life (in years)	5 years
Maximum | Patents and acquired technology
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, useful life (in years)	20 years
Maximum | Customer relationships
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, useful life (in years)	15 years
Maximum | Trade names
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, useful life (in years)	10 years
Maximum | Non-competition agreements
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, useful life (in years)	10 years
Machinery and Equipment | Minimum
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life (in years)	7 years
Machinery and Equipment | Maximum
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life (in years)	10 years
Building and Building Improvements | Minimum
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life (in years)	20 years
Building and Building Improvements | Maximum
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life (in years)	40 years
Software
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Depreciation expense	$1	$0.90	$0.70
Software | Minimum
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life (in years)	3 years
Software | Maximum
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life (in years)	5 years

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Details Textual) (Vishay Intertechnology)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
	facility
Japan
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Manufacturing facility	1
United States
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Manufacturing facilities leased from related party	1

Acquisition_Activity_Narrative

Acquisition Activity (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended							0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012
	Interest Expense	Amortization of Intangible Assets	Acquisition-related Costs	Fair Value Adjustment to Inventory and Advance Customer Payments	Patents and Acquired Technology	Non-competition agreements	Customer relationships	George Kelk Corporation (KELK)	George Kelk Corporation (KELK)	George Kelk Corporation (KELK)	George Kelk Corporation (KELK)
	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)				USD ($)	CAD		USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price								$49,000	49,000
Finite-lived intangible assets, weighted average useful lives					17 years	5 years	15 years
Percentage of goodwill										75.00%
Pro Forma net income (loss)	$800	$900	$800	$4,900							$10,534

Acquisition_Activity_Schedule_

Acquisition Activity (Schedule of Revenues and Earnings) (Details) (George Kelk Corporation (KELK), USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
George Kelk Corporation (KELK)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net revenues	$31,114
Net loss attributable to VPG stockholders	($1,323)	[1]
[1]	The net 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)

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 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

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

George Kelk Corporation (KELK)

George Kelk Corporation (KELK)

George Kelk Corporation (KELK)

George Kelk Corporation (KELK)

George Kelk Corporation (KELK)

George Kelk Corporation (KELK)

George Kelk Corporation (KELK)

George Kelk Corporation (KELK)

USD ($)

CAD

USD ($)

In-process research and development

Trade names

Patents and Acquired Technology

Non-competition agreements

Customer relationships

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Working capital

$7,400

[1]

Property and equipment

2,100

Intangible assets:

Total intangible assets

19,300

1,000

1,600

4,300

200

12,200

Fair value of acquired identifiable assets

28,800

Purchase price

49,000

49,000

Goodwill

$12,788

$18,880

$0

$20,200

[1]

Working capital accounts include accounts receivable, inventory, prepaid expenses and other current assets, net deferred tax assets, trade accounts payable, accrued payroll, other accrued expenses, and non-current deferred tax liability.

Acquisition_Activity_Schedule_2

Acquisition Activity (Schedule of Acquisition Costs) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Jun. 28, 2014

Mar. 29, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Jun. 29, 2013

Mar. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Acquisition costs

$0

[1]

$0

[1]

$0

[1]

$0

[1]

$42

[1]

$57

[1]

$208

[1]

$487

[1]

$0

$794

$275

George Kelk Corporation (KELK)

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Acquisition costs

0

794

275

Accounting and Legal Fees | George Kelk Corporation (KELK)

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Acquisition costs

0

652

184

Appraisal Fees | George Kelk Corporation (KELK)

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Acquisition costs

0

84

20

Other | George Kelk Corporation (KELK)

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Acquisition costs

$0

$58

$71

[1]

The Company reports interim financial information for the 13-week periods beginning on a Sunday and ending on a Saturday, except for the first fiscal quarter, which always begins on January 1, and the fourth fiscal quarter, which always ends on December 31. The first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2014 ended on March 29, June 28, September 27 and December 31, respectively. The first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2013 ended on March 30, June 29, September 28 and December 31, respectively.

Acquisition_Activity_Pro_Forma

Acquisition Activity (Pro Forma Information) (Details) (George Kelk Corporation (KELK), USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012
George Kelk Corporation (KELK)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Pro forma net revenues	$247,200
Pro forma net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders	$10,534
Pro forma basic earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0.79
Pro forma diluted earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0.76

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Summary of Goodwill Activity) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		$18,880	$0
Goodwill acquired in the KELK acquisition			20,200
Foreign currency translation adjustment		-1,480	-1,320
Impairment charges	-4,600	-4,612
Ending balance	12,788	12,788	18,880
Weighing and Control Systems
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		18,880	0
Goodwill acquired in the KELK acquisition			20,200
Foreign currency translation adjustment		-1,480	-1,320
Impairment charges		-4,612
Ending balance	$12,788	$12,788	$18,880

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization (Definite-lived)	$37,742	$40,755
Accumulated amortization	-21,724	-20,728
Net intangible assets subject to amortization	16,018	20,027
Intangible assets, net	17,489	22,458
Trade names
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets not subject to amortization (Indefinite-lived)	1,376	1,496
In-process research and development
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets not subject to amortization (Indefinite-lived)	95	935
Patents and acquired technology
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization (Definite-lived)	7,599	8,091
Accumulated amortization	-3,477	-3,240
Customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization (Definite-lived)	16,734	17,897
Accumulated amortization	-6,664	-5,750
Trade names
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization (Definite-lived)	1,722	1,846
Accumulated amortization	-1,677	-1,719
Non-competition agreements
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization (Definite-lived)	11,687	12,921
Accumulated amortization	($9,906)	($10,019)

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details 1) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$2,104
2016	1,464
2017	1,468
2018	1,240
2019	$1,052

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_5

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of goodwill	$4,600,000	$4,612,000
Amortization expense		2,600,000	3,000,000	2,800,000
Other liabilities non compete agreements	200,000	200,000	600,000
Trade names
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets	0
In-process research and development
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets	$800,000
Discount rate	15.50%

Restructuring_Costs_Details

Restructuring Costs (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Jun. 28, 2014

Mar. 29, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Jun. 29, 2013

Mar. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

program

program

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring costs

$193,000

[1]

$144,000

[1]

$7,000

[1]

$324,000

[1]

$51,000

[1]

$99,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$388,000

[1]

$668,000

$538,000

$0

Number of programs implemented

2

2

Employee Severance and Statutory Retirement Allowance | Canada

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring costs

500,000

100,000

Paid restructuring costs

300,000

Employee Severance and Statutory Retirement Allowance | United States

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring costs

200,000

Paid restructuring costs

100,000

Employee Severance and Statutory Retirement Allowance | Japan

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring costs

$400,000

Statutory retirement allowance, number of employees covered

16

[1]

The Company reports interim financial information for the 13-week periods beginning on a Sunday and ending on a Saturday, except for the first fiscal quarter, which always begins on January 1, and the fourth fiscal quarter, which always ends on December 31. The first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2014 ended on March 29, June 28, September 27 and December 31, respectively. The first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2013 ended on March 30, June 29, September 28 and December 31, respectively.

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Domestic	($2,688)	($4,857)	($2,105)
Foreign	9,631	10,258	12,629
Income before taxes	$6,943	$5,401	$10,524

Income_Taxes_Details_1

Income Taxes (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current:
Federal	$2,007	$41	($40)
State and local	45	156	220
Foreign	4,252	3,181	3,451
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	6,304	3,378	3,631
Deferred:
Federal	-3,169	425	-394
State and local	-33	-41	-78
Foreign	-190	-2,708	-4,399
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	-3,392	-2,324	-4,871
Total income tax expense (benefit)	$2,912	$1,054	($1,240)

Income_Taxes_Details_2

Income Taxes (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Tax at statutory rate	$2,430	$1,890	$3,683
State income taxes, net of U.S. federal tax benefit	8	76	94
Effect of foreign operations	-1,022	-1,673	-1,979
Residual U.S. tax on foreign earnings	2,426	-190	-2
Change in valuation allowance	-1,361	2,113	-3,163
Change in unrecognized tax benefits, net	273	150	45
Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles	303	0	0
Specialty tax credits	-362	-341	-73
Statutory rate changes	-166	-1,324	220
Other	383	353	-65
Total income tax expense (benefit)	$2,912	$1,054	($1,240)

Income_Taxes_Details_3

Income Taxes (Details 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:
Pension and other postretirement costs	$5,093	$4,240
Inventories	1,817	2,122
Net operating/capital loss carryforwards	7,362	7,555
Tax credit carryforwards	4,550	3,096
Deferred compensation	2,055	1,993
Other accruals and reserves	3,533	3,252
Total gross deferred tax assets	24,410	22,258
Less: valuation allowance	-5,768	-5,249
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance	18,642	17,009
Deferred tax liabilities:
Tax over book depreciation	-1,628	-645
Intangible assets, including tax deductible goodwill	-193	-1,574
Total gross deferred tax liabilities	-1,821	-2,219
Net deferred tax assets	$16,821	$14,790

Income_Taxes_Details_4

Income Taxes (Details 4) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Israel
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$2,704
Israel | Capital Loss Carryforward
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	1,797
Netherlands
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	247
United States | State and Local Jurisdiction
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$2,460

Income_Taxes_Details_5

Income Taxes (Details 5) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Valuation allowance	$5,768	$5,249
Israel
Valuation allowance	1,799
Netherlands
Valuation allowance	247
United States
Valuation allowance	$3,400

Income_Taxes_Details_6

Income Taxes (Details 6) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	$1,192	$1,101	$1,431
Addition based on tax positions related to current year	136	53	198
Addition based on tax positions related to prior years	180	78	99
Currency translation adjustments	-100	38	0
Reduction for lapses of statute of limitations	-56	-78	-627
Balance before indemnification receivable	1,352	1,192	1,101
Receivable from Vishay Intertechnology for indemnification	-281	-350	-338
Balance at end of year	$1,071	$842	$763

Income_Taxes_Details_Textual

Income Taxes (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards	$4,550,000	$3,096,000
Other Tax Expense (Benefit)	2,400,000
Valuation allowance, change in amount	500,000	2,400,000
Valuation allowance	5,768,000	5,249,000
Cumulative loss	3 years
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	101,500,000	103,500,000
Unremitted earnings withholdings taxes	13,800,000
Net income taxes paid	3,100,000	3,400,000	5,000,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Including Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued Income Tax Indemnification Receivable	500,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	500,000	500,000	500,000
Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Accrued in Current Income Tax Indemnification Receivable	300,000	400,000	400,000
Unrecognized tax benefits	1,352,000	1,192,000	1,101,000	1,431,000
Possible (increase) decrease in unrecognized tax benefit, minimum	400,000
Possible (increase) decrease in unrecognized tax benefit, maximum	600,000
Minimum
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Expected change in unrecognized tax benefits	100,000
Maximum
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Expected change in unrecognized tax benefits	300,000
State and Local Jurisdiction | Minimum
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Statutes of limitations range	3 years
State and Local Jurisdiction | Maximum
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Statutes of limitations range	4 years
Foreign Tax Authority
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Possible (increase) decrease in unrecognized tax benefit, minimum	-100,000
Possible (increase) decrease in unrecognized tax benefit, maximum	-200,000
Foreign Tax Authority | Minimum
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Statutes of limitations range	3 years
Foreign Tax Authority | Maximum
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Statutes of limitations range	10 years
U.S. Foreign Tax Credit Carryforward
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Valuation allowance, change in amount	-1,600,000	2,000,000
Valuation allowance	400,000	2,000,000
Israel Capital Loss Carryforward
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Valuation allowance, change in amount	($1,800,000)

LongTerm_Debt_Schedule_of_Long

Long-Term Debt (Schedule of Long-term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Exchangeable unsecured notes, due 2102	$4,097	$4,097
Other debt	736	976
Long-Term Debt	22,833	27,073
Less current portion	5,120	4,137
Long-term debt, less current portion	17,713	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	6,000	8,000
2013 Credit Agreement - Canadian term facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured debt	12,000	14,000
Israeli Credit Agreement - revolving facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured debt	$0	$0

LongTerm_Debt_Maturity_of_Long

Long-Term Debt (Maturity of Long-term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$5,120
2016	6,120
2017	7,120
2018	120
2019	120
Thereafter	$4,233

LongTerm_Debt_Narrative_Detail

Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011	Jan. 29, 2013	Aug. 28, 2013	Jul. 06, 2010
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Exchangeable unsecured notes, due 2102	$4,097,000	$4,097,000
Interest Paid	800,000	700,000	200,000
Other Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument term (in years)	7 years
Stated interest rate	0.00%
Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principle amount					15,000,000
Letter Of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principle amount					10,000,000
Swing Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principle amount					5,000,000
Domestic Term Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principle amount					10,000,000
Foreign Term Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principle amount					15,000,000
Domestic Revolving Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principle amount					10,000,000
Foreign Revolving Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principle amount				15,000,000
Expiration date				30-Nov-14
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding		0
2013 Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Expiration date					29-Jan-18
Minimum tangible net worth					118,000,000
Required cumulative net earnings percentage					50.00%
Maximum leverage ratio					2.5
Minimum fixed charges coverage ratio					1.5
Other Lines of Credit | Line of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principle amount	3,900,000	4,000,000
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	0
Exchangeable Unsecured Notes due 2102 | Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Exchangeable unsecured notes, due 2102						4,100,000	10,000,000
Maturity date							13-Dec-02
Exchangeable Notes Conversion Price Amount (in dollars per share)							$22.57
Principal amount of notes exchanged for common stock						$5,900,000
Conversion of exchangeable notes to common stock (in shares)						259,687
Number of shares of common stock the notes are exchangeable into (in shares)						181,537
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Foreign Revolving Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LIBOR				LIBOR
Interest rate in addition to LIBOR				2.15%
Quarterly commitment fee				0.40%
Debt Instrument, interest rate		2.40%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | 2013 Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LIBOR					LIBOR
Interest rate in addition to LIBOR					0.25%
Debt Instrument, interest rate	2.76%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | 2013 Credit Agreement | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate in addition to LIBOR					2.00%
Quarterly commitment fee					0.30%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | 2013 Credit Agreement | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate in addition to LIBOR					3.00%
Quarterly commitment fee					0.50%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Exchangeable Unsecured Notes due 2102 | Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LIBOR							LIBOR
Debt Instrument, interest rate	0.26%

Stockholders_Equity_Details

Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Pension and other postretirement actuarial items, Beginning Balance	($2,266)	($3,940)	($2,931)
Pension and other postretirement actuarial items, Before-Tax Amount	-3,357	1,888	-1,474
Pension and other postretirement actuarial items, Tax Effect	782	-353	355
Pension and other postretirement actuarial items, Net-of-Tax Amount	-2,575	1,535	-1,119
Pension and other postretirement actuarial items, Ending Balance	-4,841	-2,405	-4,050
Reclassification adjustment for recognition of actuarial items, Before-Tax Amount	60	191	161
Reclassification adjustment for recognition of actuarial items, Tax Effect	-23	-52	-51
Reclassification adjustment for recognition of actuarial items, Net-of-Tax Amount	37	139	110
Reclassification adjustment for recognition of actuarial items, Ending Balance	37	139	110
Foreign Currency translation adjustment, Beginning Balance	-16,761	-11,043	-11,042
Foreign Currency translation adjustment, Before Tax Amount	-4,887	-5,718	-1
Foreign Currency translation adjustment, Tax Effect	0	0	0
Foreign Currency translation adjustment, Net-of-Tax Amount	-4,887	-5,718	-1
Foreign Currency translation adjustment, Ending Balance	-21,648	-16,761	-11,043
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Net Of Tax, Beginning Balance	-19,027	-14,983	-13,973
Other comprehensive income (loss), Before Tax Amount	-8,184	-3,639	-1,314
Other comprehensive income, Tax Effect	759	-405	304
Other comprehensive loss	-7,425	-4,044	-1,010
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Net Of Tax, Ending Balance	($26,452)	($19,027)	($14,983)

Stockholders_Equity_Details_Te

Stockholders' Equity (Details Textual) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 06, 2010	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 23, 2014
		vote
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, number of votes		1
Preferred stock, shares authorized		1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred Stock, shares outstanding		0
Treasury Stock, shares		2,000	0
Warrants issued to purchase of common stock	630,252
Exercise Price Range One
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Warrants issued to purchase of common stock	500,000
Exercise price of warrants (in dollars per share)	26.56
Exercise Price Range Two
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Warrants issued to purchase of common stock	130,252
Exercise price of warrants (in dollars per share)	40.23
Common Class B
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, number of votes		10
Conversion ratio		1
Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, shares authorized to be repurchased				500,000
Treasury Stock, shares		2,000

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem2

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Pension Plans
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$22,351	$23,308
Service cost (adjusted for actual employee contributions)	417	453	476
Interest cost	938	860	865
Contributions by participants	53	53	52
Actuarial losses (gains)	3,409	-1,356
Benefits paid	-978	-780
Currency translation	-1,535	-187
Benefit obligation at end of year	24,655	22,351	23,308
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	15,354	13,091
Actual return on plan assets	875	1,195
Company contributions	1,349	1,472
Contributions by participants	53	53	52
Benefits paid	-978	-780
Currency translation	-956	323
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	15,697	15,354	13,091
Funded status at end of year	-8,958	-6,997
OPEB Plans
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	2,826	2,687
Service cost (adjusted for actual employee contributions)	62	77	67
Interest cost	131	114	101
Contributions by participants	0	0	0
Actuarial losses (gains)	534	162
Benefits paid	-222	-214
Currency translation	0	0
Benefit obligation at end of year	3,331	2,826	2,687
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0	0
Actual return on plan assets	0	0
Company contributions	222	214
Contributions by participants	0	0	0
Benefits paid	-222	-214
Currency translation	0	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0	0
Funded status at end of year	($3,331)	($2,826)

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem3

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details 1) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accrued pension and other postretirement costs	($13,072)	($10,780)
Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accrued pension and other postretirement costs	-8,958	-6,997
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	5,382	2,411
Benefit plans, amounts realized	-3,576	-4,586
OPEB Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accrued pension and other postretirement costs	-3,331	-2,826
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	1,139	639
Benefit plans, amounts realized	($2,192)	($2,187)

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem4

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Unrecognized net actuarial loss	$5,375	$2,402
Unrecognized prior service cost	2	3
Unamortized transition obligation	5	6
Benefit plans, accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) before tax	5,382	2,411
OPEB Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Unrecognized net actuarial loss	1,139	639
Unrecognized prior service cost	0	0
Unamortized transition obligation	0	0
Benefit plans, accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) before tax	$1,139	$639

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem5

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Accumulated benefit obligation, all plans	$23,760	$20,947
Plans for which the accumulated benefit obligation exceeds plan assets:
Projected benefit obligation	23,678	21,447
Accumulated benefit obligation	23,160	20,390
Fair value of plan assets	$14,890	$14,623

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem6

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Annual service cost	$470	$506	$528
Less: employee contributions	53	53	52
Net service cost	417	453	476
Interest cost	938	860	865
Expected return on plan assets	-789	-605	-595
Amortization of actuarial losses	26	166	95
Amortization of transition obligation	1	4	1
Net periodic benefit cost	593	878	842
OPEB Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Annual service cost	62	77	67
Less: employee contributions	0	0	0
Net service cost	62	77	67
Interest cost	131	114	101
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0
Amortization of actuarial losses	33	23	37
Amortization of transition obligation	0	0	28
Net periodic benefit cost	$226	$214	$233

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem7

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details 5)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate, benefit obligation	3.56%	4.22%
Rate of compensation increase, benefit obligation	2.70%	3.56%
Discount rate, net periodic pension cost	4.22%	3.85%
Rate of compensation increase, net periodic pension cost	3.56%	2.67%
Expected return on plan assets	5.05%	4.65%
OPEB Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate, benefit obligation	3.69%	4.57%
Discount rate, net periodic pension cost	4.57%	3.68%
Health care trend rate	5.10%	5.08%

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem8

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details 6)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets	100.00%	100.00%
Pension Plans | Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets	45.00%	48.00%
Pension Plans | Fixed income securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets	41.00%	33.00%
Pension Plans | Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets	14.00%	19.00%
OPEB Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets	0.00%	0.00%
OPEB Plans | Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets	0.00%	0.00%
OPEB Plans | Fixed income securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets	0.00%	0.00%
OPEB Plans | Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets	0.00%	0.00%

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem9

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details 7) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit pension plan assets	$6,998	$7,312
Equity securities | Level 1 Inputs
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit pension plan assets	6,998	7,312
Equity securities | Level 2 Inputs
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit pension plan assets	0	0
Equity securities | Level 3 Inputs
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit pension plan assets	0	0
Fixed income securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit pension plan assets	6,482	5,010
Fixed income securities | Level 1 Inputs
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit pension plan assets	6,482	5,010
Fixed income securities | Level 2 Inputs
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit pension plan assets	0	0
Fixed income securities | Level 3 Inputs
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit pension plan assets	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit pension plan assets	2,217	3,033
Cash and cash equivalents | Level 1 Inputs
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit pension plan assets	2,217	3,033
Cash and cash equivalents | Level 2 Inputs
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit pension plan assets	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents | Level 3 Inputs
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit pension plan assets	$0	$0

Recovered_Sheet1

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details 8) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2015	$719
2016	782
2017	665
2018	709
2019	681
2020-2024	4,461
OPEB Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2015	182
2016	185
2017	207
2018	176
2019	192
2020-2024	$1,137

Recovered_Sheet2

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Estimated actuarial items that will be amortized from AOCI loss	$300,000
Ultimate health care cost trend rate	5.00%
Defined benefit plan, employer contribution in 2015	1,400,000
Defined contribution plan matching expense	600,000	700,000	900,000
Accrued pension and other postretirement costs	13,072,000	10,780,000
Non Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Assets held-in-trust	3,000,000	3,100,000
Accrued pension and other postretirement costs	3,700,000	3,500,000
Other Retirement Obligations
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Other retirement obligations	800,000	1,000,000
Non Qualified Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Assets held-in-trust	1,700,000	1,600,000
Non qualified pension plan liabilities	$2,100,000	$1,800,000

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail

Share-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Number of Options, Beginning of year	27	32	32
Number of Options, Granted	0	0	0
Number of Options, Exercised	-4	0	0
Number of Options, Expired	-5	-5	0
Number of Options, End of Year	18	27	32
Number of Options, Vested and expected to vest	18	27	32
Number of Options Exercisable, End of Year	18	27	28
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning of year (in dollars per share)	$18.06	$18.03	$18.03
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted (in dollars per share)	$0	$0	$0
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised (in dollars per share)	$11.92	$0	$0
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Expired (in dollars per share)	$20.58	$17.87	$0
Weighted Average Exercise Price, End of year (in dollars per share)	$18.92	$18.06	$18.03

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail1

Share-Based Compensation (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Number of Options	18	27	32	32
Options outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual life	2 years 1 month 28 days
Options outstanding, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$18.92	$18.06	$18.03	$18.03
Options exercisable, number of options	18	27	28
Options exercisable, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$18.92

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail2

Share-Based Compensation (Details 2) (Restricted Stock Units (Rsus), USD $)	0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	5-May-14	Jan. 29, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
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, Beginning of Year			146,000	193,000	129,000
Number of RSUs, Granted	21,387	79,453	112,000	67,000	92,000
Number of RSUs, Vested			-22,000	-114,000	-28,000
Number of RSUs, End of Year			236,000	146,000	193,000
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, Begining of year (in dollars per share)			$14.72	$15.98	$16.03
Weighted Average Grant-date Fair Value, Granted (in dollars per share)			$15.30	$13.07	$15.88
Weighted Average Grant-date Fair Value, Vested (in dollars per share)			$15.84	$15.88	$15.85
Weighted Average Grant-date Fair Value, End of year (in dollars per share)			$14.89	$14.72	$15.98

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail3

Share-Based Compensation (Details 3) (Performance Based Restricted Stock Units)	Dec. 31, 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	19
Not Expected to Vest	19
Total	38
Vesting on January 1, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected to Vest	0
Not Expected to Vest	48
Total	48
Vesting on January 1, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected to Vest	73
Not Expected to Vest	3
Total	76

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail4

Share-Based Compensation (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock options	$0	$3	$10
Restricted stock units	1,008	740	1,160
Total	$1,008	$743	$1,170

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail5

Share-Based Compensation (Details Textual) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	22-May-14	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	5-May-14	Jan. 29, 2014
	people					people
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized (in shares)		1,000,000
Number of shares available for grant (in shares)		579,134
Number of options granted		0	0	0
Number of Options, Exercised		4,000	0	0
Share price (in dollars per share)		$17.16
Number of people granted awards	3
Deferred tax benefit		$0.20	$0.30	$0.40
Unrecognized share-based compensation expense		1.1
Unrecognized share-based compensation expense recognition period		2 years
Restricted Stock Units Performance
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of people granted awards						3
Percentage of performance based units on total units approved					75.00%	75.00%
Grant date fair value					0.3	1.2
Number of RSUs, Granted		112,000	67,000	92,000	21,387	79,453
Number of trading days used in grant date fair value calculation						5 days
Share-based compensation arrangement, other than options, vesting conditions (in dollars per share)					Twenty-five percent of these awards will vest on January 1, 2017	Twenty-five percent of these awards will vest on January 1, 2017
Award vesting period					3 years	3 years
Independent Board Members and Non Executive Chairman
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant date fair value	0.2
Number of RSUs, Granted	11,235
Board of Directors Chairman
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of people granted awards	1
Vesting on January 1, 2017 | Restricted Stock Units Performance
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights (percentage)					25.00%	25.00%

Commitments_Contingencies_and_2

Commitments, Contingencies, and Concentrations (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$3,617
2016	2,768
2017	2,143
2018	1,675
2019	1,087
Thereafter	$1,681

Commitments_Contingencies_and_3

Commitments, Contingencies, and Concentrations (Details 1)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash and Cash Equivalents by Region [Line Items]
Percentage of cash and cash equivalents by region	100.00%	100.00%
Asia
Cash and Cash Equivalents by Region [Line Items]
Percentage of cash and cash equivalents by region	18.00%	30.00%
United States
Cash and Cash Equivalents by Region [Line Items]
Percentage of cash and cash equivalents by region	27.00%	25.00%
Israel
Cash and Cash Equivalents by Region [Line Items]
Percentage of cash and cash equivalents by region	23.00%	16.00%
Europe
Cash and Cash Equivalents by Region [Line Items]
Percentage of cash and cash equivalents by region	14.00%	16.00%
United Kingdom
Cash and Cash Equivalents by Region [Line Items]
Percentage of cash and cash equivalents by region	10.00%	7.00%
Canada
Cash and Cash Equivalents by Region [Line Items]
Percentage of cash and cash equivalents by region	8.00%	6.00%

Commitments_Contingencies_and_4

Commitments, Contingencies, and Concentrations (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jul. 06, 2010
Commitments, Contingencies, and Concentrations [Line Items]
Operating lease, rent expense	$4.10	$3.80	$3.20
Concentration risk, benchmark description	No single customer comprises greater than 10% of net revenues.
President and Chief Executive Officer
Commitments, Contingencies, and Concentrations [Line Items]
Employment agreement, special sign on bonus				$0.40

Segment_and_Geographic_Data_De

Segment and Geographic Data (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
	segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of Reportable Segments	3

Segment_and_Geographic_Data_De1

Segment and Geographic Data (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 27, 2014		Jun. 28, 2014		Mar. 29, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 28, 2013		Jun. 29, 2013		Mar. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	$61,218	[1]	$63,402	[1]	$65,162	[1]	$61,041	[1]	$62,248	[1]	$57,729	[1]	$62,837	[1]	$57,461	[1]	$250,823	$240,275	$217,616
Gross profit	21,603	[1]	23,777	[1]	24,697	[1]	22,047	[1]	23,083	[1]	19,243	[1]	21,560	[1]	19,969	[1]	92,124	83,855	75,032
Segment operating income (loss)	-3,098	[1]	3,965	[1]	4,772	[1]	3,023	[1]	3,316	[1]	602	[1]	2,787	[1]	1,297	[1]	8,662	8,002	11,091
Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles	5,446	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	5,446	0	0
Restructuring costs	193	[1]	144	[1]	7	[1]	324	[1]	51	[1]	99	[1]	0	[1]	388	[1]	668	538	0
Depreciation and amortization expense																	11,677	11,990	11,661
Capital expenditures																	9,759	6,748	8,322
Acquisition costs	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	42	[1]	57	[1]	208	[1]	487	[1]	0	794	275
Total assets	289,887								292,104								289,887	292,104	263,173
Foil Technology Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues																	108,001	97,045	105,207
Gross profit																	42,449	37,156	42,848
Segment operating income (loss)																	23,668	19,792	25,467
Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles																	0
Restructuring costs																	153	388
Depreciation and amortization expense																	5,192	5,371	5,850
Capital expenditures																	7,018	3,353	4,333
Acquisition costs																		0	0
Total assets	87,846								84,325								87,846	84,325	118,893
Force Sensors
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues																	68,301	64,846	65,787
Gross profit																	15,135	14,023	13,483
Segment operating income (loss)																	5,629	4,905	4,504
Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles																	0
Restructuring costs																	0	0
Depreciation and amortization expense																	3,489	3,577	3,707
Capital expenditures																	1,607	2,485	3,307
Acquisition costs																		0	0
Total assets	69,092								68,498								69,092	68,498	61,040
Weighing and Control Systems
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues																	74,521	78,384	46,622
Gross profit																	34,540	32,676	18,701
Segment operating income (loss)																	11,578	10,438	5,983
Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles																	5,446
Restructuring costs																	515	150
Depreciation and amortization expense																	2,120	1,980	849
Capital expenditures																	775	704	422
Acquisition costs																		794	275
Total assets	96,741								108,285								96,741	108,285	54,789
Corporate/ Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues																	0	0	0
Gross profit																	0	0	0
Segment operating income (loss)																	-32,213	-27,133	-24,863
Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles																	0
Restructuring costs																	0	0
Depreciation and amortization expense																	876	1,062	1,255
Capital expenditures																	359	206	260
Acquisition costs																		0	0
Total assets	36,208								30,996								36,208	30,996	28,451
Intersegment revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues																	0	0	0
Intersegment revenues | Foil Technology Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues																	3,190	1,989	1,442
Intersegment revenues | Force Sensors
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues																	1,773	2,140	2,732
Intersegment revenues | Weighing and Control Systems
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues																	1,039	1,175	2,530
Intersegment revenues | Corporate/ Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues																	($6,002)	($5,304)	($6,704)
[1]	The Company reports interim financial information for the 13-week periods beginning on a Sunday and ending on a Saturday, except for the first fiscal quarter, which always begins on January 1, and the fourth fiscal quarter, which always ends on December 31. The first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2014 ended on March 29, June 28, September 27 and December 31, respectively. The first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2013 ended on March 30, June 29, September 28 and December 31, respectively.

Segment_and_Geographic_Data_De2

Segment and Geographic Data (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 27, 2014		Jun. 28, 2014		Mar. 29, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 28, 2013		Jun. 29, 2013		Mar. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Unallocated selling, general, and administrative expenses																	($77,348)	($74,521)	($63,666)
Acquisition costs	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	-42	[1]	-57	[1]	-208	[1]	-487	[1]	0	-794	-275
Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles	-5,446	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	-5,446	0	0
Restructuring costs	-193	[1]	-144	[1]	-7	[1]	-324	[1]	-51	[1]	-99	[1]	0	[1]	-388	[1]	-668	-538	0
Operating income (loss)	-3,098	[1]	3,965	[1]	4,772	[1]	3,023	[1]	3,316	[1]	602	[1]	2,787	[1]	1,297	[1]	8,662	8,002	11,091
Corporate/ Other
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Unallocated selling, general, and administrative expenses																	-26,099	-25,801	-24,588
Acquisition costs																		0	0
Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles																	0
Restructuring costs																	0	0
Operating income (loss)																	($32,213)	($27,133)	($24,863)
[1]	The Company reports interim financial information for the 13-week periods beginning on a Sunday and ending on a Saturday, except for the first fiscal quarter, which always begins on January 1, and the fourth fiscal quarter, which always ends on December 31. The first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2014 ended on March 29, June 28, September 27 and December 31, respectively. The first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2013 ended on March 30, June 29, September 28 and December 31, respectively.

Segment_and_Geographic_Data_De3

Segment and Geographic Data (Details 2) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Jun. 28, 2014

Mar. 29, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Jun. 29, 2013

Mar. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]

Net revenues

$61,218

[1]

$63,402

[1]

$65,162

[1]

$61,041

[1]

$62,248

[1]

$57,729

[1]

$62,837

[1]

$57,461

[1]

$250,823

$240,275

$217,616

United States

Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]

Net revenues

93,247

86,897

92,807

United Kingdom

Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]

Net revenues

36,358

32,915

29,582

Other Europe

Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]

Net revenues

57,014

53,691

54,212

Israel

Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]

Net revenues

3,661

2,226

3,708

Asia

Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]

Net revenues

37,916

32,410

36,177

Canada

Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]

Net revenues

$22,627

$32,136

$1,130

[1]

The Company reports interim financial information for the 13-week periods beginning on a Sunday and ending on a Saturday, except for the first fiscal quarter, which always begins on January 1, and the fourth fiscal quarter, which always ends on December 31. The first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2014 ended on March 29, June 28, September 27 and December 31, respectively. The first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2013 ended on March 30, June 29, September 28 and December 31, respectively.

Segment_and_Geographic_Data_De4

Segment and Geographic Data (Details 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property and Equipment - Net	$51,982	$49,323
United States
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property and Equipment - Net	5,750	6,209
United Kingdom
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property and Equipment - Net	5,628	6,075
Other Europe
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property and Equipment - Net	1,569	2,018
Israel
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property and Equipment - Net	18,663	16,394
Asia
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property and Equipment - Net	18,435	16,439
Canada and Other
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property and Equipment - Net	$1,937	$2,188

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 27, 2014		Jun. 28, 2014		Mar. 29, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 28, 2013		Jun. 29, 2013		Mar. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Numerator for basic earnings per share:
Net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders	($4,433)	[1]	$3,119	[1]	$3,461	[1]	$1,706	[1]	$1,128	[1]	$1,466	[1]	$1,310	[1]	$387	[1]	$3,853	$4,291	$11,691
Adjustment to the numerator for net earnings:
Interest savings assuming conversion of dilutive exchangeable notes, net of tax																	6	15	30
Numerator for diluted earnings per share:
Net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders																	$3,859	$4,306	$11,721
Denominator:
Weighted average shares																	13,755	13,563	13,367
Effect of dilutive securities:
Exchangeable notes (in shares)																	181	311	441
Employee stock options (in shares)																	1	1	1
Restricted stock units (in shares)																	40	69	80
Dilutive potential common shares (in shares)																	222	381	522
Denominator for diluted earnings per share:
Adjusted weighted average shares																	13,977	13,944	13,889
Basic earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders (in dollars per share)	($0.32)	[1],[2]	$0.23	[1],[2]	$0.25	[1],[2]	$0.12	[1],[2]	$0.08	[1],[2]	$0.11	[1],[2]	$0.10	[1],[2]	$0.03	[1],[2]	$0.28	$0.32	$0.87
Diluted earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders (in dollars per share)	($0.32)	[1],[2]	$0.22	[1],[2]	$0.25	[1],[2]	$0.12	[1],[2]	$0.08	[1],[2]	$0.11	[1],[2]	$0.09	[1],[2]	$0.03	[1],[2]	$0.28	$0.31	$0.84
[1]	The Company reports interim financial information for the 13-week periods beginning on a Sunday and ending on a Saturday, except for the first fiscal quarter, which always begins on January 1, and the fourth fiscal quarter, which always ends on December 31. The first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2014 ended on March 29, June 28, September 27 and December 31, respectively. The first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2013 ended on March 30, June 29, September 28 and December 31, respectively.
[2]	Quarterly amounts may not agree in total to the corresponding annual amounts due to rounding.

Earnings_Per_Share_Details_1

Earnings Per Share (Details 1)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stock Options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Weighted average employee stock options and warrants (in shares)	18	23	28
Warrant
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Weighted average employee stock options and warrants (in shares)	0	0	0

Additional_Financial_Statement2

Additional Financial Statement Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Foreign exchange loss	($844)	($1,667)	($285)
Interest income	261	266	633
Other	-268	-178	-649
Other nonoperating income (expense)	($851)	($1,579)	($301)

Additional_Financial_Statement3

Additional Financial Statement Information (Details 1) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Customer advance payments	$5,167	$6,099
Goods received, not yet invoiced	3,265	2,067
Accrued taxes, other than income taxes	1,879	1,874
Accrued commissions	1,649	1,614
Accrued professional fees	1,465	1,415
Other	3,165	2,745
Accrued liabilities, current	$16,590	$15,814

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 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	$4,725	$4,678
Level 1 Inputs
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets held in rabbi trusts	915	1,087
Level 2 Inputs
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets held in rabbi trusts	3,810	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_Detail1

Fair Value Measurements (Details Textual) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Long-term debt, fair value	$21,700,000	$25,500,000
Long-term debt	$22,833,000	$27,073,000

Subsequent_Events_Details_Text

Subsequent Events (Details Textual) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

2 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

22-May-14

Dec. 31, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Jun. 28, 2014

Mar. 29, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Jun. 29, 2013

Mar. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

5-May-14

Jan. 29, 2014

Mar. 11, 2015

Jan. 20, 2015

people

people

Subsequent Event [Line Items]

Number of people granted awards

3

Restructuring costs

$193,000

[1]

$144,000

[1]

$7,000

[1]

$324,000

[1]

$51,000

[1]

$99,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$388,000

[1]

$668,000

$538,000

$0

Purchase of treasury stock, shares

2,000

Employee Severance and Statutory Retirement Allowance | Canada

Subsequent Event [Line Items]

Restructuring costs

500,000

100,000

Restricted Stock Units (Rsus)

Subsequent Event [Line Items]

Number of people granted awards

3

Number of RSUs granted (in shares)

112,000

67,000

92,000

21,387

79,453

Number of trading days used in grant date fair value calculation

5 days

Award vesting period

3 years

3 years

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event [Line Items]

Purchase of treasury stock, shares

42,926

Subsequent Event | Restricted Stock Units (Rsus)

Subsequent Event [Line Items]

Restricted stock units grant date fair value

$1,000,000

Number of RSUs granted (in shares)

59,325

Number of trading days used in grant date fair value calculation

5 days

Subsequent Event | Restricted Stock Units (Rsus) | Vesting on January 1, 2018

Subsequent Event [Line Items]

Award vesting rights (percentage)

25.00%

Subsequent Event | Performance Based Units

Subsequent Event [Line Items]

Percentage of annual equity awards for executive officers

75.00%

Award vesting period

3 years

Executive Officer | Subsequent Event | Restricted Stock Units (Rsus)

Subsequent Event [Line Items]

Number of people granted awards

3

[1]

The Company reports interim financial information for the 13-week periods beginning on a Sunday and ending on a Saturday, except for the first fiscal quarter, which always begins on January 1, and the fourth fiscal quarter, which always ends on December 31. The first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2014 ended on March 29, June 28, September 27 and December 31, respectively. The first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2013 ended on March 30, June 29, September 28 and December 31, respectively.

Summary_of_Quarterly_Financial2

Summary of Quarterly Financial information (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 27, 2014		Jun. 28, 2014		Mar. 29, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 28, 2013		Jun. 29, 2013		Mar. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Operations data:
Net revenues	$61,218	[1]	$63,402	[1]	$65,162	[1]	$61,041	[1]	$62,248	[1]	$57,729	[1]	$62,837	[1]	$57,461	[1]	$250,823	$240,275	$217,616
Gross profit	21,603	[1]	23,777	[1]	24,697	[1]	22,047	[1]	23,083	[1]	19,243	[1]	21,560	[1]	19,969	[1]	92,124	83,855	75,032
Operating income (loss)	-3,098	[1]	3,965	[1]	4,772	[1]	3,023	[1]	3,316	[1]	602	[1]	2,787	[1]	1,297	[1]	8,662	8,002	11,091
Net earnings (loss)	-4,344	[1]	3,149	[1]	3,453	[1]	1,773	[1]	1,166	[1]	1,455	[1]	1,290	[1]	436	[1]	4,031	4,347	11,764
Less: net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	89	[1]	30	[1]	-8	[1]	67	[1]	38	[1]	-11	[1]	-20	[1]	49	[1]	178	56	73
Net earnings (loss) attributable to VPG stockholders	-4,433	[1]	3,119	[1]	3,461	[1]	1,706	[1]	1,128	[1]	1,466	[1]	1,310	[1]	387	[1]	3,853	4,291	11,691
Per Share Data:
Basic earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	($0.32)	[1],[2]	$0.23	[1],[2]	$0.25	[1],[2]	$0.12	[1],[2]	$0.08	[1],[2]	$0.11	[1],[2]	$0.10	[1],[2]	$0.03	[1],[2]	$0.28	$0.32	$0.87
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	($0.32)	[1],[2]	$0.22	[1],[2]	$0.25	[1],[2]	$0.12	[1],[2]	$0.08	[1],[2]	$0.11	[1],[2]	$0.09	[1],[2]	$0.03	[1],[2]	$0.28	$0.31	$0.84
Certain Items Recorded during the Quarters:
Acquisition purchase accounting adjustments	19	[1]	15	[1]	2	[1]	39	[1]	454	[1]	903	[1]	2,260	[1]	1,238	[1]
Acquisition costs	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	42	[1]	57	[1]	208	[1]	487	[1]	0	794	275
Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles	5,446	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	5,446	0	0
Restructuring costs	193	[1]	144	[1]	7	[1]	324	[1]	51	[1]	99	[1]	0	[1]	388	[1]	668	538	0
Tax effect of adjustments for purchase accounting, acquisition costs, impairment charges and restructuring costs, and discrete tax items	$504	[1]	($54)	[1]	($2)	[1]	($92)	[1]	$792	[1]	($1,297)	[1]	($654)	[1]	($692)	[1]
[1]	The Company reports interim financial information for the 13-week periods beginning on a Sunday and ending on a Saturday, except for the first fiscal quarter, which always begins on January 1, and the fourth fiscal quarter, which always ends on December 31. The first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2014 ended on March 29, June 28, September 27 and December 31, respectively. The first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2013 ended on March 30, June 29, September 28 and December 31, respectively.
[2]	Quarterly amounts may not agree in total to the corresponding annual amounts due to rounding.