Vishay Precision (VPG) 10-Q 5 Nov 19 2019 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019	Nov. 05, 2019
Entity Registrant Name	Vishay Precision Group, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	0001487952
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 28, 2019
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Common Stock
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		12,497,735
Class B Convertible Common Stock
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,025,158

Consolidated Condensed Balance

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 28, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 101,299	$ 90,159
Accounts receivable, net	44,430	53,156
Inventories:
Raw materials	18,894	18,052
Work in process	23,792	22,007
Finished goods	21,431	22,182
Inventories, net	64,117	62,241
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	15,081	9,314
Total current assets	224,927	214,870
Property and equipment, at cost:
Land	3,368	3,390
Buildings and improvements	51,750	51,055
Machinery and equipment	110,047	105,840
Software	9,310	8,532
Construction in progress	2,565	2,157
Accumulated depreciation	(117,712)	(111,555)
Property and equipment, net	59,328	59,419
Goodwill	16,318	16,141
Intangible assets, net	16,703	17,656
Other assets	27,482	18,297
Total assets	344,758	326,383
Current liabilities:
Trade accounts payable	8,804	11,461
Payroll and related expenses	15,695	17,757
Other accrued expenses	19,199	17,031
Income taxes	2,798	3,879
Current portion of long-term debt	4,996	4,654
Total current liabilities	51,492	54,782
Long-term debt, less current portion	18,676	22,421
Deferred income taxes	2,200	2,200
Other liabilities	20,866	13,545
Accrued pension and other postretirement costs	14,873	14,982
Total liabilities	108,107	107,930
Commitments and contingencies
Equity:
Common stock	1,312	1,307
Treasury stock	(8,765)	(8,765)
Capital in excess of par value	197,381	196,666
Retained earnings	85,417	66,569
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(38,909)	(37,465)
Total Vishay Precision Group, Inc. stockholders' equity	236,539	218,415
Noncontrolling interests	112	38
Total equity	236,651	218,453
Total liabilities and equity	344,758	326,383
Class B Convertible Common Stock
Equity:
Common stock	$ 103	$ 103

Consolidated Condensed Statemen

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019	Sep. 29, 2018	Sep. 28, 2019	Sep. 29, 2018
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net revenues	$ 67,421	$ 75,490	$ 214,816	$ 222,812
Costs of products sold	41,631	44,910	127,366	132,361
Gross profit	25,790	30,580	87,450	90,451
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	19,057	19,721	59,401	60,030
Executive severance costs	0	0	611	0
Restructuring costs	547	228	547	289
Operating income	6,186	10,631	26,891	30,132
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(324)	(413)	(1,071)	(1,333)
Other	547	(172)	(385)	(1,093)
Other income (expense)	223	(585)	(1,456)	(2,426)
Income before taxes	6,409	10,046	25,435	27,706
Income tax expense	1,879	2,479	6,999	7,498
Net earnings	4,530	7,567	18,436	20,208
Less: net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	21	20	119	(20)
Net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders	$ 4,509	$ 7,547	$ 18,317	$ 20,228
Basic earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders (dollars per share)	$ 0.33	$ 0.56	$ 1.36	$ 1.51
Diluted earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders (dollars per share)	$ 0.33	$ 0.56	$ 1.35	$ 1.50
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	13,523	13,474	13,512	13,431
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	13,607	13,534	13,588	13,519

Consolidated Condensed Statem_2

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019	Sep. 29, 2018	Sep. 28, 2019	Sep. 29, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 4,530	$ 7,567	$ 18,436	$ 20,208
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(2,559)	124	(1,608)	(2,393)
Pension and other postretirement actuarial items, net of tax	(21)	175	164	544
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(2,580)	299	(1,444)	(1,849)
Total comprehensive income	1,950	7,866	16,992	18,359
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	21	20	119	(20)
Comprehensive income attributable to VPG stockholders	$ 1,929	$ 7,846	$ 16,873	$ 18,379

Consolidated Condensed Statem_3

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019	Sep. 29, 2018
Operating activities
Net earnings	$ 18,436	$ 20,208
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	8,639	7,939
Gain on disposal of property and equipment	(100)	(146)
Share-based compensation expense	1,592	1,172
Inventory write-offs for obsolescence	1,937	1,633
Deferred income taxes	605	1,584
Other	(829)	536
Net changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	8,348	(8,128)
Inventories, net	(4,138)	(6,935)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(5,788)	(2,600)
Trade accounts payable	(1,353)	(1,342)
Other current liabilities	(2,727)	4,031
Net cash provided by operating activities	24,622	17,952
Investing activities
Capital expenditures	(8,621)	(9,966)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	265	169
Net cash used in investing activities	(8,356)	(9,797)
Financing activities
Principal payments on long-term debt	(3,461)	(4,728)
Proceeds from revolving facility	0	22,000
Payments on revolving facility	0	(19,000)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(45)	(101)
Payments of employee taxes on certain share-based arrangements	(854)	(801)
Net cash used in financing activities	(4,360)	(2,630)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(766)	(1,189)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	11,140	4,336
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	90,159	74,292
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	101,299	78,628
Supplemental disclosure of investing transactions:
Capital expenditures purchased	(7,383)	(7,599)
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing transactions:
Conversion of exchangeable notes to common stock	0	$ (2,794)
Capital expenditures accrued but not yet paid	$ 613

Consolidated Condensed Statem_4

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Total VPG, Inc. Stockholders' Equity	Common Stock	Class B Convertible Common Stock	Treasury Stock	Capital in Excess of Par Value	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Noncontrolling Interests
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cumulative effect adjustment for adoption of ASU | Accounting Standards Update 2016-16	$ (153)	$ (153)					$ (153)
Balance, beginning at Dec. 31, 2017	193,304	193,156	$ 1,288	$ 103	$ (8,765)	$ 192,904	43,076	$ (35,450)	$ 148
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	20,208	20,228					20,228		(20)
Other comprehensive income	(1,849)	(1,849)						(1,849)
Share-based compensation expense	1,172	1,172				1,172
Restricted stock issuances	(812)	(812)	7			(819)
Common stock issuance from conversion of exchangeable notes (123,808 shares)	2,794	2,794	12			2,782
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(101)								(101)
Balance, ending at Sep. 29, 2018	214,563	214,536	1,307	103	(8,765)	196,039	63,151	(37,299)	27
Balance, beginning at Jun. 30, 2018	206,298	206,319	1,307	103	(8,765)	195,668	55,604	(37,598)	(21)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	7,567	7,547					7,547		20
Other comprehensive income	299	299						299
Share-based compensation expense	371	371				371
Restricted stock issuances	0	0	0			0
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	28								28
Balance, ending at Sep. 29, 2018	214,563	214,536	1,307	103	(8,765)	196,039	63,151	(37,299)	27
Balance, beginning at Dec. 31, 2018	218,453	218,415	1,307	103	(8,765)	196,666	66,569	(37,465)	38
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	18,436	18,317					18,317		119
Other comprehensive income	(1,444)	(1,444)						(1,444)
Share-based compensation expense	1,592	1,592				1,592
Restricted stock issuances	(872)	(872)	5			(877)
Common stock issuance from conversion of exchangeable notes (123,808 shares)	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(45)								(45)
Balance, ending at Sep. 28, 2019	236,651	236,539	1,312	103	(8,765)	197,381	85,417	(38,909)	112
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cumulative effect adjustment for adoption of ASU | Accounting Standards Update 2016-02	0	0					0
Balance, beginning at Jun. 29, 2019	234,242	234,104	1,312	103	(8,765)	196,875	80,908	(36,329)	138
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	4,530	4,509					4,509		21
Other comprehensive income	(2,580)	(2,580)						(2,580)
Share-based compensation expense	506	506				506
Restricted stock issuances	0	0	0			0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(47)								(47)
Balance, ending at Sep. 28, 2019	$ 236,651	$ 236,539	$ 1,312	$ 103	$ (8,765)	$ 197,381	$ 85,417	$ (38,909)	$ 112

Consolidated Condensed Statem_5

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Equity (Parenthetical) - Common Stock - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019	Sep. 29, 2018
Restricted stock issuances, shares	48,482	59,038
Common stock issuance from conversion of exchangeable notes, shares		123,808

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation Background Vishay Precision Group, Inc. (“VPG” or the “Company”) is an internationally recognized designer, manufacturer and marketer of 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. Interim Financial Statements These unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") for interim financial statements and therefore do not include all information and footnotes necessary for the presentation of financial position, results of operations, and cash flows required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements. The information furnished reflects all normal recurring adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair summary of the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods presented. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018 , included in VPG’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 , filed with the SEC on March 14, 2019 . The results of operations for the fiscal quarter ended September 28, 2019 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. VPG reports interim financial information for 13-week periods beginning on a Sunday and ending on a Saturday, except for the first quarter, which always begins on January 1, and the fourth quarter, which always ends on December 31. The four fiscal quarters in 2019 and 2018 end on the following dates: 2019 2018 Quarter 1 March 30, March 31, Quarter 2 June 29, June 30, Quarter 3 September 28, September 29, Quarter 4 December 31, December 31, Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-02, “ Leases (Topic 842) ,” a comprehensive new lease standard that amends various aspects of existing accounting guidance for leases. The core principle of this ASU will require lessees to present the assets and liabilities that arise from leases on their balance sheets. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-11 "Leases (Topic 842), Targeted Improvements," which provides additional implementation guidance on the previously issued ASU. The Company adopted the new lease standard as of January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective method. Refer to Note 4 for additional details. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, "Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income." This ASU gives entities the option to reclassify to retained earnings the tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("2017 Tax Act") related to items in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") that the FASB refers to as having been stranded in AOCI. The Company adopted ASU 2018-02 effective January 1, 2019, and elected not to reclassify the income tax effects from AOCI to retained earnings. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, "Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans." This ASU amends Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 715 to add, remove and clarify disclosure requirements related to defined benefit and pension and other postretirement plans. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the standard to determine the impact on the consolidated condensed financial statements. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, "Fair Value Measurements (Topic 820)." This ASU modifies the disclosures on fair value measurements by removing the requirements to disclose the amount and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and the policy for timing of such transfers. The ASU expands the disclosure requirements for Level 3 fair value measurements, primarily focused on changes in unrealized gains and losses included in other comprehensive income. The amendments in this ASU are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the standard to determine the impact on the consolidated condensed financial statements.

Revenues

Revenues	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenues	Revenues Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract with our customer are satisfied, which generally occurs with the transfer of control of our products. For certain contracts with post-shipment obligations, revenue is recognized when the post-shipment obligation is satisfied. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration expected to be received in exchange for transferring goods or providing post-shipment obligations. Sales, value add and other taxes collected concurrent with revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenue. Given the specialized nature of the Company's products, the Company generally does not allow product returns. Shipping and handling costs are recorded to Costs of product sold when control of the product has transferred to the customer. The Company offers standard product warranties. Warranty related costs continue to be recognized as expense when the products are sold. The following table disaggregates net revenue by geographic region from contracts with customers based on net revenues generated by subsidiaries within that geographic location (in thousands) : Fiscal quarter ended Fiscal quarter ended Foil Technology Force Weighing and Total Foil Technology Force Weighing and Total United States $ 13,737 $ 9,008 $ 5,223 $ 27,968 $ 16,011 $ 9,842 $ 6,289 $ 32,142 United Kingdom 762 2,554 3,650 6,966 905 2,995 3,738 7,638 Other Europe 8,262 2,475 3,116 13,853 8,224 2,248 4,261 14,733 Israel 2,768 127 — 2,895 2,951 116 — 3,067 Asia 6,590 2,053 1,836 10,479 7,821 2,401 1,053 11,275 Canada — — 5,260 5,260 — — 6,635 6,635 Total $ 32,119 $ 16,217 $ 19,085 $ 67,421 $ 35,912 $ 17,602 $ 21,976 $ 75,490 Nine Fiscal Months Ended September 28, 2019 Nine Fiscal Months Ended September 29, 2018 Foil Technology Force Weighing and Total Foil Technology Force Weighing and Total United States $ 43,748 $ 25,557 $ 16,150 $ 85,455 $ 44,863 $ 30,864 $ 17,690 $ 93,417 United Kingdom 2,436 8,265 12,228 22,929 2,818 9,047 11,008 22,873 Other Europe 25,212 8,456 11,931 45,599 23,699 8,248 14,161 46,108 Israel 9,019 330 — 9,349 7,792 402 — 8,194 Asia 21,752 6,690 6,726 35,168 25,096 7,627 4,885 37,608 Canada — — 16,316 16,316 — — 14,612 14,612 $ 102,167 $ 49,298 $ 63,351 $ 214,816 $ 104,268 $ 56,188 $ 62,356 $ 222,812 The following table disaggregates net revenue from contracts with customers by market sector (in thousands) : Fiscal quarter ended Nine fiscal months ended September 28, 2019 September 29, 2018 September 28, 2019 September 29, 2018 Test & Measurement $ 17,215 $ 18,969 $ 55,189 $ 57,346 Avionics, Military & Space 5,310 7,354 17,553 18,920 Medical 2,953 2,719 8,240 7,693 Precision Weighing 22,275 23,151 69,679 70,799 Force Measurement 12,958 16,170 42,766 50,435 Steel 6,710 7,127 21,389 17,619 Total $ 67,421 $ 75,490 $ 214,816 $ 222,812 Arrangements with Multiple Performance Obligations Contracts with our customers can include multiple performance obligations. For such arrangements, we allocate revenues to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price which is determined based on the prices charged to customers when sold on a standalone basis. Contract Assets & Liabilities Contract assets are established when revenues are recognized prior to a contractual payment due from the customer. When a payment becomes due based on the contract terms, the Company will reduce the contract asset and record a receivable. Contract liabilities are deferred revenues that are recorded when cash payments are received or due in advance of our performance obligations. Our payment terms vary by the type and location of the products offered. For contracts that have a financing component, the term between invoicing and when payment is due is not significant. The outstanding contract assets and liability accounts were as follows (in thousands) : Contract Asset Contract Liability Unbilled Revenue Accrued Customer Advances Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 964 $ 5,328 Balance at September 28, 2019 1,826 4,693 Increase/(decrease) $ 862 $ (635 ) The amount of revenue recognized during the nine fiscal months ended September 28, 2019 that was included in the contract liability balance at December 31, 2018 was $4.5 million .

Goodwill

Goodwill	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	Goodwill The change in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment is as follows (in thousands) : Total Weighing and Control Systems Segment Foil Technology Products Segment KELK Acquisition Stress-Tek Acquisition Pacific Acquisition Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 16,141 $ 6,288 $ 6,311 $ 3,542 Foreign currency translation adjustment 177 177 — — Balance at September 28, 2019 $ 16,318 $ 6,465 $ 6,311 $ 3,542

Leases

Leases	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases Effective January 1, 2019 the Company adopted the new lease accounting standard using the modified retrospective method of applying the new standard at the adoption date. The Company determines if an arrangement is or contains a lease at inception or modification of such agreement. The arrangement is or contains a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of the identified asset for a period in exchange for consideration. Lease right of use assets and liabilities are recognized based on the present value of future minimum lease payments over the expected term at commencement date. As the implicit rate is not determinable in most of the Company's leases, the Company's incremental borrowing rate is used as the basis to determine the present value of future lease payments. The expected lease terms include options to extend or terminate. The period which is subject to an option to extend the lease is included in the lease term if it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. Some of these leases contain variable payment provisions that depend on an index or rate, initially measured using the index or rate at the lease commencement date and are therefore not included in our future minimum lease payments. Variable payments are expensed in the periods incurred. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the expected lease term. Additionally, the Company elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance, which allows the carryforward the historical lease classification. The Company also made an election to exclude from balance sheet reporting those leases with initial terms of 12 months or less. The Company primarily leases office and manufacturing facilities in addition to vehicles, which have remaining terms of less than one year to seven years . The Company recorded a $0.5 million adjustment to opening retained earnings related to the remaining deferred gain recorded as part of the Karmiel, Israel sale leaseback. Leases recorded on the balance sheet consist of the following (in thousands) : Leases Classification on Balance Sheet September 28, 2019 Assets Operating lease right of use asset Other Assets $ 8,808 Liabilities Operating lease - current Other Accrued Expenses $ 2,694 Operating lease - non-current Other Liabilities $ 6,277 Other information related to lease term and discount rate is as follows: September 28, 2019 Operating leases weighted average remaining lease term (in years) 4.2 Operating leases weighted average discount rate 5.1 % The components of lease expense are as follows (in thousands) : Fiscal quarter ended Nine fiscal months ended September 28, 2019 September 28, 2019 Operating lease cost $ 866 $ 2,501 Variable lease cost 5 14 Short-term lease cost 7 66 Total lease cost $ 878 $ 2,581 Right of use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liability during 2019 were $0.2 million. The cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities approximates our operating lease cost for the nine months ended September 28, 2019 . Undiscounted maturities of operating lease payments as of September 28, 2019 are summarized as follows (in thousands) : 2019 (excluding the nine months ended September 28, 2019) $ 832 2020 2,822 2021 2,151 2022 1,422 2023 1,149 Thereafter 1,336 Total future minimum lease payments $ 9,712 Less: amount representing interest (741 ) Present value of future minimum lease payments $ 8,971 One of the Company's indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries entered into a lease agreement as tenant related to a property in Israel. Such lease agreement provides that we will lease a new building containing approximately 121,400 square feet. The Company expects to commence occupancy in April 2020.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("2017 Tax Act") was enacted, which, among other things, lowered the U.S. corporate income tax rate to 21% from 35% and established a modified territorial system requiring a mandatory deemed repatriation tax on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries. In 2017, the Company had provisionally determined the tax cost of the one-time transition tax under the 2017 Tax Act to be approximately $2.2 million . The financial reporting impact of the 2017 Tax Act was completed in the fourth quarter of 2018 resulting in a net $0.8 million increase in tax expense caused by a decrease in the transition tax and an increase in the valuation allowance. Beginning in 2018, the 2017 Tax Act also subjects a U.S. shareholder to tax on Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (“GILTI”) earned by certain foreign subsidiaries, while providing for tax-free repatriation of such earnings through a 100% dividends-received deduction. In 2018, the Company had elected to recognize tax expense related to GILTI in the year the tax is incurred. The U.S. tax on GILTI income was fully offset by foreign tax credits associated with GILTI and U.S. operating losses exclusive of GILTI. VPG calculates the tax provision for interim periods using an estimated annual effective tax rate methodology based on projected full-year pre-tax earnings among the taxing jurisdictions in which we operate with adjustments for discrete items. The effective tax rate for the fiscal quarter ended September 28, 2019 was 29.3% compared to 24.7% for the fiscal quarter ended September 29, 2018 . The effective tax rate for the nine fiscal months ended September 28, 2019 was 27.5% compared to 27.1% for the nine fiscal months ended September 29, 2018 . The tax rate in the current fiscal quarter is higher than the prior year fiscal quarter primarily due to changes in the mix of worldwide income. The tax rate in the current nine fiscal month period is higher than the prior year nine fiscal month period primarily due to discrete items. The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to income taxes imposed by the U.S., various states, and the foreign jurisdictions in which we operate. Each jurisdiction establishes rules that set forth the years which are subject to examination by its tax authorities. While the Company believes the tax positions taken on its tax returns for each jurisdiction are supportable, they may still be challenged by the jurisdiction's tax authorities. In anticipation of such challenges, the Company has established reserves for tax-related uncertainties. These liabilities are based on the Company’s best estimate of the potential tax exposures in each respective jurisdiction. It may take a number of years for a final tax liability in a jurisdiction to be determined, particularly in the event of an audit. If an uncertain matter is determined favorably, there could be a reduction in the Company’s tax expense. An unfavorable determination could increase tax expense and could require a cash payment, including interest and penalties.

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	Long-Term Debt Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands) : September 28, 2019 December 31, 2018 2015 Credit Agreement - Revolving Facility $ 12,000 $ 12,000 2015 Credit Agreement - U.S. Closing Date Term Facility 2,270 2,967 2015 Credit Agreement - U.S. Delayed Draw Term Facility 5,550 7,253 2015 Credit Agreement - Canadian Term Facility 3,806 4,798 Other debt 185 279 Deferred financing costs (139 ) (222 ) Total long-term debt 23,672 27,075 Less: current portion 4,996 4,654 Long-term debt, less current portion $ 18,676 $ 22,421

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, consist of the following (in thousands) : Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Pension Total Balance at January 1, 2019 $ (31,319 ) $ (6,146 ) $ (37,465 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications (781 ) — (781 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (827 ) 164 (663 ) Balance at September 28, 2019 $ (32,927 ) $ (5,982 ) $ (38,909 ) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Pension Total Balance at January 1, 2018 $ (27,390 ) $ (8,060 ) $ (35,450 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (2,393 ) — (2,393 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) — 544 544 Balance at September 29, 2018 $ (29,783 ) $ (7,516 ) $ (37,299 ) Reclassification of foreign currency translation adjustment for a gain on liquidation of a subsidiary is included in other income (expense) other (see Note 12). 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 8).

Pensions and Other Postretireme

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Employees of VPG participate in various defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit ("OPEB") plans. The following table sets forth the components of the net periodic benefit cost for the Company's defined benefit pension and OPEB plans (in thousands) : Fiscal quarter ended Fiscal quarter ended Pension OPEB Pension OPEB Net service cost $ 82 $ 32 $ 135 $ 27 Interest cost 154 45 171 38 Expected return on plan assets (130 ) — (138 ) — Amortization of actuarial losses 50 39 128 44 Net periodic benefit cost $ 156 $ 116 $ 296 $ 109 Nine fiscal months ended September 28, 2019 Nine fiscal months ended September 29, 2018 Pension OPEB Pension OPEB Net service cost $ 247 $ 94 $ 410 $ 81 Interest cost 468 135 521 114 Expected return on plan assets (395 ) — (421 ) — Amortization of actuarial losses 150 117 389 132 Net periodic benefit cost $ 470 $ 346 $ 899 $ 327

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation The Amended and Restated Vishay Precision Group, Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive Program (as amended and restated, the “Plan”) permits the issuance of up to 1,000,000 shares of common stock. At September 28, 2019 , the Company had reserved 417,502 shares of common stock for future grants of equity awards (restricted stock, unrestricted stock, restricted stock units ("RSUs"), or stock options) pursuant to the Plan. If any outstanding awards are forfeited by the holder or canceled by the Company, the underlying shares would be available for re-grant to others. On March 13, 2019, VPG’s three then-current 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 $1.8 million and were comprised of 51,814 RSUs. Twenty-five percent of these awards will vest on January 1, 2022, subject to the executives’ continued employment. The performance-based portion of the RSUs will also vest on January 1, 2022, subject to the executives' continued employment and the satisfaction of certain performance objectives relating to three -year cumulative “free cash” and adjusted net earnings goals, each weighted equally. On March 20, 2019, certain VPG employees were granted annual equity awards in the form of RSUs, of which 75% are performance-based. The awards have an aggregate grant-date fair value of $0.4 million and were comprised of 12,445 RSUs. Twenty-five percent of these awards will vest on January 1, 2022 subject to the employees' continued employment. The performance-based portion of the RSUs will also vest on January 1, 2022, subject to the employees' continued employment and the satisfaction of certain performance objectives relating to three -year cumulative earnings and cash flow goals, each weighted equally. On May 16, 2019, the Board of Directors approved the issuance of an aggregate of 8,244 RSUs to the independent board members of the Board of Directors and to the non-executive Chairman of the Board of Directors. The awards have an aggregate grant-date fair value of $0.3 million and will vest on the earlier of VPG's next Annual Stockholders Meeting or May 16, 2020, subject to the directors' continued service on the Board of Directors. Vesting of equity awards may be subject to acceleration under certain circumstances. The amount of compensation cost related to share-based payment transactions is measured based on the grant-date fair value of the equity instruments issued. VPG determines compensation cost for RSUs based on the grant-date fair value of the underlying common stock. The Company recognizes compensation cost for RSUs that are expected to vest and for which performance criteria are expected to be met. The following table summarizes share-based compensation expense recognized (in thousands) : Fiscal quarter ended Nine fiscal months ended September 28, 2019 September 29, 2018 September 28, 2019 September 29, 2018 Restricted stock units $ 506 $ 371 $ 1,592 $ 1,172

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information VPG reports in three product segments: the Foil Technology Products segment, the Force Sensors segment, and the Weighing and Control Systems segment. The Foil Technology Products reporting segment is comprised of the foil resistor and strain gage operating segments. The Force Sensors reporting segment is comprised of transducers, load cells, and modules. The Weighing and Control Systems reporting segment is comprised of complete systems which include load cells and instrumentation for weighing, force control and force measurement for a variety of uses such as process control on-board weighing applications. VPG evaluates reporting segment performance based on multiple performance measures including third party net revenues, gross profits and operating income, exclusive of certain items. Management believes that evaluating segment performance, excluding items such as restructuring costs, executive severance costs, and other items is meaningful because it provides insight with respect to the intrinsic operating results of VPG. The following table sets forth reporting segment information (in thousands) : Fiscal quarter ended Nine fiscal months ended September 28, 2019 September 29, 2018 September 28, 2019 September 29, 2018 Net third-party revenues: Foil Technology Products $ 32,119 $ 35,912 $ 102,167 $ 104,268 Force Sensors 16,217 17,602 49,298 56,188 Weighing and Control Systems 19,085 21,976 63,351 62,356 Total $ 67,421 $ 75,490 $ 214,816 $ 222,812 Gross profit: Foil Technology Products $ 11,970 $ 15,779 $ 42,943 $ 46,136 Force Sensors 4,932 4,557 14,385 15,487 Weighing and Control Systems 8,888 10,244 30,122 28,828 Total $ 25,790 $ 30,580 $ 87,450 $ 90,451 Reconciliation of segment operating income to consolidated results: Foil Technology Products $ 6,259 $ 10,304 $ 25,185 $ 29,073 Force Sensors 2,726 2,214 7,300 8,174 Weighing and Control Systems 4,808 5,589 16,426 14,423 Unallocated G&A expenses (7,060 ) (7,248 ) (20,862 ) (21,249 ) Executive severance costs — — (611 ) — Restructuring costs (547 ) (228 ) (547 ) (289 ) Consolidated condensed operating income $ 6,186 $ 10,631 $ 26,891 $ 30,132 Restructuring costs: Force Sensors $ (429 ) $ (228 ) $ (429 ) $ (289 ) Corporate/Other (118 ) — (118 ) — $ (547 ) $ (228 ) $ (547 ) $ (289 ) Executive severance costs: Corporate/Other $ — $ — $ (611 ) $ — $ — $ — $ (611 ) $ — Products are transferred between segments on a basis intended to reflect, as nearly as practicable, the market value of the products. The table below summarizes intersegment sales (in thousands) : Fiscal quarter ended Nine fiscal months ended September 28, 2019 September 29, 2018 September 28, 2019 September 29, 2018 Foil Technology Products to Force Sensors and Weighing and Control Systems $ 1,011 $ 819 $ 3,018 $ 2,976 Force Sensors to Foil Technology Products and Weighing and Control Systems $ 369 $ 332 $ 980 $ 1,048 Weighing and Control Systems to Foil Technology Products and Force Sensors $ 75 $ 128 $ 373 $ 423

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders (in thousands, except earnings per share) : Fiscal quarter ended Nine fiscal months ended September 28, 2019 September 29, 2018 September 28, 2019 September 29, 2018 Numerator: Numerator for basic earnings per share: Net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders $ 4,509 $ 7,547 $ 18,317 $ 20,228 Adjustment to the numerator for net earnings: Interest savings assuming conversion of dilutive exchangeable notes, net of tax — — — 5 Numerator for diluted earnings per share: Net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders $ 4,509 $ 7,547 $ 18,317 $ 20,233 Denominator: Denominator for basic earnings per share: Weighted average shares 13,523 13,474 13,512 13,431 Effect of dilutive securities: Exchangeable notes — — — 30 Restricted stock units 84 60 76 58 Dilutive potential common shares 84 60 76 88 Denominator for diluted earnings per share: Adjusted weighted average shares 13,607 13,534 13,588 13,519 Basic earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders $ 0.33 $ 0.56 $ 1.36 $ 1.51 Diluted earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders $ 0.33 $ 0.56 $ 1.35 $ 1.50

Additional Financial Statement

Additional Financial Statement Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Additional Financial Statement Information	Additional Financial Statement Information Other Income (Expense) Other The caption “Other” on the consolidated condensed statements of operations consists of the following (in thousands) : Fiscal quarter ended Nine fiscal months ended September 28, 2019 September 29, 2018 September 28, 2019 September 29, 2018 Foreign exchange (loss) gain $ (306 ) $ 19 $ (1,360 ) $ (431 ) Interest income 181 120 519 354 Pension expense (157 ) (263 ) (470 ) (773 ) Other 829 (48 ) 926 (243 ) $ 547 $ (172 ) $ (385 ) $ (1,093 ) Foreign currency exchange gains and losses represent the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. For the fiscal quarter ended September 28, 2019, the change in foreign exchange gains and losses during the period, as compared to the prior year period, is largely due to exposure to currency fluctuations with the Israeli shekel and the Euro. For the nine fiscal months ended September 28, 2019, change in foreign exchange gains and losses during the period, as compared to the prior year period, is largely due to exposure to currency fluctuations with the Israeli shekel and Canadian dollar. Included in other for the fiscal quarter ended and nine fiscal months September 28, 2019, respectively, is a one-time $0.8 million gain on liquidation of one of the Company's subsidiaries. Executive Severance Costs During the second fiscal quarter of 2019, the Company recorded $0.6 million of severance costs associated with the resignation of an executive officer of the Company. The severance costs consisted of payments and other benefits as specified in the executive officer's resignation agreement.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement, establishes a valuation hierarchy of the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The following is a brief description of those three levels: Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active. Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect the Company’s own assumptions. An asset or liability’s classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The following table provides the financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis (in thousands) : Fair value measurements at reporting date using: Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 September 28, 2019 Assets Assets held in rabbi trusts $ 5,004 $ 71 $ 4,933 $ — December 31, 2018 Assets Assets held in rabbi trusts $ 4,641 $ 87 $ 4,554 $ — The Company maintains non-qualified trusts, referred to as “rabbi” trusts, to fund payments under deferred compensation and non-qualified pension plans. Rabbi trust assets consist primarily of marketable securities, classified as available-for-sale money market funds at September 28, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , and company-owned life insurance assets. The marketable securities held in the rabbi trusts are valued using quoted market prices on the last business day of the period. The company-owned life insurance assets are valued in consultation with the Company’s insurance brokers using the value of underlying assets of the insurance contracts. The fair value measurement of the marketable securities held in the rabbi trust is considered a Level 1 measurement and the measurement of the company-owned life insurance assets is considered a Level 2 measurement within the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the long-term debt, excluding capitalized deferred financing costs, at September 28, 2019 and December 31, 2018 approximates its carrying value. The Company estimates the fair value of its long-term debt using a combination of quoted market prices for similar financing arrangements and expected future payments discounted at risk-adjusted rates. The fair value of long-term debt is considered a Level 2 measurement within the fair value hierarchy. The Company’s financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents whose carrying amounts reported in the consolidated condensed balance sheets approximate their fair values.

Restructuring Costs

Restructuring Costs	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019
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 $0.5 million and $0.2 million of restructuring costs during the fiscal quarter ended September 28, 2019 and September 29, 2018 , respectively, and $0.5 million and $0.3 million for the nine fiscal months ended September 28, 2019 and September 29, 2018 , respectively. Restructuring costs were comprised primarily of employee terminations costs, including severance and statutory retirement allowances, and were incurred in connections with various cost reduction programs. The following table summarizes recent activity related to all restructuring programs. The accrued restructuring liability balance as of September 28, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, is included in Other accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated condensed balance sheets (in thousands) : Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 159 Restructuring costs in 2019 547 Adjustment for adoption of ASU 2016-02 (69 ) Cash payments (138 ) Foreign currency translation — Balance at September 28, 2019 $ 499

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events Acquisition of Dynamic Systems Inc. On November 1, 2019, VPG completed the acquisition of New York-based Dynamic Systems Inc. ("DSI"), a specialized provider of dynamic thermal-mechanical test and simulation systems used to develop new metal alloys and optimize production processes, for a purchase price of $41.0 million , subject to customary adjustments, plus a potential earn out of up to an additional $3.0 million . DSI will report into the Company's Weighing and Control Systems segment. Accordion Exercise On October 23, 2019, VPG exercised all of the $15.0 million accordion feature (the “Accordion”) of its revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”). The exercise of the Accordion increases the aggregate principal amount available under the Revolving Credit Facility to $45.0 million .

Basis of Presentation (Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-02, “ Leases (Topic 842) ,” a comprehensive new lease standard that amends various aspects of existing accounting guidance for leases. The core principle of this ASU will require lessees to present the assets and liabilities that arise from leases on their balance sheets. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-11 "Leases (Topic 842), Targeted Improvements," which provides additional implementation guidance on the previously issued ASU. The Company adopted the new lease standard as of January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective method. Refer to Note 4 for additional details. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, "Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income." This ASU gives entities the option to reclassify to retained earnings the tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("2017 Tax Act") related to items in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") that the FASB refers to as having been stranded in AOCI. The Company adopted ASU 2018-02 effective January 1, 2019, and elected not to reclassify the income tax effects from AOCI to retained earnings. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, "Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans." This ASU amends Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 715 to add, remove and clarify disclosure requirements related to defined benefit and pension and other postretirement plans. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the standard to determine the impact on the consolidated condensed financial statements. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, "Fair Value Measurements (Topic 820)." This ASU modifies the disclosures on fair value measurements by removing the requirements to disclose the amount and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and the policy for timing of such transfers. The ASU expands the disclosure requirements for Level 3 fair value measurements, primarily focused on changes in unrealized gains and losses included in other comprehensive income. The amendments in this ASU are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the standard to determine the impact on the consolidated condensed financial statements.

Basis of Presentation (Tables)

Basis of Presentation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Fiscal Quarters	The four fiscal quarters in 2019 and 2018 end on the following dates: 2019 2018 Quarter 1 March 30, March 31, Quarter 2 June 29, June 30, Quarter 3 September 28, September 29, Quarter 4 December 31, December 31,

Revenues (Tables)

Revenues (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue	The following table disaggregates net revenue by geographic region from contracts with customers based on net revenues generated by subsidiaries within that geographic location (in thousands) : Fiscal quarter ended Fiscal quarter ended Foil Technology Force Weighing and Total Foil Technology Force Weighing and Total United States $ 13,737 $ 9,008 $ 5,223 $ 27,968 $ 16,011 $ 9,842 $ 6,289 $ 32,142 United Kingdom 762 2,554 3,650 6,966 905 2,995 3,738 7,638 Other Europe 8,262 2,475 3,116 13,853 8,224 2,248 4,261 14,733 Israel 2,768 127 — 2,895 2,951 116 — 3,067 Asia 6,590 2,053 1,836 10,479 7,821 2,401 1,053 11,275 Canada — — 5,260 5,260 — — 6,635 6,635 Total $ 32,119 $ 16,217 $ 19,085 $ 67,421 $ 35,912 $ 17,602 $ 21,976 $ 75,490 Nine Fiscal Months Ended September 28, 2019 Nine Fiscal Months Ended September 29, 2018 Foil Technology Force Weighing and Total Foil Technology Force Weighing and Total United States $ 43,748 $ 25,557 $ 16,150 $ 85,455 $ 44,863 $ 30,864 $ 17,690 $ 93,417 United Kingdom 2,436 8,265 12,228 22,929 2,818 9,047 11,008 22,873 Other Europe 25,212 8,456 11,931 45,599 23,699 8,248 14,161 46,108 Israel 9,019 330 — 9,349 7,792 402 — 8,194 Asia 21,752 6,690 6,726 35,168 25,096 7,627 4,885 37,608 Canada — — 16,316 16,316 — — 14,612 14,612 $ 102,167 $ 49,298 $ 63,351 $ 214,816 $ 104,268 $ 56,188 $ 62,356 $ 222,812 The following table disaggregates net revenue from contracts with customers by market sector (in thousands) : Fiscal quarter ended Nine fiscal months ended September 28, 2019 September 29, 2018 September 28, 2019 September 29, 2018 Test & Measurement $ 17,215 $ 18,969 $ 55,189 $ 57,346 Avionics, Military & Space 5,310 7,354 17,553 18,920 Medical 2,953 2,719 8,240 7,693 Precision Weighing 22,275 23,151 69,679 70,799 Force Measurement 12,958 16,170 42,766 50,435 Steel 6,710 7,127 21,389 17,619 Total $ 67,421 $ 75,490 $ 214,816 $ 222,812
Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability	The outstanding contract assets and liability accounts were as follows (in thousands) : Contract Asset Contract Liability Unbilled Revenue Accrued Customer Advances Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 964 $ 5,328 Balance at September 28, 2019 1,826 4,693 Increase/(decrease) $ 862 $ (635 )

Goodwill (Tables)

Goodwill (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	The change in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment is as follows (in thousands) : Total Weighing and Control Systems Segment Foil Technology Products Segment KELK Acquisition Stress-Tek Acquisition Pacific Acquisition Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 16,141 $ 6,288 $ 6,311 $ 3,542 Foreign currency translation adjustment 177 177 — — Balance at September 28, 2019 $ 16,318 $ 6,465 $ 6,311 $ 3,542

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Leases Recorded on the Balance Sheet	Leases recorded on the balance sheet consist of the following (in thousands) : Leases Classification on Balance Sheet September 28, 2019 Assets Operating lease right of use asset Other Assets $ 8,808 Liabilities Operating lease - current Other Accrued Expenses $ 2,694 Operating lease - non-current Other Liabilities $ 6,277
Other Information Related to Lease Term and Discount Rate	Other information related to lease term and discount rate is as follows: September 28, 2019 Operating leases weighted average remaining lease term (in years) 4.2 Operating leases weighted average discount rate 5.1 %
Components of Lease Expense	The components of lease expense are as follows (in thousands) : Fiscal quarter ended Nine fiscal months ended September 28, 2019 September 28, 2019 Operating lease cost $ 866 $ 2,501 Variable lease cost 5 14 Short-term lease cost 7 66 Total lease cost $ 878 $ 2,581
Maturities of Operating Lease Liabilities	Undiscounted maturities of operating lease payments as of September 28, 2019 are summarized as follows (in thousands) : 2019 (excluding the nine months ended September 28, 2019) $ 832 2020 2,822 2021 2,151 2022 1,422 2023 1,149 Thereafter 1,336 Total future minimum lease payments $ 9,712 Less: amount representing interest (741 ) Present value of future minimum lease payments $ 8,971

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt	Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands) : September 28, 2019 December 31, 2018 2015 Credit Agreement - Revolving Facility $ 12,000 $ 12,000 2015 Credit Agreement - U.S. Closing Date Term Facility 2,270 2,967 2015 Credit Agreement - U.S. Delayed Draw Term Facility 5,550 7,253 2015 Credit Agreement - Canadian Term Facility 3,806 4,798 Other debt 185 279 Deferred financing costs (139 ) (222 ) Total long-term debt 23,672 27,075 Less: current portion 4,996 4,654 Long-term debt, less current portion $ 18,676 $ 22,421

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, consist of the following (in thousands) : Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Pension Total Balance at January 1, 2019 $ (31,319 ) $ (6,146 ) $ (37,465 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications (781 ) — (781 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (827 ) 164 (663 ) Balance at September 28, 2019 $ (32,927 ) $ (5,982 ) $ (38,909 ) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Pension Total Balance at January 1, 2018 $ (27,390 ) $ (8,060 ) $ (35,450 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (2,393 ) — (2,393 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) — 544 544 Balance at September 29, 2018 $ (29,783 ) $ (7,516 ) $ (37,299 )

Pensions and Other Postretire_2

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Pension and Other Retirement Plan Costs	The following table sets forth the components of the net periodic benefit cost for the Company's defined benefit pension and OPEB plans (in thousands) : Fiscal quarter ended Fiscal quarter ended Pension OPEB Pension OPEB Net service cost $ 82 $ 32 $ 135 $ 27 Interest cost 154 45 171 38 Expected return on plan assets (130 ) — (138 ) — Amortization of actuarial losses 50 39 128 44 Net periodic benefit cost $ 156 $ 116 $ 296 $ 109 Nine fiscal months ended September 28, 2019 Nine fiscal months ended September 29, 2018 Pension OPEB Pension OPEB Net service cost $ 247 $ 94 $ 410 $ 81 Interest cost 468 135 521 114 Expected return on plan assets (395 ) — (421 ) — Amortization of actuarial losses 150 117 389 132 Net periodic benefit cost $ 470 $ 346 $ 899 $ 327

Share-Based Compensation (Table

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Expense	The following table summarizes share-based compensation expense recognized (in thousands) : Fiscal quarter ended Nine fiscal months ended September 28, 2019 September 29, 2018 September 28, 2019 September 29, 2018 Restricted stock units $ 506 $ 371 $ 1,592 $ 1,172

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting	The following table sets forth reporting segment information (in thousands) : Fiscal quarter ended Nine fiscal months ended September 28, 2019 September 29, 2018 September 28, 2019 September 29, 2018 Net third-party revenues: Foil Technology Products $ 32,119 $ 35,912 $ 102,167 $ 104,268 Force Sensors 16,217 17,602 49,298 56,188 Weighing and Control Systems 19,085 21,976 63,351 62,356 Total $ 67,421 $ 75,490 $ 214,816 $ 222,812 Gross profit: Foil Technology Products $ 11,970 $ 15,779 $ 42,943 $ 46,136 Force Sensors 4,932 4,557 14,385 15,487 Weighing and Control Systems 8,888 10,244 30,122 28,828 Total $ 25,790 $ 30,580 $ 87,450 $ 90,451 Reconciliation of segment operating income to consolidated results: Foil Technology Products $ 6,259 $ 10,304 $ 25,185 $ 29,073 Force Sensors 2,726 2,214 7,300 8,174 Weighing and Control Systems 4,808 5,589 16,426 14,423 Unallocated G&A expenses (7,060 ) (7,248 ) (20,862 ) (21,249 ) Executive severance costs — — (611 ) — Restructuring costs (547 ) (228 ) (547 ) (289 ) Consolidated condensed operating income $ 6,186 $ 10,631 $ 26,891 $ 30,132 Restructuring costs: Force Sensors $ (429 ) $ (228 ) $ (429 ) $ (289 ) Corporate/Other (118 ) — (118 ) — $ (547 ) $ (228 ) $ (547 ) $ (289 ) Executive severance costs: Corporate/Other $ — $ — $ (611 ) $ — $ — $ — $ (611 ) $ — Products are transferred between segments on a basis intended to reflect, as nearly as practicable, the market value of the products. The table below summarizes intersegment sales (in thousands) : Fiscal quarter ended Nine fiscal months ended September 28, 2019 September 29, 2018 September 28, 2019 September 29, 2018 Foil Technology Products to Force Sensors and Weighing and Control Systems $ 1,011 $ 819 $ 3,018 $ 2,976 Force Sensors to Foil Technology Products and Weighing and Control Systems $ 369 $ 332 $ 980 $ 1,048 Weighing and Control Systems to Foil Technology Products and Force Sensors $ 75 $ 128 $ 373 $ 423

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders (in thousands, except earnings per share) : Fiscal quarter ended Nine fiscal months ended September 28, 2019 September 29, 2018 September 28, 2019 September 29, 2018 Numerator: Numerator for basic earnings per share: Net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders $ 4,509 $ 7,547 $ 18,317 $ 20,228 Adjustment to the numerator for net earnings: Interest savings assuming conversion of dilutive exchangeable notes, net of tax — — — 5 Numerator for diluted earnings per share: Net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders $ 4,509 $ 7,547 $ 18,317 $ 20,233 Denominator: Denominator for basic earnings per share: Weighted average shares 13,523 13,474 13,512 13,431 Effect of dilutive securities: Exchangeable notes — — — 30 Restricted stock units 84 60 76 58 Dilutive potential common shares 84 60 76 88 Denominator for diluted earnings per share: Adjusted weighted average shares 13,607 13,534 13,588 13,519 Basic earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders $ 0.33 $ 0.56 $ 1.36 $ 1.51 Diluted earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders $ 0.33 $ 0.56 $ 1.35 $ 1.50

Additional Financial Statemen_2

Additional Financial Statement Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Income in Operations	The caption “Other” on the consolidated condensed statements of operations consists of the following (in thousands) : Fiscal quarter ended Nine fiscal months ended September 28, 2019 September 29, 2018 September 28, 2019 September 29, 2018 Foreign exchange (loss) gain $ (306 ) $ 19 $ (1,360 ) $ (431 ) Interest income 181 120 519 354 Pension expense (157 ) (263 ) (470 ) (773 ) Other 829 (48 ) 926 (243 ) $ 547 $ (172 ) $ (385 ) $ (1,093 )

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value, Recurring	The following table provides the financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis (in thousands) : Fair value measurements at reporting date using: Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 September 28, 2019 Assets Assets held in rabbi trusts $ 5,004 $ 71 $ 4,933 $ — December 31, 2018 Assets Assets held in rabbi trusts $ 4,641 $ 87 $ 4,554 $ —

Restructuring Costs (Tables)

Restructuring Costs (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Costs	The following table summarizes recent activity related to all restructuring programs. The accrued restructuring liability balance as of September 28, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, is included in Other accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated condensed balance sheets (in thousands) : Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 159 Restructuring costs in 2019 547 Adjustment for adoption of ASU 2016-02 (69 ) Cash payments (138 ) Foreign currency translation — Balance at September 28, 2019 $ 499

Revenues - Disaggregation of Re

Revenues - Disaggregation of Revenue by Geographic Area (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019	Sep. 29, 2018	Sep. 28, 2019	Sep. 29, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	$ 67,421	$ 75,490	$ 214,816	$ 222,812
United States
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	27,968	32,142	85,455	93,417
United Kingdom
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	6,966	7,638	22,929	22,873
Other Europe
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	13,853	14,733	45,599	46,108
Israel
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	2,895	3,067	9,349	8,194
Asia
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	10,479	11,275	35,168	37,608
Canada
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	5,260	6,635	16,316	14,612
Foil Technology Products
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	32,119	35,912	102,167	104,268
Foil Technology Products | United States
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	13,737	16,011	43,748	44,863
Foil Technology Products | United Kingdom
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	762	905	2,436	2,818
Foil Technology Products | Other Europe
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	8,262	8,224	25,212	23,699
Foil Technology Products | Israel
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	2,768	2,951	9,019	7,792
Foil Technology Products | Asia
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	6,590	7,821	21,752	25,096
Foil Technology Products | Canada
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	0	0	0	0
Force Sensors
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	16,217	17,602	49,298	56,188
Force Sensors | United States
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	9,008	9,842	25,557	30,864
Force Sensors | United Kingdom
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	2,554	2,995	8,265	9,047
Force Sensors | Other Europe
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	2,475	2,248	8,456	8,248
Force Sensors | Israel
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	127	116	330	402
Force Sensors | Asia
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	2,053	2,401	6,690	7,627
Force Sensors | Canada
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	0	0	0	0
Weighing and Control Systems
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	19,085	21,976	63,351	62,356
Weighing and Control Systems | United States
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	5,223	6,289	16,150	17,690
Weighing and Control Systems | United Kingdom
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	3,650	3,738	12,228	11,008
Weighing and Control Systems | Other Europe
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	3,116	4,261	11,931	14,161
Weighing and Control Systems | Israel
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	0	0	0	0
Weighing and Control Systems | Asia
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	1,836	1,053	6,726	4,885
Weighing and Control Systems | Canada
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	$ 5,260	$ 6,635	$ 16,316	$ 14,612

Revenues - Disaggregation of _2

Revenues - Disaggregation of Revenue by Market Sector (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019	Sep. 29, 2018	Sep. 28, 2019	Sep. 29, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	$ 67,421	$ 75,490	$ 214,816	$ 222,812
Test & Measurement
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	17,215	18,969	55,189	57,346
Avionics, Military & Space
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	5,310	7,354	17,553	18,920
Medical
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	2,953	2,719	8,240	7,693
Precision Weighing
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	22,275	23,151	69,679	70,799
Force Measurement
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	12,958	16,170	42,766	50,435
Steel
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	$ 6,710	$ 7,127	$ 21,389	$ 17,619

Revenues - Contract Assets and

Revenues - Contract Assets and Liabilities (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019USD ($)
Movement in Contract Assets and Liabilities [Roll Forward]
Unbilled revenue, beginning balance	$ 964
Increase in unbilled revenue	862
Unbilled revenue, ending balance	1,826
Contract liability, beginning balance	5,328
Decrease in accrued customer advances	(635)
Contract liability, ending balance	$ 4,693

Revenues - Narrative (Details)

Revenues - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019USD ($)
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Contract with customer, revenue recognized	$ 4.5

Goodwill (Schedule of Goodwill)

Goodwill (Schedule of Goodwill) (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 16,141
Foreign currency translation adjustment	177
Ending balance	16,318
KELK Acquisition | Weighing and Control Systems Segment
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	6,288
Foreign currency translation adjustment	177
Ending balance	6,465
Stress-Tek Acquisition | Weighing and Control Systems Segment
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	6,311
Foreign currency translation adjustment	0
Ending balance	6,311
Pacific Acquisition | Foil Technology Products Segment
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	3,542
Foreign currency translation adjustment	0
Ending balance	$ 3,542

Leases - Narrative (Details)

Leases - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019ft²	Jun. 29, 2019USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2019USD ($)
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Right-of-use asset obtained in exchange for operating lease liability	$ 200
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Cumulative effect adjustment for adoption of ASU			$ 0	$ 531
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 | Retained Earnings
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Cumulative effect adjustment for adoption of ASU			$ 0	$ 531
Israel | Forecast
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Area of land (in sq ft) | ft²		121,400
Buildings and Vehicles | Minimum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lessee, operating lease, remaining lease term (years)	1 year
Buildings and Vehicles | Maximum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lessee, operating lease, remaining lease term (years)	7 years

Leases - Leases Recorded on the

Leases - Leases Recorded on the Balance Sheet (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 28, 2019USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease right of use asset	$ 8,808
Operating lease - current	2,694
Operating lease - non-current	$ 6,277

Leases - Other Information Rela

Leases - Other Information Related to Leases (Details)	Sep. 28, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Operating leases weighted average remaining lease term (years)	4 years 2 months 16 days
Operating leases weighted average discount rate (percent)	5.10%

Leases - Components of Lease Ex

Leases - Components of Lease Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019	Sep. 28, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease cost	$ 866	$ 2,501
Variable lease cost	5	14
Short-term lease cost	7	66
Total lease cost	$ 878	$ 2,581

Leases - Maturities of Operatin

Leases - Maturities of Operating Lease Liabilities (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 28, 2019USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
2019 (excluding the nine months ended September 28, 2019)	$ 832
2020	2,822
2021	2,151
2022	1,422
2023	1,149
Thereafter	1,336
Total future minimum lease payments	9,712
Less: amount representing interest	(741)
Present value of future minimum lease payments	$ 8,971

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 29, 2018	Sep. 28, 2019	Sep. 29, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Tax cuts and jobs act, incomplete accounting, transition tax for accumulated foreign earnings, provisional income tax expense						$ 2.2
Tax cuts and jobs act, income tax expense (benefit)		$ 0.8
Effective tax rate (percent)	29.30%		24.70%	27.50%	27.10%

Long-Term Debt (Schedule of Lon

Long-Term Debt (Schedule of Long-term Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 28, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Other debt	$ 185	$ 279
Deferred financing costs	(139)	(222)
Total long-term debt	23,672	27,075
Less: current portion	4,996	4,654
Long-term debt, less current portion	18,676	22,421
Revolving Credit Facility | Credit Agreement 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured debt	12,000	12,000
U.S. Closing Date Term Facility | Credit Agreement 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured debt	2,270	2,967
U.S. Delayed Draw Term Facility | Credit Agreement 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured debt	5,550	7,253
Canadian Term Facilities | Credit Agreement 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured debt	$ 3,806	$ 4,798

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019	Sep. 29, 2018
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	$ 218,453	$ 193,304
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(781)	(2,393)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(663)	544
Balance, ending	236,651	214,563
Total
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	(37,465)	(35,450)
Balance, ending	(38,909)	(37,299)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	(31,319)	(27,390)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(781)	(2,393)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(827)	0
Balance, ending	(32,927)	(29,783)
Pension and Other Postretirement Actuarial Items
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	(6,146)	(8,060)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	0	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	164	544
Balance, ending	$ (5,982)	$ (7,516)

Pensions and Other Postretire_3

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (Schedule of Net Pension and Other Retirement Plan Costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019	Sep. 29, 2018	Sep. 28, 2019	Sep. 29, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 157	$ 263	$ 470	$ 773
Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net service cost	82	135	247	410
Interest cost	154	171	468	521
Expected return on plan assets	(130)	(138)	(395)	(421)
Amortization of actuarial losses	50	128	150	389
Net periodic benefit cost	156	296	470	899
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net service cost	32	27	94	81
Interest cost	45	38	135	114
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0	0
Amortization of actuarial losses	39	44	117	132
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 116	$ 109	$ 346	$ 327

Share-Based Compensation (Narra

Share-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	May 16, 2019USD ($)shares	Mar. 20, 2019USD ($)shares	Mar. 13, 2019USD ($)peopleshares	Sep. 28, 2019shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized (up to)				1,000,000
Number of shares available for grant (in shares)				417,502
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of people granted awards (people) | people			3
Percentage of performance based units on total units approved		75.00%	75.00%
Number of RSUs granted (in shares)	8,244	12,445	51,814
Weighted average grant date fair value | $	$ 0.3	$ 0.4	$ 1.8
Award vesting period (in years)		3 years	3 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Vesting on January 1, 2020
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights (percentage)		25.00%	25.00%

Share-Based Compensation (Sched

Share-Based Compensation (Schedule of Share-based Compensation Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019	Sep. 29, 2018	Sep. 28, 2019	Sep. 29, 2018
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Restricted stock units	$ 506	$ 371	$ 1,592	$ 1,172

Segment Information (Narrative)

Segment Information (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	3

Segment Information (Schedule o

Segment Information (Schedule of Segment Reporting) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019	Jun. 29, 2019	Sep. 29, 2018	Sep. 28, 2019	Sep. 29, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	$ 67,421		$ 75,490	$ 214,816	$ 222,812
Gross profit	25,790		30,580	87,450	90,451
Segment operating income	6,186		10,631	26,891	30,132
Executive severance costs	0	$ (600)	0	(611)	0
Restructuring costs	(547)		(228)	(547)	(289)
Foil Technology Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	32,119		35,912	102,167	104,268
Force Sensors
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	16,217		17,602	49,298	56,188
Restructuring costs	(429)		(228)	(429)	(289)
Weighing and Control Systems
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	19,085		21,976	63,351	62,356
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	67,421		75,490	214,816	222,812
Gross profit	25,790		30,580	87,450	90,451
Operating Segments | Foil Technology Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	32,119		35,912	102,167	104,268
Gross profit	11,970		15,779	42,943	46,136
Segment operating income	6,259		10,304	25,185	29,073
Operating Segments | Force Sensors
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	16,217		17,602	49,298	56,188
Gross profit	4,932		4,557	14,385	15,487
Segment operating income	2,726		2,214	7,300	8,174
Operating Segments | Weighing and Control Systems
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	19,085		21,976	63,351	62,356
Gross profit	8,888		10,244	30,122	28,828
Segment operating income	4,808		5,589	16,426	14,423
Segment Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Unallocated G&A expenses	(7,060)		(7,248)	(20,862)	(21,249)
Executive severance costs	0		0	(611)	0
Restructuring costs	(547)		(228)	(547)	(289)
Corporate/Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Executive severance costs	0		0	(611)	0
Restructuring costs	$ (118)		$ 0	$ (118)	$ 0

Segment Information (Intersegme

Segment Information (Intersegment Sales) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019	Sep. 29, 2018	Sep. 28, 2019	Sep. 29, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	$ 67,421	$ 75,490	$ 214,816	$ 222,812
Foil Technology Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	32,119	35,912	102,167	104,268
Foil Technology Products | Intersegment Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	1,011	819	3,018	2,976
Force Sensors
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	16,217	17,602	49,298	56,188
Force Sensors | Intersegment Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	369	332	980	1,048
Weighing and Control Systems
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	19,085	21,976	63,351	62,356
Weighing and Control Systems | Intersegment Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	$ 75	$ 128	$ 373	$ 423

Earnings Per Share (Computation

Earnings Per Share (Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019	Sep. 29, 2018	Sep. 28, 2019	Sep. 29, 2018
Numerator:
Net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders	$ 4,509	$ 7,547	$ 18,317	$ 20,228
Adjustment to the numerator for net earnings:
Interest savings assuming conversion of dilutive exchangeable notes, net of tax	0	0	0	5
Numerator for diluted earnings per share:
Net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders	$ 4,509	$ 7,547	$ 18,317	$ 20,233
Denominator:
Weighted average shares (in shares)	13,523	13,474	13,512	13,431
Effect of dilutive securities:
Exchangeable notes (in shares)	0	0	0	30
Restricted stock units (in shares)	84	60	76	58
Dilutive potential common shares	84	60	76	88
Denominator for diluted earnings per share:
Adjusted weighted average shares (in shares)	13,607	13,534	13,588	13,519
Basic earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders (dollars per share)	$ 0.33	$ 0.56	$ 1.36	$ 1.51
Diluted earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders (dollars per share)	$ 0.33	$ 0.56	$ 1.35	$ 1.50

Additional Financial Statemen_3

Additional Financial Statement Information (Schedule of Other Items in Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019	Sep. 29, 2018	Sep. 28, 2019	Sep. 29, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Foreign exchange (loss) gain	$ (306)	$ 19	$ (1,360)	$ (431)
Interest income	181	120	519	354
Pension expense	(157)	(263)	(470)	(773)
Other	829	(48)	926	(243)
Other nonoperating income (expense)	$ 547	$ (172)	$ (385)	$ (1,093)

Additional Financial Statemen_4

Additional Financial Statement Information (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019	Jun. 29, 2019	Sep. 29, 2018	Sep. 28, 2019	Sep. 29, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Gain on liquidation of subsidiary	$ 800			$ 800
Executive severance costs	$ 0	$ 600	$ 0	$ 611	$ 0

Fair Value Measurements (Schedu

Fair Value Measurements (Schedule of Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value, Recurring) (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 28, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets held in rabbi trusts	$ 5,004	$ 4,641
Level 1 Inputs
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets held in rabbi trusts	71	87
Level 2 Inputs
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets held in rabbi trusts	4,933	4,554
Level 3 Inputs
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets held in rabbi trusts	$ 0	$ 0

Restructuring Costs (Narrative)

Restructuring Costs (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019	Sep. 29, 2018	Sep. 28, 2019	Sep. 29, 2018
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring costs	$ 547	$ 228	$ 547	$ 289

Restructuring Costs (Details)

Restructuring Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2019	Sep. 29, 2018	Sep. 28, 2019	Sep. 29, 2018
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring costs	$ 547	$ 228	$ 547	$ 289
Employee Severance
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance			159
Restructuring costs			547
Adjustment for adoption of ASU 2016-02			(69)
Cash payments			(138)
Foreign currency translation			0
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	$ 499		$ 499

Subsequent Events (Narrative) (

Subsequent Events (Narrative) (Details) - Subsequent Event - USD ($)	Nov. 01, 2019	Oct. 23, 2019
Dynamic Systems Inc.
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Purchase price	$ 41,000,000
Potential earn out payment	$ 3,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, accordion feature, increase limit		$ 15,000,000
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity		$ 45,000,000

Uncategorized Items - vpg-20190

Label	Element	Value
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member] | Parent [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ 531,000