Littelfuse (LFUS) 10-Q 31 Oct 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Oct. 24, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'LITTELFUSE INC /DE	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-27	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	22,489,432
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000889331	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'
Document Period End Date	27-Sep-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (current period unaudited) (USD $)	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$378,276	$305,192
Short-term investments	38	6,886
Accounts receivable, less allowances	134,706	127,887
Inventories	99,822	92,591
Deferred income taxes	10,722	10,463
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	16,570	17,080
Assets held for sale	5,500	5,500
Total current assets	645,634	565,599
Property, plant and equipment:	'	'
Land	5,969	4,382
Buildings	66,780	59,699
Equipment	363,438	354,475
	436,187	418,556
Accumulated depreciation	-278,927	-268,383
Net property, plant and equipment	157,260	150,173
Intangible assets, net of amortization:	'	'
Patents, licenses and software	24,514	25,166
Distribution network	39,604	42,685
Customer lists, trademarks and tradenames	42,911	30,506
Goodwill	198,702	186,464
Other investments	13,115	12,286
Deferred income taxes	5,325	5,092
Other assets	6,750	6,402
Total assets	1,133,815	1,024,373
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	37,062	33,872
Accrued payroll	28,022	29,437
Accrued expenses	13,342	13,087
Accrued severance	320	182
Accrued income taxes	15,059	5,931
Deferred income taxes	7	229
Current portion of long-term debt	186,500	126,000
Total current liabilities	280,312	208,738
Long-term debt, less current portion	90,000	93,750
Deferred income taxes	10,821	11,585
Accrued post-retirement benefits	225	8,528
Other long-term liabilities	14,558	14,856
Total equity	737,899	686,916
Total liabilities and equity	$1,133,815	$1,024,373

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (current period unaudited) (Parentheticals)	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Common sharP5s issuP5d	22,541,918	22,467,491
Common shares outstanding	22,541,918	22,467,491

Consolidated_Statements_of_Net

Consolidated Statements of Net Income (unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014		Sep. 28, 2013		Sep. 27, 2014		Sep. 28, 2013
Net sales	$217,608	[1]	$201,040	[1]	$645,375	[1]	$559,724	[1]
Cost of sales	130,228		120,080		396,506		340,601
Gross profit	87,380		80,960		248,869		219,123
Selling, general and administrative expenses	36,647		34,437		109,146		98,091
Research and development expenses	7,449		6,217		22,833		17,725
Amortization of intangibles	3,154		2,747		9,451		6,249
	47,250		43,401		141,430		122,065
Operating income	40,130		37,559		107,439		97,058
Interest expense	1,292		939		3,736		1,959
Impairment and equity in net loss of unconsolidated affiliate	'	[2]	'	[2]	'	[2]	10,678	[2]
Foreign exchange (gain) loss	-101		1,476		2,022		-1,929
Other (income) expense, net	-2,261		-1,380		-4,893		-3,543
Income before income taxes	41,200		36,524		106,574		89,893
Income taxes	11,260		9,534		26,667		24,767
Net income	$29,940		$26,990		$79,907		$65,126
Net income per share (see Note 8):	'		'		'		'
Basic (in Dollars per share)	$1.33		$1.20		$3.55		$2.92
Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$1.32		$1.19		$3.52		$2.89
Weighted average shares and equivalent shares outstanding:	'		'		'		'
Basic (in Shares)	22,536		22,428		22,536		22,274
Diluted (in Shares)	22,689		22,625		22,722		22,497
Cash dividends paid per common share (in Dollars per share)	$0.25		$0.22		$0.69		$0.62
[1]	Sales by country represent sales to customer or distributor locations.
[2]	During the first quarter of 2013, the company recorded an impairment of its investment in Shocking Technologies. (See Note 5).

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Net income	$29,940	$26,990	$79,907	$65,126
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'	'
Pension liability adjustments (net of tax of $39 and $49, for the three months ended 2014 and 2013, and $178 and $233 for the nine months ended 2014 and 2013, respectively)	4	-24	-1	-349
Unrealized (loss) gain on investments	-1,773	-532	1,811	546
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-14,962	10,273	-15,273	-2,998
Comprehensive income	$13,209	$36,707	$66,444	$62,325

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) (Parentheticals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Tax	$39	$49	$178	$233

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$79,907	$65,126
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation	21,736	19,603
Amortization of intangibles	9,451	6,249
Stock-based compensation	7,168	7,030
Non-cash inventory charge	2,769	2,069
Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation	-2,477	-3,763
Loss on sale of assets	673	169
Impairment and equity in net loss of unconsolidated affiliate	'	10,678
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-9,728	-16,348
Inventories	-4,118	-4,537
Accounts payable	3,024	6,659
Accrued expenses (including post-retirement)	-7,080	-11,743
Accrued payroll and severance	-1,198	5,492
Accrued taxes	5,756	-2,167
Prepaid expenses and other	-2,052	1,294
Net cash provided by operating activities	103,831	85,811
Investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment	-19,422	-25,328
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	-52,768	-145,000
Purchase of short-term investments	'	-8,478
Proceeds from maturities of short-term investments	6,770	'
Proceeds from sale of assets	72	158
Net cash used in investing activities	-65,348	-178,648
FINANCING activities:	'	'
Proceeds from term loan	'	100,000
Proceeds from revolving credit facility	97,500	160,500
Payments of term loan	-3,750	'
Payments of revolving credit facility	-37,000	-116,000
Debt issuance costs paid	-108	-809
Cash dividends paid	-15,543	-13,789
Purchases of common stock	-14,283	'
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	12,170	19,335
Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation	2,477	3,763
Net cash provided by financing activities	41,463	153,000
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-6,862	-2,631
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	73,084	57,532
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	305,192	235,404
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$378,276	$292,936

Note_1_Basis_of_Presentation

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]	'
Basis of Accounting [Text Block]	'
	1. Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Littelfuse, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “company”) have been prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for interim financial information, the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulations S-X. Accordingly, certain information and disclosures normally included in the consolidated balance sheet, statements of net income and comprehensive income and cash flows prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted as permitted by such rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the period ended September 27, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 27, 2014. For further information, refer to the company’s consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto incorporated by reference in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2013. The company evaluated subsequent events through the date of its financial statements when filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

Note_2_Acquisition_of_Business

Note 2 - Acquisition of Businesses	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]	'
Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block]	'
	2. Acquisition of Businesses
	The company accounts for acquisitions using the purchase method in accordance with ASC 805, “Business Combinations.” The results of operations of each acquisition have been included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements as of the dates of the acquisition.
	SymCom, Inc.
	On January 3, 2014, the company acquired 100% of SymCom, Inc. (“SymCom”) for $52.8 million net of cash acquired. Headquartered in Rapid City, South Dakota, SymCom provides overload relays and pump controllers primarily to the industrial market. The acquisition allows the company to strengthen its position in the relay products market by adding new products and new customers within its Electrical business unit segment. SymCom is based in Rapid City, South Dakota. The company funded the acquisition with available cash and proceeds from credit facilities.
	The following table sets forth the preliminary purchase price allocation for SymCom acquisition-date net assets, in accordance with the purchase method of accounting with adjustments to record the acquired net assets at their estimated fair values.
	SymCom preliminary purchase price allocation (in thousands):
	Cash	$	325
	Current assets, net		9,154
	Property, plant and equipment		11,193
	Goodwill		15,063
	Trademarks		17,020
	Patents		1,500
	Other non-current assets		20
	Current liabilities		(1,182	)
		$	53,093
	All SymCom goodwill and other assets and liabilities were recorded in the Electrical business unit segment and reflected in the Americas geographical area. The trademarks are being amortized over 15 to 20 years. The patents are being amortized over 16 to 17 years. The goodwill resulting from this acquisition consists largely of the company’s expected future product sales and synergies from combining SymCom’s products with the company’s existing electrical product offerings. Goodwill for the above acquisition is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
	As required by purchase accounting rules, the company initially recorded a $2.6 million step-up of inventory to its fair value as of the acquisition date based on the preliminary valuation. During the first quarter of 2014, as a portion of this inventory was sold, cost of goods sold included a $1.4 million non-cash charge for this step-up.
	During the second quarter of 2014, the inventory step-up valuation was finalized at $2.8 million which resulted in an additional $1.4 million non-cash charge to cost of goods sold for the second quarter of 2014.
	Pro forma financial information is not presented for the SymCom acquisition due to amounts not being materially different than actual results.
	Hamlin, Inc.
	On May 31, 2013, the company acquired 100% of Hamlin, Inc. (“Hamlin”) from Key Safety Systems, for $144.4 million (net of cash acquired). Hamlin is a manufacturer of sensor technology providing standard products and custom solutions for leading global manufacturers in the automotive and electronic industries. The acquisition allows the company to expand its automotive and electronics product offerings in the global sensor market in both the Automotive and Electronics business segments. Hamlin has manufacturing, engineering and sales offices in the U.S., Mexico, Europe and Asia. Hamlin operations are being integrated into the Electronics and Automotive segments of Littelfuse. The company funded the acquisition with available cash raised from borrowings on the company’s new credit arrangement. (See Note 6).
	The following table sets forth the final purchase price allocation, as of May 31, 2014, for Hamlin acquisition-date net assets, in accordance with the purchase method of accounting with adjustments to record the acquired net assets at their estimated fair values.
	Hamlin final purchase price allocation (in thousands):
	Cash	$	15,984
	Current assets, net		27,811
	Property, plant and equipment		24,728
	Goodwill		51,218
	Distribution network		35,327
	Patents and licenses		16,276
	Trademarks		6,522
	Non-current assets		2,452
	Current liabilities		(7,734	)
	Non-current liabilities		(12,217	)
		$	160,367
	All Hamlin goodwill and other assets and liabilities were recorded in the Automotive and Electronics business unit segments and reflected in the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific geographical areas. The distribution network, trademarks and patents and licenses are all being amortized over 10 years. The goodwill resulting from this acquisition consists largely of the company’s expected future product sales and synergies from combining Hamlin’s products with the company’s existing product offerings. A portion of the goodwill for the acquisition is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
	As required by purchase accounting rules, the company recorded a $2.1 million step-up of inventory to its fair value as of the acquisition date. During the second quarter of 2013, as a portion of this inventory was sold, cost of goods sold included $1.7 million of non-cash charges for this step-up.
	The following unaudited pro forma results are provided below for the company’s acquisition of Hamlin and assume that the acquisition of Hamlin had been completed as of the beginning of fiscal year 2012.
		(In thousands except for per share amounts)
		For the Three Months Ended					For the Nine Months Ended
		Sept. 27, 2014			Sept. 28, 2013		Sept. 27, 2014		Sept. 28, 2013
		(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)		(Unaudited)		(As restated)
									(Unaudited)
	Revenues	$	217,608		$	201,040	$	645,375	$	591,095
	Net income	$	29,940		$	26,990	$	79,907	$	65,425
	Net income per share:
	Basic	$	1.33		$	1.2	$	3.55	$	2.94
	Diluted	$	1.32		$	1.19	$	3.52	$	2.91
	Weighted-average shares and equivalent shares outstanding:
	Basic		22,536			22,428		22,536		22,274
	Diluted		22,689			22,625		22,722		22,497

Note_3_Inventories

Note 3 - Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	3. Inventories
	The components of inventories at September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
		27-Sep-14		28-Dec-13
	Raw material	$	31,549	$	28,228
	Work in process		16,810		17,576
	Finished goods		51,463		46,787
	Total inventories	$	99,822	$	92,591

Note_4_Other_Investments

Note 4 - Other Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	4. Other Investments
	The company’s other investments represent shares of Polytronics Technology Corporation Ltd. (“Polytronics”), a Taiwanese company. The Polytronics investment was acquired as part of the Heinrich Companies acquisition in 2004. The fair value of the Polytronics investment was €10.2 million (approximately $13.1 million) at September 27, 2014 and €9.0 million (approximately $12.3 million) at December 28, 2013. Included in 2014 other comprehensive income is an unrealized gain of $1.8 million, due to the increase in fair market value of the Polytronics investment. The remaining movement was due to the impact of changes in exchange rates.

Note_5_Impairment_of_Investmen

Note 5 - Impairment of Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]	'
Asset Impairment Charges [Text Block]	'
	5. Impairment of Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate
	During the first quarter of 2013, the company fully impaired its investment in and loan receivable from Shocking Technologies, Inc. owing to their filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on March 12, 2013. The impairment charge of approximately $10.7 million consisted of the remaining equity method investment of $8.7 million and a $2.0 million loan receivable, and reduced the carrying value of both the investment and loan receivable to zero at March 30, 2013.
	The loss was recorded as a component of impairment and equity loss of unconsolidated affiliate in the Consolidated Statements of Net Income for the nine months ended September 28, 2013.

Note_6_Debt

Note 6 - Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	6. Debt
	The carrying amounts of long-term debt at September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
		27-Sep-14		28-Dec-13
	Term loan	$	95,000	$	98,750
	Revolving credit facility		181,500		121,000
	Total debt		276,500		219,750
	Less: Current maturities		186,500		126,000
	Total long-term debt	$	90,000	$	93,750
	On May 31, 2013, the company entered into a new credit agreement with J.P Morgan Securities LLC for up to $325.0 million which consisted of an unsecured revolving credit facility of $225.0 million and an unsecured term loan of $100.0 million. The new credit agreement is for a five year period. On January 30, 2014, the company increased the unsecured revolving credit facility entered into on May 31, 2013, by $50.0 million thereby increasing the total revolver borrowing capacity from $225.0 million to $275.0 million. The company incurred debt issuance costs of $0.1 million which will be amortized over the life of the existing credit agreement. As of September 27, 2014, the company had available $92.9 million of borrowing capacity under the revolving credit agreement at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.50% (1.65% as of September 27, 2014). At September 27, 2014, the company was in compliance with all covenants under the revolving credit facility.

Note_7_Fair_Value_of_Assets_an

Note 7 - Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	'
	7. Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities
	In determining fair value, the company uses various valuation approaches within the fair value measurement framework. Fair value measurements are determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.
	Applicable accounting literature establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Applicable accounting literature defines levels within the hierarchy based on the reliability of inputs as follows:
	Level 1—Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;
	Level 2—Valuations based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities or identical assets or liabilities in less active markets, such as dealer or broker markets; and
	Level 3—Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable, such as pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques not based on market, exchange, dealer or broker-traded transactions.
	Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value and their classification in the valuation hierarchy.
	Investment in Polytronics
	The company holds an investment in the equity securities of Polytronics as described in Note 4. Equity securities listed on a national market or exchange are valued at the last sales price. Such securities are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy.
	There were no changes during the nine months ended September 27, 2014 to the company’s valuation techniques used to measure asset and liability fair values on a recurring basis. As of September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 the company held no non-financial assets or liabilities that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
	The following table presents assets and liabilities measured at fair value by classification within the fair value hierarchy as of September 27, 2014 (in thousands):
		Fair Value Measurements Using
		Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant		Total
		Active Markets for		Other		Unobservable
		Identical Assets		Observable		Inputs
		(Level 1)		Inputs		(Level 3)
				(Level 2)
	Investment in Polytronics	$	13,115	$	—	$	—	$	13,115
	Total	$	13,115	$	—	$	—	$	13,115
	The following table presents assets measured at fair value by classification within the fair value hierarchy as of December 28, 2013 (in thousands):
		Fair Value Measurements Using
		Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant		Total
		Active Markets for		Other		Unobservable
		Identical Assets		Observable		Inputs
		(Level 1)		Inputs		(Level 3)
				(Level 2)
	Investment in Polytronics	$	12,286	$	—	$	—	$	12,286
	Total	$	12,286	$	—	$	—	$	12,286
	The company’s other financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable and debt. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable and debt approximate their fair values. The company’s debt fair value approximates book value at September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively, as the variable interest rates fluctuate along with market interest rates.

Note_8_Earnings_Per_Share

Note 8 - Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	'
	8. Earnings Per Share
	In 2013, the company calculated its earnings per share using the two-class method which included an earnings allocation formula that determined earnings per share for each class of common stock according to dividends declared and undistributed earnings for the period. Previously, the company’s reported net earnings were reduced by the amount allocated to participating securities to arrive at the earnings allocated to common stock shareholders for purposes of calculating earnings per share under the two-class method. As of January, 2014, the company no longer has “participating securities” as defined under ASC 260. As such, the company now calculates its earnings per share using the treasury method. All of the previous participating securities that resulted in the company using the two-class method have become fully vested or have otherwise expired.
	Under the previous two-class method calculation, the dilutive effect of participating securities was calculated using the more dilutive of the treasury stock or the two-class method. The company previously determined the two-class method to be the more dilutive. As such, the earnings allocated to common stock shareholders in the basic earnings per share calculation was adjusted for the reallocation of undistributed earnings to participating securities to arrive at the earnings allocated to common stock shareholders for calculating the diluted earnings per share.
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share under the treasury share method as of September 27, 2014 and the two-class method as of September 28, 2013.
		For the Three Months Ended					For the Nine Months Ended
	(in thousands except per share amounts)	Sept. 27, 2014		Sept. 28, 2013			Sept. 27, 2014		Sept. 28, 2013
	Net income as reported	$	29,940	$	26,990		$	79,907	$	65,126
	Less: Distributed earnings available to participating securities		—		(3	)		—		(21	)
	Less: Undistributed earnings available to participating securities		—		—			—		(16	)
	Numerator for basic earnings per share —
	Undistributed and distributed earnings available to common shareholders	$	29,940	$	26,987		$	79,907	$	65,089
	Add: Undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities		—		—			—		16
	Less: Undistributed earnings reallocated to participating securities		—		—			—		(16	)
	Numerator for diluted earnings per share —
	Undistributed and distributed earnings available to common shareholders	$	29,940	$	26,987		$	79,907	$	65,089
	Denominator for basic earnings per share —
	Weighted-average shares		22,536		22,428			22,536		22,274
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Common stock equivalents		153		197			186		223
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share —
	Adjusted for weighted-average shares & assumed conversions		22,689		22,625			22,722		22,497
	Basic earnings per share	$	1.33	$	1.2		$	3.55	$	2.92
	Diluted earnings per share	$	1.32	$	1.19		$	3.52	$	2.89

Note_9_Income_Taxes

Note 9 - Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	9. Income Taxes
	The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2014 was 27.3% compared to an effective tax rate of 26.1% in the third quarter of 2013 reflecting more income earned in higher tax jurisdictions in the third quarter of 2014. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 27, 2014 was 25.0% as compared to an effective tax rate of 27.6% for the nine months ended September 28, 2013. The higher tax rate for the nine months ended September 28, 2013 was primarily the result of certain non-recurring tax items.

Note_10_Pensions

Note 10 - Pensions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	10. Pensions
	The components of net periodic benefit cost for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2014, compared with the three and nine months ended September 28, 2013, were (in thousands):
		U.S. Pension Benefits												Foreign Plans
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended						Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		Sept. 27,			Sept. 28,			Sept. 27,			Sept. 28,			Sept. 27,			Sept. 28,			Sept. 27,			Sept. 28,
		2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	150		$	150		$	450		$	450		$	311		$	290		$	933		$	813
	Interest cost		971			891			2,913			2,674			591			532			1,774			1,014
	Expected return on plan assetsassets		(1,412	)		(1,340	)		(4,234	)		(4,020	)		(572	)		(446	)		(1,718	)		(717	)
	Amortization of net loss		137			235			411			706			47			39			142			116
	Total (credit) cost of the plan		(154	)		(64	)		(460	)		(190	)		377			415			1,131			1,226
	Expected plan participants’ contribution		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-
	Net periodic benefit (credit) cost	$	(154	)	$	(64	)	$	(460	)	$	(190	)	$	377		$	415		$	1,131		$	1,226
	The expected rate of return assumption on domestic pension assets is approximately 6.75% in 2014 and 2013. The expected return on foreign pension assets is approximately 5.14% and 3.00% in 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	On July 31, 2014, the company terminated the Littelfuse, Inc. Retirement Plan (the “Pension Plan”), a plan that was previously offered to all full-time Company employees but frozen as to new participants and benefit accruals as of April 1, 2009. Distribution of plan assets resulting from the Pension Plan termination will not be made until the Internal Revenue Service and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation determine that the termination satisfies applicable regulatory requirements. As a result of the termination of the Pension Plan, each participant will become fully vested in his or her benefits under the Pension Plan without regard to age and years of service. All participants will have a choice of receiving a lump sum payment or an annuity in full payment of their benefits accrued under the Pension Plan.

Note_11_Business_Unit_Segment_

Note 11 - Business Unit Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	11. Business Unit Segment Information
	The company and its subsidiaries design, manufacture and sell circuit protection devices throughout the world. The company reports its operations by the following business unit segments: Electronics, Automotive, and Electrical. Each operating segment is directly responsible for sales, marketing and research and development. Manufacturing, purchasing, logistics, customer service, finance, information technology and human resources are shared functions that are allocated back to the three operating segments. The CEO allocates resources to and assesses the performance of each operating segment using information about its revenue and operating income (loss) before interest and taxes, but does not evaluate the operating segments using discrete balance sheet information.
	Sales, marketing and research and development expenses are charged directly into each operating segment. All other functions are shared by the operating segments and expenses for these shared functions are allocated to the operating segments and included in the operating results reported below. The company does not report inter-segment revenue because the operating segments do not record it. The company does not allocate interest and other income, interest expense, or taxes to operating segments. Although the CEO uses operating income (loss) to evaluate the segments, operating costs included in one segment may benefit other segments. Except as discussed above, the accounting policies for segment reporting are the same as for the company as a whole.
	An operating segment is defined as a component of an enterprise that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses, and about which separate financial information is regularly evaluated by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) in deciding how to allocate resources. The CODM is the company’s President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”).
	Business unit segment information for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 are summarized as follows (in thousands):
		For the Three Months Ended						For the Nine Months Ended
		Sept. 27,			Sept. 28,			Sept. 27,			Sept. 28,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net sales
	Electronics	$	107,754		$	101,013		$	313,726		$	271,878
	Automotive		80,639			70,386			245,083			194,319
	Electrical		29,215			29,641			86,566			93,527
	Total net sales	$	217,608		$	201,040		$	645,375		$	559,724
	Depreciation and amortization
	Electronics	$	5,582		$	5,784		$	16,482		$	15,776
	Automotive		3,435			2,880			10,609			7,183
	Electrical		1,414			937			4,096			2,893
	Total depreciation and amortization	$	10,431		$	9,601		$	31,187		$	25,852
	Operating income (loss)
	Electronics	$	25,800		$	20,362		$	70,805		$	52,284
	Automotive		12,227			11,135			35,158			29,531
	Electrical		3,224			6,687			7,541			18,801
	Other(1)		(1,121	)		(625	)		(6,065	)		(3,558	)
	Total operating income		40,130			37,559			107,439			97,058
	Interest expense		1,292			939			3,736			1,959
	Impairment, loan loss and equity in net loss of unconsolidated affiliate (2)		—			—			—			10,678
	Foreign exchange (gain) loss		(101	)		1,476			2,022			(1,929	)
	Other (income) expense, net		(2,261	)		(1,380	)		(4,893	)		(3,543	)
	Income before income taxes	$	41,200		$	36,524		$	106,574		$	89,893
	(1) “Other” consists of acquisition related costs, severance charges and restructuring costs. (2) During the first quarter of 2013, the company recorded an impairment of its investment in Shocking Technologies. (See Note 5).
	The company’s significant net sales by country for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 are summarized as follows (in thousands):
		For the Three Months Ended(a)						For the Nine Months Ended(a)
		Sept. 27, 2014			Sept. 28, 2013			Sept. 27, 2014			Sept. 28, 2013
	United States	$	85,326		$	76,183		$	243,979		$	202,731
	China		45,905			43,644			134,166			114,952
	Other countries		86,377			81,213			267,230			242,041
	Total	$	217,608		$	201,040		$	645,375		$	559,724
	(a) Sales by country represent sales to customer or distributor locations.
	The company’s significant long-lived assets by country as of September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 are summarized as follows (in thousands):
		Long-lived assets(b)
		27-Sep-14			28-Dec-13
	United States	$	38,964		$	27,294
	China		40,015			45,843
	Canada		13,621			14,429
	Other countries		64,660			62,607
	Total	$	157,260		$	150,173
	(b) Long-lived assets consist of net property, plant and equipment.

Note_12_Accumulated_Other_Comp

Note 12 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (AOCI)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]	'
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]	'
	12. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (AOCI)
	The following table sets forth the changes in the components of AOCI by component (in thousands):
	AOCI component	Balance at			Other			Reclassification		Balance at
		28-Dec-13			comprehensive			adjustment for		27-Sep-14
					income (loss)			expense included
					activity			in net income
	Pension liability adjustment(a)	$	(17,140	)	$	(243	)	$	242	$	(17,141	)
	Unrealized gain on investments(b)		9,393			1,811			—		11,204
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		28,164			(15,273	)		—		12,891
	AOCI income (loss)	$	20,417		$	(13,705	)	$	242	$	6,954
	(a) Balances are net of tax of $6,549 and $6,549 for 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	(b) Balances are net of tax of $0 and $0 for 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Note_2_Acquisition_of_Business1

Note 2 - Acquisition of Businesses (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Note 2 - Acquisition of Businesses (Tables) [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	'
	SymCom preliminary purchase price allocation (in thousands):
	Cash	$	325
	Current assets, net		9,154
	Property, plant and equipment		11,193
	Goodwill		15,063
	Trademarks		17,020
	Patents		1,500
	Other non-current assets		20
	Current liabilities		(1,182	)
		$	53,093
	Hamlin final purchase price allocation (in thousands):
	Cash	$	15,984
	Current assets, net		27,811
	Property, plant and equipment		24,728
	Goodwill		51,218
	Distribution network		35,327
	Patents and licenses		16,276
	Trademarks		6,522
	Non-current assets		2,452
	Current liabilities		(7,734	)
	Non-current liabilities		(12,217	)
		$	160,367
Hamlin, Inc. [Member]	'
Note 2 - Acquisition of Businesses (Tables) [Line Items]	'
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]	'
		(In thousands except for per share amounts)
		For the Three Months Ended					For the Nine Months Ended
		Sept. 27, 2014			Sept. 28, 2013		Sept. 27, 2014		Sept. 28, 2013
		(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)		(Unaudited)		(As restated)
									(Unaudited)
	Revenues	$	217,608		$	201,040	$	645,375	$	591,095
	Net income	$	29,940		$	26,990	$	79,907	$	65,425
	Net income per share:
	Basic	$	1.33		$	1.2	$	3.55	$	2.94
	Diluted	$	1.32		$	1.19	$	3.52	$	2.91
	Weighted-average shares and equivalent shares outstanding:
	Basic		22,536			22,428		22,536		22,274
	Diluted		22,689			22,625		22,722		22,497

Note_3_Inventories_Tables

Note 3 - Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	'
		27-Sep-14		28-Dec-13
	Raw material	$	31,549	$	28,228
	Work in process		16,810		17,576
	Finished goods		51,463		46,787
	Total inventories	$	99,822	$	92,591

Note_6_Debt_Tables

Note 6 - Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	'
		27-Sep-14		28-Dec-13
	Term loan	$	95,000	$	98,750
	Revolving credit facility		181,500		121,000
	Total debt		276,500		219,750
	Less: Current maturities		186,500		126,000
	Total long-term debt	$	90,000	$	93,750

Note_7_Fair_Value_of_Assets_an1

Note 7 - Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	'
		Fair Value Measurements Using
		Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant		Total
		Active Markets for		Other		Unobservable
		Identical Assets		Observable		Inputs
		(Level 1)		Inputs		(Level 3)
				(Level 2)
	Investment in Polytronics	$	13,115	$	—	$	—	$	13,115
	Total	$	13,115	$	—	$	—	$	13,115
		Fair Value Measurements Using
		Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant		Total
		Active Markets for		Other		Unobservable
		Identical Assets		Observable		Inputs
		(Level 1)		Inputs		(Level 3)
				(Level 2)
	Investment in Polytronics	$	12,286	$	—	$	—	$	12,286
	Total	$	12,286	$	—	$	—	$	12,286

Note_8_Earnings_Per_Share_Tabl

Note 8 - Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	'
		For the Three Months Ended					For the Nine Months Ended
	(in thousands except per share amounts)	Sept. 27, 2014		Sept. 28, 2013			Sept. 27, 2014		Sept. 28, 2013
	Net income as reported	$	29,940	$	26,990		$	79,907	$	65,126
	Less: Distributed earnings available to participating securities		—		(3	)		—		(21	)
	Less: Undistributed earnings available to participating securities		—		—			—		(16	)
	Numerator for basic earnings per share —
	Undistributed and distributed earnings available to common shareholders	$	29,940	$	26,987		$	79,907	$	65,089
	Add: Undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities		—		—			—		16
	Less: Undistributed earnings reallocated to participating securities		—		—			—		(16	)
	Numerator for diluted earnings per share —
	Undistributed and distributed earnings available to common shareholders	$	29,940	$	26,987		$	79,907	$	65,089
	Denominator for basic earnings per share —
	Weighted-average shares		22,536		22,428			22,536		22,274
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Common stock equivalents		153		197			186		223
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share —
	Adjusted for weighted-average shares & assumed conversions		22,689		22,625			22,722		22,497
	Basic earnings per share	$	1.33	$	1.2		$	3.55	$	2.92
	Diluted earnings per share	$	1.32	$	1.19		$	3.52	$	2.89

Note_10_Pensions_Tables

Note 10 - Pensions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	'
		U.S. Pension Benefits												Foreign Plans
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended						Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		Sept. 27,			Sept. 28,			Sept. 27,			Sept. 28,			Sept. 27,			Sept. 28,			Sept. 27,			Sept. 28,
		2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	150		$	150		$	450		$	450		$	311		$	290		$	933		$	813
	Interest cost		971			891			2,913			2,674			591			532			1,774			1,014
	Expected return on plan assetsassets		(1,412	)		(1,340	)		(4,234	)		(4,020	)		(572	)		(446	)		(1,718	)		(717	)
	Amortization of net loss		137			235			411			706			47			39			142			116
	Total (credit) cost of the plan		(154	)		(64	)		(460	)		(190	)		377			415			1,131			1,226
	Expected plan participants’ contribution		-			-			-			-			-			-			-			-
	Net periodic benefit (credit) cost	$	(154	)	$	(64	)	$	(460	)	$	(190	)	$	377		$	415		$	1,131		$	1,226

Note_11_Business_Unit_Segment_1

Note 11 - Business Unit Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	'
		For the Three Months Ended						For the Nine Months Ended
		Sept. 27,			Sept. 28,			Sept. 27,			Sept. 28,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net sales
	Electronics	$	107,754		$	101,013		$	313,726		$	271,878
	Automotive		80,639			70,386			245,083			194,319
	Electrical		29,215			29,641			86,566			93,527
	Total net sales	$	217,608		$	201,040		$	645,375		$	559,724
	Depreciation and amortization
	Electronics	$	5,582		$	5,784		$	16,482		$	15,776
	Automotive		3,435			2,880			10,609			7,183
	Electrical		1,414			937			4,096			2,893
	Total depreciation and amortization	$	10,431		$	9,601		$	31,187		$	25,852
	Operating income (loss)
	Electronics	$	25,800		$	20,362		$	70,805		$	52,284
	Automotive		12,227			11,135			35,158			29,531
	Electrical		3,224			6,687			7,541			18,801
	Other(1)		(1,121	)		(625	)		(6,065	)		(3,558	)
	Total operating income		40,130			37,559			107,439			97,058
	Interest expense		1,292			939			3,736			1,959
	Impairment, loan loss and equity in net loss of unconsolidated affiliate (2)		—			—			—			10,678
	Foreign exchange (gain) loss		(101	)		1,476			2,022			(1,929	)
	Other (income) expense, net		(2,261	)		(1,380	)		(4,893	)		(3,543	)
	Income before income taxes	$	41,200		$	36,524		$	106,574		$	89,893
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Table Text Block]	'
		For the Three Months Ended(a)						For the Nine Months Ended(a)
		Sept. 27, 2014			Sept. 28, 2013			Sept. 27, 2014			Sept. 28, 2013
	United States	$	85,326		$	76,183		$	243,979		$	202,731
	China		45,905			43,644			134,166			114,952
	Other countries		86,377			81,213			267,230			242,041
	Total	$	217,608		$	201,040		$	645,375		$	559,724
Schedule of Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets in Individual Foreign Countries by Country [Table Text Block]	'
		Long-lived assets(b)
		27-Sep-14			28-Dec-13
	United States	$	38,964		$	27,294
	China		40,015			45,843
	Canada		13,621			14,429
	Other countries		64,660			62,607
	Total	$	157,260		$	150,173

Note_12_Accumulated_Other_Comp1

Note 12 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (AOCI) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
	AOCI component	Balance at			Other			Reclassification		Balance at
		28-Dec-13			comprehensive			adjustment for		27-Sep-14
					income (loss)			expense included
					activity			in net income
	Pension liability adjustment(a)	$	(17,140	)	$	(243	)	$	242	$	(17,141	)
	Unrealized gain on investments(b)		9,393			1,811			—		11,204
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		28,164			(15,273	)		—		12,891
	AOCI income (loss)	$	20,417		$	(13,705	)	$	242	$	6,954

Note_2_Acquisition_of_Business2

Note 2 - Acquisition of Businesses (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 28, 2013

Jan. 03, 2014

Jan. 03, 2014

Jan. 03, 2014

Jan. 03, 2014

31-May-13

Jan. 03, 2014

Jun. 28, 2014

Mar. 29, 2014

31-May-13

Jun. 29, 2013

Trademarks [Member]

Trademarks [Member]

Patents [Member]

Patents [Member]

Distribution Network, Trademarks and Patents [Member]

SymCom, Inc. [Member]

SymCom, Inc. [Member]

SymCom, Inc. [Member]

Hamlin, Inc. [Member]

Hamlin, Inc. [Member]

SymCom, Inc. [Member]

SymCom, Inc. [Member]

SymCom, Inc. [Member]

SymCom, Inc. [Member]

Hamlin, Inc. [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Note 2 - Acquisition of Businesses (Details) [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

100.00%

'

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired

$52,768,000

$145,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

$52,800,000

'

'

$144,400,000

'

Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life

'

'

'15 years

'20 years

'16 years

'17 years

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Inventory Step-up

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,600,000

2,800,000

'

2,100,000

'

Non-cash Charges Related to Inventory Step-up

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,400,000

$1,400,000

'

$1,700,000

Note_2_Acquisition_of_Business3

Note 2 - Acquisition of Businesses (Details) - Final Purchase Price Allocations (USD $)	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Note 2 - Acquisition of Businesses (Details) - Final Purchase Price Allocations [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	$198,702	$186,464
Trademarks [Member] | SymCom, Inc. [Member]	'	'
Note 2 - Acquisition of Businesses (Details) - Final Purchase Price Allocations [Line Items]	'	'
Amortizable intangible assets	17,020	'
Trademarks [Member] | Hamlin, Inc. [Member]	'	'
Note 2 - Acquisition of Businesses (Details) - Final Purchase Price Allocations [Line Items]	'	'
Amortizable intangible assets	6,522	'
Patents [Member] | SymCom, Inc. [Member]	'	'
Note 2 - Acquisition of Businesses (Details) - Final Purchase Price Allocations [Line Items]	'	'
Amortizable intangible assets	1,500	'
Distribution Rights [Member] | Hamlin, Inc. [Member]	'	'
Note 2 - Acquisition of Businesses (Details) - Final Purchase Price Allocations [Line Items]	'	'
Amortizable intangible assets	35,327	'
Patents and Licenses [Member] | Hamlin, Inc. [Member]	'	'
Note 2 - Acquisition of Businesses (Details) - Final Purchase Price Allocations [Line Items]	'	'
Amortizable intangible assets	16,276	'
SymCom, Inc. [Member]	'	'
Note 2 - Acquisition of Businesses (Details) - Final Purchase Price Allocations [Line Items]	'	'
Cash	325	'
Current assets, net	9,154	'
Property, plant and equipment	11,193	'
Goodwill	15,063	'
Other non-current assets	20	'
Current liabilities	-1,182	'
Total purchase price allocation	53,093	'
Hamlin, Inc. [Member]	'	'
Note 2 - Acquisition of Businesses (Details) - Final Purchase Price Allocations [Line Items]	'	'
Cash	15,984	'
Current assets, net	27,811	'
Property, plant and equipment	24,728	'
Goodwill	51,218	'
Non-current assets	2,452	'
Current liabilities	-7,734	'
Non-current liabilities	-12,217	'
Total purchase price allocation	$160,367	'

Note_2_Acquisition_of_Business4

Note 2 - Acquisition of Businesses (Details) - Unaudited Pro Forma Results (Hamlin, Inc. [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Hamlin, Inc. [Member]	'	'	'	'
Note 2 - Acquisition of Businesses (Details) - Unaudited Pro Forma Results [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$217,608	$201,040	$645,375	$591,095
Net income	$29,940	$26,990	$79,907	$65,425
Net income per share:	'	'	'	'
Basic	$1.33	$1.20	$3.55	$2.94
Diluted	$1.32	$1.19	$3.52	$2.91
Weighted-average shares and equivalent shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic	22,536	22,428	22,536	22,274
Diluted	22,689	22,625	22,722	22,497

Note_3_Inventories_Details_Com

Note 3 - Inventories (Details) - Components of Inventories (USD $)	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Components of Inventories [Abstract]	'	'
Raw material	$31,549	$28,228
Work in process	16,810	17,576
Finished goods	51,463	46,787
Total inventories	$99,822	$92,591

Note_4_Other_Investments_Detai

Note 4 - Other Investments (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 28, 2013
	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	EUR (€)	USD ($)	EUR (€)
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Marketable Securities, Equity Securities	$13,100,000	'	$13,100,000	'	€ 10,200,000	$12,300,000	€ 9,000,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax	($1,773,000)	($532,000)	$1,811,000	$546,000	'	'	'

Note_5_Impairment_of_Investmen1

Note 5 - Impairment of Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate (Details) (Shocking [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2013
Note 5 - Impairment of Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate (Details) [Line Items]	'
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments	$10,700,000
Due from Affiliates	0
Investments	0
Loans Receivable [Member]	'
Note 5 - Impairment of Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate (Details) [Line Items]	'
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments	2,000,000
Equity Method Investments [Member]	'
Note 5 - Impairment of Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate (Details) [Line Items]	'
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments	$8,700,000

Note_6_Debt_Details

Note 6 - Debt (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Jan. 30, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Jan. 29, 2014	31-May-13	31-May-13
			Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	J.P. Morgan Securities LLC [Member]
			Base Rate [Member]	J.P. Morgan Securities LLC [Member]	J.P. Morgan Securities LLC [Member]	J.P. Morgan Securities LLC [Member]	J.P. Morgan Securities LLC [Member]
			J.P. Morgan Securities LLC [Member]
Note 6 - Debt (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	'	'	'	$275,000,000	'	$225,000,000	$225,000,000	$325,000,000
Loans Payable to Bank	95,000,000	98,750,000	'	'	'	'	'	100,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Period	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'5 years
Line of Credit Facility, Increase in Maximum Borrowing Capacity	'	'	'	50,000,000	'	'	'	'
Debt Issuance Cost	'	'	'	100,000	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	'	'	'	'	$92,900,000	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	'	'	1.50%	'	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End	'	'	'	'	1.65%	'	'	'

Note_6_Debt_Details_Carrying_A

Note 6 - Debt (Details) - Carrying Amounts of Long-term Debt (USD $)	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Carrying Amounts of Long-term Debt [Abstract]	'	'
Term loan	$95,000	$98,750
Revolving credit facility	181,500	121,000
Total debt	276,500	219,750
Less: Current maturities	186,500	126,000
Total long-term debt	$90,000	$93,750

Note_7_Fair_Value_of_Assets_an2

Note 7 - Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Details) - Assets Measured at Fair Value (USD $)	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Note 7 - Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Details) - Assets Measured at Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	$13,115	$12,286
Total	13,115	12,286
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Note 7 - Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Details) - Assets Measured at Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	13,115	12,286
Total	$13,115	$12,286

Note_8_Earnings_Per_Share_Deta

Note 8 - Earnings Per Share (Details) - Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share under the Two-class Method (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share under the Two-class Method [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income as reported	$29,940	$26,990	$79,907	$65,126
Less: Distributed earnings available to participating securities	'	-3	'	-21
Less: Undistributed earnings available to participating securities	'	'	'	-16
Numerator for basic earnings per share b	'	'	'	'
Undistributed and distributed earnings available to common shareholders	29,940	26,987	79,907	65,089
Add: Undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities	'	'	'	16
Less: Undistributed earnings reallocated to participating securities	'	'	'	-16
Numerator for diluted earnings per share b	'	'	'	'
Undistributed and distributed earnings available to common shareholders	$29,940	$26,987	$79,907	$65,089
Denominator for basic earnings per share b	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average shares (in Shares)	22,536	22,428	22,536	22,274
Effect of dilutive securities:	'	'	'	'
Common stock equivalents (in Shares)	153	197	186	223
Denominator for diluted earnings per share b	'	'	'	'
Adjusted for weighted-average shares & assumed conversions (in Shares)	22,689	22,625	22,722	22,497
Basic earnings per share (in Dollars per share)	$1.33	$1.20	$3.55	$2.92
Diluted earnings per share (in Dollars per share)	$1.32	$1.19	$3.52	$2.89

Note_9_Income_Taxes_Details

Note 9 - Income Taxes (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent	27.30%	26.10%	25.00%	27.60%

Note_10_Pensions_Details

Note 10 - Pensions (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member]	'	'
Note 10 - Pensions (Details) [Line Items]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets	6.75%	6.75%
Foreign Pension Plan [Member]	'	'
Note 10 - Pensions (Details) [Line Items]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets	5.14%	3.00%

Note_10_Pensions_Details_Compo

Note 10 - Pensions (Details) - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member]	'	'	'	'
Note 10 - Pensions (Details) - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$150	$150	$450	$450
Interest cost	971	891	2,913	2,674
Expected return on plan assetsassets	-1,412	-1,340	-4,234	-4,020
Amortization of net loss	137	235	411	706
Total (credit) cost of the plan	-154	-64	-460	-190
Expected plan participantsb contribution	0	0	0	0
Net periodic benefit (credit) cost	-154	-64	-460	-190
Foreign Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Note 10 - Pensions (Details) - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	311	290	933	813
Interest cost	591	532	1,774	1,014
Expected return on plan assetsassets	-572	-446	-1,718	-717
Amortization of net loss	47	39	142	116
Total (credit) cost of the plan	377	415	1,131	1,226
Net periodic benefit (credit) cost	$377	$415	$1,131	$1,226

Note_11_Business_Unit_Segment_2

Note 11 - Business Unit Segment Information (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Number of Operating Segments	3

Note_11_Business_Unit_Segment_3

Note 11 - Business Unit Segment Information (Details) - Business Unit Segment Information (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014		Sep. 28, 2013		Sep. 27, 2014		Sep. 28, 2013
Net sales	'		'		'		'
Net sales	$217,608	[1]	$201,040	[1]	$645,375	[1]	$559,724	[1]
Depreciation and amortization	'		'		'		'
Depreciation and amortization	10,431		9,601		31,187		25,852
Operating income (loss)	'		'		'		'
Operating income	40,130		37,559		107,439		97,058
Interest expense	1,292		939		3,736		1,959
Impairment, loan loss and equity in net loss of unconsolidated affiliate (2)	'	[2]	'	[2]	'	[2]	10,678	[2]
Foreign exchange (gain) loss	-101		1,476		2,022		-1,929
Other (income) expense, net	-2,261		-1,380		-4,893		-3,543
Income before income taxes	41,200		36,524		106,574		89,893
Electronics [Member]	'		'		'		'
Net sales	'		'		'		'
Net sales	107,754		101,013		313,726		271,878
Depreciation and amortization	'		'		'		'
Depreciation and amortization	5,582		5,784		16,482		15,776
Operating income (loss)	'		'		'		'
Operating income	25,800		20,362		70,805		52,284
Automotive [Member]	'		'		'		'
Net sales	'		'		'		'
Net sales	80,639		70,386		245,083		194,319
Depreciation and amortization	'		'		'		'
Depreciation and amortization	3,435		2,880		10,609		7,183
Operating income (loss)	'		'		'		'
Operating income	12,227		11,135		35,158		29,531
Electrical [Member]	'		'		'		'
Net sales	'		'		'		'
Net sales	29,215		29,641		86,566		93,527
Depreciation and amortization	'		'		'		'
Depreciation and amortization	1,414		937		4,096		2,893
Operating income (loss)	'		'		'		'
Operating income	3,224		6,687		7,541		18,801
Other Segments [Member]	'		'		'		'
Operating income (loss)	'		'		'		'
Operating income	($1,121)	[3]	($625)	[3]	($6,065)	[3]	($3,558)	[3]
[1]	Sales by country represent sales to customer or distributor locations.
[2]	During the first quarter of 2013, the company recorded an impairment of its investment in Shocking Technologies. (See Note 5).
[3]	"Other" consists of acquisition related costs, severance charges and restructuring costs.

Note_11_Business_Unit_Segment_4

Note 11 - Business Unit Segment Information (Details) - Net Sales by Geographic Area (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014		Sep. 28, 2013		Sep. 27, 2014		Sep. 28, 2013
Note 11 - Business Unit Segment Information (Details) - Net Sales by Geographic Area [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Net sales	$217,608	[1]	$201,040	[1]	$645,375	[1]	$559,724	[1]
UNITED STATES	'		'		'		'
Note 11 - Business Unit Segment Information (Details) - Net Sales by Geographic Area [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Net sales	85,326	[1]	76,183	[1]	243,979	[1]	202,731	[1]
CHINA	'		'		'		'
Note 11 - Business Unit Segment Information (Details) - Net Sales by Geographic Area [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Net sales	45,905	[1]	43,644	[1]	134,166	[1]	114,952	[1]
Other Countries [Member]	'		'		'		'
Note 11 - Business Unit Segment Information (Details) - Net Sales by Geographic Area [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Net sales	$86,377	[1]	$81,213	[1]	$267,230	[1]	$242,041	[1]
[1]	Sales by country represent sales to customer or distributor locations.

Note_11_Business_Unit_Segment_5

Note 11 - Business Unit Segment Information (Details) - Long-lived Assets by Geographical Area (USD $)	Sep. 27, 2014		Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Note 11 - Business Unit Segment Information (Details) - Long-lived Assets by Geographical Area [Line Items]	'		'
Long-lived assets	$157,260	[1]	$150,173	[1]
UNITED STATES	'		'
Note 11 - Business Unit Segment Information (Details) - Long-lived Assets by Geographical Area [Line Items]	'		'
Long-lived assets	38,964	[1]	27,294	[1]
CHINA	'		'
Note 11 - Business Unit Segment Information (Details) - Long-lived Assets by Geographical Area [Line Items]	'		'
Long-lived assets	40,015	[1]	45,843	[1]
CANADA	'		'
Note 11 - Business Unit Segment Information (Details) - Long-lived Assets by Geographical Area [Line Items]	'		'
Long-lived assets	13,621	[1]	14,429	[1]
Other Countries [Member]	'		'
Note 11 - Business Unit Segment Information (Details) - Long-lived Assets by Geographical Area [Line Items]	'		'
Long-lived assets	$64,660	[1]	$62,607	[1]
[1]	Long-lived assets consist of net property, plant and equipment.

Note_12_Accumulated_Other_Comp2

Note 12 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (AOCI) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax	$6,549	$6,549
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Tax	$0	$0

Note_12_Accumulated_Other_Comp3

Note 12 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (AOCI) (Details) - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014		Dec. 28, 2013
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]	'		'
Pension liability adjustment(a)	($17,141)	[1]	($17,140)	[1]
Pension liability adjustment(a)	-243	[1]	'
Pension liability adjustment(a)	242	[1]	'
Unrealized gain on investments(b)	11,204	[2]	9,393	[2]
Unrealized gain on investments(b)	1,811	[2]	'
Unrealized gain on investments(b)	'	[2]	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	12,891		28,164
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-15,273		'
AOCI income (loss)	6,954		20,417
AOCI income (loss)	-13,705		'
AOCI income (loss)	$242		'
[1]	Balances are net of tax of $6,549 and $6,549 for 2014 and 2013, respectively.
[2]	Balances are net of tax of $0 and $0 for 2014 and 2013, respectively.