Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 21,686	$ 6,583	$ 9,743
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax expense (benefit) of $96, $33 and $(36)	154	53	(60)
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(11,311)	7,510	(4,331)
Amortization of net actuarial gain (loss), net of tax expense (benefit) of $2,380, $(574) and $(709)	4,244	(1,311)	(1,777)
Amortization of prior service credit, net of tax expense (benefit) of $(327), $(433) and $(487)	(535)	(680)	(790)
Comprehensive income	14,238	12,155	2,785
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(131)	(686)	(533)
Comprehensive income attributable to Viad	$ 14,107	$ 11,469	$ 2,252