Employee Stock Ownership Feature of 401Plan - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2004	Dec. 31, 1989	Jan. 31, 2014 Subsequent Event
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
ESOP borrowing to purchase treasury shares					$ 40,000,000
Borrowings of Viad under its revolving credit agreement				12,200,000
ESOP, Loan entered with Viad	44,000			12,400,000
Minimum quarterly principal payments				250,000
Reduction of stockholders' equity				250,000
Expense recorded by Viad	$ 1,300,000	$ 1,700,000	$ 1,600,000
Unallocated shares	4,361	130,577
Shares allocated	126,216	162,703				4,361