Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 24,419		$ 7,790
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gains on investments, net of tax(1)	9	[1]	61	[1]
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax(1)	(6,733)	[1]	(6,128)	[1]
Amortization of net actuarial gain, net of tax(1)	128	[1]	181	[1]
Amortization of prior service credit, net of tax(1)	(92)	[1]	(140)	[1]
Comprehensive income	17,731		1,764
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(2,537)		275
Comprehensive income attributable to Viad	$ 15,194		$ 2,039

[1] The tax effect on other comprehensive income (loss) is not significant.