Pension and Postretirement Benefits - Components of net periodic benefit cost and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income of Viad's postretirement benefit plans (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Pension Plans
Net periodic benefit cost of pension and post retirement benefit plans
Service cost	$ 23	$ 30
Interest cost	280	261
Expected return on plan assets	(103)	(100)
Amortization of prior service credit	0	0
Recognized net actuarial loss	104	149
Net periodic benefit cost	304	340
US Postretirement Benefit Plans
Net periodic benefit cost of pension and post retirement benefit plans
Service cost	34	46
Interest cost	176	173
Expected return on plan assets	0	0
Amortization of prior service credit	(148)	(225)
Recognized net actuarial loss	101	141
Net periodic benefit cost	163	135
Foreign Pension Plans
Net periodic benefit cost of pension and post retirement benefit plans
Service cost	104	137
Interest cost	160	181
Expected return on plan assets	(161)	(180)
Amortization of prior service credit	0	0
Recognized net actuarial loss	3	10
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 106	$ 148