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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Pension Plans
Net periodic benefit cost of pension and post retirement benefit plans
Service cost	$ 20	$ 0	$ 65	$ 60
Interest cost	263	251	809	773
Expected return on plan assets	(107)	(100)	(327)	(300)
Amortization of prior service credit	0	0	0	0
Recognized net actuarial loss	101	129	305	427
Net periodic benefit cost	277	280	852	960
US Postretirement Benefit Plans
Net periodic benefit cost of pension and post retirement benefit plans
Service cost	11	25	105	117
Interest cost	140	152	517	498
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service credit	(149)	(227)	(445)	(677)
Recognized net actuarial loss	16	106	225	388
Net periodic benefit cost	18	56	402	326
Foreign Pension Plans
Net periodic benefit cost of pension and post retirement benefit plans
Service cost	104	134	313	405
Interest cost	158	175	478	531
Expected return on plan assets	(161)	(175)	(484)	(530)
Amortization of prior service credit	0	0	0	0
Recognized net actuarial loss	3	10	8	30
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 104	$ 144	$ 315	$ 436