Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 55,567	$ 21,686	$ 6,583
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gains on investments, net of tax expense (benefit) of $26, $96 and $33	42	154	53
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(18,431)	(11,311)	7,510
Amortization of net actuarial gain (loss), net of tax expense (benefit) of $(1,538), $2,380 and $(574)	(2,568)	4,244	(1,311)
Amortization of prior service credit (cost), net of tax expense (benefit) of $339, $(327) and $(433)	351	(535)	(680)
Comprehensive income	34,961	14,238	12,155
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(3,213)	(131)	(686)
Comprehensive income attributable to Viad	$ 31,748	$ 14,107	$ 11,469