Amount before accumulated depreciation of leased physical assets used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 840

-SubTopic 30

-Section 45

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6455314&loc=d3e45014-112735

+ Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount equal to the present value (the principal) at the beginning of the lease term of minimum lease payments during the lease term (excluding that portion of the payments representing executory costs such as insurance, maintenance, and taxes to be paid by the lessor, together with any profit thereon) net of payments or other amounts applied to the principal through the balance sheet date.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 16

-Article 7

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 840

-SubTopic 30

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6455398&loc=d3e45280-112737

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligations
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Weighted average interest rate of debt outstanding.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Accumulated amount of amortization of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 350

-SubTopic 30

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (a)(1)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26713463&loc=d3e16323-109275

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) the guarantor could be required to make under the guarantee or each group of similar guarantees before reduction for potential recoveries under recourse or collateralization provisions.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 460

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4

-Subparagraph (b)(1)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6851643&loc=d3e12069-110248

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Describes the nature of any recourse provisions that would enable the guarantor to recover from third parties any of the amounts paid under the guarantee (or each group of similar guarantees).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 460

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4

-Subparagraph (d)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6851643&loc=d3e12069-110248

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Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The total amount of the contingent obligation under letters of credit outstanding as of the reporting date.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Discussion of whether the borrowings under the credit facility are secured or unsecured and, if secured, a description of collateral (for example, accounts receivable less than 120 days old, finished goods inventory).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 235

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(b))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 19, 22

-Article 5

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCollateral
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of current borrowing capacity under the credit facility considering any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed (for example, borrowings may be limited by the amount of current assets), but without considering any amounts currently outstanding under the facility.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The effective interest rate during the reporting period.

+ References

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems
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Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of borrowing capacity currently available under the credit facility (current borrowing capacity less the amount of borrowings outstanding).

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The fee, expressed as a percentage of the line of credit facility, for available but unused credit capacity under the credit facility.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the current portion of long-term obligations drawn from a line of credit, which is a bank's commitment to make loans up to a specific amount. Examples of items that might be included in the application of this element may consist of letters of credit, standby letters of credit, and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a maximum amount as of any point in time conditional on satisfaction of specified terms before, as of and after the date of drawdowns on the line. Includes short-term obligations that would normally be classified as current liabilities but for which (a) postbalance sheet date issuance of a long term obligation to refinance the short term obligation on a long term basis, or (b) the enterprise has entered into a financing agreement that clearly permits the enterprise to refinance the short-term obligation on a long term basis and the following conditions are met (1) the agreement does not expire within 1 year and is not cancelable by the lender except for violation of an objectively determinable provision, (2) no violation exists at the BS date, and (3) the lender has entered into the financing agreement is expected to be financially capable of honoring the agreement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.20)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 19, 20

-Article 5

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Line-of-Credit Arrangement

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6517033

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LinesOfCreditCurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The fair value amount of long-term debt whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Carrying amount of long-term debt, net of unamortized discount or premium, excluding amounts to be repaid within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer (current maturities). Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Weighted average interest rate of long-term debt outstanding.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtWeightedAverageInterestRate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Debt covenant annual dividends payment limit.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	vvi_DebtCovenantAnnualDividendsPaymentLimit
Namespace Prefix:	vvi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Debt covenant annual share repurchase limit.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	vvi_DebtCovenantAnnualShareRepurchaseLimit
Namespace Prefix:	vvi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Debt Covenant, Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	vvi_DebtCovenantFixedChargeCoverageRatio
Namespace Prefix:	vvi_
Data Type:	xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Debt covenant leverage ratio.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	vvi_DebtCovenantLeverageRatio
Namespace Prefix:	vvi_
Data Type:	xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Debt Covenant, Leverage Ratio Required for Dividend or Share Activity, Maximum

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	vvi_DebtCovenantLeverageRatioRequiredforDividendorShareActivityMaximum
Namespace Prefix:	vvi_
Data Type:	xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Debt Instrument, Covenant, Required Level of Unrestricted Cash and Cash Equivalents

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	vvi_DebtInstrumentCovenantRequiredLevelofUnrestrictedCashandCashEquivalents
Namespace Prefix:	vvi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Line of credit borrowings used to support letter of credit.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	vvi_LineOfCreditBorrowingsUsedToSupportLetterOfCredit
Namespace Prefix:	vvi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Line of Credit Facility, Additional Borrowing Capacity

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	vvi_LineofCreditFacilityAdditionalBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix:	vvi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Percent of lenders security interest on capital stock of top tier foreign subsidiary.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	vvi_PercentOfLendersSecurityInterestOnCapitalStockOfTopTierForeignSubsidiary
Namespace Prefix:	vvi_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis=us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis=vvi_CapitalLeasesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis=vvi_TermLoanMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=vvi_AmendedandRestatedCreditAgreementMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=vvi_AmendedTwoThousandFourteenCreditFacilityMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis=vvi_FirstDebtCovenantTriggerMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis=vvi_SecondDebtCovenantTriggerMember
Namespace Prefix:
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Period Type:

Debt - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Debt - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Oct. 10, 2014	Dec. 22, 2014
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Covenant, Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio	2.61
Percentage of repurchases of shares	1.73vvi_DebtCovenantLeverageRatio
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	$ 141,020,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent	$ 11,668,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent
Revolving Credit Facility, Balance Outstanding	139,500,000us-gaap_LinesOfCreditCurrent	10,000,000us-gaap_LinesOfCreditCurrent
Capital lease obligations, total	1,520,000us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligations	1,668,000us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligations
Remaining borrowing capacity	159,400,000
Outstanding letters of credit	1,100,000
The fees on the unused portion of the credit facility	0.35%
Maximum potential amount of future payments	5,900,000
Recourse provisions	There are no recourse provisions that would enable Viad to recover from third parties any payments made under the guarantees.
Collateral arrangements	Furthermore, there are no collateral or similar arrangements whereby Viad could recover payments.
Accumulated Amortization	3,693,000	2,797,000
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	4.00%us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate	4.20%us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate	8.50%us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate
Estimated fair value of total debt	123,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue	11,500,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate During Period	2.40%	2.20%
Weighted-average interest rate	6.00%	6.90%
Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving Credit Facility, Balance Outstanding	14,500,000
Term Loan
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving Credit Facility, Balance Outstanding	125,000,000
Capital Leases
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Gross amount of assets recorded under capital leases	3,500,000	3,900,000
Accumulated Amortization	2,100,000	2,100,000
Amended 2014 Credit Facility \| Revolving Credit Facility \| Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit facility				180,000,000
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Covenant, Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio	1.75
Percentage of repurchases of shares	3.00
Share repurchases	20,000,000
Debt Covenant, Leverage Ratio Required for Dividend or Share Activity, Maximum	2.00
Debt Instrument, Covenant, Required Level of Unrestricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	100,000,000
Dividends declared and paid	20,000,000
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement \| Top Tier Foreign Subsidiaries
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Capital stock of top-tier foreign subsidiaries	65.00%
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement \| Revolving Credit Facility \| Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit facility					175,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Additional Borrowing Capacity					100,000,000
Letters of credit					40,000,000
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement \| Senior Credit Facility \| Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit facility					300,000,000
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement \| Term Loan \| Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit facility					125,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Additional Borrowing Capacity					$ 100,000,000
First Debt Covenant Trigger \| Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Covenant, Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio	2.00
Percentage of repurchases of shares	2.75
Second Debt Covenant Trigger \| Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Percentage of repurchases of shares	2.50