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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Pension Plans
Net periodic benefit cost of pension and post retirement benefit plans
Service cost	$ 87	$ 66	$ 104
Interest cost	1,079	1,030	1,150
Expected return on plan assets	(436)	(400)	(406)
Recognized net actuarial loss	407	583	491
Net periodic benefit cost	1,137	1,279	1,339
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive income
Net actuarial loss	(3,418)	2,565	(1,942)
Reversal of amortization item
Net actuarial loss	(407)	(583)	(491)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income	3,011	(3,148)	1,451
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income	4,148	(1,869)	2,790
US Postretirement Benefit Plans
Net periodic benefit cost of pension and post retirement benefit plans
Service cost	129	156	146
Interest cost	640	663	814
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	(74)
Amortization of prior service credit	(593)	(902)	(1,113)
Recognized net actuarial loss	166	518	547
Net periodic benefit cost	342	435	320
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive income
Net actuarial loss	(1,045)	1,496	(224)
Prior service credit	(1,283)	(40)	0
Reversal of amortization item
Net actuarial loss	(166)	(518)	(547)
Prior service cost	(593)	(902)	(1,113)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income	189	(1,152)	790
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income	531	(717)	1,110
Foreign Pension Plans
Net periodic benefit cost of pension and post retirement benefit plans
Service cost	413	534	491
Interest cost	631	702	737
Expected return on plan assets	(640)	(698)	(622)
Recognized net actuarial loss	145	248	201
Net periodic benefit cost	549	786	807
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive income
Net actuarial loss	(361)	1,214	(958)
Reversal of amortization of net actuarial loss	145	(248)	(201)
Reversal of amortization item
Total recognized in other comprehensive income	506	(1,462)	757
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income	$ 1,055	$ (676)	$ 1,564