Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (2,120)		$ 24,419
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gains on investments, net of tax(1)	159	[1]	9	[1]
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax(1)	(17,579)	[1]	(6,733)	[1]
Amortization of net actuarial gain, net of tax(1)	168	[1]	128	[1]
Amortization of prior service credit, net of tax(1)	(86)	[1]	(92)	[1]
Comprehensive income (loss)	(19,458)		17,731
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	64		(2,537)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Viad	$ (19,394)		$ 15,194

[1] The tax effect on other comprehensive income (loss) is not significant.