Income (Loss) Per Share - Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Income Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Numerator:
Net income attributable to Viad	$ (2,056)us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss	$ 21,882us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
Less: Allocation to non-vested shares	0	(424)
Net income allocated to Viad common stockholders	$ (2,056)	$ 21,458
Denominator:
Weighted-average outstanding common shares	19,736	19,949
Additional dilutive shares related to share-based compensation	0	381
Weighted-average outstanding and potentially dilutive shares	19,736	20,330
Net income attributable to Viad common stockholders (USD per Share)	$ (0.10)us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic	$ 1.08us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic
Net income attributable to Viad common stockholders (USD per share)	$ (0.10)us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted	$ 1.08us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

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The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

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Additional shares included in the calculation of diluted EPS as a result of the potentially dilutive effect of share based payment arrangements using the treasury stock method.

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The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

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Net income after adjustments for dividends on preferred stock (declared in the period) and/or cumulative preferred stock (accumulated for the period).

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The average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS or earnings per unit (EPU), determined based on the timing of issuance of shares or units in the period.

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Number of [basic] shares or units, after adjustment for contingently issuable shares or units and other shares or units not deemed outstanding, determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares or units have been outstanding to the total time in that period.

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Income loss attributable to non vested shares.

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