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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Pension Plans
Net periodic benefit cost of pension and post retirement benefit plans
Service cost	$ 25	$ 23
Interest cost	251	280
Expected return on plan assets	(111)	(103)
Amortization of prior service credit	0	0
Recognized net actuarial loss	125	104
Net periodic benefit cost	290	304
US Postretirement Benefit Plans
Net periodic benefit cost of pension and post retirement benefit plans
Service cost	43	34
Interest cost	177	176
Expected return on plan assets	0	0
Amortization of prior service credit	(91)	(148)
Recognized net actuarial loss	139	101
Net periodic benefit cost	268	163
Foreign Pension Plans
Net periodic benefit cost of pension and post retirement benefit plans
Service cost	128	104
Interest cost	127	160
Expected return on plan assets	(149)	(161)
Amortization of prior service credit	0	0
Recognized net actuarial loss	2	3
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 108	$ 106