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	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Pension Plans
Net periodic benefit cost of pension and post retirement benefit plans
Service cost	$ 26	$ 22	$ 51	$ 45
Interest cost	275	266	526	546
Expected return on plan assets	(81)	(117)	(192)	(220)
Amortization of prior service credit	0	0	0	0
Recognized net actuarial loss	143	85	268	204
Net periodic benefit cost	363	256	653	575
US Postretirement Benefit Plans
Net periodic benefit cost of pension and post retirement benefit plans
Service cost	44	60	87	94
Interest cost	139	201	316	377
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service credit	(185)	(148)	(276)	(296)
Recognized net actuarial loss	134	108	273	209
Net periodic benefit cost	132	221	400	384
Foreign Pension Plans
Net periodic benefit cost of pension and post retirement benefit plans
Service cost	131	105	259	209
Interest cost	131	160	260	320
Expected return on plan assets	(152)	(162)	(301)	(323)
Amortization of prior service credit	0	0	0	0
Recognized net actuarial loss	2	2	4	5
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 112	$ 105	$ 222	$ 211