Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 9,743	$ 1,079	$ (104,129)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments	(60)	128	216
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(4,331)	7,696	25,050
Amortization of net actuarial loss	(1,777)	(2,109)	(4,164)
Amortization of prior service credit, net of tax benefit of $487, $17 and $353	(790)	84	(548)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(6,958)	5,799	20,554
Comprehensive income (loss)	2,785	6,878	(83,575)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(533)	(636)	(582)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Viad	$ 2,252	$ 6,242	$ (84,157)