Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]

Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Note 19. Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new guidance related to goodwill impairment testing, which is codified in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 350. The new guidance simplifies how entities test goodwill for impairment and permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after performing the assessment, an entity determines that it is not more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. The guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on Viad’s financial condition or results of operations. The Company performs its annual goodwill impairment test as of October 31 of each year.

In July 2012, the FASB issued new guidance that allows companies the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether further impairment testing of indefinite-lived intangible assets is necessary, which is codified in ASC Topic 350. Under this guidance, an entity is required to perform a quantitative impairment test if qualitative factors indicate that it is more-likely-than-not that indefinite-lived intangible assets are impaired. The qualitative factors are consistent with the guidance established for goodwill impairment testing and include identifying and assessing events and circumstances that would most significantly impact, individually or in the aggregate, the carrying value of the indefinite-lived intangible assets. The guidance is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. The adoption of this new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.