Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 5,840	$ 4,288	$ 6,655	$ 13,909
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net of tax	(42)	3	51	61
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(3,390)	2,059	996	5,612
Amortization of net actuarial loss, net of tax	174	204	349	408
Amortization of prior service credit, net of tax	(172)	(197)	(344)	(395)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(3,430)	2,069	1,052	5,686
Comprehensive income	2,410	6,357	7,707	19,595
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	250	197	462	363
Comprehensive income attributable to Viad	$ 2,660	$ 6,554	$ 8,169	$ 19,958