Income Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Numerator:
Net income attributable to Viad	$ 6,090	$ 4,485	$ 7,117	$ 14,272
Less: Allocation to non-vested shares	(163)	(111)	(194)	(370)
Net income allocated to Viad common stockholders	5,927	4,374	6,923	13,902
Denominator:
Weighted-average outstanding common shares	19,716	19,816	19,680	19,797
Net income attributable to Viad common stockholders	$ 0.30	$ 0.22	$ 0.35	$ 0.70
Numerator:
Net income attributable to Viad	$ 6,090	$ 4,485	$ 7,117	$ 14,272
Denominator:
Weighted-average outstanding common shares	19,716	19,816	19,680	19,797
Additional dilutive shares related to share- based compensation	245	305	270	305
Weighted-average outstanding and potentially dilutive common shares	19,961	20,121	19,950	20,102
Net income attributable to Viad common stockholders	$ 0.30	$ 0.22	$ 0.35	$ 0.70