Condensed Consolidated Quarterly Results (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 202,552	$ 307,457	$ 246,450	$ 268,772	$ 197,405	$ 216,169	$ 238,692	$ 290,098	$ 1,025,231	$ 942,364	$ 844,761
Operating income (loss):
Ongoing operations	(8,351)	34,182	10,498	5,533	(7,157)	5,412	9,862	17,259
Corporate activities	(3,408)	(2,036)	(2,187)	(1,777)	(2,479)	(2,356)	(1,576)	(1,271)
Restructuring charges	(1,431)	(608)	(678)	(2,225)	(2,232)	(75)	(1,206)	(269)	(4,942)	(3,782)	(4,222)
Operating income (loss)	(13,190)	31,538	7,633	1,531	(11,868)	2,981	7,080	15,719	32,454	17,694	8,334
Income from continuing operations	(21,181)	19,976	5,451	1,027	(6,758)	1,245	4,485	9,787	5,959	9,292	817
Net income attributable to Viad	$ (21,196)	$ 19,976	$ 6,090	$ 1,027	$ (6,307)	$ 1,245	$ 4,485	$ 9,787	$ 5,897	$ 9,210	$ 443
Diluted income per common share
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Viad	$ (1.07)	$ 0.99	$ 0.27	$ 0.05	$ (0.35)	$ 0.06	$ 0.22	$ 0.48	$ 0.26	$ 0.43	$ 0.01
Net income (loss) attributable to Viad	$ (1.07)	$ 0.99	$ 0.30	$ 0.05	$ (0.32)	$ 0.06	$ 0.22	$ 0.48	$ 0.29	$ 0.45	$ 0.02
Basic income per common share
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Viad	$ (1.07)	$ 0.99	$ 0.27	$ 0.05	$ (0.35)	$ 0.06	$ 0.22	$ 0.48	$ 0.26	$ 0.43	$ 0.01
Net income (loss) attributable to Viad	$ (1.07)	$ 0.99	$ 0.30	$ 0.05	$ (0.32)	$ 0.06	$ 0.22	$ 0.48	$ 0.29	$ 0.45	$ 0.02