Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 6,583	$ 9,743	$ 1,079
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized investment gains (losses) arising during the period, net of tax expense (benefit) of $33, $(36) and $82	53	(60)	128
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	7,510	(4,331)	7,696
Amortization of net actuarial loss, net of tax expense (benefit) of $(574), $(709) and $1,433	(1,311)	(1,777)	(2,109)
Amortization of prior service credit, net of tax expense (benefit) of $(433), $(487) and $17	(680)	(790)	84
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	5,572	(6,958)	5,799
Comprehensive income	12,155	2,785	6,878
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(686)	(533)	(636)
Comprehensive income attributable to Viad	$ 11,469	$ 2,252	$ 6,242