Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 12,748	$ 21,056	$ 26,598	$ 27,711
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Unrealized gains on investments, net of tax	62	15	117	66
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	5,331	6,229	(6,092)	7,225
Amortization of net actuarial loss, net of tax	150	132	511	481
Amortization of prior service credit, net of tax	(140)	(172)	(420)	(516)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	5,403	6,204	(5,884)	7,256
Comprehensive income	18,151	27,260	20,714	34,967
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(893)	(1,080)	(425)	(618)
Comprehensive income attributable to Viad	$ 17,258	$ 26,180	$ 20,289	$ 34,349