Pension and Postretirement Benefits - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost of Viad's Pension and Post Retirement Benefit Plan (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Pension Plans [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Service cost		$ 24	$ 60	$ 78
Interest cost	251	276	773	863
Expected return on plan assets	(100)	(84)	(300)	(305)
Amortization of prior service credit
Recognized net actuarial loss	129	110	427	368
Net periodic benefit cost	280	326	960	1,004
Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Service cost	25	31	117	110
Interest cost	152	187	498	611
Expected return on plan assets		(15)		(56)
Amortization of prior service credit	(227)	(278)	(677)	(835)
Recognized net actuarial loss	106	101	388	410
Net periodic benefit cost	56	26	326	240
Foreign Pension Plans [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Service cost	134	123	405	368
Interest cost	175	186	531	552
Expected return on plan assets	(175)	(157)	(530)	(467)
Amortization of prior service credit
Recognized net actuarial loss	10		30
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 144	$ 152	$ 436	$ 453