Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss		$ (7,145)	$ (2,120)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax	[1]	(1)	159
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	[1]	8,042	(17,579)
Change in net actuarial gain, net of tax	[1]	158	168
Change in prior service cost, net of tax	[1]	(85)	(86)
Comprehensive income (loss)		969	(19,458)
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		162	64
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Viad		$ 1,131	$ (19,394)

[1] The tax effect on other comprehensive income (loss) is not significant.