Pension and Postretirement Benefits - Components of net periodic benefit cost and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income of Viad's postretirement benefit plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 10	$ 25
Interest cost	258	251
Expected return on plan assets	(93)	(111)
Recognized net actuarial loss	115	125
Net periodic benefit cost	290	290
US Postretirement Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	36	43
Interest cost	151	177
Amortization of prior service credit	(126)	(91)
Recognized net actuarial loss	94	139
Net periodic benefit cost	155	268
Foreign Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	119	128
Interest cost	120	127
Expected return on plan assets	(137)	(149)
Recognized net actuarial loss	1	2
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 103	$ 108