Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income		$ 19,444	$ 22,280	$ 12,299	$ 20,160
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax	[1]	21	(26)	20	133
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	[1]	(3,470)	5,953	4,572	(11,626)
Change in net actuarial gain, net of tax	[1]	83	168	241	336
Change in prior service cost, net of tax	[1]	(71)	(85)	(156)	(171)
Comprehensive income		16,007	28,290	16,976	8,832
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		65	109	227	173
Comprehensive income attributable to Viad		$ 16,072	$ 28,399	$ 17,203	$ 9,005

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