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		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 10	$ 26	$ 20	$ 51
Interest cost	259	275	517	526
Expected return on plan assets	(37)	(81)	(130)	(192)
Recognized net actuarial loss	98	143	213	268
Net periodic benefit cost	330	363	620	653
US Postretirement Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	33	44	69	87
Interest cost	152	139	303	316
Amortization of prior service credit	(126)	(185)	(252)	(276)
Recognized net actuarial loss	81	134	175	273
Net periodic benefit cost	140	132	295	400
Foreign Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	125	131	245	259
Interest cost	126	131	244	260
Expected return on plan assets	(144)	(152)	(279)	(301)
Recognized net actuarial loss	1	2	1	4
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 108	$ 112	$ 211	$ 222