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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 54	$ 25	$ 74	$ 76
Interest cost	257	237	774	763
Expected return on plan assets	(62)	(93)	(192)	(285)
Recognized net actuarial loss	105	100	318	368
Net periodic benefit cost	354	269	974	922
US Postretirement Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	5	27	74	114
Interest cost	126	148	429	464
Amortization of prior service credit	(125)	(138)	(377)	(414)
Recognized net actuarial loss	46	123	221	396
Net periodic benefit cost	52	160	347	560
Foreign Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	123	123	368	382
Interest cost	124	124	368	384
Expected return on plan assets	(142)	(143)	(421)	(443)
Recognized net actuarial loss	1	2	2	5
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 106	$ 106	$ 317	$ 328