CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 58,184	$ 42,795	$ 27,048
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax effects of $121, $47, and $(78)	195	75	(125)
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	17,058	(5,827)	(35,673)
Change in net actuarial gain (loss), net of tax effects of $163, $617, and $653	344	894	2,556
Change in prior service cost, net of tax effects of $(473), $(219), and $(210)	(774)	(357)	(345)
Comprehensive income (loss)	75,007	37,580	(6,539)
Net income attributable to non-redeemable noncontrolling interest	(523)	(526)	(442)
Net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	46
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Viad	$ 74,530	$ 37,054	$ (6,981)