CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)		$ (9,835)	$ 6,513
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax	[1]		62
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	[1]	(3,109)	2,345
Change in net actuarial gain, net of tax	[1]	629	111
Change in prior service cost, net of tax	[1]	(184)	(78)
Adoption of ASU 2016-01		(616)
Comprehensive income (loss)		(13,115)	8,953
Comprehensive loss attributable to non-redeemable noncontrolling interest		364	264
Comprehensive loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest		84
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Viad		$ (12,667)	$ 9,217

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