CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (376,952)	$ 23,523	$ 49,395
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments	7,113	12,533	(24,306)
Change in net actuarial loss, net of tax effects of $(55), $(44), and $305	(1,955)	(116)	1,236
Change in prior service cost, net of tax effects of $(46), $(48), and $(52)	(100)	(141)	(153)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(371,894)	35,799	26,172
Non-redeemable noncontrolling interest:
Net (income) loss attributable to non-redeemable noncontrolling interest	1,376	(2,309)	(542)
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments	1,315	1,080
Redeemable noncontrolling interest:
Comprehensive loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	1,482	821	317
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Viad	$ (367,721)	$ 35,391	$ 25,947