Income Per Share - Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Income Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Numerator:
Net income attributable to Viad	$ 29,620		$ 11,855		$ 58,244		$ 26,173
Less: Allocation to non-vested shares	(538)		(264)		(1,098)		(605)
Net income allocated to Viad common stockholders	$ 29,082		$ 11,591		$ 57,146		$ 25,568
Denominator:
Weighted-average outstanding common shares	19,679		19,868		19,832		19,839
Additional dilutive shares related to share-based compensation	275		323		342		349
Weighted-average outstanding and potentially dilutive shares	19,954		20,191		20,174		20,188
Net income attributable to Viad common stockholders (Per Share)	$ 1.48		$ 0.58		$ 2.88		$ 1.29
Net income attributable to Viad common stockholders (per share)	$ 1.48	[1]	$ 0.58	[1]	$ 2.88	[1]	$ 1.29	[1]

[1] Diluted income per share amount cannot exceed basic income per share.