Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 815	$ 9,621
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gains on investments, net of tax	93	58
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	4,386	3,553
Amortization of net actuarial loss, net of tax	175	204
Amortization of prior service credit, net of tax	(172)	(198)
Total other comprehensive income	4,482	3,617
Comprehensive income	5,297	13,238
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	212	166
Comprehensive income attributable to Viad	$ 5,509	$ 13,404