Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 21,056	$ 2,283	$ 27,711	$ 16,192
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net of tax	15	(160)	66	(99)
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	6,229	(13,072)	7,225	(7,460)
Amortization of net actuarial loss, net of tax	132	51	481	459
Amortization of prior service credit, net of tax	(172)	(197)	(516)	(592)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	6,204	(13,378)	7,256	(7,692)
Comprehensive income (loss)	27,260	(11,095)	34,967	8,500
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(1,080)	(1,038)	(618)	(675)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Viad	$ 26,180	$ (12,133)	$ 34,349	$ 7,825