Pursuit Attractions and Hospitality (PRSU) 10-Q 10 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'VIAD CORP	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000884219	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	20,069,990

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$56,918	$45,821
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,018 and $877, respectively	90,675	61,197
Inventories	36,852	27,993
Deferred income taxes	19,737	20,577
Other current assets	17,051	17,142
Total current assets	221,233	172,730
Property and equipment, net	198,583	190,330
Other investments and assets	34,743	35,026
Deferred income taxes	33,202	29,823
Goodwill	140,661	129,543
Other intangible assets, net	13,547	4,480
Total Assets	641,969	561,932
Current liabilities	'	'
Accounts payable	68,746	40,941
Customer deposits	48,075	29,207
Accrued compensation	20,921	15,113
Other current liabilities	37,752	29,169
Current portion of debt and capital lease obligations	23,375	10,903
Total current liabilities	198,869	125,333
Long-term capital lease obligations	623	765
Pension and postretirement benefits	30,435	30,672
Other deferred items and liabilities	46,341	48,619
Total liabilities	276,268	205,389
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Viad stockholders’ equity:	'	'
Common stock, $1.50 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 24,934,981 shares issued	37,402	37,402
Additional capital	583,437	590,862
Retained deficit	-28,525	-50,393
Unearned employee benefits and other	18	-21
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'
Unrealized gain on investments	412	429
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments	20,897	30,847
Unrecognized net actuarial loss and prior service credit, net	-11,291	-11,259
Common stock in treasury, at cost, 4,869,691 and 4,618,433 shares, respectively	-249,106	-250,426
Total Viad stockholders’ equity	353,244	347,441
Noncontrolling interest	12,457	9,102
Total stockholders’ equity	365,701	356,543
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$641,969	$561,932

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$1,018	$877
Common stock, par value	$1.50	$1.50
Common stock, shares authorized	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	24,934,981	24,934,981
Treasury stock, shares	4,869,691	4,618,433

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Revenue:	'		'		'		'
Exhibition and event services	$188,005		$126,744		$605,274		$538,489
Exhibits and environments	38,657		29,742		125,797		114,571
Travel and recreation services	73,140		63,681		110,763		98,446
Total revenue	299,802		220,167		841,834		751,506
Costs and expenses:	'		'		'		'
Costs of services	228,285		174,230		658,502		598,501
Costs of products sold	38,503		31,989		122,821		114,007
Gain on sale of facility and related land	0		4,775		0		4,775
Corporate activities	3,468		2,034		7,498		4,007
Interest income	-81		-122		-200		-397
Interest expense	462		286		1,069		905
Restructuring charges	238		639		1,814		2,132
Goodwill impairment charge	0		2,097		0		2,097
Impairment charges	0		952		884		952
Total costs and expenses	270,875		207,330		792,388		717,429
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	28,927		12,837		49,446		34,077
Income tax expense (benefit)	-2,623		3,567		870		10,143
Income from continuing operations	31,550		9,270		48,576		23,934
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	-979		3,478		13,023		2,664
Net income	30,571		12,748		61,599		26,598
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-951		-893		-3,355		-425
Net income attributable to Viad	29,620		11,855		58,244		26,173
Diluted income (loss) per common share:	'		'		'		'
Income from continuing operations attributable to Viad common stockholders (per share)	$1.53		$0.44		$2.38		$1.17
Income from discontinued operations attributable to Viad common stockholders (per share)	($0.05)		$0.14		$0.50		$0.12
Net income attributable to Viad common stockholders (per share)	$1.48	[1]	$0.58	[1]	$2.88	[1]	$1.29	[1]
Weighted-average outstanding and potentially dilutive common shares	19,954		20,191		20,174		20,188
Basic income (loss) per common share:	'		'		'		'
Income from continuing operations attributable to Viad common stockholders (per share)	$1.53		$0.44		$2.38		$1.17
Income from discontinued operations attributable to Viad common stockholders (per share)	($0.05)		$0.14		$0.50		$0.12
Net income attributable to Viad common stockholders (per share)	$1.48		$0.58		$2.88		$1.29
Weighted-average outstanding common shares	19,679		19,868		19,832		19,839
Dividends declared per common share	$0.10		$0.10		$1.80		$0.30
Amounts attributable to Viad common stockholders	'		'		'		'
Income from continuing operations	30,756		8,871		48,046		23,840
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	-1,136		2,984		10,198		2,333
Net income	$29,620		$11,855		$58,244		$26,173
[1]	Diluted income per share amount cannot exceed basic income per share.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Net income	$30,571		$12,748		$61,599		$26,598
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'		'		'		'
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax(1)	-67	[1]	62	[1]	-17	[1]	117	[1]
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax(1)	-9,799	[1]	5,331	[1]	-9,950	[1]	-6,092	[1]
Amortization of net actuarial gain, net of tax(1)	183	[1]	150	[1]	438	[1]	511	[1]
Amortization of prior service credit, net of tax(1)	-252	[1]	-140	[1]	-470	[1]	-420	[1]
Comprehensive income	20,636		18,151		51,600		20,714
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-951		-893		-3,355		-425
Comprehensive income attributable to Viad	$19,685		$17,258		$48,245		$20,289
[1]	The tax effect on other comprehensive income (loss) is not significant.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'
Net income	$61,599	$26,598
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	21,853	21,303
Deferred income taxes	-1,291	2,669
Income from discontinued operations	-13,023	-2,664
Restructuring charges	1,814	2,132
Impairment charges	884	3,049
Gain on sale of facility and related land	0	-4,775
Gains on dispositions of property and other assets	-392	-223
Share-based compensation expense	1,562	3,569
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation arrangements	-41	-389
Other non-cash items, net	7,689	3,603
Change in operating assets and liabilities (excluding the impact of acquisitions):	'	'
Receivables	-29,933	-12,173
Inventories	-7,052	-2,161
Accounts payable	27,301	4,704
Restructuring liabilities	-4,268	-3,771
Accrued compensation	4,053	-8,768
Customer deposits	18,267	-5,806
Income taxes payable	4,273	2,115
Other assets and liabilities, net	-11,283	-1,679
Net cash provided by operating activities	82,012	27,333
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'
Proceeds from possessory interest and personal property—discontinued operations	28,000	0
Proceeds from dispositions of property and other assets	502	1,645
Capital expenditures	-21,898	-26,927
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	-40,775	-647
Proceeds from sale of facility and related land	0	12,696
Proceeds from sale of land - discontinued operations	0	422
Net cash used in investing activities	-34,171	-12,811
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'
Dividends paid on common stock	-36,374	-6,095
Payments on debt and capital lease obligations	-56,196	-1,027
Proceeds from borrowings	68,000	0
Common stock purchased for treasury	-11,631	-1,294
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation arrangements	41	389
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	1,155	540
Net cash used in financing activities	-35,005	-7,487
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-1,739	-1,084
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	11,097	5,951
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	45,821	114,171
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	56,918	120,122
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information	'	'
Cash paid for income taxes	6,409	4,299
Cash paid for interest	880	510
Property and equipment acquired under capital leases	541	462
Property and equipment purchases in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$230	$4,441

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Prin

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation	'
	Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying unaudited, condensed consolidated financial statements of Viad Corp (“Viad” or the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required for complete financial statements. The condensed consolidated financial statements of Viad include the accounts of Viad and all of its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany account balances and transactions between Viad and its subsidiaries have been eliminated in consolidation.
	In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes for the year ended December 31, 2013 included in the Company’s Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 7, 2014.
	Nature of Business
	Viad’s reportable segments consist of Marketing & Events U.S., Marketing & Events International (collectively, “Marketing & Events Group”) and the Travel & Recreation Group.
	Marketing & Events Group
	The Marketing & Events Group, comprised of Global Experience Specialists, Inc. and affiliates (“GES”), specializes in all aspects of the design, planning and production of face-to-face events, immersive environments and brand-based experiences for clients, including show organizers, corporate brand marketers and retail shopping centers. In addition, the Marketing & Events Group provides a variety of immersive, entertaining attractions and brand-based experiences, sponsored events, mobile marketing and other branded entertainment and face-to-face marketing solutions for leading consumer brands, movie studios, shopping malls and other clients, as well as for museums and other venues.
	On September 16, 2014, the Company acquired Blitz Communications Group Limited and its affiliates (collectively, “Blitz”) for £15 million (approximately $24.4 million) in cash, subject to certain adjustments. Blitz, located in the United Kingdom, is a leading audio-visual staging and creative services provider for the live events industry in the United Kingdom and continental Europe. For additional information, refer to Note 3, Acquisition of Businesses.
	On October 7, 2014, the Company acquired onPeak LLC and Travel Planners, Inc. for a purchase price of $43.1 million and $33.9 million, respectively, in cash, subject to certain adjustments. For additional information, refer to Note 21, Subsequent Events.
	Travel & Recreation Group
	The Travel & Recreation Group consists of Brewster Inc. (“Brewster”), Glacier Park, Inc. (“Glacier Park”) and Alaskan Park Properties, Inc. (“Alaska Denali Travel”). Brewster provides tourism products and experiential services in the Canadian Rockies in Alberta and in other parts of Western Canada. Brewster’s operations include the Banff Gondola, Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure, Glacier Skywalk (opened May 2014), Banff Lake Cruise, motorcoach services, charter and sightseeing services, inbound package tour operations and hotel operations.
	During 2013, Glacier Park, an 80 percent owned subsidiary of Viad, operated five lodges, three motor inns and one four-season resort hotel and provided food and beverage operations, retail operations and tour and transportation services in and around Glacier National Park in Montana and Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada. Glacier Park’s concession contract with the U.S. National Park Service (the “Park Service”) for Glacier National Park expired on December 31, 2013. The ongoing operations of Glacier Park as of January 1, 2014 include: Glacier Park Lodge in East Glacier, Montana; Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish, Montana; St. Mary Lodge in St. Mary, Montana; Motel Lake McDonald, an in-holding within Glacier National Park; and the Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton Lakes National Park. Glacier Park also continues to operate the food and beverage operations and package tour and transportation services with respect to these properties and the retail shops located near Glacier National Park. With regard to Glacier Park’s concession operations within Glacier National Park, refer to Note 20, Discontinued Operations.
	On July 1, 2014, the Company acquired the West Glacier Motel & Cabins, the Apgar Village Lodge and related land, food and beverage services and retail operations (collectively, “West Glacier”). The West Glacier Motel & Cabins is a 32-room property situated on approximately 200 acres at the west entrance of Glacier National Park, and its full-service amenities include a restaurant, grocery store, gift shops, a gas station and employee housing. The Apgar Village Lodge is a 48-room property situated on a 3.8 acre private in-holding inside Glacier National Park with overnight accommodations, a gift shop and employee housing. The purchase price was $16.5 million in cash with a working capital adjustment of $0.3 million, subject to certain adjustments. For additional information, refer to Note 3, Acquisition of Businesses.
	Alaska Denali Travel operates the Denali Backcountry Lodge and Denali Cabins. In addition to lodging, Alaska Denali Travel also provides food and beverage operations and package tour and transportation services in and around Denali National Park and Preserve.
	Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. The new guidance changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations while enhancing disclosures. Under the standard, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations, such as a disposal of a major geographic area, a major line of business or a major equity method investment, may be presented as discontinued operations. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014. The Company has not yet determined if the adoption of this new guidance will have a material impact on Viad’s financial condition or results of operations.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The standard establishes a new recognition model that requires revenue to be recognized in a manner to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration expected to be received in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and early adoption is not permitted. The Company has not yet determined if the adoption of this new guidance will have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide that a Performance Target Could be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. The new guidance requires that a performance target that affects vesting, and that could be achieved after the requisite service period, be treated as a performance condition. As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant date fair value of the award. This update is effective for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2016 and early adoption is permitted. The Company has not yet determined if the adoption of this new guidance will have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Compensation	'
	Share-Based Compensation
	The following table summarizes share-based compensation expense:
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
	(in thousands)	2014				2013				2014				2013
	Restricted stock	$	653			$	802			$	2,066			$	2,522
	Performance unit incentive plan (“PUP”)	(600		)		347				(505		)		871
	Restricted stock units	6				3				1				104
	Stock options	—				50				—				72
	Share-based compensation before income tax benefit	59				1,202				1,562				3,569
	Income tax benefit	(17		)		(445		)		(587		)		(1,326		)
	Share-based compensation, net of income tax benefit	$	42			$	757			$	975			$	2,243
	For the three months ended September 30, 2014, Viad recorded share-based compensation expense of $0.2 million through restructuring expense. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, Viad recorded a reversal of share-based compensation expense of $0.1 million through restructuring expense.
	On January 24, 2014, Viad announced that its Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend of $1.50 per share, or $30.5 million in the aggregate, which was paid on February 14, 2014. In accordance with the mandatory provisions of the 2007 Viad Corp Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2007 Plan”) and the 1997 Viad Corp Omnibus Incentive Plan, the Human Resources Committee of Viad’s Board of Directors approved equitable adjustments to the outstanding long-term incentive awards of stock options and PUP awards issued pursuant to those plans in order to prevent the special dividend from diluting the rights of participants under those plans. The equitable adjustment to the outstanding stock options reduced the exercise price and increased the number of shares of common stock underlying such options. The equitable adjustment to the PUP awards reflects the effect of the special dividend, but will be paid only if certain performance goals are met at the end of the 3-year performance period.
	The following table summarizes the activity of the outstanding share-based compensation awards:
		Restricted Stock							PUP Awards							Restricted Stock Units
		Shares			Weighted-Average				Units			Weighted-Average				Units		Weighted-Average
					Grant Date							Grant Date						Grant Date
					Fair Value							Fair Value						Fair Value
	Balance, December 31, 2013	430,899			$	22.78			299,768			$	23.46			28,560		$	22.91
	Granted	89,800			23.81				123,300			23.71				6,700		24.95
	Vested	(137,187	)		22.59				(94,600	)		23.01				(9,890	)	23.45
	Forfeited	(17,840	)		22.13				(7,800	)		24.93				(500	)	27.32
	Balance, September 30, 2014	365,672			23.14				320,668			23.66				24,870		23.16
	As of September 30, 2014, the unamortized cost of all outstanding restricted stock awards was $3.0 million, which Viad expects to recognize in the consolidated financial statements over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.0 years. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company repurchased 45,711 shares for $1.1 million and 48,937 shares for $1.3 million, respectively, related to tax withholding requirements on vested share-based awards. As of September 30, 2014, there were 912,668 total shares available for future grant in accordance with the provisions of the 2007 Plan.
	As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, Viad had liabilities recorded of $2.3 million and $5.9 million, respectively, related to PUP awards. In March 2014, the PUP units granted in 2011 vested and cash payouts totaling $2.9 million were distributed. There were no PUP awards that vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, Viad had aggregate liabilities recorded of $0.4 million and $0.7 million, respectively, related to restricted stock unit liability awards. In February 2014, portions of the 2009, 2010 and 2011 restricted stock unit awards vested and cash payouts totaling $0.2 million were distributed. Similarly, in February 2013 portions of the 2009 and 2010 restricted stock unit awards vested and cash payouts of $0.3 million were distributed.
	The following table summarizes stock option activity:
		Shares			Weighted-				Options
					Average				Exercisable
					Exercise Price
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2013	314,323			$	19.79			314,323
	Exercised	(66,076	)		18.53
	Forfeited or expired	(18,522	)		35.28
	Award modification	17,865			N/A
	Options outstanding at September 30, 2014	247,590			$	17.82			247,590
	As of September 30, 2014, there were no unrecognized costs related to non-vested stock option awards. As previously discussed, the equitable adjustment to the outstanding stock options resulting from the February 14, 2014 special cash dividend reduced the exercise price and increased the number of shares of common stock underlying such options as reflected on the “Award modification” line above.

Acquisition_of_Business

Acquisition of Business	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Acquisition of Businesses	'
	Acquisition of Businesses
	Blitz
	On September 16, 2014, the Company acquired Blitz, which has offices in the United Kingdom and is a leading audio-visual staging and creative services provider for the live events industry in the United Kingdom and continental Europe. The purchase price was £15 million (approximately $24.4 million) in cash, subject to certain adjustments.
	The following table summarizes the preliminary recording of the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. Due to the recent timing of the acquisition, we have not yet finalized our purchase price allocation.
	(in thousands)
	Purchase price			$	24,415
	Cash acquired			(190		)
	Purchase price, net of cash acquired			$	24,225
	Fair value of net assets acquired:
	Accounts receivable, net	$	264
	Inventory	433
	Prepaid expenses	410
	Property and equipment, net	5,892
	Intangible assets	9,636
	Total assets acquired	16,635
	Accounts payable	1,232
	Accrued liabilities	2,246
	Customer deposits	199
	Deferred tax liability	767
	Revolving credit facility	488
	Accrued dilapidations	589
	Total liabilities acquired	5,521
	Total fair value of net assets acquired			11,114
	Excess purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired (“goodwill”)			$	13,111
	Under the acquisition method of accounting, the preliminary purchase price as shown in the table above is allocated to the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values. The excess purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired was recorded as goodwill. The goodwill is included in the Marketing & Events International segment and the primary factor that contributed to a purchase price resulting in the recognition of goodwill relates to future growth opportunities when combined with our other businesses. The goodwill is deductible for tax purposes over a period of 15 years. The estimated values of current assets and liabilities were based upon their historical costs on the date of acquisition due to their short-term nature. Transaction costs associated with the acquisition of Blitz were $0.7 million and are included in corporate activities in Viad’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Identified intangible assets acquired in the Blitz acquisition totaled $9.6 million and consist of customer relationships, non-compete agreements and trade name. The weighted-average amortization period related to the intangible assets is approximately 7 years.
	The results of operations of Blitz have been included in Viad’s condensed consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. During 2014, revenues of $1.9 million and operating income of $0.4 million related to Blitz have been included in Viad’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	West Glacier
	On July 1, 2014, the Company acquired West Glacier. The West Glacier Motel & Cabins is a 32-room property situated on approximately 200 acres at the west entrance of Glacier National Park, and its full-service amenities include a restaurant, grocery store, gift shops, a gas station and employee housing. The Apgar Village Lodge is a 48-room property situated on a 3.8 acre private in-holding inside Glacier National Park with overnight accommodations, a gift shop and employee housing. The purchase price was $16.5 million in cash with a working capital adjustment of $0.3 million, subject to certain adjustments. The working capital adjustment relates to the true up of certain current assets and liabilities.
	The following table summarizes the recording of the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. Due to the recent timing of the acquisition, these amounts are subject to change within the measurement period as our fair value assessments are finalized.
	(in thousands)
	Purchase price paid as:
	Cash			$	16,544
	Working capital adjustment payable			320
	Total purchase price			16,864
	Fair value of net assets acquired:
	Prepaid expenses	$	24
	Inventory	1,374
	Property and equipment, net	14,510
	Intangible assets	189
	Total assets acquired	16,097
	Accrued liabilities	35
	Customer deposits	402
	Other liabilities	64
	Total liabilities acquired	501
	Total fair value of net assets acquired			15,596
	Excess purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired (“goodwill”)			$	1,268
	Under the acquisition method of accounting, the purchase price as shown in the table above is allocated to the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values. The excess purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired was recorded as goodwill. The goodwill is included in the Travel & Recreation Group and the primary factor that contributed to the purchase price resulting in the recognition of goodwill relates to future growth opportunities when combined with our other businesses. The goodwill is deductible for tax purposes over a period of 15 years. The estimated values of current assets and liabilities were based upon their historical costs on the date of acquisition due to their short-term nature. Transaction costs associated with the acquisition of West Glacier were $0.2 million and are included in corporate activities in Viad’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Identified intangible assets acquired in the West Glacier acquisition totaled $0.2 million and consist primarily of favorable lease contracts. The weighted-average amortization period related to the definite lived intangible assets is 3.6 years.
	The results of operations of West Glacier have been included in Viad’s condensed consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. During 2014, revenues of $4.5 million and operating income of $2.0 million related to West Glacier have been included in Viad’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Supplementary pro forma financial information
	The following table summarizes the unaudited pro forma results of operations attributable to Viad, assuming that the acquisitions above had each been completed on January 1, 2013:
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
	(in thousands, except per share data)	2014		2013			2014		2013
	Revenue	$	302,362	$	228,080		$	856,462	$	771,241
	Depreciation and amortization	8,794		8,328			24,969		24,468
	Income from continuing operations	31,003		8,787			47,427		22,562
	Net income attributable to Viad	29,075		11,294			57,119		24,743
	Diluted net income per share	1.45		0.56			2.82		1.22
	Basic net income per share	1.45		0.56			2.82		1.22
	Pro forma net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was adjusted to exclude transaction costs associated with the acquisition of Blitz and West, which were $0.7 million and $0.2 million, respectively. These costs were included in the pro forma net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	In February 2013, Viad acquired the assets of Resource Creative Limited (“RCL”) for $0.6 million in cash. RCL is a United Kingdom-based company specializing in providing creative graphic services to the exhibition, events and retail markets throughout the United Kingdom and continental Europe. The purchase price is subject to certain adjustments, plus a deferred payment of up to approximately £0.2 million, which is contingent upon RCL’s achievement of certain net revenue targets between the acquisition date and December 31, 2014. RCL exceeded the first net revenue target for the period ended December 31, 2013 and, consequently, a deferred payment installment in the amount of $0.2 million (£0.1 million) was paid in March 2014.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Inventories
	The components of inventories consisted of the following as of the respective periods:
	(in thousands)	September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Raw materials	$	17,610	$	14,825
	Work in process	19,242		13,168
	Inventories	$	36,852	$	27,993

Other_Current_Assets

Other Current Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Other Current Assets	'
	Other Current Assets
	Other current assets consisted of the following as of the respective periods:
	(in thousands)	September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Income tax receivable	$	1,952	$	2,035
	Prepaid insurance	2,703		2,260
	Prepaid software maintenance	2,434		1,946
	Prepaid vendor payments	2,382		2,008
	Prepaid rent	1,561		284
	Prepaid other	3,623		5,031
	Other	2,396		3,578
	Other current assets	$	17,051	$	17,142

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property and Equipment, Net	'
	Property and Equipment, Net
	Property and equipment consisted of the following as of the respective periods:
	(in thousands)	September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Land and land interests	$	30,707		$	23,646
	Buildings and leasehold improvements	139,083			139,889
	Equipment and other	322,719			294,409
	Gross property and equipment	492,509			457,944
	Less: accumulated depreciation	(293,926		)	(267,614		)
	Property and equipment, net	$	198,583		$	190,330
	Depreciation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $7.7 million and $7.0 million, respectively. Depreciation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $21.1 million and $20.4 million, respectively.
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, Viad recorded impairment charges of $0.9 million at the Marketing & Events Group related to the write-off of certain internally developed software.

Other_Investments_and_Assets

Other Investments and Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract]	'
Other Investments and Assets	'
	Other Investments and Assets
	Other investments and assets consisted of the following as of the respective periods:
	(in thousands)	September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Cash surrender value of life insurance	$	19,924	$	19,690
	Workers’ compensation insurance security deposits	3,350		3,350
	Other	11,469		11,986
	Other investments and assets	$	34,743	$	35,026

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 were as follows:
	(in thousands)	Marketing &		Marketing &			Travel &			Total
		Events U.S.		Events			Recreation
				International			Group
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	62,686	$	22,611		$	44,246		$	129,543
	Acquisition of Blitz	—		13,111			—			13,111
	Acquisition of West Glacier	—		—			1,268			1,268
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	—		(783		)	(2,478		)	(3,261		)
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	62,686	$	34,939		$	43,036		$	140,661
	The following table summarizes goodwill by reporting unit and segment as of the respective periods:
	(in thousands)	September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Marketing & Events Group:
	Marketing & Events U.S.	$	62,686	$	62,686
	Marketing & Events International:
	GES United Kingdom	26,816		14,049
	GES Canada	8,123		8,562
	Total Marketing & Events Group	97,625		85,297
	Travel & Recreation Group:
	Brewster	38,584		41,062
	Glacier Park	1,268		—
	Alaska Denali Travel	3,184		3,184
	Total Travel & Recreation Group	43,036		44,246
	Goodwill	$	140,661	$	129,543
	A summary of other intangible assets as of September 30, 2014 is presented below:
	(in thousands)	Gross Carrying		Accumulated			Net Carrying
		Value		Amortization			Value
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Customer contracts and relationships	$	13,138	$	(3,000	)	$	10,138
	Other	3,287		(338		)	2,949
	Total amortized intangible assets	16,425		(3,338		)	13,087
	Unamortized intangible assets:
	Business licenses	460		—			460
	Other intangible assets	$	16,885	$	(3,338	)	$	13,547
	A summary of other intangible assets as of December 31, 2013 is presented below:
	(in thousands)	Gross Carrying		Accumulated			Net Carrying
		Value		Amortization			Value
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Customer contracts and relationships	$	5,537	$	(2,521	)	$	3,016
	Other	1,280		(276		)	1,004
	Total amortized intangible assets	6,817		(2,797		)	4,020
	Unamortized intangible assets:
	Business licenses	460		—			460
	Other intangible assets	$	7,277	$	(2,797	)	$	4,480
	Intangible asset amortization expense for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $0.8 million and $0.9 million, respectively. Estimated amortization expense related to amortized intangible assets for future years is expected to be as follows:
	(in thousands)
	2014	$	944
	2015	$	2,741
	2016	$	2,462
	2017	$	1,983
	2018	$	1,398
	Thereafter	$	3,559

Other_Current_Liabilities

Other Current Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract]	'
Other Current Liabilities	'
	Other Current Liabilities
	Other current liabilities consisted of the following as of the respective periods:
	(in thousands)	September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Continuing operations:
	Self-insured liability accrual	$	8,459	$	7,603
	Accrued employee benefit costs	3,979		2,751
	Accrued sales and use taxes	3,594		1,609
	Accrued dividends	2,115		2,192
	Accrued restructuring	1,919		3,877
	Pension and postretirement benefits liability	1,651		1,208
	Accrued rebates	1,277		831
	Accrued professional fees	1,005		1,832
	Deferred rent	946		1,558
	Other	11,639		4,709
	Total continuing operations	36,584		28,170
	Discontinued operations:
	Self-insured liability accrual	403		469
	Environmental remediation liabilities	356		353
	Other	409		177
	Total discontinued operations	1,168		999
	Other current liabilities	$	37,752	$	29,169

Other_Deferred_Liabilities

Other Deferred Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Other Deferred Items and Liabilities	'
	Other Deferred Items and Liabilities
	Other deferred items and liabilities consisted of the following as of the respective periods:
	(in thousands)	September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Continuing operations:
	Self-insured liability accrual	$	16,789	$	17,316
	Accrued compensation	6,090		8,349
	Deferred rent income	2,949		3,022
	Foreign deferred tax liability	2,076		1,989
	Accrued restructuring	1,508		1,919
	Other	5,586		4,530
	Total continuing operations	34,998		37,125
	Discontinued operations:
	Environmental remediation liabilities	4,399		4,666
	Self-insured liability accrual	4,442		4,489
	Accrued income taxes	1,115		1,085
	Other	1,387		1,254
	Total discontinued operations	11,343		11,494
	Other deferred items and liabilities	$	46,341	$	48,619

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	'
	Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
	Viad’s total debt as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $24.0 million and $11.7 million, respectively. The debt-to-capital ratio was 0.062 to 1 and 0.032 to 1 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Capital is defined as total debt and capital lease obligations plus total stockholders’ equity.
	In May 2011, Viad entered into an amended and restated $130 million revolving credit agreement (the “Credit Facility”). The term of the Credit Facility is five years (expiring on May 18, 2016) and borrowings are to be used for general corporate purposes (including permitted acquisitions) and to support up to $50 million of letters of credit. The lenders have a first perfected security interest in all of the personal property of Viad and GES, including 65 percent of the capital stock of top-tier foreign subsidiaries. As of September 30, 2014, Viad’s total debt of $24.0 million consisted of a $22.5 million revolver borrowing under the Credit Facility and $1.5 million of capital lease obligations. As of September 30, 2014, Viad had $106.2 million of capacity remaining under its Credit Facility reflecting outstanding letters of credit of $1.3 million and the outstanding balance under the Credit Facility of $22.5 million.
	Effective October 10, 2014, Viad entered into an amendment (the “Amendment”) to the Company’s $130 million Credit Facility. The Company was able to exercise the accordion feature of the Credit Facility after the lenders committed an additional $50 million of credit on a pro rata basis. Accordingly, the Amendment increased the Company’s borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility from $130 million to $180 million. Refer to Note 21, Subsequent Events.
	Borrowings under the Credit Facility (under which GES is a guarantor) are indexed to the prime rate or the London Interbank Offered Rate, plus appropriate spreads tied to Viad’s leverage ratio. Commitment fees and letters of credit fees are also tied to Viad’s leverage ratio. The fees on the unused portion of the Credit Facility are currently 0.35 percent annually.
	The Credit Facility contains various affirmative and negative covenants that are customary for facilities of this type, including a fixed-charge coverage ratio, leverage ratio and dividend and share repurchase limits. Significant other covenants include limitations on: investments, additional indebtedness, sales/leases of assets, acquisitions, consolidations or mergers and liens on property. As of September 30, 2014, Viad was in compliance with all covenants.
	As of September 30, 2014, Viad had certain obligations under guarantees to third parties on behalf of its subsidiaries. These guarantees are not subject to liability recognition in the condensed consolidated financial statements and relate to leased facilities entered into by the Company’s subsidiary operations. The Company would generally be required to make payments to the respective third parties under these guarantees in the event that the related subsidiary could not meet its own payment obligations. The maximum potential amount of future payments that Viad would be required to make under all guarantees existing as of September 30, 2014 would be $7.9 million. These guarantees relate to leased facilities and expire through October 2017. There are no recourse provisions that would enable Viad to recover from third parties any payments made under the guarantees. Furthermore, there are no collateral or similar arrangements whereby Viad could recover payments.
	The estimated fair value of total debt was $23.7 million and $11.5 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The fair value of debt was estimated by discounting the future cash flows using rates currently available for debt of similar terms and maturity.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Fair Value Measurements
	The fair value of an asset or liability is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value guidance requires an entity to maximize the use of quoted prices and other observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value, and also establishes a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value as follows:
	Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2 - Observable inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
	Level 3 - Unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of fair value.
	Viad measures its money market mutual funds and certain other mutual fund investments at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 1 inputs. The fair value information related to these assets is summarized in the following tables:
				Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	(in thousands)	September 30,		Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant
		2014		Active		Other		Unobserved
				Markets		Observable		Inputs
				(Level 1)		Inputs		(Level 3)
						(Level 2)
	Assets:
	Money market funds	$	6,618	$	6,618	$	—	$	—
	Other mutual funds	2,488		2,488		—		—
	Total assets at fair value	$	9,106	$	9,106	$	—	$	—
				Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	(in thousands)	December 31,		Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant
		2013		in Active		Other		Unobserved
				Markets		Observable		Inputs
				(Level 1)		Inputs		(Level 3)
						(Level 2)
	Assets:
	Money market funds	$	118	$	118	$	—	$	—
	Other mutual funds	2,023		2,023		—		—
	Total assets at fair value	$	2,141	$	2,141	$	—	$	—
	As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, Viad had investments in money market mutual funds of $6.6 million and $0.1 million, respectively, which are included in the consolidated balance sheets under the caption “Cash and cash equivalents.” These investments are classified as available-for-sale and were recorded at fair value. There have been no realized or unrealized gains or losses related to these investments and the Company has not experienced any redemption restrictions with respect to any of the money market mutual funds.
	As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, Viad had investments in other mutual funds of $2.5 million and $2.0 million, respectively, which are classified in the consolidated balance sheets under the caption “Other investments and assets.” These investments were classified as available-for-sale and were recorded at fair value. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there were unrealized gains of $0.7 million ($0.4 million after-tax) and $0.7 million ($0.4 million after-tax), respectively, which were included in the consolidated balance sheets under the caption “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).”
	The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, receivables and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. The estimated fair value of debt obligations is disclosed in Note 11, Debt and Capital Lease Obligations.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'
	Stockholders' Equity
	The following represents a reconciliation of the carrying amounts of stockholders’ equity attributable to Viad and the noncontrolling interest for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
	(in thousands)	Total Viad Stockholders’ Equity			Noncontrolling Interest			Total Stockholders’ Equity
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	347,441		$	9,102		$	356,543
	Net income	58,244			3,355			61,599
	Dividends on common stock	(36,374		)	—			(36,374		)
	Common stock purchased for treasury	(11,631		)	—			(11,631		)
	Employee benefit plans	5,519			—			5,519
	Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustment	(9,950		)	—			(9,950		)
	Unrealized gain on investments	(17		)	—			(17		)
	ESOP allocation adjustment	44			—			44
	Other	(32		)	—			(32		)
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	353,244		$	12,457		$	365,701
	(in thousands)	Total Viad Stockholders’ Equity			Noncontrolling Interest			Total Stockholders’ Equity
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	388,061		$	8,971		$	397,032
	Net income (loss)	26,173			425			$	26,598
	Dividends on common stock	(6,095		)	—			$	(6,095	)
	Common stock purchased for treasury	(1,294		)	—			$	(1,294	)
	Employee benefit plans	3,485			—			$	3,485
	Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustment	(6,092		)	—			$	(6,092	)
	Unrealized gain on investments	117			—			$	117
	Prior service credit and net actuarial loss	91			—			$	91
	ESOP allocation adjustment	850			—			$	850
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	405,296		$	9,396		$	414,692
	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) by component were as follows:
	(in thousands)	Unrealized Gains on Investments			Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Unrecognized Net Actuarial Loss and Service Credit			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	429		$	30,847		$	(11,259	)	$	20,017
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	15			(9,950		)	—			(9,935		)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax	(32		)	—			(32		)	(64		)
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)	(17		)	(9,950		)	(32		)	(9,999		)
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	412		$	20,897		$	(11,291	)	$	10,018
	The following table presents information about reclassification adjustments out of AOCI for the nine months ended September 30:
								Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income is Presented
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	Unrealized gains on investments	$	52		$	72		Interest income
	Tax effect	(20		)	(27		)	Income taxes
		$	32		$	45
	Recognized net actuarial loss(1)	$	(705	)	$	(827	)
	Amortization of prior service credit(1)	757			680
	Tax effect	(20		)	56			Income taxes
		$	32		$	(91	)
	(1) Amount included in pension expense. Refer to Note 16, Pension and Postretirement Benefits.

Income_Per_Share

Income Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Income Per Share	'
	Income Per Share
	The following are the components of basic and diluted income per share:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	(in thousands, except per share data)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net income attributable to Viad (diluted)	$	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 (basic)	$	29,082		$	11,591		$	57,146		$	25,568
	Basic 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
	Diluted weighted-average outstanding shares	19,954			20,191			20,174			20,188
	Income per share:
	Basic income attributable to Viad common stockholders	$	1.48		$	0.58		$	2.88		$	1.29
	Diluted income attributable to Viad common stockholders(1)	$	1.48		$	0.58		$	2.88		$	1.29
	(1) Diluted income per share amount cannot exceed basic income per share.
	There were 275,000 and 323,000 share-based compensation awards considered dilutive and included in the computation of diluted income per share for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Additionally, there were 342,000 and 349,000 share-based compensation awards considered dilutive and included in the computation of diluted income per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Options to purchase 27,000 and 47,000 shares of common stock were outstanding during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, but were not included in the computation of dilutive shares outstanding because the effect would be anti-dilutive.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The effective tax rates for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were 1.8 percent and 29.8 percent, respectively.
	The income tax provisions were computed based on the Company’s estimated effective tax rate and forecasted income by jurisdiction expected to be applicable for the full fiscal year, including the impact of any unusual or infrequent items. The relatively low effective tax rates compared to the federal statutory rate of 35 percent were primarily due to foreign income which is taxed at lower rates. Additionally, 2014 was favorably impacted by the projected utilization of foreign tax credit carryforwards and the release of the related valuation allowance.
	Viad is required to estimate and record provisions for income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which the Company operates. Accordingly, the Company must estimate its actual current income tax liability, and assess temporary differences arising from the treatment of items for tax purposes, as compared to the treatment for accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities which are included in Viad’s consolidated balance sheets. The Company must assess the likelihood that deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and to the extent that recovery is not likely, a valuation allowance must be established. The Company uses significant judgment in forming a conclusion regarding the recoverability of its deferred tax assets and evaluates the available positive and negative evidence to determine whether it is more likely than not that its deferred tax assets will be realized in the future. These deferred tax assets reflect the expected future tax benefits to be realized upon reversal of deductible temporary differences and the utilization of net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards.
	The Company considered all available positive and negative evidence regarding the future recoverability of its deferred tax assets, including the Company’s recent operating history, taxpaying history and future reversals of deferred tax liabilities. The Company also evaluated its ability to utilize its foreign tax credits, given its recent utilization history and projected future domestic income. The foreign tax credits are subject to a 10-year carryforward period and begin to expire in 2019. As of December 31, 2013, $10.9 million of the $12.4 million was related to foreign tax credits. Based on the Company’s evaluation of all positive and negative evidence, it was determined to be more likely than not that the foreign tax credit carryforwards would be utilized before their expiration. Accordingly, the related valuation allowance was released during the third quarter of 2014. The positive evidence relied upon in making this assessment included the Company’s positive cumulative income position, the projected 2014 utilization of $5.4 million of foreign tax credit carryforwards, the history of utilizing all deferred tax assets including net operating losses, and future forecasts of domestic income.
	As noted above, Viad uses considerable judgment in forming a conclusion regarding the recoverability of its deferred tax assets. As a result, there are inherent uncertainties regarding the ultimate realization of these assets, which is primarily dependent upon Viad’s ability to generate sufficient taxable income in future periods. In future periods, it is reasonably possible that the relative weight of positive and negative evidence regarding the recoverability of Viad’s deferred tax assets may change, which could result in a material increase or decrease in the Company’s valuation allowance. If such a change in the valuation allowance were to occur, it would result in a change to income tax expense in the period the assessment was made.
	Viad had liabilities, including interest and penalties, associated with uncertain tax positions for continuing operations of $1.3 million and $0.7 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. In addition, as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, Viad had liabilities, including interest and penalties, for uncertain tax positions relating to discontinued operations of $1.1 million. Future tax resolutions or settlements that may occur related to these uncertain tax positions would be recorded through either continuing or discontinued operations (net of applicable federal tax benefit). The total liability associated with uncertain tax positions as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $2.4 million and $1.8 million, respectively, which was classified as both current and non-current liabilities. The Company expects the majority of the unrecognized tax benefits to be recognized by March 31, 2015.

Pension_and_Postretirement_Ben

Pension and Postretirement Benefits	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Pension and Postretirement Benefits	'
	Pension and Postretirement Benefits
	The net periodic benefit cost of Viad’s pension and postretirement plans for the three months ended September 30 included the following components:
		Domestic Plans
		Pension Plans						Postretirement Benefit Plans						Foreign Pension Plans
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	20		$	—		$	11		$	25		$	104		$	134
	Interest cost	263			251			140			152			158			175
	Expected return on plan assets	(107		)	(100		)	—			—			(161		)	(175		)
	Amortization of prior service credit	—			—			(149		)	(227		)	—			—
	Recognized net actuarial loss	101			129			16			106			3			10
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	277		$	280		$	18		$	56		$	104		$	144
	The net periodic benefit cost of Viad’s pension and postretirement plans for the nine months ended September 30 included the following components:
		Domestic Plans
		Pension Plans						Postretirement Benefit Plans						Foreign Pension Plans
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	65		$	60		$	105		$	117		$	313		$	405
	Interest cost	809			773			517			498			478			531
	Expected return on plan assets	(327		)	(300		)	—			—			(484		)	(530		)
	Amortization of prior service credit	—			—			(445		)	(677		)	—			—
	Recognized net actuarial loss	305			427			225			388			8			30
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	852		$	960		$	402		$	326		$	315		$	436
	Viad expects to contribute $1.4 million to its funded pension plans, $0.9 million to its unfunded pension plans and $1.0 million to its postretirement benefit plans in 2014. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, Viad contributed $1.0 million to its funded pension plans, $0.6 million to its unfunded pension plans and $0.4 million to its postretirement benefit plans.

Restructuring_Charges

Restructuring Charges	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring Charges	'
	Restructuring Charges
	Marketing & Events Group Consolidation
	Viad executed certain restructuring actions designed to reduce the Company’s cost structure primarily within the Marketing & Events U.S. segment, and to a lesser extent in the Marketing & Events International segment. The Company implemented a strategic reorganization plan in order to consolidate the separate business units within the Marketing & Events U.S. segment. The Company also consolidated facilities and streamlined its operations in the United Kingdom and Germany.
	Other Restructurings
	The Company has recorded restructuring charges primarily related to certain reorganization activities within the Travel & Recreation Group. These charges consist of severance and related benefits due to headcount reductions.
	The table below represents a reconciliation of beginning and ending liability balances by major restructuring activity:
		Marketing & Events						Other Restructurings
		Group Consolidation
	(in thousands)	Severance &			Facilities			Severance &			Total
		Employee						Employee
		Benefits						Benefits
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	1,240		$	3,565		$	991		$	5,796
	Restructuring charges (recoveries)	2,030			10			(226		)	1,814
	Cash payments	(2,497		)	(926		)	(845		)	(4,268		)
	Adjustment to liability	—			—			85			85
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	773		$	2,649		$	5		$	3,427
	As of September 30, 2014, the liabilities related to severance and employee benefits are expected to be paid by the end of 2014. Additionally, the liability of $2.6 million related to future lease payments will be paid over the remaining lease terms at the Marketing & Events Group. Refer to Note 19, Segment Information, for information regarding restructuring charges by segment.

Litigation_Claims_Contingencie

Litigation, Claims, Contingencies and Other	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Litigation, Claims, Contingencies and Other	'
	Litigation, Claims, Contingencies and Other
	Viad and certain of its subsidiaries are plaintiffs or defendants to various actions, proceedings and pending claims, some of which involve, or may involve, compensatory, punitive or other damages. Litigation is subject to many uncertainties and it is possible that some of the legal actions, proceedings or claims could be decided against Viad. Although the amount of liability as of September 30, 2014 with respect to these matters is not ascertainable, Viad believes that any resulting liability, after taking into consideration amounts already provided for and insurance coverage, will not have a material effect on Viad’s business, financial position or results of operations.
	Viad is subject to various U.S. federal, state and foreign laws and regulations governing the prevention of pollution and the protection of the environment in the jurisdictions in which Viad has or had operations. If the Company has failed to comply with these environmental laws and regulations, civil and criminal penalties could be imposed and Viad could become subject to regulatory enforcement actions in the form of injunctions and cease and desist orders. As is the case with many companies, Viad also faces exposure to actual or potential claims and lawsuits involving environmental matters relating to its past operations. Although it is a party to certain environmental disputes, Viad believes that any resulting liabilities, after taking into consideration amounts already provided for and insurance coverage, will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. As of September 30, 2014, Viad had recorded environmental remediation liabilities of $4.9 million related to previously sold operations.
	As of September 30, 2014, Viad had certain obligations under guarantees to third parties on behalf of its subsidiaries. These guarantees are not subject to liability recognition in the condensed consolidated financial statements and relate to leased facilities entered into by Viad’s subsidiary operations. The Company would generally be required to make payments to the respective third parties under these guarantees in the event that the related subsidiary could not meet its own payment obligations. The maximum potential amount of future payments that Viad would be required to make under all guarantees existing as of September 30, 2014 would be $7.9 million. These guarantees relate to leased facilities expiring through October 2017. There are no recourse provisions that would enable Viad to recover from third parties any payments made under the guarantees. Furthermore, there are no collateral or similar arrangements whereby Viad could recover payments.
	A significant portion of Viad’s employees are unionized and the Company is a party to approximately 100 collective-bargaining agreements, with approximately one-third requiring renegotiation each year. If the Company was unable to reach an agreement with a union during the collective-bargaining process, the union may call for a strike or work stoppage, which may, under certain circumstances, adversely impact the Company’s businesses and results of operations. Viad believes that relations with its employees are satisfactory and that collective-bargaining agreements expiring in 2014 will be renegotiated in the ordinary course of business without having a material adverse effect on Viad’s operations. The Company entered into new showsite and warehouse agreements with the Chicago Teamsters Local 727, effective January 1, 2014, and those agreements contain provisions that allow the parties to re-open negotiation of the agreements on pension-related issues. The Company is in informal discussions regarding those issues with all relevant parties and is working diligently to resolve those issues in a manner that will be reasonable and equitable to employees, customers and shareholders. Although the Company’s labor relations are currently stable, disruptions pending the outcome of the Chicago Teamsters Local 727 negotiations could occur, as they could with any collective-bargaining agreement negotiation, with the possibility of an adverse impact on the operating results of the Marketing & Events Group.
	Viad’s businesses contribute to various multi-employer pension plans based on obligations arising under collective-bargaining agreements covering its union-represented employees. Based upon the information available to Viad from plan administrators, management believes that several of these multi-employer plans are underfunded. The Pension Protection Act of 2006 requires pension plans underfunded at certain levels to reduce, over defined time periods, the underfunded status. In addition, under current laws, the termination of a plan, or a voluntary withdrawal from a plan by Viad, or a shrinking contribution base to a plan as a result of the insolvency or withdrawal of other contributing employers to such plan, would require Viad to make payments to such plan for its proportionate share of the plan’s unfunded vested liabilities. As of September 30, 2014, the amount of additional funding, if any, that Viad would be required to make related to multi-employer pension plans is not ascertainable.
	Viad is self-insured up to certain limits for workers’ compensation, employee health benefits, automobile, product and general liability and property loss claims. The aggregate amount of insurance liabilities (up to the Company’s retention limit) related to Viad’s continuing operations was $21.4 million as of September 30, 2014. Of this total, $12.8 million related to workers’ compensation liabilities, $1.2 million related to employee health benefits and the remaining $7.4 million related to general/auto liability claims. Viad has also retained and provided for certain insurance liabilities in conjunction with previously sold businesses totaling $4.8 million as of September 30, 2014, related to workers’ compensation liabilities. Provisions for losses for claims incurred, including estimated claims incurred but not yet reported, are made based on Viad’s historical experience, claims frequency and other factors. A change in the assumptions used could result in an adjustment to recorded liabilities. Viad has purchased insurance for amounts in excess of the self-insured levels, which generally range from $0.2 million to $0.4 million on a per claim basis. Viad does not maintain a self-insured retention pool fund as claims are paid from current cash resources at the time of settlement. Viad’s net cash payments in connection with these insurance liabilities were $3.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
	In addition, as of September 30, 2014 Viad had recorded insurance liabilities of $5.0 million related to continuing operations in excess of the self-insured levels for which Viad remains the primary obligor. Of this total, $1.7 million related to workers’ compensation liabilities and the remaining $3.3 million related to general/auto liability claims. The Company has recorded these amounts in other deferred items and liabilities in Viad’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets with a corresponding receivable in other investments and assets.
	On December 31, 2013, Glacier Park’s concession contract to operate lodging, tour and transportation and other hospitality services for Glacier National Park expired. Glacier Park generated approximately 47 percent of its 2013 revenue through its concession contract for services provided within Glacier National Park. Upon completion of the contract term, in January 2014, the Company received cash payments totaling $25.0 million for the Company’s “possessory interest,” which generally means the value of the structures acquired or constructed, fixtures installed and improvements made to the concession property at Glacier National Park during the term of the concession contract. In September 2014, the Company received $3.0 million in cash for the personal property Glacier Park used at the facilities covered by the concession contract.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	Segment Information
	Viad’s reportable segments consist of Marketing & Events U.S., Marketing & Events International (together the “Marketing & Events Group”) and the Travel & Recreation Group.
	Viad measures profit and performance of its operations on the basis of segment operating income which excludes restructuring charges and recoveries and impairment charges and recoveries. Intersegment sales are eliminated in consolidation and intersegment transfers are not significant. Corporate activities include expenses not allocated to operations. Depreciation and amortization and share-based compensation expense are the only significant non-cash items for the reportable segments. Disclosures regarding Viad’s reportable segments with reconciliations to consolidated totals are as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Revenue:
	Marketing & Events Group:
	U.S.	$	168,058		$	120,503		$	558,292		$	494,355
	International	64,199			40,335			186,296			168,974
	Intersegment eliminations	(5,595		)	(4,352		)	(13,517		)	(10,269		)
	Total Marketing & Events Group	226,662			156,486			731,071			653,060
	Travel & Recreation Group	73,140			63,681			110,763			98,446
	Total revenue	$	299,802		$	220,167		$	841,834		$	751,506
	Segment operating income (loss):
	Marketing & Events Group:
	U.S.	$	1,069		$	(3,745	)	$	22,044		$	12,971
	International	1,297			(4,159		)	7,512			5,821
	Total Marketing & Events Group	2,366			(7,904		)	29,556			18,792
	Travel & Recreation Group	30,648			26,627			30,955			24,981
	Segment operating income	33,014			18,723			60,511			43,773
	Corporate activities	(3,468		)	(2,034		)	(7,498		)	(4,007		)
	Operating income	29,546			16,689			53,013			39,766
	Interest income	81			122			200			397
	Interest expense	(462		)	(286		)	(1,069		)	(905		)
	Restructuring (charges) recoveries:
	Marketing & Events U.S.	(186		)	(185		)	(392		)	(309		)
	Marketing & Events International	(128		)	(434		)	(1,648		)	(1,761		)
	Travel & Recreation Group	(30		)	(2		)	41			(15		)
	Corporate	106			(18		)	185			(47		)
	Impairment charges:
	Marketing & Events International	—			(952		)	(884		)	(952		)
	Travel & Recreation Group	—			(2,097		)	—			(2,097		)
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	28,927		$	12,837		$	49,446		$	34,077

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations	'
	Discontinued Operations
	On December 31, 2013, Glacier Park’s concession contract with the Park Service to operate lodging, tour and transportation and other hospitality services within Glacier National Park expired. Upon completion of the contract, the Company received cash payments in January 2014 totaling $25.0 million resulting in a pre-tax gain of $21.5 million for the Company’s possessory interest. The gain after-tax on the possessory interest was $12.6 million with $2.7 million attributable to the noncontrolling interest. These amounts are included in income (loss) from discontinued operations and net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in Viad’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, respectively. In September 2014, the Company received $3 million in cash for the sale of the remaining personal property assets held for sale at Glacier Park. This resulted in a gain of approximately $0.7 million, net of tax, which was more than offset by the allocation of taxes to the possessory interest gain in the quarter.
	The following summarizes Glacier Park’s expired concession contract operating results, which are presented in income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, in Viad’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Total revenue	$	—		$	16,306		$	—		$	19,444
	Costs and expenses	(7		)	(10,402		)	(93		)	(14,882		)
	Impairment charges	—			(2,364		)	—			(2,364		)
	Restructuring charges	—			(75		)	—			(75		)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, before income taxes	(7		)	3,465			(93		)	2,123
	Income tax (expense) benefit	7			(990		)	45			(462		)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	—			2,475			(48		)	1,661
	Gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax	(979		)	—			13,343			—
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(979		)	2,475			13,295			1,661
	Income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest	(157		)	(494		)	(2,825		)	(331		)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Viad	$	(1,136	)	$	1,981		$	10,470		$	1,330
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $4.5 million representing all goodwill at the Glacier Park reporting unit, of which $2.1 million relates to continuing operations and $2.4 million relates to discontinued operations. Additionally, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company recorded other asset impairment charges of $1.0 million at the Marketing & Events Group related to the write-off of a touring exhibition asset and amounts capitalized for internally developed software.
	The following is a reconciliation of net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest for the nine months ended September 30:
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	Income from continuing operations	$	530		$	94
	Income from discontinued operations	2,825			331
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	$	3,355		$	425
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, Viad recorded a loss from discontinued operations, net of tax, of $0.3 million due to additional reserves related to certain liabilities associated with previously sold operations. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, Viad recorded income from discontinued operations, net of tax, of $1.0 million related to the sale of certain land located in Utah associated with previously sold operations.

Subsequent_Event

Subsequent Event	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	Subsequent Events
	On October 7, 2014, the Company acquired onPeak LLC and Travel Planners, Inc. for a purchase price of $43.1 million and $33.9 million, respectively, in cash, subject to certain adjustments. Both acquired companies provide event housing services in North America to the live event and exhibition industry. Due to the recent timing of the acquisition, the initial accounting for the business combination and purchase price allocation has not yet been finalized.
	Effective October 10, 2014, Viad entered into an amendment (the “Amendment”) to the Company’s $130 million Credit Facility. The Company was able to exercise the accordion feature of the Credit Facility after the lenders committed an additional $50 million of credit on a pro rata basis. Accordingly, the Amendment increased the Company’s borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility from $130 million to $180 million.

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Prin1

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Consolidation	'
	The accompanying unaudited, condensed consolidated financial statements of Viad Corp (“Viad” or the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required for complete financial statements. The condensed consolidated financial statements of Viad include the accounts of Viad and all of its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany account balances and transactions between Viad and its subsidiaries have been eliminated in consolidation.
	In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes for the year ended December 31, 2013 included in the Company’s Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 7, 2014.
Segments	'
	Nature of Business
	Viad’s reportable segments consist of Marketing & Events U.S., Marketing & Events International (collectively, “Marketing & Events Group”) and the Travel & Recreation Group.
	Marketing & Events Group
	The Marketing & Events Group, comprised of Global Experience Specialists, Inc. and affiliates (“GES”), specializes in all aspects of the design, planning and production of face-to-face events, immersive environments and brand-based experiences for clients, including show organizers, corporate brand marketers and retail shopping centers. In addition, the Marketing & Events Group provides a variety of immersive, entertaining attractions and brand-based experiences, sponsored events, mobile marketing and other branded entertainment and face-to-face marketing solutions for leading consumer brands, movie studios, shopping malls and other clients, as well as for museums and other venues.
	On September 16, 2014, the Company acquired Blitz Communications Group Limited and its affiliates (collectively, “Blitz”) for £15 million (approximately $24.4 million) in cash, subject to certain adjustments. Blitz, located in the United Kingdom, is a leading audio-visual staging and creative services provider for the live events industry in the United Kingdom and continental Europe. For additional information, refer to Note 3, Acquisition of Businesses.
	On October 7, 2014, the Company acquired onPeak LLC and Travel Planners, Inc. for a purchase price of $43.1 million and $33.9 million, respectively, in cash, subject to certain adjustments. For additional information, refer to Note 21, Subsequent Events.
	Travel & Recreation Group
	The Travel & Recreation Group consists of Brewster Inc. (“Brewster”), Glacier Park, Inc. (“Glacier Park”) and Alaskan Park Properties, Inc. (“Alaska Denali Travel”). Brewster provides tourism products and experiential services in the Canadian Rockies in Alberta and in other parts of Western Canada. Brewster’s operations include the Banff Gondola, Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure, Glacier Skywalk (opened May 2014), Banff Lake Cruise, motorcoach services, charter and sightseeing services, inbound package tour operations and hotel operations.
	During 2013, Glacier Park, an 80 percent owned subsidiary of Viad, operated five lodges, three motor inns and one four-season resort hotel and provided food and beverage operations, retail operations and tour and transportation services in and around Glacier National Park in Montana and Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada. Glacier Park’s concession contract with the U.S. National Park Service (the “Park Service”) for Glacier National Park expired on December 31, 2013. The ongoing operations of Glacier Park as of January 1, 2014 include: Glacier Park Lodge in East Glacier, Montana; Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish, Montana; St. Mary Lodge in St. Mary, Montana; Motel Lake McDonald, an in-holding within Glacier National Park; and the Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton Lakes National Park. Glacier Park also continues to operate the food and beverage operations and package tour and transportation services with respect to these properties and the retail shops located near Glacier National Park. With regard to Glacier Park’s concession operations within Glacier National Park, refer to Note 20, Discontinued Operations.
	On July 1, 2014, the Company acquired the West Glacier Motel & Cabins, the Apgar Village Lodge and related land, food and beverage services and retail operations (collectively, “West Glacier”). The West Glacier Motel & Cabins is a 32-room property situated on approximately 200 acres at the west entrance of Glacier National Park, and its full-service amenities include a restaurant, grocery store, gift shops, a gas station and employee housing. The Apgar Village Lodge is a 48-room property situated on a 3.8 acre private in-holding inside Glacier National Park with overnight accommodations, a gift shop and employee housing. The purchase price was $16.5 million in cash with a working capital adjustment of $0.3 million, subject to certain adjustments. For additional information, refer to Note 3, Acquisition of Businesses.
	Alaska Denali Travel operates the Denali Backcountry Lodge and Denali Cabins. In addition to lodging, Alaska Denali Travel also provides food and beverage operations and package tour and transportation services in and around Denali National Park and Preserve.

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Summary of share-based compensation expense	'
	The following table summarizes share-based compensation expense:
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
	(in thousands)	2014				2013				2014				2013
	Restricted stock	$	653			$	802			$	2,066			$	2,522
	Performance unit incentive plan (“PUP”)	(600		)		347				(505		)		871
	Restricted stock units	6				3				1				104
	Stock options	—				50				—				72
	Share-based compensation before income tax benefit	59				1,202				1,562				3,569
	Income tax benefit	(17		)		(445		)		(587		)		(1,326		)
	Share-based compensation, net of income tax benefit	$	42			$	757			$	975			$	2,243
Summary of Liability Based Award Activity	'
	The following table summarizes the activity of the outstanding share-based compensation awards:
		Restricted Stock							PUP Awards							Restricted Stock Units
		Shares			Weighted-Average				Units			Weighted-Average				Units		Weighted-Average
					Grant Date							Grant Date						Grant Date
					Fair Value							Fair Value						Fair Value
	Balance, December 31, 2013	430,899			$	22.78			299,768			$	23.46			28,560		$	22.91
	Granted	89,800			23.81				123,300			23.71				6,700		24.95
	Vested	(137,187	)		22.59				(94,600	)		23.01				(9,890	)	23.45
	Forfeited	(17,840	)		22.13				(7,800	)		24.93				(500	)	27.32
	Balance, September 30, 2014	365,672			23.14				320,668			23.66				24,870		23.16
Summary of stock option activity	'
	The following table summarizes stock option activity:
		Shares			Weighted-				Options
					Average				Exercisable
					Exercise Price
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2013	314,323			$	19.79			314,323
	Exercised	(66,076	)		18.53
	Forfeited or expired	(18,522	)		35.28
	Award modification	17,865			N/A
	Options outstanding at September 30, 2014	247,590			$	17.82			247,590

Acquisition_of_Business_Tables

Acquisition of Business (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	'
	(in thousands)
	Purchase price paid as:
	Cash			$	16,544
	Working capital adjustment payable			320
	Total purchase price			16,864
	Fair value of net assets acquired:
	Prepaid expenses	$	24
	Inventory	1,374
	Property and equipment, net	14,510
	Intangible assets	189
	Total assets acquired	16,097
	Accrued liabilities	35
	Customer deposits	402
	Other liabilities	64
	Total liabilities acquired	501
	Total fair value of net assets acquired			15,596
	Excess purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired (“goodwill”)			$	1,268
	(in thousands)
	Purchase price			$	24,415
	Cash acquired			(190		)
	Purchase price, net of cash acquired			$	24,225
	Fair value of net assets acquired:
	Accounts receivable, net	$	264
	Inventory	433
	Prepaid expenses	410
	Property and equipment, net	5,892
	Intangible assets	9,636
	Total assets acquired	16,635
	Accounts payable	1,232
	Accrued liabilities	2,246
	Customer deposits	199
	Deferred tax liability	767
	Revolving credit facility	488
	Accrued dilapidations	589
	Total liabilities acquired	5,521
	Total fair value of net assets acquired			11,114
	Excess purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired (“goodwill”)			$	13,111
Pro Forma Information	'
	The following table summarizes the unaudited pro forma results of operations attributable to Viad, assuming that the acquisitions above had each been completed on January 1, 2013:
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
	(in thousands, except per share data)	2014		2013			2014		2013
	Revenue	$	302,362	$	228,080		$	856,462	$	771,241
	Depreciation and amortization	8,794		8,328			24,969		24,468
	Income from continuing operations	31,003		8,787			47,427		22,562
	Net income attributable to Viad	29,075		11,294			57,119		24,743
	Diluted net income per share	1.45		0.56			2.82		1.22
	Basic net income per share	1.45		0.56			2.82		1.22

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of Inventories	'
	The components of inventories consisted of the following as of the respective periods:
	(in thousands)	September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Raw materials	$	17,610	$	14,825
	Work in process	19,242		13,168
	Inventories	$	36,852	$	27,993

Other_Current_Assets_Tables

Other Current Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Other Current Assets	'
	Other current assets consisted of the following as of the respective periods:
	(in thousands)	September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Income tax receivable	$	1,952	$	2,035
	Prepaid insurance	2,703		2,260
	Prepaid software maintenance	2,434		1,946
	Prepaid vendor payments	2,382		2,008
	Prepaid rent	1,561		284
	Prepaid other	3,623		5,031
	Other	2,396		3,578
	Other current assets	$	17,051	$	17,142

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Property and Equipment	'
	Property and equipment consisted of the following as of the respective periods:
	(in thousands)	September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Land and land interests	$	30,707		$	23,646
	Buildings and leasehold improvements	139,083			139,889
	Equipment and other	322,719			294,409
	Gross property and equipment	492,509			457,944
	Less: accumulated depreciation	(293,926		)	(267,614		)
	Property and equipment, net	$	198,583		$	190,330

Other_Investments_and_Assets_T

Other Investments and Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract]	'
Summary of other investments and assets	'
	Other investments and assets consisted of the following as of the respective periods:
	(in thousands)	September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Cash surrender value of life insurance	$	19,924	$	19,690
	Workers’ compensation insurance security deposits	3,350		3,350
	Other	11,469		11,986
	Other investments and assets	$	34,743	$	35,026

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of the goodwill balances by component and segment	'
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 were as follows:
	(in thousands)	Marketing &		Marketing &			Travel &			Total
		Events U.S.		Events			Recreation
				International			Group
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	62,686	$	22,611		$	44,246		$	129,543
	Acquisition of Blitz	—		13,111			—			13,111
	Acquisition of West Glacier	—		—			1,268			1,268
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	—		(783		)	(2,478		)	(3,261		)
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	62,686	$	34,939		$	43,036		$	140,661
Goodwill by reporting unit and segment	'
	The following table summarizes goodwill by reporting unit and segment as of the respective periods:
	(in thousands)	September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Marketing & Events Group:
	Marketing & Events U.S.	$	62,686	$	62,686
	Marketing & Events International:
	GES United Kingdom	26,816		14,049
	GES Canada	8,123		8,562
	Total Marketing & Events Group	97,625		85,297
	Travel & Recreation Group:
	Brewster	38,584		41,062
	Glacier Park	1,268		—
	Alaska Denali Travel	3,184		3,184
	Total Travel & Recreation Group	43,036		44,246
	Goodwill	$	140,661	$	129,543
Summary of other intangible assets	'
	A summary of other intangible assets as of September 30, 2014 is presented below:
	(in thousands)	Gross Carrying		Accumulated			Net Carrying
		Value		Amortization			Value
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Customer contracts and relationships	$	13,138	$	(3,000	)	$	10,138
	Other	3,287		(338		)	2,949
	Total amortized intangible assets	16,425		(3,338		)	13,087
	Unamortized intangible assets:
	Business licenses	460		—			460
	Other intangible assets	$	16,885	$	(3,338	)	$	13,547
	A summary of other intangible assets as of December 31, 2013 is presented below:
	(in thousands)	Gross Carrying		Accumulated			Net Carrying
		Value		Amortization			Value
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Customer contracts and relationships	$	5,537	$	(2,521	)	$	3,016
	Other	1,280		(276		)	1,004
	Total amortized intangible assets	6,817		(2,797		)	4,020
	Unamortized intangible assets:
	Business licenses	460		—			460
	Other intangible assets	$	7,277	$	(2,797	)	$	4,480
Estimated amortization expense related to amortized intangible assets	'
	Estimated amortization expense related to amortized intangible assets for future years is expected to be as follows:
	(in thousands)
	2014	$	944
	2015	$	2,741
	2016	$	2,462
	2017	$	1,983
	2018	$	1,398
	Thereafter	$	3,559

Other_Current_Liabilities_Tabl

Other Current Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract]	'
Other Current Liabilities	'
	Other current liabilities consisted of the following as of the respective periods:
	(in thousands)	September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Continuing operations:
	Self-insured liability accrual	$	8,459	$	7,603
	Accrued employee benefit costs	3,979		2,751
	Accrued sales and use taxes	3,594		1,609
	Accrued dividends	2,115		2,192
	Accrued restructuring	1,919		3,877
	Pension and postretirement benefits liability	1,651		1,208
	Accrued rebates	1,277		831
	Accrued professional fees	1,005		1,832
	Deferred rent	946		1,558
	Other	11,639		4,709
	Total continuing operations	36,584		28,170
	Discontinued operations:
	Self-insured liability accrual	403		469
	Environmental remediation liabilities	356		353
	Other	409		177
	Total discontinued operations	1,168		999
	Other current liabilities	$	37,752	$	29,169

Other_Deferred_Liabilities_Tab

Other Deferred Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Other deferred items and liabilities	'
	Other deferred items and liabilities consisted of the following as of the respective periods:
	(in thousands)	September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Continuing operations:
	Self-insured liability accrual	$	16,789	$	17,316
	Accrued compensation	6,090		8,349
	Deferred rent income	2,949		3,022
	Foreign deferred tax liability	2,076		1,989
	Accrued restructuring	1,508		1,919
	Other	5,586		4,530
	Total continuing operations	34,998		37,125
	Discontinued operations:
	Environmental remediation liabilities	4,399		4,666
	Self-insured liability accrual	4,442		4,489
	Accrued income taxes	1,115		1,085
	Other	1,387		1,254
	Total discontinued operations	11,343		11,494
	Other deferred items and liabilities	$	46,341	$	48,619

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis	'
	The fair value information related to these assets is summarized in the following tables:
				Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	(in thousands)	September 30,		Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant
		2014		Active		Other		Unobserved
				Markets		Observable		Inputs
				(Level 1)		Inputs		(Level 3)
						(Level 2)
	Assets:
	Money market funds	$	6,618	$	6,618	$	—	$	—
	Other mutual funds	2,488		2,488		—		—
	Total assets at fair value	$	9,106	$	9,106	$	—	$	—
				Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	(in thousands)	December 31,		Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant
		2013		in Active		Other		Unobserved
				Markets		Observable		Inputs
				(Level 1)		Inputs		(Level 3)
						(Level 2)
	Assets:
	Money market funds	$	118	$	118	$	—	$	—
	Other mutual funds	2,023		2,023		—		—
	Total assets at fair value	$	2,141	$	2,141	$	—	$	—

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of Stockholders' Equity to Noncontrolling Interests	'
	The following represents a reconciliation of the carrying amounts of stockholders’ equity attributable to Viad and the noncontrolling interest for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
	(in thousands)	Total Viad Stockholders’ Equity			Noncontrolling Interest			Total Stockholders’ Equity
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	347,441		$	9,102		$	356,543
	Net income	58,244			3,355			61,599
	Dividends on common stock	(36,374		)	—			(36,374		)
	Common stock purchased for treasury	(11,631		)	—			(11,631		)
	Employee benefit plans	5,519			—			5,519
	Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustment	(9,950		)	—			(9,950		)
	Unrealized gain on investments	(17		)	—			(17		)
	ESOP allocation adjustment	44			—			44
	Other	(32		)	—			(32		)
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	353,244		$	12,457		$	365,701
	(in thousands)	Total Viad Stockholders’ Equity			Noncontrolling Interest			Total Stockholders’ Equity
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	388,061		$	8,971		$	397,032
	Net income (loss)	26,173			425			$	26,598
	Dividends on common stock	(6,095		)	—			$	(6,095	)
	Common stock purchased for treasury	(1,294		)	—			$	(1,294	)
	Employee benefit plans	3,485			—			$	3,485
	Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustment	(6,092		)	—			$	(6,092	)
	Unrealized gain on investments	117			—			$	117
	Prior service credit and net actuarial loss	91			—			$	91
	ESOP allocation adjustment	850			—			$	850
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	405,296		$	9,396		$	414,692
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) by component were as follows:
	(in thousands)	Unrealized Gains on Investments			Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Unrecognized Net Actuarial Loss and Service Credit			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	429		$	30,847		$	(11,259	)	$	20,017
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	15			(9,950		)	—			(9,935		)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax	(32		)	—			(32		)	(64		)
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)	(17		)	(9,950		)	(32		)	(9,999		)
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	412		$	20,897		$	(11,291	)	$	10,018
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	The following table presents information about reclassification adjustments out of AOCI for the nine months ended September 30:
								Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income is Presented
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	Unrealized gains on investments	$	52		$	72		Interest income
	Tax effect	(20		)	(27		)	Income taxes
		$	32		$	45
	Recognized net actuarial loss(1)	$	(705	)	$	(827	)
	Amortization of prior service credit(1)	757			680
	Tax effect	(20		)	56			Income taxes
		$	32		$	(91	)
	(1) Amount included in pension expense. Refer to Note 16, Pension and Postretirement Benefits.

Income_Per_Share_Tables

Income Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of basic and diluted income per share	'
	The following are the components of basic and diluted income per share:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	(in thousands, except per share data)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net income attributable to Viad (diluted)	$	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 (basic)	$	29,082		$	11,591		$	57,146		$	25,568
	Basic 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
	Diluted weighted-average outstanding shares	19,954			20,191			20,174			20,188
	Income per share:
	Basic income attributable to Viad common stockholders	$	1.48		$	0.58		$	2.88		$	1.29
	Diluted income attributable to Viad common stockholders(1)	$	1.48		$	0.58		$	2.88		$	1.29
	(1) Diluted income per share amount cannot exceed basic income per share.

Pension_and_Postretirement_Ben1

Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of net periodic benefit cost and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income of Viad's postretirement benefit plans	'
	The net periodic benefit cost of Viad’s pension and postretirement plans for the nine months ended September 30 included the following components:
		Domestic Plans
		Pension Plans						Postretirement Benefit Plans						Foreign Pension Plans
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	65		$	60		$	105		$	117		$	313		$	405
	Interest cost	809			773			517			498			478			531
	Expected return on plan assets	(327		)	(300		)	—			—			(484		)	(530		)
	Amortization of prior service credit	—			—			(445		)	(677		)	—			—
	Recognized net actuarial loss	305			427			225			388			8			30
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	852		$	960		$	402		$	326		$	315		$	436

Restructuring_Charges_Tables

Restructuring Charges (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of beginning and ending liability balances by major restructuring activity	'
	The table below represents a reconciliation of beginning and ending liability balances by major restructuring activity:
		Marketing & Events						Other Restructurings
		Group Consolidation
	(in thousands)	Severance &			Facilities			Severance &			Total
		Employee						Employee
		Benefits						Benefits
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	1,240		$	3,565		$	991		$	5,796
	Restructuring charges (recoveries)	2,030			10			(226		)	1,814
	Cash payments	(2,497		)	(926		)	(845		)	(4,268		)
	Adjustment to liability	—			—			85			85
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	773		$	2,649		$	5		$	3,427

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of income statement items from reportable segments	'
	Disclosures regarding Viad’s reportable segments with reconciliations to consolidated totals are as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Revenue:
	Marketing & Events Group:
	U.S.	$	168,058		$	120,503		$	558,292		$	494,355
	International	64,199			40,335			186,296			168,974
	Intersegment eliminations	(5,595		)	(4,352		)	(13,517		)	(10,269		)
	Total Marketing & Events Group	226,662			156,486			731,071			653,060
	Travel & Recreation Group	73,140			63,681			110,763			98,446
	Total revenue	$	299,802		$	220,167		$	841,834		$	751,506
	Segment operating income (loss):
	Marketing & Events Group:
	U.S.	$	1,069		$	(3,745	)	$	22,044		$	12,971
	International	1,297			(4,159		)	7,512			5,821
	Total Marketing & Events Group	2,366			(7,904		)	29,556			18,792
	Travel & Recreation Group	30,648			26,627			30,955			24,981
	Segment operating income	33,014			18,723			60,511			43,773
	Corporate activities	(3,468		)	(2,034		)	(7,498		)	(4,007		)
	Operating income	29,546			16,689			53,013			39,766
	Interest income	81			122			200			397
	Interest expense	(462		)	(286		)	(1,069		)	(905		)
	Restructuring (charges) recoveries:
	Marketing & Events U.S.	(186		)	(185		)	(392		)	(309		)
	Marketing & Events International	(128		)	(434		)	(1,648		)	(1,761		)
	Travel & Recreation Group	(30		)	(2		)	41			(15		)
	Corporate	106			(18		)	185			(47		)
	Impairment charges:
	Marketing & Events International	—			(952		)	(884		)	(952		)
	Travel & Recreation Group	—			(2,097		)	—			(2,097		)
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	28,927		$	12,837		$	49,446		$	34,077

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures	'
	The following summarizes Glacier Park’s expired concession contract operating results, which are presented in income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, in Viad’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Total revenue	$	—		$	16,306		$	—		$	19,444
	Costs and expenses	(7		)	(10,402		)	(93		)	(14,882		)
	Impairment charges	—			(2,364		)	—			(2,364		)
	Restructuring charges	—			(75		)	—			(75		)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, before income taxes	(7		)	3,465			(93		)	2,123
	Income tax (expense) benefit	7			(990		)	45			(462		)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	—			2,475			(48		)	1,661
	Gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax	(979		)	—			13,343			—
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(979		)	2,475			13,295			1,661
	Income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest	(157		)	(494		)	(2,825		)	(331		)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Viad	$	(1,136	)	$	1,981		$	10,470		$	1,330
Reconciliation of Noncontrolling Interest, Income Statement	'
	The following is a reconciliation of net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest for the nine months ended September 30:
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	Income from continuing operations	$	530		$	94
	Income from discontinued operations	2,825			331
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	$	3,355		$	425

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Prin2

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation - Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended				0 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 16, 2014	Sep. 16, 2014	Jul. 01, 2014	Jul. 02, 2014	Jul. 01, 2014	Jul. 01, 2014	Jul. 02, 2014	Oct. 07, 2014	Oct. 07, 2014
	Glacier Park Inc	Blitz Communication Group Limited	Blitz Communication Group Limited	West Glacier Motel and Cabins	West Glacier Motel and Cabins	Apgar Village Lodge	West Glacier, Apgar Village, and other operations	West Glacier, Apgar Village, and other operations	Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event
	motorinn	USD ($)	GBP (£)	USD ($)	USD ($)	acre	USD ($)	USD ($)	onPeak LLC	Travel Planners, Inc
	Lodges			acre		Room			USD ($)	USD ($)
	hotel			Room
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Purchase price	'	$24,415	£ 15,000	$16,544	'	'	$16,500	'	$43,100	$33,900
Rooms Acquired	'	'	'	32	'	48	'	'	'	'
Land Acquired	'	'	'	200	'	3.8	'	'	'	'
Inventory	'	$433	'	'	$1,374	'	'	$300	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	80.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Lodges	5	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Motor Inns	3	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Numbers of Hotel	1	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

ShareBased_Compensation_Summar

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Share-Based Compensation Expenses (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of share-based compensation expense	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation before income tax benefit	$59	$1,202	$1,562	$3,569
Income tax benefit	-17	-445	-587	-1,326
Total share-based compensation, net of income tax benefit	42	757	975	2,243
Restricted stock/performance-based restricted stock (PBRS)	'	'	'	'
Summary of share-based compensation expense	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation before income tax benefit	653	802	2,066	2,522
Performance unit incentive plan (PUP)	'	'	'	'
Summary of share-based compensation expense	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation before income tax benefit	-600	347	-505	871
Restricted Stock Units and Performance Based Restricted Stock Units	'	'	'	'
Summary of share-based compensation expense	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation before income tax benefit	6	3	1	104
Stock options	'	'	'	'
Summary of share-based compensation expense	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation before income tax benefit	$0	$50	$0	$72

ShareBased_Compensation_Summar1

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Liability Based Award Activity (Details) (Liability Based Awards, USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Performance unit incentive plan (PUP)	'
Summary of Liability-Based Award Activity [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning Balance, Shares	299,768
Granted, Shares	123,300
Vested, Shares	-94,600
Forfeited or Cancelled, Shares	-7,800
Ending Balance, Shares	320,668
Beginning Balance, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$23.46
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$23.71
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$23.01
Forfeited or Cancelled, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$24.93
Ending Balance, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$23.66
Restricted Stock (RSU)	'
Summary of Liability-Based Award Activity [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning Balance, Shares	430,899
Granted, Shares	89,800
Vested, Shares	-137,187
Forfeited or Cancelled, Shares	-17,840
Ending Balance, Shares	365,672
Beginning Balance, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$22.78
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$23.81
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$22.59
Forfeited or Cancelled, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$22.13
Ending Balance, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$23.14
Performance Based Restricted Stock Shares (PBRSU)	'
Summary of Liability-Based Award Activity [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning Balance, Shares	28,560
Granted, Shares	6,700
Vested, Shares	-9,890
Forfeited or Cancelled, Shares	-500
Ending Balance, Shares	24,870
Beginning Balance, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$22.91
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$24.95
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$23.45
Forfeited or Cancelled, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$27.32
Ending Balance, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$23.16

ShareBased_Compensation_Summar2

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Summary of stock option activity	'
Options outstanding, Beginning Balance, Shares	314,323
Options outstanding, Beginning Balance, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$19.79
Options outstanding, Beginning Balance, Options Exercisable	314,323
Exercised, Shares	-66,076
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$18.53
Shares Forfeited or Expired	-18,522
Weighted Average Exercise Price Forfeited	$35.28
Additional Shares Granted from Special Dividend	17,865
Options outstanding, Ending Balance, Shares	247,590
Options outstanding, Ending Balance, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$17.82
Options outstanding, Ending Balance, Options Exercisable	247,590

ShareBased_Compensation_Narrat

Share-Based Compensation - Narrative (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Jan. 24, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Restricted Stock (RSU)

Restricted Stock (RSU)

Restricted Stock (RSU)

Restricted Stock (RSU)

Performance unit incentive plan (PUP)

Performance unit incentive plan (PUP)

Performance unit incentive plan (PUP)

Performance unit incentive plan (PUP)

Restricted Stock

Restricted Stock Units and Performance Based Restricted Stock Units

Restricted Stock Units and Performance Based Restricted Stock Units

Restricted Stock Units and Performance Based Restricted Stock Units

Restricted Stock Units and Performance Based Restricted Stock Units

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Restructuring Charges

Restructuring Charges

Performance unit incentive plan (PUP)

Performance unit incentive plan (PUP)

Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based compensation before income tax benefit

'

($59,000)

($1,202,000)

($1,562,000)

($3,569,000)

'

'

'

'

$600,000

($347,000)

$505,000

($871,000)

'

($6,000)

($3,000)

($1,000)

($104,000)

$0

($50,000)

$0

($72,000)

($200,000)

$100,000

'

'

Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared

$1.50

$0.10

$0.10

$1.80

$0.30

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends, Common Stock

30,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Award vesting period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unamortized cost

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,000,000

'

3,000,000

'

0

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

Recognition Period of Unrecognized cost

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repurchase of Common Stock for Employee Tax Withholding Obligations amount, shares

'

'

'

45,711

48,937

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repurchase of Common Stock for Employee Tax Withholding Obligations amount

'

'

'

1,100,000

1,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares Available for Grant

'

912,668

'

912,668

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Liability awards recorded

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,300,000

5,900,000

Payments To Employees

'

'

'

'

'

200,000

300,000

'

'

'

'

2,900,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Liabilities related to restricted stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$400,000

$700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition_of_Business_Narrat

Acquisition of Business - Narrative (Details)

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Sep. 16, 2014

Sep. 16, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jul. 01, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jul. 02, 2014

Jul. 01, 2014

Jul. 01, 2014

Jul. 02, 2014

Feb. 19, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Blitz Communication Group Limited

Blitz Communication Group Limited

Blitz Communication Group Limited

West Glacier Motel and Cabins

West Glacier Motel and Cabins

West Glacier Motel and Cabins

Apgar Village Lodge

West Glacier, Apgar Village, and other operations

West Glacier, Apgar Village, and other operations

Resource Creative Limited

Resource Creative Limited

Resource Creative Limited

USD ($)

GBP (£)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

acre

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

GBP (£)

Room

Room

acre

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchase price

$24,415,000

£ 15,000,000

'

$16,544,000

'

'

'

$16,500,000

'

$600,000

'

'

Goodwill deductible period (in years)

'15 years

'15 years

'

'15 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition Related Costs

700,000

'

'

200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Intangible assets

9,636,000

'

'

'

'

189,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average useful life of intangibles (in years)

'7 years

'7 years

'

'3 years 7 months 6 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue of acquired business since acquisition

'

'

1,900,000

'

4,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Earnings or loss of acquired business since acquisition

'

'

400,000

'

2,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Rooms Acquired

'

'

'

32

'

'

48

'

'

'

'

'

Land Acquired

'

'

'

200

'

'

3.8

'

'

'

'

'

Inventory

433,000

'

'

'

'

1,374,000

'

'

300,000

'

'

'

Contingent Liability

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000

'

'

Payment of Contingent Liability

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000

100,000

Liability for Payment of Working Capital Adjustment

'

'

'

'

$300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition_of_Business_Schedu

Acquisition of Business - Schedule of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed - Blitz (Details)	9 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 16, 2014	Sep. 16, 2014
	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	Blitz Communication Group Limited	Blitz Communication Group Limited
				USD ($)	GBP (£)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Purchase price	'	'	'	$24,415	£ 15,000
Cash acquired	'	'	'	-190	'
Purchase price, net of cash acquired	40,775	647	'	24,225	'
Accounts receivable, net	'	'	'	264	'
Inventory	'	'	'	433	'
Prepaid expenses	'	'	'	410	'
Property and equipment, net	'	'	'	5,892	'
Intangible assets	'	'	'	9,636	'
Total assets acquired	'	'	'	16,635	'
Accounts payable	'	'	'	1,232	'
Accrued liabilities	'	'	'	2,246	'
Customer deposits	'	'	'	199	'
Deferred tax liability	'	'	'	767	'
Revolving credit facility	'	'	'	488	'
Accrued dilapidations	'	'	'	589	'
Total liabilities acquired	'	'	'	5,521	'
Total fair value of net assets acquired	'	'	'	11,114	'
Excess purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired (“goodwill”)	$140,661	'	$129,543	$13,111	'

Acquisition_of_Business_Schedu1

Acquisition of Business - Schedule of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed - West Glacier (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Jul. 01, 2014	Jul. 02, 2014
				West Glacier Motel and Cabins	West Glacier Motel and Cabins
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Purchase price	'	'	'	$16,544	'
Working capital adjustment payable	'	'	'	320	'
Purchase price, net of cash acquired	40,775	647	'	16,864	'
Prepaid expenses	'	'	'	'	24
Inventory	'	'	'	'	1,374
Property and equipment, net	'	'	'	'	14,510
Intangible assets	'	'	'	'	189
Total assets acquired	'	'	'	'	16,097
Accrued liabilities	'	'	'	'	35
Customer deposits	'	'	'	'	402
Other liabilities	'	'	'	'	64
Total liabilities acquired	'	'	'	'	501
Total fair value of net assets acquired	'	'	'	'	15,596
Excess purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired (“goodwill”)	$140,661	'	$129,543	'	$1,268

Acquisition_of_Business_Pro_Fo

Acquisition of Business - Pro Forma (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$302,362	$228,080	$856,462	$771,241
Depreciation and amortization	8,794	8,328	24,969	24,468
Income from continuing operations	31,003	8,787	47,427	22,562
Net income attributable to Viad	$29,075	$11,294	$57,119	$24,743
Diluted net income per share	$1.45	$0.56	$2.82	$1.22
Basic net income per share	$1.45	$0.56	$2.82	$1.22

Inventories_Components_of_Inve

Inventories - Components of Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Components of Inventories	'	'
Raw materials	$17,610	$14,825
Work in process	19,242	13,168
Inventories	$36,852	$27,993

Other_Current_Assets_Details

Other Current Assets (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Income tax receivable	$1,952	$2,035
Prepaid insurance	2,703	2,260
Prepaid software maintenance	2,434	1,946
Prepaid vendor payments	2,382	2,008
Prepaid rent	1,561	284
Prepaid other	3,623	5,031
Other	2,396	3,578
Other current assets	$17,051	$17,142

Property_and_Equipment_Schedul

Property and Equipment - Schedule of Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property and Equipment	'	'
Gross property and equipment	$492,509	$457,944
Less: accumulated depreciation	-293,926	-267,614
Property and equipment, net	198,583	190,330
Land and land interests	'	'
Property and Equipment	'	'
Gross property and equipment	30,707	23,646
Buildings and leasehold improvements	'	'
Property and Equipment	'	'
Gross property and equipment	139,083	139,889
Equipment and other	'	'
Property and Equipment	'	'
Gross property and equipment	$322,719	$294,409

Property_and_Equipment_Narrati

Property and Equipment - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Depreciation expense	$7,700,000	'	$7,000,000	$21,100,000	$20,400,000
Impairment charges	$0	$884,000	$952,000	$884,000	$952,000

Other_Investments_and_Assets_S

Other Investments and Assets - Summary of Other Investments and Assets (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract]	'	'
Cash surrender value of life insurance	$19,924	$19,690
Workers’ compensation insurance security deposits	3,350	3,350
Other	11,469	11,986
Other investments and assets	$34,743	$35,026

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Goodwill Balances by Component and Segment (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 16, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jul. 02, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Marketing & Events U.S.

Marketing & Events International

Travel & Recreation Group

Blitz Communication Group Limited

Blitz Communication Group Limited

Blitz Communication Group Limited

Blitz Communication Group Limited

Blitz Communication Group Limited

West Glacier Motel and Cabins

West Glacier Motel and Cabins

West Glacier Motel and Cabins

West Glacier Motel and Cabins

West Glacier Motel and Cabins

Marketing & Events U.S.

Marketing & Events International

Travel & Recreation Group

Marketing & Events U.S.

Marketing & Events International

Travel & Recreation Group

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance at December 31, 2013

$129,543

$62,686

$22,611

$44,246

'

$13,111

'

'

'

'

$1,268

'

'

'

Foreign currency translation adjustments

-3,261

0

-783

-2,478

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill, Acquired During Period

'

'

'

'

13,111

'

0

13,111

0

1,268

'

0

0

1,268

Balance at September 30, 2014

$140,661

$62,686

$34,939

$43,036

'

$13,111

'

'

'

'

$1,268

'

'

'

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Goodwill by Reporting Unit and Segment (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill by reporting unit and segment	'	'
Goodwill	$140,661	$129,543
Marketing & Events U.S.	'	'
Goodwill by reporting unit and segment	'	'
Goodwill	62,686	62,686
Marketing & Events International	'	'
Goodwill by reporting unit and segment	'	'
Goodwill	34,939	22,611
Marketing & Events International | United Kingdom (Melville GES)	'	'
Goodwill by reporting unit and segment	'	'
Goodwill	26,816	14,049
Marketing & Events International | GES Canada	'	'
Goodwill by reporting unit and segment	'	'
Goodwill	8,123	8,562
Marketing and Events Group	'	'
Goodwill by reporting unit and segment	'	'
Goodwill	97,625	85,297
Travel & Recreation Group	'	'
Goodwill by reporting unit and segment	'	'
Goodwill	43,036	44,246
Travel & Recreation Group | Brewster	'	'
Goodwill by reporting unit and segment	'	'
Goodwill	38,584	41,062
Travel & Recreation Group | Glacier Park	'	'
Goodwill by reporting unit and segment	'	'
Goodwill	1,268	0
Travel & Recreation Group | Alaska Denali Travel	'	'
Goodwill by reporting unit and segment	'	'
Goodwill	$3,184	$3,184

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]	'	'
Amortized intangible assets, Gross Carrying Value	$16,425	$6,817
Accumulated Amortization	-3,338	-2,797
Amortized intangible assets, Net Carrying Value	13,087	4,020
Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill)	16,885	7,277
Total Other Intangible Assets, Net	13,547	4,480
Customer contracts and relationships	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]	'	'
Amortized intangible assets, Gross Carrying Value	13,138	5,537
Accumulated Amortization	-3,000	-2,521
Amortized intangible assets, Net Carrying Value	10,138	3,016
Other	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]	'	'
Amortized intangible assets, Gross Carrying Value	3,287	1,280
Accumulated Amortization	-338	-276
Amortized intangible assets, Net Carrying Value	2,949	1,004
Business licenses	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]	'	'
Accumulated Amortization	0	0
Unamortized intangible assets, Gross Carrying Value	$460	$460

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_5

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Estimated Amortization Expense Related to Amortized Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Estimated amortization expense related to amortized intangible assets	'
2014	$944
2015	2,741
2016	2,462
2017	1,983
2018	1,398
Thereafter	$3,559

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_6

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible asset amortization expense	$200,000	$300,000	$800,000	$900,000	'
Excess purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired (“goodwill”)	$140,661,000	'	$140,661,000	'	$129,543,000

Other_Current_Liabilities_Sche

Other Current Liabilities - Schedule of Other Current Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Continuing operations:	'	'
Self-insured liability accrual	$8,459	$7,603
Accrued employee benefit costs	3,979	2,751
Accrued sales and use taxes	3,594	1,609
Accrued restructuring	1,919	3,877
Accrued dividends	2,115	2,192
Pension and postretirement benefits liability	1,651	1,208
Accrued rebates	1,277	831
Accrued professional fees	1,005	1,832
Deferred rent	946	1,558
Other	11,639	4,709
Total continuing operations	36,584	28,170
Discontinued operations:	'	'
Self-insured liability accrual	403	469
Environmental remediation liabilities	356	353
Other	409	177
Total discontinued operations	1,168	999
Other current liabilities	$37,752	$29,169

Other_Deferred_Liabilities_Sch

Other Deferred Liabilities - Schedule of Other Deferred Items and Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Continuing operations:	'	'
Self-insured liability accrual	$16,789	$17,316
Accrued compensation	6,090	8,349
Deferred rent income	2,949	3,022
Foreign deferred tax liability	2,076	1,989
Accrued restructuring	1,508	1,919
Other	5,586	4,530
Total continuing operations	34,998	37,125
Discontinued operations:	'	'
Environmental remediation liabilities	4,399	4,666
Self-insured liability accrual	4,442	4,489
Accrued income taxes	1,115	1,085
Other	1,387	1,254
Total discontinued operations	11,343	11,494
Total other deferred items and liabilities	$46,341	$48,619

Debt_Narrative_Details

Debt - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended			9 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	31-May-11	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 10, 2014	Oct. 10, 2014	Oct. 10, 2014
			2011 Credit Facility	2011 Credit Facility	2011 Credit Facility	2011 Credit Facility	Capital Lease Obligations	Subsequent Event	Minimum	Maximum
				Top Tier Foreign Subsidiaries	Revolving Credit Facility	Revolving Credit Facility	2011 Credit Facility	Amended 2014 Credit Facility	Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event
								Revolving Credit Facility	Amended 2014 Credit Facility	Amended 2014 Credit Facility
									Revolving Credit Facility	Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	'	$11,700,000	$24,000,000	'	'	$22,500,000	$1,500,000	'	'	'
Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital	0.062	0.032	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Borrowing Capacity	'	'	'	'	130,000,000	'	'	130,000,000	130,000,000	180,000,000
Credit Facility Period	'	'	'	'	'5 years	'	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	'	'	'	'	18-May-16	'	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Borrowings used to Support Letter of Credit	'	'	'	'	50,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Percent of Lenders Security Interest on Capital Stock of Top Tier Foreign Subsidiary	'	'	'	65.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	'	'	106,200,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	'	'	1,300,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Long-term Line of Credit	'	'	22,500,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Additional Borrowing Capacity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	50,000,000	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.35%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	7,900,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Guarantor Obligations, Recourse Provisions	'There are no recourse provisions that would enable Viad to recover from third parties any payments made under the guarantees	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Collateral	'Furthermore, there are no collateral or similar arrangements whereby Viad could recover payments.	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	$23,700,000	$11,500,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Recurr

Fair Value Measurements - Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring, USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair value information related to assets	'	'
Assets	$9,106	$2,141
Money market funds	'	'
Fair value information related to assets	'	'
Assets	6,618	118
Other mutual funds	'	'
Fair value information related to assets	'	'
Assets	2,488	2,023
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)	'	'
Fair value information related to assets	'	'
Assets	9,106	2,141
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) | Money market funds	'	'
Fair value information related to assets	'	'
Assets	6,618	118
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) | Other mutual funds	'	'
Fair value information related to assets	'	'
Assets	2,488	2,023
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'	'
Fair value information related to assets	'	'
Assets	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Money market funds	'	'
Fair value information related to assets	'	'
Assets	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Other mutual funds	'	'
Fair value information related to assets	'	'
Assets	0	0
Significant Unobserved Inputs (Level 3)	'	'
Fair value information related to assets	'	'
Assets	0	0
Significant Unobserved Inputs (Level 3) | Money market funds	'	'
Fair value information related to assets	'	'
Assets	0	0
Significant Unobserved Inputs (Level 3) | Other mutual funds	'	'
Fair value information related to assets	'	'
Assets	$0	$0

Fair_Value_Measurements_Narrat

Fair Value Measurements - Narrative (Details) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Money market funds

Money market funds

Other mutual funds

Other mutual funds

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring

Money market funds

Money market funds

Other mutual funds

Other mutual funds

Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Assets, Fair Value Disclosure

'

'

'

'

'

'

$9,106,000

$2,141,000

$6,618,000

$118,000

$2,488,000

$2,023,000

Unrealized gains on the investments

'

'

0

0

700,000

700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrealized gains on the investments after-tax

$412,000

$429,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stockholders_Equity_Reconcilia

Stockholders' Equity - Reconciliation of Stockholders' Equity to Noncontrolling Interests (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Beginning Balance	'		'		$356,543		$397,032
Net income	30,571		12,748		61,599		26,598
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash	'		'		-36,374		-6,095
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock	'		'		-11,631		-1,294
Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital Employee Benefit Plans	'		'		5,519		3,485
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax(1)	-9,799	[1]	5,331	[1]	-9,950	[1]	-6,092	[1]
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax(1)	-67	[1]	62	[1]	-17	[1]	117	[1]
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	'		'		'		91
ESOP Allocation Adjustment	'		'		44		850
Stockholders' Equity, Other	'		'		-32		'
Ending Balance	365,701		414,692		365,701		414,692
Total Viad Equity	'		'		'		'
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Beginning Balance	'		'		347,441		388,061
Net income	'		'		58,244		26,173
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash	'		'		-36,374		-6,095
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock	'		'		-11,631		-1,294
Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital Employee Benefit Plans	'		'		5,519		3,485
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax(1)	'		'		-9,950		-6,092
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax(1)	'		'		-17		117
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	'		'		'		91
ESOP Allocation Adjustment	'		'		44		850
Stockholders' Equity, Other	'		'		-32		'
Ending Balance	353,244		405,296		353,244		405,296
Non-Controlling Interest	'		'		'		'
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Beginning Balance	'		'		9,102		8,971
Net income	'		'		3,355		425
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash	'		'		0		0
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock	'		'		0		0
Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital Employee Benefit Plans	'		'		0		0
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax(1)	'		'		0		0
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax(1)	'		'		0		0
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	'		'		'		0
ESOP Allocation Adjustment	'		'		0		0
Stockholders' Equity, Other	'		'		0		'
Ending Balance	$12,457		$9,396		$12,457		$9,396
[1]	The tax effect on other comprehensive income (loss) is not significant.

Stockholders_Equity_Schedule_o

Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	$20,017	'
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	-9,935	'
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax	-64	'
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	-9,999	'
Balance at September 30, 2014	10,018	'
Unrealized Gains on Investments	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	429	'
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	15	'
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax	-32	-45
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	-17	'
Balance at September 30, 2014	412	'
Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	30,847	'
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	-9,950	'
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax	0	'
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	-9,950	'
Balance at September 30, 2014	20,897	'
Unrecognized Net Actuarial Loss and Service Credit	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	-11,259	'
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	0	'
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax	-32	91
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	-32	'
Balance at September 30, 2014	($11,291)	'

Stockholders_Equity_Reclassifi

Stockholders' Equity - Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$2,623	($3,567)	($870)		($10,143)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	'	'	64		'
Unrealized Gains on Investments	'	'	'		'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, before Tax	'	'	52		72
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	'	'	-20		-27
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	'	'	32		45
Unrecognized Net Actuarial Loss and Service Credit	'	'	'		'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), before Tax	'	'	-705	[1]	-827	[1]
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax	'	'	757	[1]	680	[1]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	'	'	-20		56
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	'	'	$32		($91)
[1]	Amount included in pension expense. Refer to Note 16, Pension and Postretirement Benefits.

Income_Per_Share_Reconciliatio

Income Per Share - Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Income Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	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.

Income_Per_Share_Additional_In

Income Per Share - Additional Information (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Per Share (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Additional dilutive shares related to share-based compensation	275	323	342	349
Stock options	'	'	'	'
Income Per Share (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Common stock shares effect would be anti-dilutive	27	47	'	'

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
				Foreign Tax Authority	Forecast
					Foreign Tax Authority
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Effective income tax rate	1.80%	29.80%	'	'	'
Federal statutory income tax rate	35.00%	'	'	'	'
Tax Credit Carryforward, Expiration Period	'10 years	'	'	'	'
Valuation allowance	'	'	$12,400,000	$10,900,000	'
Release of valuation allowance	'	'	'	'	5,400,000
Liability for Uncertain Tax Positions, Continuing Operations, Excluding Interest and Penalties	1,300,000	'	736,000	'	'
Liability for Uncertain Tax Positions, Discontinued Operations, Noncurrent	1,100,000	'	1,100,000	'	'
Liability for Uncertain Tax Positions, Noncurrent	$2,400,000	'	$1,800,000	'	'

Pension_and_Postretirement_Ben2

Pension and Postretirement Benefits - Components of net periodic benefit cost and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income of Viad's postretirement benefit plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Pension Plans	'	'	'	'
Net periodic benefit cost of pension and post retirement benefit plans	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$20	$0	$65	$60
Interest cost	263	251	809	773
Expected return on plan assets	-107	-100	-327	-300
Amortization of prior service credit	0	0	0	0
Recognized net actuarial loss	101	129	305	427
Net periodic benefit cost	277	280	852	960
US Postretirement Benefit Plans	'	'	'	'
Net periodic benefit cost of pension and post retirement benefit plans	'	'	'	'
Service cost	11	25	105	117
Interest cost	140	152	517	498
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service credit	-149	-227	-445	-677
Recognized net actuarial loss	16	106	225	388
Net periodic benefit cost	18	56	402	326
Foreign Pension Plans	'	'	'	'
Net periodic benefit cost of pension and post retirement benefit plans	'	'	'	'
Service cost	104	134	313	405
Interest cost	158	175	478	531
Expected return on plan assets	-161	-175	-484	-530
Amortization of prior service credit	0	0	0	0
Recognized net actuarial loss	3	10	8	30
Net periodic benefit cost	$104	$144	$315	$436

Pension_and_Postretirement_Ben3

Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Details Textual) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Pension Plans | Funded Plan	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Amount expected to contribute in funded pension plans	$1.40
Pension Contributions	1
Pension Plans | Unfunded Pension Plans	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Amount expected to contribute in unfunded pension plans	0.9
Pension Contributions	0.6
US Postretirement Benefit Plans	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Amount expected to contribute in postretirement benefit plans	1
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Contributions	$0.40

Restructuring_Charges_Reconcil

Restructuring Charges - Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Liability Balances by Major Restructuring Activity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Reconciliation of beginning and ending liability balances by major restructuring activity	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	$5,796	'
Restructuring charges	238	639	1,814	2,132
Restructuring liabilities	'	'	-4,268	-3,771
Adjustment to liability	'	'	85	'
Closing Balance	3,427	'	3,427	'
Marketing & Events Group	'	'	'	'
Reconciliation of beginning and ending liability balances by major restructuring activity	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	186	185	392	309
Marketing & Events Group | Severance & Employee Benefits	'	'	'	'
Reconciliation of beginning and ending liability balances by major restructuring activity	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	1,240	'
Restructuring charges	'	'	2,030	'
Restructuring liabilities	'	'	-2,497	'
Adjustment to liability	'	'	0	'
Closing Balance	773	'	773	'
Marketing & Events Group | Facilities	'	'	'	'
Reconciliation of beginning and ending liability balances by major restructuring activity	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	3,565	'
Restructuring charges	'	'	10	'
Restructuring liabilities	'	'	-926	'
Adjustment to liability	'	'	0	'
Closing Balance	2,649	'	2,649	'
Other Restructuring | Severance & Employee Benefits	'	'	'	'
Reconciliation of beginning and ending liability balances by major restructuring activity	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	991	'
Restructuring charges	'	'	-226	'
Restructuring liabilities	'	'	-845	'
Adjustment to liability	'	'	85	'
Closing Balance	$5	'	$5	'

Restructuring_Charges_Narrativ

Restructuring Charges - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Restructuring Charges (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Restructuring Reserve	$3,427	$5,796
Marketing & Events Group | Facilities	'	'
Restructuring Charges (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Restructuring Reserve	$2,649	$3,565

Litigation_Claims_Contingencie1

Litigation, Claims, Contingencies and Other (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended						1 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
	Agreement				Minimum	Maximum	Glacier Park
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Environmental remediation liability	$4,900,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Maximum potential amount of future payments	7,900,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Guarantees relate to leased facilities expiry date	'October 2017	'	'	'	'	'	'
Recourse provision to recover guarantees	0	'	'	'	'	'	'
Bargaining agreements	100	'	'	'	'	'	'
Self Insurance Reserve	21,400,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Workers' Compensation Liability	12,800,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Self Insurance Reserve, Employee Health Benefits	1,200,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Self Insurance Reserve, General and Auto Insurance	7,400,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Self Insurance Reserve, Discontinued Operations	4,800,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Insurance Liability, Per Claim, General Range	'	'	'	'	200,000	400,000	'
Payments for Self Insurance Reserves, Net	3,500,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Liability in Excess of Self Insurance Levels	5,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Liability in Excess of Self Insurance Levels, Workers Compensation	1,700,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Liability in Excess of Self Insurance Levels, General Liability	3,300,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue through concession contract	'	'	'	47.00%	'	'	'
Possessory interest	'	'	25,000,000	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment	$28,000,000	$0	'	'	'	'	$3,000,000

Segment_Information_Reconcilia

Segment Information - Reconciliation of Income Statement Items from Reportable Segments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	$299,802	$220,167	$841,834	$751,506
Segment operating income (loss):	'	'	'	'
Segment operating income (loss), Total	-29,546	-16,689	-53,013	-39,766
Interest income	81	122	200	397
Interest expense	-462	-286	-1,069	-905
Restructuring charges	-238	-639	-1,814	-2,132
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	28,927	12,837	49,446	34,077
Asset Impairment Charges	'	'	-884	-3,049
Marketing & Events Group	'	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	226,662	156,486	731,071	653,060
Segment operating income (loss):	'	'	'	'
Segment operating income (loss), Total	-2,366	7,904	-29,556	-18,792
Restructuring charges	-186	-185	-392	-309
Marketing & Events International	'	'	'	'
Segment operating income (loss):	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	-128	-434	-1,648	-1,761
Asset Impairment Charges	0	-952	-884	-952
Travel & Recreation Group	'	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	73,140	63,681	110,763	98,446
Segment operating income (loss):	'	'	'	'
Segment operating income (loss), Total	-30,648	-26,627	-30,955	-24,981
Restructuring charges	-30	-2	41	-15
Asset Impairment Charges	0	-2,097	0	-2,097
Other Segments	'	'	'	'
Segment operating income (loss):	'	'	'	'
Segment operating income (loss), Total	-33,014	-18,723	-60,511	-43,773
Corporate	'	'	'	'
Segment operating income (loss):	'	'	'	'
Segment operating income (loss), Total	-3,468	-2,034	-7,498	-4,007
Restructuring charges	106	-18	185	-47
Intersegment Eliminations | Marketing & Events Group	'	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	-5,595	-4,352	-13,517	-10,269
U.S. | Marketing & Events Group	'	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	168,058	120,503	558,292	494,355
Segment operating income (loss):	'	'	'	'
Segment operating income (loss), Total	-1,069	3,745	-22,044	-12,971
International | Marketing & Events Group	'	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	64,199	40,335	186,296	168,974
Segment operating income (loss):	'	'	'	'
Segment operating income (loss), Total	($1,297)	$4,159	($7,512)	($5,821)

Discontinued_Operations_Narrat

Discontinued Operations - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
						Glacier Park	Glacier Park	Glacier Park	Glacier Park	Glacier Park
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from Possessory Interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$25,000,000	'
Gain on Possessory Interest, before Tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	21,500,000	'
Gain on Possessory Interest, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Only	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	12,600,000	'
Gain on Possessory Interest, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,700,000	'
Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment	'	'	'	28,000,000	0	3,000,000	'	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment	'	'	'	392,000	223,000	700,000	'	'	'	'
Total Impairment Charge	4,500,000	'	'	4,500,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill impairment charge	0	'	2,097,000	0	2,097,000	'	'	'	'	'
Impairment Charges on Disposal Group	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	2,364,000	0	2,364,000
Impairment charges	0	884,000	952,000	884,000	952,000	'	'	'	'	'
Loss on change in reserves from discontinued operations	'	'	$1,000,000	$300,000	$1,000,000	'	'	'	'	'

Discontinued_Operations_Schedu

Discontinued Operations - Schedule of Disconnected Operations, Income Statement (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	($979)	$3,478	$13,023	$2,664
Income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest	'	'	-2,825	-331
Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Viad	-1,136	2,984	10,198	2,333
Glacier Park	'	'	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	0	16,306	0	19,444
Costs and expenses	-7	-10,402	-93	-14,882
Impairment charges	0	-2,364	0	-2,364
Restructuring charges	0	-75	0	-75
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, before income taxes	-7	3,465	-93	2,123
Income tax (expense) benefit	7	-990	45	-462
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	2,475	-48	1,661
Gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax	-979	0	13,343	0
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	-979	2,475	13,295	1,661
Income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest	-157	-494	-2,825	-331
Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Viad	($1,136)	$1,981	$10,470	$1,330

Discontinued_Operations_Reconc

Discontinued Operations - Reconciliation of Noncontrolling Interest, Income Statement (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	'	'	$530	$94
Income from discontinued operations	'	'	2,825	331
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	$951	$893	$3,355	$425

Subsequent_Event_Details

Subsequent Event (Details) (Subsequent Event, USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Oct. 07, 2014	Oct. 07, 2014	Oct. 10, 2014	Oct. 10, 2014	Oct. 10, 2014
	onPeak LLC	Travel Planners, Inc	Amended 2014 Credit Facility	Minimum	Maximum
			Revolving Credit Facility	Amended 2014 Credit Facility	Amended 2014 Credit Facility
				Revolving Credit Facility	Revolving Credit Facility
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Borrowing Capacity	'	'	$130,000,000	$130,000,000	$180,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Additional Borrowing Capacity	'	'	50,000,000	'	'
Purchase price	$43,100,000	$33,900,000	'	'	'