Pursuit Attractions and Hospitality (PRSU) 10-Q 8 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	VIAD CORP
Entity Central Index Key	884219
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		20,055,616

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$57,853	$56,990
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,680 and $1,258, respectively	99,334	78,121
Inventories	35,551	32,401
Deferred income taxes	26,045	22,943
Other current assets	22,000	17,440
Total current assets	240,783	207,895
Property and equipment, net	190,539	199,571
Other investments and assets	40,551	40,674
Deferred income taxes	30,753	29,639
Goodwill	188,638	194,197
Other intangible assets, net	39,747	42,967
Total Assets	731,011	714,943
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	81,299	61,789
Customer deposits	53,262	32,720
Accrued compensation	17,543	20,736
Other current liabilities	34,806	27,787
Current portion of debt and capital lease obligations	29,361	27,856
Total current liabilities	216,271	170,888
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	108,419	113,164
Pension and postretirement benefits	33,527	33,427
Other deferred items and liabilities	49,280	49,762
Total liabilities	407,497	367,241
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	578,353	582,066
Retained deficit	-40,486	-36,427
Unearned employee benefits and other	24	23
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain on investments	631	471
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments	-5,164	12,416
Unrecognized net actuarial loss and prior service credit, net	-13,394	-13,476
Common stock in treasury, at cost, 4,904,495 and 4,842,621 shares, respectively	-246,103	-247,088
Total Viad stockholders’ equity	311,263	335,387
Noncontrolling interest	12,251	12,315
Total stockholders’ equity	323,514	347,702
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$731,011	$714,943

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$1,680	$1,258
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	4,904,495	4,842,621

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Revenue:
Exhibition and event services	$213,252	$231,783
Exhibits and environments	43,676	46,040
Travel and recreation services	7,468	7,818
Total revenue	264,396	285,641
Costs and expenses:
Costs of services	225,261	229,582
Costs of products sold	40,260	42,698
Corporate activities	2,810	2,039
Interest income	-63	-65
Interest expense	1,151	298
Restructuring charges	216	211
Total costs and expenses	269,635	274,763
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	-5,239	10,878
Income tax expense (benefit)	-3,267	1,697
Income (loss) from continuing operations	-1,972	9,181
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	-148	15,238
Net income (loss)	-2,120	24,419
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	64	-2,537
Net income attributable to Viad	-2,056	21,882
Diluted income (loss) per common share:
Income from continuing operations attributable to Viad common stockholders (USD per share)	($0.10)	$0.46
Income from discontinued operations attributable to Viad common stockholders (USD per share)	$0	$0.62
Net income attributable to Viad common stockholders (USD per share)	($0.10)	$1.08
Weighted-average outstanding and potentially dilutive common shares	19,736	20,330
Basic income (loss) per common share:
Income from continuing operations attributable to Viad common stockholders (USD per share)	($0.10)	$0.46
Income from discontinued operations attributable to Viad common stockholders (USD per share)	$0	$0.62
Net income attributable to Viad common stockholders (USD per share)	($0.10)	$1.08
Weighted-average outstanding common shares	19,736	19,949
Dividends declared per common share	$0.10	$1.60
Amounts attributable to Viad common stockholders
Income (loss) from continuing operations	-1,908	9,312
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	-148	12,570
Net income attributable to Viad	($2,056)	$21,882

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	($2,120)		$24,419
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gains on investments, net of tax(1)	159	[1]	9	[1]
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax(1)	-17,579	[1]	-6,733	[1]
Amortization of net actuarial gain, net of tax(1)	168	[1]	128	[1]
Amortization of prior service credit, net of tax(1)	-86	[1]	-92	[1]
Comprehensive income (loss)	-19,458		17,731
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	64		-2,537
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Viad	($19,394)		$15,194
[1]	The tax effect on other comprehensive income (loss) is not significant.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income (loss)	($2,120)	$24,419
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	8,708	6,817
Deferred income taxes	-955	9,109
(Income) loss from discontinued operations	148	-15,238
Restructuring charges	216	211
Gains on dispositions of property and other assets	-37	-387
Share-based compensation expense	1,231	391
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation arrangements	-283	-41
Other non-cash items, net	964	948
Change in operating assets and liabilities (excluding the impact of acquisitions):
Receivables	-21,807	-36,372
Inventories	-3,150	-5,110
Accounts payable	20,067	36,606
Restructuring liabilities	-603	-1,860
Accrued compensation	-4,141	2,833
Customer deposits	20,542	7,454
Income taxes payable	-281	265
Other assets and liabilities, net	-235	-4,875
Net cash provided by operating activities	18,264	25,170
Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures	-5,300	-5,516
Cash paid for acquired business	279	0
Proceeds from dispositions of property and other assets	36	403
Proceeds from possessory interest and personal property—discontinued operations	0	25,000
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-4,985	19,887
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from borrowings	20,000	10,000
Payments on debt and capital lease obligations	-23,279	-20,238
Dividends paid on common stock	-2,000	-32,517
Common stock purchased for treasury	-4,702	-1,042
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation arrangements	283	41
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	225	1,401
Net cash used in financing activities	-9,473	-42,355
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-2,943	-1,187
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	863	1,515
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	56,990	45,821
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	57,853	47,336
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Cash paid for income taxes	2,203	1,719
Cash paid for interest	908	254
Property and equipment acquired under capital leases	0	253
Property and equipment purchases in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$223	$1,815

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Prin

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 three months ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015.
	For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes for the year ended December 31, 2014 included in the Company’s Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2015.
	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”), is a global full-service provider for live events that helps clients gain more awareness, more engagement and a greater return at their events. The Marketing & Events Group offers a complete range of services, from design and production of immersive environments and brand-based experiences, to material handling, rigging, electrical and other on-site services for clients, including show organizers, corporate brand marketers and retail shopping centers. In addition, the Marketing & Events Group offers clients a full suite of online tools and new technologies that help them more easily manage the complexities of their events. Show organizers include for-profit and not-for-profit show owners as well as show management companies. Corporate brand marketers include exhibitors and domestic and international corporations that want to promote their brands, services and innovations, feature new products and build business relationships. Viad’s retail shopping center customers include major developers, owners and management companies of shopping malls and leisure centers.
	In 2014, the Company acquired: Blitz Communications Group Limited and its affiliates (collectively, “Blitz”) in September, onPeak LLC and Travel Planners, Inc. in October, with Travel Planners, Inc. merging into onPeak LLC (collectively, “onPeak”) in January 2015 and N200 Limited and its affiliates (collectively, “N200”) in November. For additional information on the Company’s 2014 acquisitions, refer to Note 3, Acquisition of Businesses.
	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, Banff Lake Cruise, motorcoach services, charter and sightseeing services, inbound package tour operations and hotel operations.
	Glacier Park, an 80 percent owned subsidiary of Viad, owns and operates seven lodges, with accommodation offerings varying from hikers’ cabins to hotel suites, including St. Mary Lodge, a full-service resort located outside the east entrance to Glacier National Park in St. Mary, Montana; Glacier Park Lodge, a historic lodge in East Glacier, Montana; Grouse Mountain Lodge, a full-season lodge offering golf, skiing, hiking and other seasonal recreational activities, located near Glacier National Park in Whitefish, Montana; the Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada, which is situated on land for which the Company has a 42-year ground lease with the Canadian government running through January 31, 2052; the West Glacier Motel & Cabins in West Glacier, Montana; and Motel Lake McDonald and the Apgar Village Lodge, which are located inside Glacier National Park. Glacier Park also operates the food and beverage services with respect to those properties and the retail shops located near Glacier National Park. For additional information on Glacier Park’s concession operations within Glacier National Park, refer to Note 20, Discontinued Operations.
	In July 2014, the Company acquired the West Glacier Motel & Cabins, the Apgar Village Lodge and related land, food and beverage services and retail operations (collectively, the “West Glacier Properties”). 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 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 Company may adopt the requirements of ASU 2014-09 using either of two acceptable methods: (1) retrospective adoption to each prior period presented with the option to elect certain practical expedients; or (2) adoption with the cumulative effect recognized at the date of initial application and providing certain disclosures. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, subject to an additional one year deferral as recently proposed by the FASB. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of the adoption of this new guidance on its financial position or results of operations, including the method of adoption to be used.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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
		March 31,
	(in thousands)	2015				2014
	Restricted stock	$	594			$	654
	Performance unit incentive plan (“PUP”)	612				(231		)
	Restricted stock units	25				(32		)
	Share-based compensation before income tax benefit	1,231				391
	Income tax benefit	(462		)		(152		)
	Share-based compensation, net of income tax benefit	$	769			$	239
	For the three months ended March 31, 2015, Viad recorded share-based compensation expense of approximately $40,000 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, 2014	328,602			$	23.3			267,120		$	23.51	25,370		$	23.17
	Granted	73,000			$	27.36			82,300		$	27.35	4,800		$	27.35
	Vested	(100,970	)		$	20.61			(103,555	)	$	20.6	(11,123	)	$	20.61
	Forfeited	(8,700	)		$	23.12			(14,200	)	$	23.67	—		$	—
	Balance, March 31, 2015	291,932			$	25.26			231,665		$	26.17	19,047		$	25.72
	As of March 31, 2015, the unamortized cost of all outstanding restricted stock awards was $4.3 million, which Viad expects to recognize in the consolidated financial statements over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.0 years. During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company repurchased 32,806 shares for $0.9 million and 44,358 shares for $1.0 million, respectively, related to tax withholding requirements on vested share-based awards. As of March 31, 2015, there were 954,695 total shares available for future grant in accordance with the provisions of the 2007 Plan.
	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, Viad had liabilities recorded of $1.3 million and $3.5 million, respectively, related to PUP awards. In March 2015, the PUP units granted in 2012 vested and cash payouts totaling $2.4 million were distributed. In March 2014, the PUP units granted in 2011 vested and cash payouts totaling $2.9 million were distributed.
	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, Viad had aggregate liabilities recorded of $0.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively, related to restricted stock unit liability awards. In February 2015, portions of the 2010, 2011 and 2012 restricted stock unit awards vested and cash payouts totaling $0.3 million were distributed. Similarly, in February 2014 portions of the 2009, 2010, and 2011 restricted stock unit awards vested and cash payouts of $0.2 million were distributed.
	The following table summarizes stock option activity:
		Shares			Weighted-				Options
					Average				Exercisable
					Exercise Price
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2014	247,590			$	17.82			247,590
	Exercised	(13,525	)		$	16.62
	Forfeited or expired	(129,741	)		$	18.91
	Options outstanding at March 31, 2015	104,324			$	17.62			104,324
	As of March 31, 2015, there were no unrecognized costs related to non-vested stock option awards.

Acquisition_of_Businesses

Acquisition of Businesses	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisition of Businesses	Acquisition of Businesses
	2014 Acquisitions
	West Glacier Properties
	In July 2014, the Company acquired the West Glacier Properties. 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. As of March 31, 2015, there have been no changes in the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date compared to December 31, 2014. The purchase price allocation remains open and may be adjusted as a result of the finalization of our purchase price allocation procedures related to working capital. The results of operations of the West Glacier Properties have been included in Viad’s condensed consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition.
	Blitz
	In September 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 updated allocation of the aggregate purchase price paid and amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon the estimated fair value at the date of acquisition. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company made certain purchase accounting measurement period adjustments based on refinements to assumptions used in the preliminary valuation of approximately $0.1 million to property and equipment, net, $16,000 from intangible assets, $0.2 million to accrued lease obligations, $41,000 from deferred taxes and $0.2 million from goodwill. These adjustments did not have a significant impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations, balance sheet, or cash flows for all periods presented, and therefore, were not retrospectively adjusted in the 2014 financial statements. Other than the line items mentioned previously, the balances in the table below as of March 31, 2015 remain unchanged from the balances reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheet in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. The purchase price allocation remains open and may be adjusted as a result of the finalization of our purchase price allocation procedures related to certain tax amounts.
	(in thousands)
	Purchase price			$	24,416
	Cash acquired			(190		)
	Purchase price, net of cash acquired			24,226
	Fair value of net assets acquired:
	Accounts receivable, net	$	264
	Inventory	433
	Prepaid expenses	410
	Property and equipment, net	5,951
	Intangible assets	8,692
	Total assets acquired	15,750
	Accounts payable	1,232
	Accrued liabilities	2,246
	Customer deposits	199
	Deferred tax liability	282
	Revolving credit facility	488
	Accrued dilapidations	417
	Total liabilities acquired	4,864
	Total fair value of net assets acquired			10,886
	Excess purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired (“goodwill”)			$	13,340
	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.
	Identified intangible assets acquired in the Blitz acquisition totaled $8.7 million and consist of customer relationships, non-compete agreements and a trade name. The weighted-average amortization period related to the intangible assets is approximately 6.9 years. The results of operations of Blitz have been included in Viad’s condensed consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition.
	onPeak LLC
	In October 2014, the Company acquired onPeak LLC for a purchase price of $43.0 million in cash, subject to certain adjustments. Of the initial purchase price, $4.1 million was deposited at closing into escrow to secure post-closing purchase price adjustments, resolution of certain tax matters and other indemnity claims. onPeak LLC provides event accommodations services in North America to the live events industry.
	The following table summarizes the updated allocation of the aggregate purchase price paid and amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon the estimated fair value at the date of acquisition. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company made certain purchase accounting measurement period adjustments based on refinements to assumptions used in the preliminary valuation of approximately $0.2 million from intangible assets, $38,000 from deferred taxes and $0.2 million to goodwill. These adjustments did not have a significant impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations, balance sheet, or cash flows for all periods presented, and therefore, were not retrospectively adjusted in the 2014 financial statements. Other than the line items mentioned previously, as of March 31, 2015, the balances in the table below remain unchanged from the balances reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheet in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. The purchase price allocation remains open and may be adjusted as a result of the finalization of our purchase price allocation procedures related to certain tax amounts.
	(in thousands)
	Purchase price paid as:
	Cash			$	42,950
	Cash acquired			(4,064		)
	Purchase price, net of cash acquired			38,886
	Fair value of net assets acquired:
	Accounts receivable, net	$	4,008
	Prepaid expenses	640
	Property and equipment, net	2,450
	Other non-current assets	309
	Intangible assets	14,100
	Total assets acquired	21,507
	Accounts payable	738
	Accrued liabilities	3,341
	Customer deposits	4,225
	Deferred tax liability	1,576
	Other liabilities	309
	Total liabilities acquired	10,189
	Total fair value of net assets acquired			11,318
	Excess purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired (“goodwill”)			$	27,568
	The goodwill is included in the Marketing & Events U.S. 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. Goodwill of $9.3 million is expected to be 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.
	Identified intangible assets acquired in the onPeak LLC acquisition totaled $14.1 million and consist primarily of customer relationships and trade name. The weighted-average amortization period related to the definite lived intangible assets is 9.9 years. The results of operations of onPeak LLC have been included in Viad’s condensed consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition.
	Travel Planners, Inc.
	In October 2014, the Company acquired Travel Planners, Inc. for a purchase price of $33.7 million in cash less a working capital adjustment of $0.3 million, subject to certain adjustments. Of the purchase price, $8.8 million was deposited at closing into escrow to secure post-closing purchase price adjustments, resolution of certain tax matters and other indemnity claims. An additional estimated amount of $1.3 million would be payable to Travel Planners, Inc. upon election by the Company to treat the purchase as an asset acquisition for tax purposes. The Company assumes the acquisition will be treated as an asset acquisition for tax purposes, but has not yet finalized determination of the election. Travel Planners, Inc. provides event accommodations services in North America to the live events industry. Travel Planners, Inc. was merged into onPeak LLC in January 2015.
	The following table summarizes the updated allocation of the aggregate purchase price paid and amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon the estimated fair value at the date of acquisition. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company made certain purchase accounting measurement period adjustments based on refinements to assumptions used in the preliminary valuation of $0.6 million from intangible assets and $0.6 million to goodwill. These adjustments did not have a significant impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations, balance sheet, or cash flows for all periods presented, and therefore, were not retrospectively adjusted in the 2014 financial statements. Other than the line items mentioned previously, the balances in the table below as of March 31, 2015 remain unchanged from the balances reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheet in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. The purchase price allocation remains open and may be adjusted as a result of the finalization of our purchase price allocation procedures related to certain tax amounts.
	(in thousands)
	Purchase price paid as:
	Cash			$	33,674
	Additional purchase price payable upon tax election			1,300
	Working capital adjustment			(279		)
	Cash acquired			(4,204		)
	Purchase price, net of cash acquired			30,491
Fair value of net assets acquired:
Accounts receivable, net	$	1,450
Prepaid expenses	120
Property and equipment, net	93
Intangible assets	14,400
Total assets acquired	16,063
Accounts payable	488
Accrued liabilities	1,557
Customer deposits	4,525
Other liabilities	128
Total liabilities acquired	6,698
Total fair value of net assets acquired			9,365
Excess purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired (“goodwill”)			$	21,126
The goodwill is included in the Marketing & Events U.S. 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.
Identified intangible assets acquired in the Travel Planners, Inc. acquisition totaled $14.4 million and consist primarily of customer relationships, favorable lease contracts and trade name. The weighted-average amortization period related to the definite lived intangible assets is 9.8 years. The results of operations of Travel Planners, Inc. have been included in Viad’s condensed consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition.
N200
In November 2014, the Company acquired N200 Limited and affiliates (collectively, “N200”) for €9.7 million (approximately $12.1 million) in cash, subject to certain adjustments, plus an earnout payment (the “Earnout”) of up to €1.0 million. The amount of the Earnout is based on N200’s achievement of established financial targets for the twelve-month period ending June 30, 2015. Such contingent payment, if any, will be paid during the third quarter of 2015. N200, which has offices in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, is a leading event registration and data intelligence services provider for the live events industry in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.
The following table summarizes the updated allocation of the aggregate purchase price paid and amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon the estimated fair value at the date of acquisition. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company made certain purchase accounting measurement period adjustments based on refinements to assumptions used in the preliminary valuation of $0.1 million to contingent consideration, $0.5 million to working capital payable, $15,000 from accounts receivable, net, $0.1 million to intangible assets, $0.1 million to accrued liabilities, $20,000 to deferred taxes and $0.3 million to goodwill. These adjustments did not have a significant impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations, balance sheet, or cash flows for all periods presented, and therefore, were not retrospectively adjusted in the 2014 financial statements. Other than the line items mentioned previously, the balances in the table below as of March 31, 2015 remain unchanged from the balances reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheet in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. The purchase price allocation remains open and may be adjusted as a result of the finalization of our purchase price allocation procedures related to certain tax amounts.
(in thousands)
Purchase price paid as:
Cash			$	12,068
Working capital payable			458
Contingent consideration			1,145
Cash acquired			(943		)
Purchase price, net of cash acquired			12,728
Fair value of net assets acquired:
Accounts receivable, net	$	1,732
Inventory	46
Prepaid expenses	115
Property and equipment, net	1,280
Intangible assets	3,682
Total assets acquired	6,855
Accounts payable	421
Accrued liabilities	1,057
Customer deposits	569
Deferred tax liability	911
Other liabilities	106
Total liabilities acquired	3,064
Total fair value of net assets acquired			3,791
Excess purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired (“goodwill”)			$	8,937
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.
Identified intangible assets acquired in the N200 acquisition totaled $3.7 million and consist primarily of customer relationships. The weighted-average amortization period related to the definite lived intangible assets is 7.4 years. The results of operations of N200 have been included in Viad’s condensed consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition.
Supplementary pro forma financial information
The following table summarizes the unaudited pro forma results of operations attributable to Viad as of March 31, 2014, assuming that the acquisitions above had each been completed on January 1, 2013:
(in thousands, except per share data)	2014
Revenue	$	300,851
Depreciation and amortization	$	9,358
Income from continuing operations	$	9,415
Net income attributable to Viad	$	22,297
Diluted net income per share	$	1.1
Basic net income per share	$	1.1

Inventories

Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories
	The components of inventories consisted of the following as of the respective periods:
	(in thousands)	March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Work in process	$	18,934	$	15,652
	Raw materials	16,617		16,749
	Inventories	$	35,551	$	32,401

Other_Current_Assets

Other Current Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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)	March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Income tax receivable	$	5,076	$	1,869
	Prepaid software maintenance	2,564		1,934
	Prepaid vendor payments	3,735		2,689
	Prepaid taxes	1,212		1,416
	Prepaid rent	1,047		186
	Prepaid other	5,957		6,597
	Other	2,409		2,749
	Other current assets	$	22,000	$	17,440

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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)	March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Land and land interests	$	29,595		$	30,360
	Buildings and leasehold improvements	133,435			138,104
	Equipment and other	310,846			319,435
	Gross property and equipment	473,876			487,899
	Less: accumulated depreciation	(283,337		)	(288,328		)
	Property and equipment, net	$	190,539		$	199,571
	Depreciation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was $6.7 million and $6.5 million, respectively.

Other_Investments_and_Assets

Other Investments and Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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)	March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Cash surrender value of life insurance	$	20,885	$	20,866
	Self-insured liability receivable	7,728		7,728
	Workers’ compensation insurance security deposits	4,250		4,250
	Other	7,688		7,830
	Other investments and assets	$	40,551	$	40,674

Other_Current_Liabilities

Other Current Liabilities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Other Current Liabilities	Other Current Liabilities
	Other current liabilities consisted of the following as of the respective periods:
	(in thousands)	March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Continuing operations:
	Self-insured liability accrual	$	6,467	$	6,297
	Accrued sales and use taxes	4,878		3,624
	Accrued employee benefit costs	4,037		3,215
	Accrued dividends	2,092		2,107
	Current portion of pension liability	1,729		1,641
	Accrued professional fees	1,531		1,228
	Accrued acquisition liability	1,458		1,232
	Deferred rent	1,379		783
	Accrued foreign income taxes	1,139		2,370
	Accrued rebates	985		1,600
	Accrued restructuring	975		1,154
	Other	7,200		1,605
	Total continuing operations	33,870		26,856
	Discontinued operations:
	Environmental remediation liabilities	306		350
	Self-insured liability accrual	204		173
	Other	426		408
	Total discontinued operations	936		931
	Other current liabilities	$	34,806	$	27,787

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 three months ended March 31, 2015 were as follows:
	(in thousands)	Marketing &		Marketing &			Travel &			Total
		Events U.S.		Events			Recreation
				International			Group
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	110,618	$	42,221		$	41,358		$	194,197
	Purchase price allocation adjustments	762		211			—			973
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	—		(2,837		)	(3,695		)	(6,532		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	111,380	$	39,595		$	37,663		$	188,638
	The original purchase price allocations were based on information available at the respective acquisition dates. During the quarter ended March 31, 2015, we recorded measurement period adjustments to the original purchase price allocation for Blitz, onPeak LLC, Travel Planners, Inc. and N200, which increased goodwill by $1.0 million. The amount was not considered significant and therefore prior periods have not been retrospectively adjusted. For additional information, refer to Note 3, Acquisition of Businesses.
	A summary of other intangible assets is presented below:
		March 31,					December 31,
		2015					2014
	(in thousands)	Gross Carrying		Accumulated			Gross Carrying			Accumulated
		Value		Amortization			Value			Amortization
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Customer contracts and relationships	$	39,940	$	(4,074	)	$	41,624		$	(2,961	)
	Other	4,475		(1,054		)	4,576			(732		)
	Total amortized intangible assets	44,415		(5,128		)	46,200			(3,693		)
	Unamortized intangible assets:
	Business licenses	460		—			460			—
	Other intangible assets	$	44,875	$	(5,128	)	$	46,660		$	(3,693	)
	The original purchase price allocations were based on information available at the respective acquisition dates. During the quarter ended March 31, 2015, we recorded measurement period adjustments to the original purchase price allocation for Blitz, onPeak LLC, Travel Planners, Inc. and N200, which reduced other intangible assets by $0.7 million. The amount was not considered significant and therefore prior periods have not been retrospectively adjusted. For additional information, refer to Note 3, Acquisition of Businesses.
	Intangible asset amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was $2.0 million and $0.3 million, respectively. Estimated amortization expense related to amortized intangible assets for future years is expected to be as follows:
	(in thousands)
	Remainder of 2015	$	5,732
	2016	$	6,511
	2017	$	5,698
	2018	$	4,735
	2019	$	4,355
	Thereafter	$	12,256

Other_Deferred_Liabilities

Other Deferred Liabilities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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)	March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Continuing operations:
	Self-insured liability accrual	$	13,735	$	13,525
	Self-insured excess liability	7,728		7,728
	Accrued compensation	6,513		6,824
	Deferred rent income	4,161		2,787
	Foreign deferred tax liability	1,849		2,135
	Accrued restructuring	452		555
	Other	4,100		5,117
	Total continuing operations	38,538		38,671
	Discontinued operations:
	Environmental remediation liabilities	4,411		4,395
	Self-insured liability accrual	4,227		4,327
	Accrued income taxes	948		1,119
	Other	1,156		1,250
	Total discontinued operations	10,742		11,091
	Other deferred items and liabilities	$	49,280	$	49,762

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
	Long-term debt was as follows:
	(in thousands)	March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Revolving Credit agreement, 2.2% and 2.4% weighted-average interest rate at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, due through 2019	$	136,375		$	139,500
	Capital lease obligations, 6.0% weighted-average interest at both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, due through 2018	1,405			1,520
	Total debt	137,780			141,020
	Current portion	(29,361		)	(27,856		)
	Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	$	108,419		$	113,164
	Effective December 2014, Viad entered into a $300 million Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement amends and replaces in its entirety the Company’s $180 million revolving credit facility under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of May 18, 2011. The Credit Agreement provides for a senior credit facility in the aggregate amount of $300 million, which consists of a $175 million revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) and a $125 million term loan (the “Term Loan”). Loans under the Credit Agreement have a maturity date of December 22, 2019, and proceeds from the loans made under the Credit Agreement were used to refinance certain outstanding debt of the Company and will be used for the Company’s general corporate purposes in the ordinary course of its business. Under the Credit Agreement, the Revolving Credit Facility and/or the Term Loan may be increased up to an additional $100 million under certain circumstances. If such circumstances are met, the Company may obtain the additional borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility, a Term Loan, or a combination of the two facilities. The Revolving Credit Facility has a $40 million sublimit for letters of credit. Borrowings and letters of credit can be denominated in U.S. dollars, Euros, Canadian dollars or British pounds.
	Viad’s lenders have a first perfected security interest in all of the personal property of Viad, GES and GES Event Intelligence Services, Inc., including 65 percent of the capital stock of top-tier foreign subsidiaries. Financial covenants include a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.75 to 1.00, with a step-up to 2.00 to 1.00 for the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2016. Viad must maintain a leverage ratio of not greater than 3.00 to 1.00, with a step-down to 2.75 to 1.00 for the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2016 and a step-down to 2.50 to 1.00 for the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2017. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the fixed charge coverage ratio was 2.17 to 1.00 and 2.61 to 1.00, respectively, and the leverage ratio was 2.07 to 1.00 and 1.73 to 1.00, respectively. The terms of the Credit Agreement allow Viad to pay dividends or purchase the Company’s common stock up to $20 million in the aggregate in any calendar year, with additional dividends, share repurchases or distributions of stock permitted if the Company’s leverage ratio is less than or equal to 2.00 to 1.00, and the Liquidity Amount (defined as cash in the U.S. and Canada plus available revolver borrowings on a pro forma basis) is not less than $100 million, and no default or unmatured default, as defined in the Credit Agreement, exists. Significant other covenants include limitations on investments, additional indebtedness, sales/leases of assets, acquisitions, consolidations or mergers and liens on property. As of March 31, 2015, Viad was in compliance with all covenants.
	As of March 31, 2015, Viad’s total debt was $137.8 million, consisting of outstanding borrowings under the Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility of $121.9 million and $14.5 million, respectively, and capital lease obligations of $1.4 million. As of December 31, 2014, Viad’s total debt was $141.0 million, consisted of outstanding borrowings under the Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility of $125.0 million and $14.5 million, respectively, and capital lease obligations of $1.5 million. As of March 31, 2015, Viad had $158.7 million of capacity remaining under its Credit Facility reflecting outstanding letters of credit of $1.8 million and the outstanding balance under the Revolving Credit Facility of $14.5 million, respectively.
	Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility (of which GES and GES Event Intelligence Services, Inc. are guarantors) 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.
	As of March 31, 2015, 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 March 31, 2015 would be $4.1 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 $121.7 million and $123.0 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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)	March 31,			Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant
		2015			Active		Other		Unobserved
					Markets		Observable		Inputs
					(Level 1)		Inputs		(Level 3)
							(Level 2)
	Assets:
	Money market funds	$	12,619		$	12,619	$	—	$	—
	Other mutual funds	2,580			2,580		—		—
	Total assets at fair value	$	15,199		$	15,199	$	—	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Earnout contingent consideration liability	(988		)	—		—		(988		)
	Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis	$	(988	)	$	—	$	—	$	(988	)
					Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	(in thousands)	December 31,			Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant
		2014			in Active		Other		Unobserved
					Markets		Observable		Inputs
					(Level 1)		Inputs		(Level 3)
							(Level 2)
	Assets:
	Money market funds	$	8,518		$	8,518	$	—	$	—
	Other mutual funds	2,536			2,536		—		—
	Total assets at fair value	$	11,054		$	11,054	$	—	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Earnout contingent consideration liability	(1,210		)	—		—		(1,210		)
	Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis	$	(1,210	)	$	—	$	—	$	(1,210	)
	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, Viad had investments in money market mutual funds of $12.6 million and $8.5 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, Viad had investments in other mutual funds of $2.6 million and $2.5 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there were unrealized gains of $0.9 million ($0.6 million after-tax) and $0.8 million ($0.5 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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
	(in thousands)	Total Viad			Noncontrolling			Total
		Stockholders’			Interest			Stockholders’
		Equity						Equity
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	335,387		$	12,315		$	347,702
	Net loss	(2,056		)	(64		)	(2,120		)
	Dividends on common stock	(2,000		)	—			(2,000		)
	Common stock purchased for treasury	(4,702		)	—			(4,702		)
	Employee benefit plans	1,786			—			1,786
	Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustment	(17,579		)	—			(17,579		)
	Tax benefits from share-based compensation	283			—			283
	Other changes to accumulated other comprehensive income	241			—			241
	Other	(97		)	—			(97		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	311,263		$	12,251		$	323,514
	(in thousands)	Total Viad			Noncontrolling			Total
		Stockholders’			Interest			Stockholders’
		Equity						Equity
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	347,441		$	9,102		$	356,543
	Net income	21,882			2,537			24,419
	Dividends on common stock	(32,517		)	—			(32,517		)
	Common stock purchased for treasury	(1,042		)	—			(1,042		)
	Employee benefit plans	2,052			—			2,052
	Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustment	(6,733		)	—			(6,733		)
	ESOP allocation adjustment	44			—			44
	Other	46			1			47
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	331,173		$	11,640		$	342,813
	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) by component were as follows:
	(in thousands)	Unrealized Gains			Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Unrecognized Net Actuarial Loss and Prior Service Credit, Net			Accumulated
		on Investments									Other
											Comprehensive
											Income
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	471		$	12,415		$	(13,280	)	$	(394	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	177			(17,579		)	—			(17,402		)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax	(17		)	—			(114		)	(131		)
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)	160			(17,579		)	(114		)	(17,533		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	631		$	(5,164	)	$	(13,394	)	$	(17,927	)
	The following table presents information about reclassification adjustments out of AOCI for the three months ended March 31:
								Affected Line Item in the
								Statement Where Net
	(in thousands)	2015			2014			Income is Presented
	Unrealized gains on investments	$	27		$	21		Interest income
	Tax effect	(10		)	(8		)	Income taxes
		$	17		$	13
	Recognized net actuarial loss(1)	$	(75	)	$	(205	)
	Amortization of prior service credit(1)	139			148
	Tax effect	50			21			Income taxes
		$	114		$	(36	)
	(1) Amount included in pension expense. Refer to Note 16, Pension and Postretirement Benefits.

Income_Loss_Per_Share

Income (Loss) Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Income (Loss) Per Share	Income (Loss) Per Share
	The following are the components of basic and diluted income per share:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	(in thousands, except per share data)	2015			2014
	Net income (loss) attributable to Viad (diluted)	$	(2,056	)	$	21,882
	Less: Allocation to non-vested shares	—			(424		)
	Net income (loss) allocated to Viad common stockholders (basic)	$	(2,056	)	$	21,458
	Basic weighted-average outstanding common shares	19,736			19,949
	Additional dilutive shares related to share-based compensation	—			381
	Diluted weighted-average outstanding shares	19,736			20,330
	Income (loss) per share:
	Basic income (loss) attributable to Viad common stockholders	$	(0.10	)	$	1.08
	Diluted income (loss) attributable to Viad common stockholders(1)	$	(0.10	)	$	1.08
	(1) Diluted income per share amount cannot exceed basic income per share.
	As of March 31, 2015, there were no share-based compensation awards considered dilutive and included in the computation of diluted income per share. As of March 31, 2014, there were 381,000 share-based compensation awards considered dilutive and included in the computation of diluted income per share. Options to purchase 15,000 and 34,000 shares of common stock were outstanding during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, but were not included in the computation of dilutive shares outstanding because the effect would be anti-dilutive.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The effective tax rates for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were 62.4 percent and 15.6 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 effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was greater than the federal statutory rate primarily due to the recording of a non-cash tax benefit relating to certain foreign intangible deferred tax assets that was recorded during the quarter. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was lower than the federal statutory rate principally due to foreign income which is taxed at lower rates and the release of a portion of the valuation allowance associated with the projected utilization of foreign tax credit carryforwards.
	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 2020. As of December 31, 2014, $12.7 million of the $21.8 million in tax credit carryforwards were 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. Therefore, a valuation allowance against the foreign tax credit was not required. The positive evidence relied upon in making this assessment included the Company’s positive cumulative income position, the projected future utilization 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 as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. In addition, as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was $2.4 million, which was classified as both current and non-current liabilities. The Company does not expect a material amount of uncertain tax positions to be resolved or settled within the next twelve months.

Pension_and_Postretirement_Ben

Pension and Postretirement Benefits	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 March 31, included the following components:
		Domestic Plans
		Pension Plans						Postretirement Benefit Plans						Foreign Pension Plans
	(in thousands)	2015			2014			2015			2014			2015			2014
	Service cost	$	25		$	23		$	43		$	34		$	128		$	104
	Interest cost	251			280			177			176			127			160
	Expected return on plan assets	(111		)	(103		)	—			—			(149		)	(161		)
	Amortization of prior service credit	—			—			(91		)	(148		)	—			—
	Recognized net actuarial loss	125			104			139			101			2			3
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	290		$	304		$	268		$	163		$	108		$	106
	Viad expects to contribute $1.4 million to its funded pension plans, $0.8 million to its unfunded pension plans and $1.1 million to its postretirement benefit plans in 2015. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, Viad contributed $0.3 million to its funded pension plans, $0.2 million to its unfunded pension plans and $0.1 million to its postretirement benefit plans.

Restructuring_Charges

Restructuring Charges	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring Charges	Restructuring Charges
	The Company 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. As a result, it has recorded restructuring charges related to the consolidation and downsizing of facilities. Additionally, the Company has recorded restructuring charges in connection with certain reorganization activities. 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, 2014	$	543		$	1,161		$	240		$	1,944
	Restructuring charges (recoveries)	128			98			(10		)	216
	Cash payments	(301		)	(302		)	—			(603		)
	Adjustment to liability	—			—			(130		)	(130		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	370		$	957		$	100		$	1,427
	As of March 31, 2015, the liabilities related to severance and employee benefits are expected to be paid by the end of 2015. Additionally, the liability of $1.0 million related to future lease payments will be paid over the remaining lease terms for the Marketing & Events Group. Refer to Note 19, Segment Information, for information regarding restructuring charges (recoveries) by segment.

Litigation_Claims_Contingencie

Litigation, Claims, Contingencies and Other	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 March 31, 2015 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 March 31, 2015, Viad had recorded environmental remediation liabilities of $4.7 million related to previously sold operations.
	As of March 31, 2015, 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 March 31, 2015 would be $4.1 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 2015 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 March 31, 2015, 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 $20.2 million as of March 31, 2015. Of this total, $12.8 million related to workers’ compensation liabilities 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 $4.4 million as of March 31, 2015, 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 $0.5 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 $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015.
	In addition, as of March 31, 2015, Viad had recorded insurance liabilities of $7.7 million related to continuing operations in excess of the self-insured levels for which Viad remains the primary obligor. Of this total, $3.1 million related to workers’ compensation liabilities and the remaining $4.6 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.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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
		March 31,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Revenue:
	Marketing & Events Group:
	U.S.	$	192,943		$	221,395
	International	65,236			58,718
	Intersegment eliminations	(1,251		)	(2,290		)
	Total Marketing & Events Group	256,928			277,823
	Travel & Recreation Group	7,468			7,818
	Total revenue	$	264,396		$	285,641
	Segment operating income (loss):
	Marketing & Events Group:
	U.S.	$	2,637		$	15,851
	International	1,047			2,319
	Total Marketing & Events Group	3,684			18,170
	Travel & Recreation Group	(4,809		)	(4,809		)
	Segment operating income (loss)	(1,125		)	13,361
	Corporate activities	(2,810		)	(2,039		)
	Operating income (loss)	(3,935		)	11,322
	Interest income	63			65
	Interest expense	(1,151		)	(298		)
	Restructuring (charges) recoveries:
	Marketing & Events U.S.	(88		)	38
	Marketing & Events International	(138		)	(530		)
	Travel & Recreation Group	6			206
	Corporate	4			75
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	$	(5,239	)	$	10,878

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 as of December 31. 2014 was $15.2 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.
	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 for the three months ended March 31, 2014:
	(in thousands)
	Total revenue	$	—
	Costs and expenses	(68		)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, before income taxes	(68		)
	Income tax (expense) benefit	20
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(48		)
	Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax	15,286
	Income from discontinued operations	15,238
	Income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest	(2,668		)
	Income from discontinued operations attributable to Viad	$	12,570
	For the three months ended March 31, 2015, Viad recorded a loss from discontinued operations of $0.1 million due to legal fees related to previously sold operations.
	The following is a reconciliation of net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest for the three months ended March 31:
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	(64	)	$	(131	)
	Income from discontinued operations	—			2,668
	Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	$	(64	)	$	2,537

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Prin1

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 three months ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015.
	For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes for the year ended December 31, 2014 included in the Company’s Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2015.
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”), is a global full-service provider for live events that helps clients gain more awareness, more engagement and a greater return at their events. The Marketing & Events Group offers a complete range of services, from design and production of immersive environments and brand-based experiences, to material handling, rigging, electrical and other on-site services for clients, including show organizers, corporate brand marketers and retail shopping centers. In addition, the Marketing & Events Group offers clients a full suite of online tools and new technologies that help them more easily manage the complexities of their events. Show organizers include for-profit and not-for-profit show owners as well as show management companies. Corporate brand marketers include exhibitors and domestic and international corporations that want to promote their brands, services and innovations, feature new products and build business relationships. Viad’s retail shopping center customers include major developers, owners and management companies of shopping malls and leisure centers.
	In 2014, the Company acquired: Blitz Communications Group Limited and its affiliates (collectively, “Blitz”) in September, onPeak LLC and Travel Planners, Inc. in October, with Travel Planners, Inc. merging into onPeak LLC (collectively, “onPeak”) in January 2015 and N200 Limited and its affiliates (collectively, “N200”) in November. For additional information on the Company’s 2014 acquisitions, refer to Note 3, Acquisition of Businesses.
	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, Banff Lake Cruise, motorcoach services, charter and sightseeing services, inbound package tour operations and hotel operations.
	Glacier Park, an 80 percent owned subsidiary of Viad, owns and operates seven lodges, with accommodation offerings varying from hikers’ cabins to hotel suites, including St. Mary Lodge, a full-service resort located outside the east entrance to Glacier National Park in St. Mary, Montana; Glacier Park Lodge, a historic lodge in East Glacier, Montana; Grouse Mountain Lodge, a full-season lodge offering golf, skiing, hiking and other seasonal recreational activities, located near Glacier National Park in Whitefish, Montana; the Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada, which is situated on land for which the Company has a 42-year ground lease with the Canadian government running through January 31, 2052; the West Glacier Motel & Cabins in West Glacier, Montana; and Motel Lake McDonald and the Apgar Village Lodge, which are located inside Glacier National Park. Glacier Park also operates the food and beverage services with respect to those properties and the retail shops located near Glacier National Park. For additional information on Glacier Park’s concession operations within Glacier National Park, refer to Note 20, Discontinued Operations.
	In July 2014, the Company acquired the West Glacier Motel & Cabins, the Apgar Village Lodge and related land, food and beverage services and retail operations (collectively, the “West Glacier Properties”). 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)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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
		March 31,
	(in thousands)	2015				2014
	Restricted stock	$	594			$	654
	Performance unit incentive plan (“PUP”)	612				(231		)
	Restricted stock units	25				(32		)
	Share-based compensation before income tax benefit	1,231				391
	Income tax benefit	(462		)		(152		)
	Share-based compensation, net of income tax benefit	$	769			$	239
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, 2014	328,602			$	23.3			267,120		$	23.51	25,370		$	23.17
	Granted	73,000			$	27.36			82,300		$	27.35	4,800		$	27.35
	Vested	(100,970	)		$	20.61			(103,555	)	$	20.6	(11,123	)	$	20.61
	Forfeited	(8,700	)		$	23.12			(14,200	)	$	23.67	—		$	—
	Balance, March 31, 2015	291,932			$	25.26			231,665		$	26.17	19,047		$	25.72
Summary of stock option activity	The following table summarizes stock option activity:
		Shares			Weighted-				Options
					Average				Exercisable
					Exercise Price
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2014	247,590			$	17.82			247,590
	Exercised	(13,525	)		$	16.62
	Forfeited or expired	(129,741	)		$	18.91
	Options outstanding at March 31, 2015	104,324			$	17.62			104,324

Acquisition_of_Businesses_Tabl

Acquisition of Businesses (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of recognized identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed
	(in thousands)
	Purchase price paid as:
	Cash			$	33,674
	Additional purchase price payable upon tax election			1,300
	Working capital adjustment			(279		)
	Cash acquired			(4,204		)
	Purchase price, net of cash acquired			30,491
	Fair value of net assets acquired:
	Accounts receivable, net	$	1,450
	Prepaid expenses	120
	Property and equipment, net	93
	Intangible assets	14,400
	Total assets acquired	16,063
	Accounts payable	488
	Accrued liabilities	1,557
	Customer deposits	4,525
	Other liabilities	128
	Total liabilities acquired	6,698
	Total fair value of net assets acquired			9,365
	Excess purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired (“goodwill”)			$	21,126
	(in thousands)
	Purchase price paid as:
	Cash			$	42,950
	Cash acquired			(4,064		)
	Purchase price, net of cash acquired			38,886
	Fair value of net assets acquired:
	Accounts receivable, net	$	4,008
	Prepaid expenses	640
	Property and equipment, net	2,450
	Other non-current assets	309
	Intangible assets	14,100
	Total assets acquired	21,507
	Accounts payable	738
	Accrued liabilities	3,341
	Customer deposits	4,225
	Deferred tax liability	1,576
	Other liabilities	309
	Total liabilities acquired	10,189
	Total fair value of net assets acquired			11,318
	Excess purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired (“goodwill”)			$	27,568
	The following table summarizes the updated allocation of the aggregate purchase price paid and amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon the estimated fair value at the date of acquisition. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company made certain purchase accounting measurement period adjustments based on refinements to assumptions used in the preliminary valuation of approximately $0.1 million to property and equipment, net, $16,000 from intangible assets, $0.2 million to accrued lease obligations, $41,000 from deferred taxes and $0.2 million from goodwill. These adjustments did not have a significant impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations, balance sheet, or cash flows for all periods presented, and therefore, were not retrospectively adjusted in the 2014 financial statements. Other than the line items mentioned previously, the balances in the table below as of March 31, 2015 remain unchanged from the balances reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheet in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. The purchase price allocation remains open and may be adjusted as a result of the finalization of our purchase price allocation procedures related to certain tax amounts.
	(in thousands)
	Purchase price			$	24,416
	Cash acquired			(190		)
	Purchase price, net of cash acquired			24,226
	Fair value of net assets acquired:
	Accounts receivable, net	$	264
	Inventory	433
	Prepaid expenses	410
	Property and equipment, net	5,951
	Intangible assets	8,692
	Total assets acquired	15,750
	Accounts payable	1,232
	Accrued liabilities	2,246
	Customer deposits	199
	Deferred tax liability	282
	Revolving credit facility	488
	Accrued dilapidations	417
	Total liabilities acquired	4,864
	Total fair value of net assets acquired			10,886
	Excess purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired (“goodwill”)			$	13,340
	(in thousands)
	Purchase price paid as:
Cash			$	12,068
Working capital payable			458
Contingent consideration			1,145
Cash acquired			(943		)
Purchase price, net of cash acquired			12,728
Fair value of net assets acquired:
Accounts receivable, net	$	1,732
Inventory	46
Prepaid expenses	115
Property and equipment, net	1,280
Intangible assets	3,682
Total assets acquired	6,855
Accounts payable	421
Accrued liabilities	1,057
Customer deposits	569
Deferred tax liability	911
Other liabilities	106
Total liabilities acquired	3,064
Total fair value of net assets acquired			3,791
Excess purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired (“goodwill”)			$	8,937
Unaudited pro forma results of operations attributable to Viad	The following table summarizes the unaudited pro forma results of operations attributable to Viad as of March 31, 2014, assuming that the acquisitions above had each been completed on January 1, 2013:
	(in thousands, except per share data)	2014
	Revenue	$	300,851
	Depreciation and amortization	$	9,358
	Income from continuing operations	$	9,415
	Net income attributable to Viad	$	22,297
	Diluted net income per share	$	1.1
	Basic net income per share	$	1.1

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Inventories	The components of inventories consisted of the following as of the respective periods:
	(in thousands)	March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Work in process	$	18,934	$	15,652
	Raw materials	16,617		16,749
	Inventories	$	35,551	$	32,401

Other_Current_Assets_Tables

Other Current Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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)	March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Income tax receivable	$	5,076	$	1,869
	Prepaid software maintenance	2,564		1,934
	Prepaid vendor payments	3,735		2,689
	Prepaid taxes	1,212		1,416
	Prepaid rent	1,047		186
	Prepaid other	5,957		6,597
	Other	2,409		2,749
	Other current assets	$	22,000	$	17,440

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Property and Equipment	Property and equipment consisted of the following as of the respective periods:
	(in thousands)	March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Land and land interests	$	29,595		$	30,360
	Buildings and leasehold improvements	133,435			138,104
	Equipment and other	310,846			319,435
	Gross property and equipment	473,876			487,899
	Less: accumulated depreciation	(283,337		)	(288,328		)
	Property and equipment, net	$	190,539		$	199,571

Other_Investments_and_Assets_T

Other Investments and Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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)	March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Cash surrender value of life insurance	$	20,885	$	20,866
	Self-insured liability receivable	7,728		7,728
	Workers’ compensation insurance security deposits	4,250		4,250
	Other	7,688		7,830
	Other investments and assets	$	40,551	$	40,674

Other_Current_Liabilities_Tabl

Other Current Liabilities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Other Current Liabilities	Other current liabilities consisted of the following as of the respective periods:
	(in thousands)	March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Continuing operations:
	Self-insured liability accrual	$	6,467	$	6,297
	Accrued sales and use taxes	4,878		3,624
	Accrued employee benefit costs	4,037		3,215
	Accrued dividends	2,092		2,107
	Current portion of pension liability	1,729		1,641
	Accrued professional fees	1,531		1,228
	Accrued acquisition liability	1,458		1,232
	Deferred rent	1,379		783
	Accrued foreign income taxes	1,139		2,370
	Accrued rebates	985		1,600
	Accrued restructuring	975		1,154
	Other	7,200		1,605
	Total continuing operations	33,870		26,856
	Discontinued operations:
	Environmental remediation liabilities	306		350
	Self-insured liability accrual	204		173
	Other	426		408
	Total discontinued operations	936		931
	Other current liabilities	$	34,806	$	27,787

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 three months ended March 31, 2015 were as follows:
	(in thousands)	Marketing &		Marketing &			Travel &			Total
		Events U.S.		Events			Recreation
				International			Group
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	110,618	$	42,221		$	41,358		$	194,197
	Purchase price allocation adjustments	762		211			—			973
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	—		(2,837		)	(3,695		)	(6,532		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	111,380	$	39,595		$	37,663		$	188,638
Summary of other intangible assets	A summary of other intangible assets is presented below:
		March 31,					December 31,
		2015					2014
	(in thousands)	Gross Carrying		Accumulated			Gross Carrying			Accumulated
		Value		Amortization			Value			Amortization
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Customer contracts and relationships	$	39,940	$	(4,074	)	$	41,624		$	(2,961	)
	Other	4,475		(1,054		)	4,576			(732		)
	Total amortized intangible assets	44,415		(5,128		)	46,200			(3,693		)
	Unamortized intangible assets:
	Business licenses	460		—			460			—
	Other intangible assets	$	44,875	$	(5,128	)	$	46,660		$	(3,693	)
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)
	Remainder of 2015	$	5,732
	2016	$	6,511
	2017	$	5,698
	2018	$	4,735
	2019	$	4,355
	Thereafter	$	12,256

Other_Deferred_Liabilities_Tab

Other Deferred Liabilities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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)	March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Continuing operations:
	Self-insured liability accrual	$	13,735	$	13,525
	Self-insured excess liability	7,728		7,728
	Accrued compensation	6,513		6,824
	Deferred rent income	4,161		2,787
	Foreign deferred tax liability	1,849		2,135
	Accrued restructuring	452		555
	Other	4,100		5,117
	Total continuing operations	38,538		38,671
	Discontinued operations:
	Environmental remediation liabilities	4,411		4,395
	Self-insured liability accrual	4,227		4,327
	Accrued income taxes	948		1,119
	Other	1,156		1,250
	Total discontinued operations	10,742		11,091
	Other deferred items and liabilities	$	49,280	$	49,762

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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)	March 31,			Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant
		2015			Active		Other		Unobserved
					Markets		Observable		Inputs
					(Level 1)		Inputs		(Level 3)
							(Level 2)
	Assets:
	Money market funds	$	12,619		$	12,619	$	—	$	—
	Other mutual funds	2,580			2,580		—		—
	Total assets at fair value	$	15,199		$	15,199	$	—	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Earnout contingent consideration liability	(988		)	—		—		(988		)
	Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis	$	(988	)	$	—	$	—	$	(988	)
					Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	(in thousands)	December 31,			Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant
		2014			in Active		Other		Unobserved
					Markets		Observable		Inputs
					(Level 1)		Inputs		(Level 3)
							(Level 2)
	Assets:
	Money market funds	$	8,518		$	8,518	$	—	$	—
	Other mutual funds	2,536			2,536		—		—
	Total assets at fair value	$	11,054		$	11,054	$	—	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Earnout contingent consideration liability	(1,210		)	—		—		(1,210		)
	Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis	$	(1,210	)	$	—	$	—	$	(1,210	)

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
	(in thousands)	Total Viad			Noncontrolling			Total
		Stockholders’			Interest			Stockholders’
		Equity						Equity
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	335,387		$	12,315		$	347,702
	Net loss	(2,056		)	(64		)	(2,120		)
	Dividends on common stock	(2,000		)	—			(2,000		)
	Common stock purchased for treasury	(4,702		)	—			(4,702		)
	Employee benefit plans	1,786			—			1,786
	Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustment	(17,579		)	—			(17,579		)
	Tax benefits from share-based compensation	283			—			283
	Other changes to accumulated other comprehensive income	241			—			241
	Other	(97		)	—			(97		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	311,263		$	12,251		$	323,514
	(in thousands)	Total Viad			Noncontrolling			Total
		Stockholders’			Interest			Stockholders’
		Equity						Equity
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	347,441		$	9,102		$	356,543
	Net income	21,882			2,537			24,419
	Dividends on common stock	(32,517		)	—			(32,517		)
	Common stock purchased for treasury	(1,042		)	—			(1,042		)
	Employee benefit plans	2,052			—			2,052
	Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustment	(6,733		)	—			(6,733		)
	ESOP allocation adjustment	44			—			44
	Other	46			1			47
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	331,173		$	11,640		$	342,813
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) by component were as follows:
	(in thousands)	Unrealized Gains			Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Unrecognized Net Actuarial Loss and Prior Service Credit, Net			Accumulated
		on Investments									Other
											Comprehensive
											Income
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	471		$	12,415		$	(13,280	)	$	(394	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	177			(17,579		)	—			(17,402		)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax	(17		)	—			(114		)	(131		)
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)	160			(17,579		)	(114		)	(17,533		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	631		$	(5,164	)	$	(13,394	)	$	(17,927	)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The following table presents information about reclassification adjustments out of AOCI for the three months ended March 31:
								Affected Line Item in the
								Statement Where Net
	(in thousands)	2015			2014			Income is Presented
	Unrealized gains on investments	$	27		$	21		Interest income
	Tax effect	(10		)	(8		)	Income taxes
		$	17		$	13
	Recognized net actuarial loss(1)	$	(75	)	$	(205	)
	Amortization of prior service credit(1)	139			148
	Tax effect	50			21			Income taxes
		$	114		$	(36	)
	(1) Amount included in pension expense. Refer to Note 16, Pension and Postretirement Benefits.

Income_Loss_Per_Share_Tables

Income (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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
		March 31,
	(in thousands, except per share data)	2015			2014
	Net income (loss) attributable to Viad (diluted)	$	(2,056	)	$	21,882
	Less: Allocation to non-vested shares	—			(424		)
	Net income (loss) allocated to Viad common stockholders (basic)	$	(2,056	)	$	21,458
	Basic weighted-average outstanding common shares	19,736			19,949
	Additional dilutive shares related to share-based compensation	—			381
	Diluted weighted-average outstanding shares	19,736			20,330
	Income (loss) per share:
	Basic income (loss) attributable to Viad common stockholders	$	(0.10	)	$	1.08
	Diluted income (loss) attributable to Viad common stockholders(1)	$	(0.10	)	$	1.08
	(1) Diluted income per share amount cannot exceed basic income per share.

Pension_and_Postretirement_Ben1

Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 three months ended March 31, included the following components:
		Domestic Plans
		Pension Plans						Postretirement Benefit Plans						Foreign Pension Plans
	(in thousands)	2015			2014			2015			2014			2015			2014
	Service cost	$	25		$	23		$	43		$	34		$	128		$	104
	Interest cost	251			280			177			176			127			160
	Expected return on plan assets	(111		)	(103		)	—			—			(149		)	(161		)
	Amortization of prior service credit	—			—			(91		)	(148		)	—			—
	Recognized net actuarial loss	125			104			139			101			2			3
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	290		$	304		$	268		$	163		$	108		$	106

Restructuring_Charges_Tables

Restructuring Charges (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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, 2014	$	543		$	1,161		$	240		$	1,944
	Restructuring charges (recoveries)	128			98			(10		)	216
	Cash payments	(301		)	(302		)	—			(603		)
	Adjustment to liability	—			—			(130		)	(130		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	370		$	957		$	100		$	1,427

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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
		March 31,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Revenue:
	Marketing & Events Group:
	U.S.	$	192,943		$	221,395
	International	65,236			58,718
	Intersegment eliminations	(1,251		)	(2,290		)
	Total Marketing & Events Group	256,928			277,823
	Travel & Recreation Group	7,468			7,818
	Total revenue	$	264,396		$	285,641
	Segment operating income (loss):
	Marketing & Events Group:
	U.S.	$	2,637		$	15,851
	International	1,047			2,319
	Total Marketing & Events Group	3,684			18,170
	Travel & Recreation Group	(4,809		)	(4,809		)
	Segment operating income (loss)	(1,125		)	13,361
	Corporate activities	(2,810		)	(2,039		)
	Operating income (loss)	(3,935		)	11,322
	Interest income	63			65
	Interest expense	(1,151		)	(298		)
	Restructuring (charges) recoveries:
	Marketing & Events U.S.	(88		)	38
	Marketing & Events International	(138		)	(530		)
	Travel & Recreation Group	6			206
	Corporate	4			75
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	$	(5,239	)	$	10,878

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 for the three months ended March 31, 2014:
	(in thousands)
	Total revenue	$	—
	Costs and expenses	(68		)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, before income taxes	(68		)
	Income tax (expense) benefit	20
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(48		)
	Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax	15,286
	Income from discontinued operations	15,238
	Income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest	(2,668		)
	Income from discontinued operations attributable to Viad	$	12,570
Reconciliation of Noncontrolling Interest, Income Statement	The following is a reconciliation of net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest for the three months ended March 31:
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	(64	)	$	(131	)
	Income from discontinued operations	—			2,668
	Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	$	(64	)	$	2,537

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Prin2

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation - Narrative (Details) (Glacier Park Inc)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
	Lodges
Glacier Park Inc
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Ownership Percentage by Parent	80.00%
Number of Lodges	7
Lease term	42 years

ShareBased_Compensation_Summar

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Share-Based Compensation Expenses (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Summary of share-based compensation expense
Share-based compensation before income tax benefit	$1,231	$391
Income tax benefit	-462	-152
Share-based compensation, net of income tax benefit	769	239
Restricted stock
Summary of share-based compensation expense
Share-based compensation before income tax benefit	594	654
Performance unit incentive plan (“PUP”)
Summary of share-based compensation expense
Share-based compensation before income tax benefit	612	-231
Restricted stock units
Summary of share-based compensation expense
Share-based compensation before income tax benefit	$25	($32)

ShareBased_Compensation_Summar1

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Liability Based Award Activity (Details) (Liability Based Awards, USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance, Shares	328,602
Granted, Shares	73,000
Vested, Shares	-100,970
Forfeited or Cancelled, Shares	-8,700
Ending Balance, Shares	291,932
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Beginning Balance, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$23.30
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$27.36
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$20.61
Forfeited or Cancelled, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$23.12
Ending Balance, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$25.26
Performance unit incentive plan (“PUP”)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance, Shares	267,120
Granted, Shares	82,300
Vested, Shares	-103,555
Forfeited or Cancelled, Shares	-14,200
Ending Balance, Shares	231,665
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Beginning Balance, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$23.51
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$27.35
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$20.60
Forfeited or Cancelled, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$23.67
Ending Balance, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$26.17
Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance, Shares	25,370
Granted, Shares	4,800
Vested, Shares	-11,123
Forfeited or Cancelled, Shares	0
Ending Balance, Shares	19,047
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Beginning Balance, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$23.17
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$27.35
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$20.61
Forfeited or Cancelled, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$0
Ending Balance, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$25.72

ShareBased_Compensation_Summar2

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Summary of stock option activity
Options outstanding, Beginning Balance, Shares	247,590
Exercised, Shares	-13,525
Shares Forfeited or Expired	-129,741
Options outstanding, Ending Balance, Shares	104,324
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Options outstanding, Beginning Balance, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$17.82
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$16.62
Weighted Average Exercise Price Forfeited	$18.91
Options outstanding, Ending Balance, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$17.62
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Options outstanding, Beginning Balance, Options Exercisable	247,590
Options outstanding, Ending Balance, Options Exercisable	104,324

ShareBased_Compensation_Narrat

Share-Based Compensation - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Jan. 24, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation before income tax benefit		($1,231,000)	($391,000)
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$1.50	$0.10	$1.60
Dividends, Common Stock	30,500,000
Repurchase of Common Stock for Employee Tax Withholding Obligations amount, shares		32,806	44,358
Repurchase of Common Stock for Employee Tax Withholding Obligations amount		900,000	1,000,000
Shares Available for Grant		954,695				954,695
Restricted Stock
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Payments To Employees				300,000	200,000
Liabilities related to restricted stock		200,000				200,000		500,000
Performance unit incentive plan (“PUP”)
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation before income tax benefit		-612,000	231,000
Award vesting period		3 years
Payments To Employees						2,400,000	2,900,000
Restricted Stock
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Recognition Period of Unrecognized cost		2 years
Restricted stock units
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation before income tax benefit		-25,000	32,000
Unamortized cost		4,300,000				4,300,000
Stock options
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Unamortized cost		0				0
Restructuring Charges
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation before income tax benefit		-40,000
Performance unit incentive plan (“PUP”)
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Liability awards recorded		$1,300,000				$1,300,000		$3,500,000

Acquisition_of_Businesses_Sche

Acquisition of Businesses - Schedule of Recognized Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details)	3 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Nov. 24, 2014	Nov. 24, 2014	Oct. 07, 2014	Oct. 07, 2014	Jul. 01, 2014	Sep. 16, 2014	Sep. 16, 2014
	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	N200 Limited and Affiliates	N200 Limited and Affiliates	Travel Planners, Inc	onPeak LLC	West Glacier, Apgar Village, and other operations	Blitz Communication Group Limited	Blitz Communication Group Limited
				USD ($)	EUR (€)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	GBP (£)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price				$12,068	€ 9,700	$33,674	$42,950	$16,500	$24,416	£ 15,000
Additional purchase price payable upon tax election						1,300
Cash acquired				-943		-4,204	-4,064		-190
Working capital adjustment				458		-279
Contingent consideration				1,145
Purchase price, net of cash acquired	-279	0		12,728		30,491	38,886		24,226
Accounts receivable, net				1,732		1,450	4,008		264
Inventory				46					433
Prepaid expenses				115		120	640		410
Property and equipment, net				1,280		93	2,450		5,951
Other non-current assets							309
Intangible assets				3,682		14,400	14,100		8,692
Total assets acquired				6,855		16,063	21,507		15,750
Accounts payable				421		488	738		1,232
Accrued liabilities				1,057		1,557	3,341		2,246
Customer deposits				569		4,525	4,225		199
Deferred tax liability				911			1,576		282
Revolving credit facility									488
Accrued dilapidations									417
Other liabilities				-106		-128	-309
Total liabilities acquired				-3,064		-6,698	-10,189		-4,864
Total fair value of net assets acquired				3,791		9,365	11,318		10,886
Excess purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired (“goodwill”)	$188,638		$194,197	$8,937		$21,126	$27,568		$13,340

Acquisition_of_Businesses_Unau

Acquisition of Businesses - Unaudited Pro Forma (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Revenue	$300,851
Depreciation and amortization	9,358
Income from continuing operations	9,415
Net income attributable to Viad	$22,297
Diluted net income (USD per share)	$1.10
Basic net income (USD per share)	$1.10

Acquisition_of_Businesses_Narr

Acquisition of Businesses - Narrative (Details)

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Jul. 01, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Jul. 31, 2014

Sep. 16, 2014

Sep. 16, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Oct. 07, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Oct. 07, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Nov. 24, 2014

Nov. 24, 2014

Sep. 16, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

USD ($)

West Glacier, Apgar Village, and other operations

West Glacier, Apgar Village, and other operations

West Glacier, Apgar Village, and other operations

Blitz Communication Group Limited

Blitz Communication Group Limited

Blitz Communication Group Limited

onPeak LLC

onPeak LLC

Travel Planners, Inc

Travel Planners, Inc

N200 Limited and Affiliates

N200 Limited and Affiliates

N200 Limited and Affiliates

N200 Limited and Affiliates

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

GBP (£)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Purchase price

$16,500,000

$24,416,000

£ 15,000,000

$42,950,000

$33,674,000

$12,068,000

€ 9,700,000

Liability for working capital adjustment

300,000

Acquisition adjustment for assets acquired and liabilities assumed

0

Acquisition adjustment for property, plant, and equipment

100,000

Acquisition adjustment for intangibles

700,000

16,000

200,000

600,000

-100,000

Acquisition adjustment for accrued dilapidations

200,000

Acquisition adjustment for deferred taxes

41,000

38,000

-20,000

Acquisition adjustment for goodwill

-1,000,000

200,000

-200,000

-600,000

-300,000

Goodwill expected to be tax deductible, term of recognition

15 years

15 years

15 years

15 years

15 years

15 years

Intangible assets

8,692,000

14,100,000

14,400,000

3,682,000

Weighted average useful life of intangibles

6 years 10 months 24 days

6 years 10 months 24 days

9 years 10 months 24 days

7 years 4 months 24 days

Escrow deposit

4,100,000

8,800,000

Goodwill deductible

9,300,000

Working capital adjustment

-279,000

458,000

Contingent liability

1,300,000

1,000,000

Acquisition adjustment for contingent consideration

100,000

Acquisition adjustment for working capital payable

500,000

Acquisition adjustment for accounts payable

15,000

Acquisition adjustment for accrued liabilities

$100,000

Inventories_Components_of_Inve

Inventories - Components of Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Components of Inventories
Work in process	$18,934	$15,652
Raw materials	16,617	16,749
Inventories	$35,551	$32,401

Other_Current_Assets_Details

Other Current Assets (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax receivable	$5,076	$1,869
Prepaid software maintenance	2,564	1,934
Prepaid vendor payments	3,735	2,689
Prepaid taxes	1,212	1,416
Prepaid rent	1,047	186
Prepaid other	5,957	6,597
Other	2,409	2,749
Other current assets	$22,000	$17,440

Property_and_Equipment_Schedul

Property and Equipment - Schedule of Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property and Equipment
Gross property and equipment	$473,876	$487,899
Less: accumulated depreciation	-283,337	-288,328
Property and equipment, net	190,539	199,571
Land and land interests
Property and Equipment
Gross property and equipment	29,595	30,360
Buildings and leasehold improvements
Property and Equipment
Gross property and equipment	133,435	138,104
Equipment and other
Property and Equipment
Gross property and equipment	$310,846	$319,435

Property_and_Equipment_Narrati

Property and Equipment - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation expense	$6.70	$6.50

Other_Investments_and_Assets_S

Other Investments and Assets - Summary of Other Investments and Assets (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract]
Cash surrender value of life insurance	$20,885	$20,866
Self-insured liability receivable	7,728	7,728
Workers’ compensation insurance security deposits	4,250	4,250
Other	7,688	7,830
Other investments and assets	$40,551	$40,674

Other_Current_Liabilities_Sche

Other Current Liabilities - Schedule of Other Current Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Continuing operations:
Self-insured liability accrual	$6,467	$6,297
Accrued sales and use taxes	4,878	3,624
Accrued employee benefit costs	4,037	3,215
Accrued dividends	2,092	2,107
Current portion of pension liability	1,729	1,641
Accrued professional fees	1,531	1,228
Accrued acquisition liability	1,458	1,232
Deferred rent	1,379	783
Accrued foreign income taxes	1,139	2,370
Accrued rebates	985	1,600
Accrued restructuring	975	1,154
Other	7,200	1,605
Total continuing operations	33,870	26,856
Discontinued operations:
Environmental remediation liabilities	306	350
Self-insured liability accrual	204	173
Other	426	408
Total discontinued operations	936	931
Other current liabilities	$34,806	$27,787

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Goodwill Balances by Component and Segment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2014	$194,197
Purchase price allocation adjustments	973
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-6,532
Balance at March 31, 2015	188,638
Marketing & Events U.S.
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2014	110,618
Purchase price allocation adjustments	762
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0
Balance at March 31, 2015	111,380
Marketing & Events International
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2014	42,221
Purchase price allocation adjustments	211
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-2,837
Balance at March 31, 2015	39,595
Travel & Recreation Group
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2014	41,358
Purchase price allocation adjustments	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-3,695
Balance at March 31, 2015	$37,663

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Amortized intangible assets, Gross Carrying Value	$44,415	$46,200
Accumulated Amortization	-5,128	-3,693
Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill)	44,875	46,660
Customer contracts and relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Amortized intangible assets, Gross Carrying Value	39,940	41,624
Accumulated Amortization	-4,074	-2,961
Other
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Amortized intangible assets, Gross Carrying Value	4,475	4,576
Accumulated Amortization	-1,054	-732
Business licenses
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Accumulated Amortization	0	0
Unamortized intangible assets, Gross Carrying Value	$460	$460

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Estimated Amortization Expense Related to Amortized Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Estimated amortization expense related to amortized intangible assets
Remainder of 2015	$5,732
2016	6,511
2017	5,698
2018	4,735
2019	4,355
Thereafter	$12,256

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_5

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Acquisition adjustment for goodwill	$1
Acquisition adjustment for intangibles	0.7
Intangible asset amortization expense	$2	$0.30

Other_Deferred_Liabilities_Sch

Other Deferred Liabilities - Schedule of Other Deferred Items and Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Continuing operations:
Self-insured liability accrual	$13,735	$13,525
Self-insured excess liability	7,728	7,728
Accrued compensation	6,513	6,824
Deferred rent income	4,161	2,787
Foreign deferred tax liability	1,849	2,135
Accrued restructuring	452	555
Other	4,100	5,117
Total continuing operations	38,538	38,671
Discontinued operations:
Environmental remediation liabilities	4,411	4,395
Self-insured liability accrual	4,227	4,327
Accrued income taxes	948	1,119
Other	1,156	1,250
Total discontinued operations	10,742	11,091
Other deferred items and liabilities	$49,280	$49,762

Debt_Schedule_of_Long_Term_Deb

Debt - Schedule of Long Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Revolving Credit agreement, 2.2% and 2.4% weighted-average interest rate at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, due through 2019	$136,375	$139,500
Capital lease obligations, 6.0% weighted-average interest at both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, due through 2018	1,405	1,520
Total debt	137,780	141,020
Current portion	-29,361	-27,856
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	$108,419	$113,164

Debt_Narrative_Details

Debt - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 22, 2014	Oct. 10, 2014
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest rate on credit facility	2.20%	2.40%
Weighted interest rate on long term debt	6.00%	6.00%
Fixed charge coverage ratio	2.17	2.61
Leverage ratio	2.07	1.73
Balance of long term debt	$137,780,000	$141,020,000
Revolving Credit agreement, 2.2% and 2.4% weighted-average interest rate at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, due through 2019	136,375,000	139,500,000
Capital lease obligations, 6.0% weighted-average interest at both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, due through 2018	1,405,000	1,520,000
Remaining borrowing capacity on line of credit	158,700,000
Letters of credit outstanding	1,800,000
Commitment fee percentage on line of credit		0.35%
Maximum potential amount of future payments	4,100,000
Recourse provisions	There are no recourse provisions that would enable Viad to recover from third parties any payments made under the guarantees
Collateral on line of credit	Furthermore, there are no collateral or similar arrangements whereby Viad could recover payments.
Fair value of debt	121,700,000	123,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving Credit agreement, 2.2% and 2.4% weighted-average interest rate at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, due through 2019	14,500,000	14,500,000
Term Loan
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving Credit agreement, 2.2% and 2.4% weighted-average interest rate at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, due through 2019	121,900,000	125,000,000
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Fixed charge coverage ratio		1.75
Leverage ratio		3
Annual share repurchase limit		20,000,000
Leverage ratio required for dividend or share activity		2
Required level of restricted cash		100,000,000
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Top Tier Foreign Subsidiaries
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Percent of lenders security interest on capital stock foreign subsidiary		65.00%
2011 Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Balance of long term debt	137,800,000
Maximum | Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Senior Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Borrowing capacity on line of credit			300,000,000
Maximum | Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Borrowing capacity on line of credit			175,000,000
Additional borrowing capacity on line of credit			100,000,000
Line of Credit borrowings used to support letter of credit			40,000,000
Maximum | Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Term Loan
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Borrowing capacity on line of credit			125,000,000
Maximum | Amended 2014 Credit Facility | Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Borrowing capacity on line of credit				$180,000,000
First Debt Covenant Trigger | Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Fixed charge coverage ratio		2
Leverage ratio		2.75
Second Debt Covenant Trigger | Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Leverage ratio		2.5

Fair_Value_Measurements_Recurr

Fair Value Measurements - Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Fair value information related to assets
Assets	$15,199	$11,054
Liabilities	-988	-1,210
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Money market funds
Fair value information related to assets
Assets	12,619	8,518
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Other mutual funds
Fair value information related to assets
Assets	2,580	2,536
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Fair value information related to assets
Assets	15,199	11,054
Liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) | Money market funds
Fair value information related to assets
Assets	12,619	8,518
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) | Other mutual funds
Fair value information related to assets
Assets	2,580	2,536
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair value information related to assets
Assets	0	0
Liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Money market funds
Fair value information related to assets
Assets	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Other mutual funds
Fair value information related to assets
Assets	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Unobserved Inputs (Level 3)
Fair value information related to assets
Assets	0	0
Liabilities	-988	-1,210
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Unobserved Inputs (Level 3) | Money market funds
Fair value information related to assets
Assets	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Unobserved Inputs (Level 3) | Other mutual funds
Fair value information related to assets
Assets	0	0
Earnout contingent consideration liability
Fair value information related to assets
Liabilities		-1,210
Earnout contingent consideration liability | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Fair value information related to assets
Liabilities	-988
Earnout contingent consideration liability | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Fair value information related to assets
Liabilities	0	0
Earnout contingent consideration liability | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair value information related to assets
Liabilities	0	0
Earnout contingent consideration liability | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Unobserved Inputs (Level 3)
Fair value information related to assets
Liabilities	($988)	($1,210)

Fair_Value_Measurements_Narrat

Fair Value Measurements - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Unrealized gains on the investments after-tax	$631,000	$471,000
Money market funds
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Unrealized gains on the investments	0
Other mutual funds
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Unrealized gains on the investments	900,000	800,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	15,199,000	11,054,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Money market funds
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	12,619,000	8,518,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Other mutual funds
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$2,580,000	$2,536,000

Stockholders_Equity_Reconcilia

Stockholders' Equity - Reconciliation of Stockholders' Equity to Noncontrolling Interests (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$347,702		$356,543
Net income (loss)	-2,120		24,419
Dividends on common stock	-2,000		-32,517
Common stock purchased for treasury	-4,702		-1,042
Employee benefit plans	1,786		2,052
Tax benefits from shared-based compensation	283
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax(1)	-17,579	[1]	-6,733	[1]
Unrealized gains on investments, net of tax(1)	241
ESOP allocation adjustment			44
Other	-97		47
Ending Balance	323,514		342,813
Total Viad Equity
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	335,387		347,441
Net income (loss)	-2,056		21,882
Dividends on common stock	-2,000		-32,517
Common stock purchased for treasury	-4,702		-1,042
Employee benefit plans	1,786		2,052
Tax benefits from shared-based compensation	283
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax(1)	-17,579		-6,733
Unrealized gains on investments, net of tax(1)	241
ESOP allocation adjustment			44
Other	-97		46
Ending Balance	311,263		331,173
Non-Controlling Interest
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	12,315		9,102
Net income (loss)	-64		2,537
Dividends on common stock	0		0
Common stock purchased for treasury	0		0
Employee benefit plans	0		0
Tax benefits from shared-based compensation	0
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax(1)	0		0
Unrealized gains on investments, net of tax(1)	0
ESOP allocation adjustment			0
Other	0		1
Ending Balance	$12,251		$11,640
[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 $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31, 2014	($394)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-17,402
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax	-131
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	-17,533
Balance at March 31, 2015	-17,927
Unrealized Gains on Investments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31, 2014	471
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	177
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax	-17	-13
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	160
Balance at March 31, 2015	631
Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31, 2014	12,415
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-17,579
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax	0
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	-17,579
Balance at March 31, 2015	-5,164
Unrecognized Net Actuarial Loss and Prior Service Credit, Net
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31, 2014	-13,280
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax	-114	36
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	-114
Balance at March 31, 2015	($13,394)

Stockholders_Equity_Reclassifi

Stockholders' Equity - Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	($3,267)	$1,697
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	131
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	27	21
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	-10	-8
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	17	13
Unrecognized Net Actuarial Loss and Prior Service Credit, Net
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	-75	-205
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax	139	148
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	50	21
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	$114	($36)

Income_Loss_Per_Share_Reconcil

Income (Loss) Per Share - Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Income Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Numerator:
Net income attributable to Viad	($2,056)	$21,882
Less: Allocation to non-vested shares	0	-424
Net income allocated to Viad common stockholders	($2,056)	$21,458
Denominator:
Weighted-average outstanding common shares	19,736	19,949
Additional dilutive shares related to share-based compensation	0	381
Weighted-average outstanding and potentially dilutive shares	19,736	20,330
Net income attributable to Viad common stockholders (USD per Share)	($0.10)	$1.08
Net income attributable to Viad common stockholders (USD per share)	($0.10)	$1.08

Income_Loss_Per_Share_Addition

Income (Loss) Per Share - Additional Information (Details)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Per Share (Textual) [Abstract]
Additional dilutive shares related to share-based compensation	0	381
Stock options
Income Per Share (Textual) [Abstract]
Common stock shares effect would be anti-dilutive	15	34

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Effective income tax rate	62.40%	15.60%
Liability for uncertain tax positions from continuing operations	$1.30		$1.30
Liability for uncertain tax positions from discontinued operations	1.1		1.1
Liability for uncertain tax positions	2.4		2.4
Foreign Tax Authority
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforward expiration period	10 years
Tax credit carryforward	$12.70		$21.80

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
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Pension Plans
Net periodic benefit cost of pension and post retirement benefit plans
Service cost	$25	$23
Interest cost	251	280
Expected return on plan assets	-111	-103
Amortization of prior service credit	0	0
Recognized net actuarial loss	125	104
Net periodic benefit cost	290	304
US Postretirement Benefit Plans
Net periodic benefit cost of pension and post retirement benefit plans
Service cost	43	34
Interest cost	177	176
Expected return on plan assets	0	0
Amortization of prior service credit	-91	-148
Recognized net actuarial loss	139	101
Net periodic benefit cost	268	163
Foreign Pension Plans
Net periodic benefit cost of pension and post retirement benefit plans
Service cost	128	104
Interest cost	127	160
Expected return on plan assets	-149	-161
Amortization of prior service credit	0	0
Recognized net actuarial loss	2	3
Net periodic benefit cost	$108	$106

Pension_and_Postretirement_Ben3

Pension and Postretirement Benefits - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Pension Plans | Funded Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Amount expected to contribute in funded pension plans	$1.40
Pension Contributions	0.3
Pension Plans | Unfunded Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Amount expected to contribute in unfunded pension plans	0.8
Pension Contributions	0.2
US Postretirement Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Amount expected to contribute in postretirement benefit plans	1.1
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Contributions	$0.10

Restructuring_Charges_Reconcil

Restructuring Charges - Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Liability Balances by Major Restructuring Activity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Reconciliation of beginning and ending liability balances by major restructuring activity
Beginning Balance	$1,944
Restructuring charges	216	211
Restructuring liabilities	-603	-1,860
Adjustment to liability	-130
Closing Balance	1,427
Marketing & Events Group
Reconciliation of beginning and ending liability balances by major restructuring activity
Restructuring charges	88	-38
Marketing & Events Group | Severance & Employee Benefits
Reconciliation of beginning and ending liability balances by major restructuring activity
Beginning Balance	543
Restructuring charges	128
Restructuring liabilities	-301
Adjustment to liability	0
Closing Balance	370
Marketing & Events Group | Facilities
Reconciliation of beginning and ending liability balances by major restructuring activity
Beginning Balance	1,161
Restructuring charges	98
Restructuring liabilities	-302
Adjustment to liability	0
Closing Balance	957
Other Restructuring | Severance & Employee Benefits
Reconciliation of beginning and ending liability balances by major restructuring activity
Beginning Balance	240
Restructuring charges	-10
Restructuring liabilities	0
Adjustment to liability	-130
Closing Balance	$100

Litigation_Claims_Contingencie1

Litigation, Claims, Contingencies and Other (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
	Agreement
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Environmental remediation liability	$4,700,000
Maximum potential amount of future payments	4,100,000
Guarantees relate to leased facilities expiry date	Oct-17
Recourse provision to recover guarantees	0
Bargaining agreements	100
Self insurance reserve	20,200,000
Workers' compensation liability	12,800,000
Self insurance reserve for general and auto	7,400,000
Self insurance reserve on discontinued operations	4,400,000
Payments for self insurance	1,100,000
Self insurance reserve in which company is the primary obligor	7,700,000
Self insurance reserve in which company is the primary obligor for workers compensation	3,100,000
Self insurance reserve in which company is the primary obligor for general liability	4,600,000
Minimum
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
General range on claims	200,000
Maximum
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
General range on claims	$500,000

Segment_Information_Reconcilia

Segment Information - Reconciliation of Income Statement Items from Reportable Segments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Reportable segments reconciliations:
Total revenues	$264,396	$285,641
Segment operating income (loss)	3,935	-11,322
Interest income	63	65
Interest expense	-1,151	-298
Restructuring charges	-216	-211
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	-5,239	10,878
Marketing & Events Group
Reportable segments reconciliations:
Total revenues	256,928	277,823
Segment operating income (loss)	-3,684	-18,170
Restructuring charges	-88	38
Marketing & Events International
Reportable segments reconciliations:
Restructuring charges	-138	-530
Travel & Recreation Group
Reportable segments reconciliations:
Total revenues	7,468	7,818
Segment operating income (loss)	4,809	4,809
Restructuring charges	6	206
Other Segments
Reportable segments reconciliations:
Segment operating income (loss)	1,125	-13,361
Corporate
Reportable segments reconciliations:
Segment operating income (loss)	-2,810	-2,039
Restructuring charges	4	75
Intersegment Eliminations | Marketing & Events Group
Reportable segments reconciliations:
Total revenues	-1,251	-2,290
U.S. | Marketing & Events Group
Reportable segments reconciliations:
Total revenues	192,943	221,395
Segment operating income (loss)	-2,637	-15,851
International | Marketing & Events Group
Reportable segments reconciliations:
Total revenues	65,236	58,718
Segment operating income (loss)	($1,047)	($2,319)

Discontinued_Operations_Narrat

Discontinued Operations - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from possessory interest and personal property—discontinued operations	$0	$25,000,000
(Income) loss from discontinued operations	148,000	-15,238,000
Glacier Park
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from possessory interest and personal property—discontinued operations			25,000,000
Gain on Possessory Interest, before Tax			21,500,000
Gain on Possessory Interest, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Only			15,200,000
Gain on Possessory Interest, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest			2,700,000
(Income) loss from discontinued operations		($15,238,000)

Discontinued_Operations_Schedu

Discontinued Operations - Schedule of Disconnected Operations, Income Statement (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Income from discontinued operations	($148)	$15,238
Income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	-2,668
Income from discontinued operations attributable to Viad	-148	12,570
Glacier Park
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Total revenue		0
Costs and expenses		-68
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, before income taxes		-68
Income tax (expense) benefit		20
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		-48
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax		15,286
Income from discontinued operations		15,238
Income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest		-2,668
Income from discontinued operations attributable to Viad		$12,570

Discontinued_Operations_Reconc

Discontinued Operations - Reconciliation of Noncontrolling Interest, Income Statement (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Income (loss) from continuing operations	($64)	($131)
Income from discontinued operations	0	2,668
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	($64)	$2,537