| Document and Entity Information | Aug. 05, 2020 |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000884219 |
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 5, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Viad Corp |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-11015 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 36-1169950 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1850 North Central Avenue |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 1900 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Phoenix |
| Entity Address, State or Province | AZ |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 85004-4565 |
| City Area Code | (602) |
| Local Phone Number | 207-1000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | true |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Common Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, $1.50 Par Value |
| Trading Symbol | VVI |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Junior Participating Preferred Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Preferred Stock Purchase Rights |
| Trading Symbol | — |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
