Viad (VVI) 10-K 2 Mar 21 2020 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Feb. 15, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	Viad Corp
Entity Central Index Key	0000884219
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2020
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 381
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		20,464,515
Document Transition Report	false
Document Annual Report	true
Entity Tax Identification Number	36-1169950
Entity File Number	001-11015
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
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
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag	true
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Documents Incorporated by Reference [Text Block]	A portion of the Proxy Statement for the Viad Corp Annual Meeting of Shareholders scheduled for May 14, 2021, is incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report.
Common Stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Trading Symbol	VVI
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $1.50 Par Value
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Junior Participating Preferred Stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	Preferred Stock Purchase Rights
No Trading Symbol Flag	true

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 39,545	$ 61,999
Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $5,310 and $1,200, respectively		17,837	126,246
Inventories		8,727	17,269
Current contract costs		7,923	24,535
Other current assets		17,225	30,854
Total current assets		91,257	260,903
Property and equipment, net		492,154	500,901
Other investments and assets		15,492	45,119
Operating lease right-of-use assets		82,739	103,314
Deferred income taxes		563	26,163
Goodwill		99,847	287,983
Other intangible assets, net		71,172	94,308
Total Assets		853,224	1,318,691
Current liabilities
Accounts payable		21,037	86,660
Contract liabilities		18,595	50,671
Accrued compensation		7,030	32,658
Operating lease obligations		15,697	22,180
Other current liabilities		27,039	39,824
Current portion of debt and finance lease obligations	[1]	8,335	5,330
Total current liabilities		97,733	237,323
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations		285,356	335,162
Pension and postretirement benefits		27,264	26,247
Long-term operating lease obligations		70,150	82,851
Other deferred items and liabilities		64,628	83,707
Total liabilities		545,131	765,290
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interest		5,225	6,172
Viad Corp stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $1.50 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 24,934,981 shares issued and outstanding		37,402	37,402
Additional capital		568,100	574,473
Retained earnings (deficit)		(253,164)	122,971
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(30,641)	(35,699)
Common stock in treasury, at cost, 4,475,489 and 4,588,084 shares, respectively		(225,742)	(231,649)
Total Viad stockholders’ equity		95,955	467,498
Non-redeemable noncontrolling interest		78,144	79,731
Total stockholders’ equity		174,099	547,229
Total Liabilities, Mezzanine Equity, and Stockholders’ Equity		853,224	$ 1,318,691
Convertible Series A Preferred Stock
Current liabilities
Convertible Series A Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value, 180,000 shares authorized, 135,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020		$ 128,769
[1]	Subsequent to the filing of our 2019 Form 10-K, we identified a correction related to the classification of the 2018 Credit Facility (as defined below) from current to long-term given that the 2018 Credit Facility’s contractual maturity was not within 12 months

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 5,310	$ 1,200
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	5,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	135,000
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
Common stock, shares outstanding	24,934,981	24,934,981
Treasury stock, shares	4,475,489	4,588,084
Convertible Series A Preferred Stock
Preferred Stock, Par value	$ 0.01
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	180,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	135,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	135,000

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenue:
Total revenue		$ 415,435	$ 1,302,736	$ 1,237,324
Costs and expenses:
Business interruption gain			(141)	(602)
Corporate activities		8,687	10,865	10,993
Interest income		(377)	(369)	(354)
Interest expense		18,264	14,199	9,640
Multi-employer pension plan withdrawal		462	15,693
Other expense, net		1,132	1,586	1,744
Restructuring charges		13,440	8,380	1,587
Legal settlement			8,500
Impairment charges (recoveries)		203,076	5,346	(35)
Total costs and expenses		776,294	1,276,626	1,172,315
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes		(360,859)	26,110	65,009
Income tax expense		14,246	2,506	17,095
Income (loss) from continuing operations		(375,105)	23,604	47,914
Income (loss) from discontinued operations		(1,847)	(81)	1,481
Net income (loss)		(376,952)	23,523	49,395
Net (income) loss attributable to non-redeemable noncontrolling interest		1,376	(2,309)	(542)
Net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest		1,482	821	317
Net income (loss) attributable to Viad		$ (374,094)	$ 22,035	$ 49,170
Diluted income (loss) per common share:
Continuing operations attributable to Viad common stockholders		$ (18.55)	$ 1.02	$ 2.33
Discontinued operations attributable to Viad common stockholders		(0.09)		0.07
Net income (loss) attributable to Viad common stockholders	[1]	$ (18.64)	$ 1.02	$ 2.40
Weighted-average outstanding and potentially dilutive common shares		20,279	20,284	20,404
Basic income (loss) per common share:
Continuing operations attributable to Viad common stockholders		$ (18.55)	$ 1.02	$ 2.33
Discontinued operations attributable to Viad common stockholders		(0.09)		0.07
Net income (loss) attributable to Viad common stockholders		$ (18.64)	$ 1.02	$ 2.40
Weighted-average outstanding common shares		20,279	20,146	20,168
Dividends declared per common share		$ 0.10	$ 0.40	$ 0.40
Amounts attributable to Viad common stockholders
Income (loss) from continuing operations		$ (372,247)	$ 22,116	$ 47,689
Income (loss) from discontinued operations		(1,847)	(81)	1,481
Net income (loss) attributable to Viad		(374,094)	22,035	49,170
Services
Revenue:
Total revenue		351,528	1,101,534	1,051,389
Costs and expenses:
Costs and expenses		457,827	1,031,187	980,543
Products
Revenue:
Total revenue		63,907	201,202	185,935
Costs and expenses:
Costs and expenses		$ 73,783	$ 181,380	$ 168,799
[1]	Diluted loss per share amount cannot exceed basic loss per share.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (376,952)	$ 23,523	$ 49,395
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments	7,113	12,533	(24,306)
Change in net actuarial loss, net of tax effects of $(55), $(44), and $305	(1,955)	(116)	1,236
Change in prior service cost, net of tax effects of $(46), $(48), and $(52)	(100)	(141)	(153)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(371,894)	35,799	26,172
Non-redeemable noncontrolling interest:
Net (income) loss attributable to non-redeemable noncontrolling interest	1,376	(2,309)	(542)
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments	1,315	1,080
Redeemable noncontrolling interest:
Comprehensive loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	1,482	821	317
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Viad	$ (367,721)	$ 35,391	$ 25,947

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CO_2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Amortization of net actuarial loss, tax effects	$ (55)	$ (44)	$ 305
Amortization of prior service cost, tax effects	$ (46)	$ (48)	$ (52)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY AND MEZZANINE EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Capital	Retained Earnings (Deficit)	Unearned Employee Benefits and Other	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Common Stock in Treasury	Total Viad Equity	Non-Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest	Mezzanine Equity Redeemable Non Controlling Interest	Convertible Series A Preferred Stock
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 442,937	$ 37,402	$ 574,458	$ 65,836	$ 218	$ (22,568)	$ (226,215)	$ 429,131	$ 13,806	$ 6,648
Increase Decrease In Stockholders' Equity Roll Forward
Net income (loss)	49,712			49,170				49,170	542	(317)
Dividends on common stock	(8,154)			(8,154)				(8,154)
Payment of payroll taxes on stock-based compensation through shares withheld	(1,209)						(1,209)	(1,209)
Common stock purchased for treasury	(17,174)						(17,174)	(17,174)
Employee benefit plans	4,902		(1,905)				6,807	4,902
Share-based compensation - equity awards	2,849		2,849					2,849
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustment	(24,306)					(24,306)		(24,306)		(673)
Amortization of net actuarial gain (loss), net of tax	1,236					1,236		1,236
Amortization of prior service cost, net of tax	(153)					(153)		(153)
Adoption of ASU | ASU 2016-01				616		(616)
Adoption of ASU | Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 [Member]				1,568		(1,568)
Other, net	(85)		(63)	(4)	(19)		1	(85)		251
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	450,555	37,402	575,339	109,032	199	(47,975)	(237,790)	436,207	14,348	5,909
Increase Decrease In Stockholders' Equity Roll Forward
Net income (loss)	24,344			22,035				22,035	2,309	(821)
Dividends on common stock	(8,094)			(8,094)				(8,094)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	(407)								(407)
Payment of payroll taxes on stock-based compensation through shares withheld	(3,046)						(3,046)	(3,046)
Employee benefit plans	5,530		(3,659)				9,189	5,530
Share-based compensation - equity awards	2,755		2,755					2,755
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustment	13,613					12,533		12,533	1,080	(234)
Amortization of net actuarial gain (loss), net of tax	(116)					(116)		(116)
Amortization of prior service cost, net of tax	(141)					(141)		(141)
Acquisitions	62,401								62,401
Other, net	(165)		38	(2)	$ (199)		(2)	(165)		1,318
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	547,229	37,402	574,473	122,971		(35,699)	(231,649)	467,498	79,731	6,172
Increase Decrease In Stockholders' Equity Roll Forward
Net income (loss)	(375,470)			(374,094)				(374,094)	(1,376)	(1,482)
Dividends on common stock	(2,038)			(2,038)				(2,038)
Issuance of Series A convertible preferred stock											$ 125,763
Dividends on convertible preferred stock	(3,006)		(3,006)					(3,006)			3,006
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	(1,526)								(1,526)
Payment of payroll taxes on stock-based compensation through shares withheld	(1,688)						(1,688)	(1,688)
Common stock purchased for treasury	(2,785)						(2,785)	(2,785)
Employee benefit plans	2,479		(7,901)				10,380	2,479
Share-based compensation - equity awards	4,444		4,444					4,444
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustment	8,428					7,113		7,113	1,315	(390)
Amortization of net actuarial gain (loss), net of tax	(1,955)					(1,955)		(1,955)
Amortization of prior service cost, net of tax	(100)					(100)		(100)
Other, net	87		90	(3)				87		925
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2020	$ 174,099	$ 37,402	$ 568,100	$ (253,164)		$ (30,641)	$ (225,742)	$ 95,955	$ 78,144	$ 5,225	$ 128,769

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF ST_2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY AND MEZZANINE EQUITY (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement Of Stockholders Equity [Abstract]
Dividends on common stock per share	$ 0.10	$ 0.40	$ 0.40

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income (loss)	$ (376,952)	$ 23,523	$ 49,395
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	56,565	58,964	56,842
Deferred income taxes	15,097	(10,398)	5,350
(Income) loss from discontinued operations	1,847	81	(1,481)
Restructuring charges	13,440	8,380	1,587
Legal settlement		8,500
Impairment charges (recoveries)	203,076	5,346	(35)
(Gains) losses on dispositions of property and other assets	(14,935)	(1,475)	473
Share-based compensation expense	2,653	7,190	4,870
Multi-employer pension plan withdrawal	462	15,693
Other non-cash items, net	8,056	3,791	4,306
Change in operating assets and liabilities (excluding the impact of acquisitions):
Receivables	106,082	(16,959)	(6,200)
Inventories	8,644	(328)	(1,573)
Current contract costs	16,279	(6,333)	(4,976)
Accounts payable	(88,251)	9,726	(1,645)
Restructuring liabilities	(7,427)	(6,047)	(1,716)
Accrued compensation	(26,375)	6,853	(12,818)
Contract liabilities	(31,585)	16,796	3,677
Income taxes payable	770	195	(7,696)
Other assets and liabilities, net	32,306	(15,359)	2,235
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(80,248)	108,139	90,595
Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures	(53,567)	(76,147)	(83,345)
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	24,767
Cash paid for acquisitions, net		(90,992)	(4,628)
Proceeds from dispositions of property and other assets	22,027	1,583	925
Net cash used in investing activities	(6,773)	(165,556)	(87,048)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from borrowings	225,422	200,473	146,580
Payments on debt and finance lease obligations	(275,327)	(115,708)	(128,211)
Dividends paid on common stock	(4,064)	(8,094)	(8,154)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	(1,526)	(407)
Payments of debt issuance costs	(1,585)	(39)	(1,823)
Payment of payroll taxes on stock-based compensation through shares withheld or repurchased	(1,688)	(3,046)	(1,209)
Common stock purchased for treasury	(2,785)		(17,174)
Proceeds from issuance of Convertible Series A Preferred Stock, net of issuance costs	125,763
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	2,077	293	84
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	66,287	73,472	(9,907)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	701	1,050	(2,470)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	(20,033)	17,105	(8,830)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of year	62,004	44,899	53,729
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of year	$ 41,971	$ 62,004	$ 44,899

Overview and Summary of Signifi

Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Note 1. Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of Viad and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany account balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Nature of Business We are a leading provider of experiential leisure travel and face-to-face events and marketing experiences company with operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, continental Europe, the United Arab Emirates, and Iceland. We are committed to providing unforgettable experiences to our clients and guests. We operate through three reportable business segments: GES North America, GES EMEA (collectively, “GES”), and Pursuit. GES GES is a global, full-service live events company offering a comprehensive range of services to event organizers and corporate brand marketers. Event organizers schedule and run events from start to finish. 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. GES serves corporate brand marketers when they exhibit at shows and when GES is engaged to manage their global exhibit program or produce their proprietary corporate events. Pursuit Pursuit is a collection of inspiring and unforgettable travel experiences that includes recreational attractions, unique hotels and lodges, food and beverage, retail, sightseeing, and ground transportation services. Pursuit comprises the Banff Jasper Collection, the Alaska Collection, the Glacier Park Collection, and FlyOver. Impact of COVID-19 On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a “pandemic.” COVID-19 has spread rapidly, with a high concentration of confirmed cases in the U.S. and other countries in which we operate. The rapid spread has resulted in authorities around the world implementing numerous measures to contain the virus, such as travel bans and restrictions, quarantines, shelter-in-place orders, and business shutdowns. The COVID-19 pandemic and these containment measures have had, and are expected to continue to have, a substantial negative impact on businesses around the world and on global, regional, and national economies. The COVID-19 pandemic is having and will likely continue to have a significant and negative impact on our operations and financial performance, with live events largely shut down and severe tourism activity disruptions. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we implemented aggressive cost reduction measures to preserve cash, including furloughs, layoffs, mandatory unpaid time off, or salary reductions for all employees, and the reduction of discretionary spending. We continue to implement measures to successfully adapt for the long-term impact of COVID-19. During 2020, we secured additional capital to strengthen our liquidity position and amended our Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “2018 Credit Agreement”) to provide financial covenant relief and financial flexibility. Investment Agreement On August 5, 2020, we entered into an investment agreement with funds managed by private equity firm Crestview Partners (the “Investment Agreement”) who made an initial investment of $135 million, offset in part by $9.2 million in fees, in newly issued perpetual convertible preferred stock that carries a 5.5% cumulative quarterly dividend, which is payable in cash or in-kind at Viad’s option (the “Convertible Preferred Stock”). The Convertible Preferred Stock is convertible into shares of our common stock at a conversion price of $21.25 per share. The Investment Agreement also includes a delayed draw commitment of up to $45 million in additional Convertible Preferred Stock, which we may access during the 12 months following the August 5, 2020 closing date on the same terms and conditions as the initial investment. The proceeds from Crestview’s initial investment were used to repay a portion of our 2018 Credit Facility, will provide additional short-term liquidity, will fund capital expenditures, and will support general corporate purposes. Pursuant to the Investment Agreement, two Crestview Partners’ designees joined our Board of Directors, increasing the size of our board from seven to nine directors. Credit Agreement Amendment On August 5, 2020, we entered into an amendment to our 2018 Credit Agreement, which, among other things, (i) waives our financial covenants until September 30, 2022 (the “Covenant Waiver Period”) and (ii) requires us to maintain minimum liquidity of $100 million, with liquidity defined as unrestricted cash and available capacity on our 2018 Credit Facility. The interest rate on the borrowings is equal to the London Inter-bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 350 basis points, with a LIBOR floor of one percent during the Covenant Waiver Period. The LIBOR floor continues until the end of the 2018 Credit Agreement. Viad pledged 100% of the capital stock of its wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries and its top-tier foreign subsidiaries (other than Esja Attractions ehf.). Management anticipates that the initial cash proceeds from Crestview Partners, existing cash and cash equivalents, and the amendment to waive financial covenants within the 2018 Credit Agreement until September 30, 2022 will be sufficient to fund operations for at least the next 12 months. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Impairments Due to the deteriorating macroeconomic environment related to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in disruptions to our operations and the decline in our stock price, we determined interim triggering events had occurred in the first and second quarters of 2020, which required us to assess the carrying values of goodwill and intangible assets in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) No. 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other Correction to Prior Period Financial Statements Subsequent to the issuance of the December 31, 2019 consolidated financial statements, we identified prior period errors related to the recognition of revenue of GES’ Corporate Accounts’ third-party services. Revenue from these services should have been recorded on a net basis to reflect only the fees received for arranging these services, whereas previously, we recorded this revenue on a gross basis, thus overstating revenue and cost of services by the same amount. As a result, we corrected the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 related to this gross-to-net adjustment. We determined that the error is not material to the previously issued financial statements. Note 2 – Revenue and Related Contract Costs and Contract Liabilities, Note 23 – Segment Information, and Note 24 – Selected Quarterly Financial Information reflect this correction. Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 (in thousands) Services Revenue Cost of Services Services Revenue Cost of Services As previously reported $ 1,170,493 $ 1,100,146 $ 1,110,249 $ 1,039,403 Gross to net correction for GES North America (51,927 ) (51,927 ) (43,603 ) (43,603 ) Gross to net correction for GES EMEA (17,032 ) (17,032 ) (15,257 ) (15,257 ) Total as corrected $ 1,101,534 $ 1,031,187 $ 1,051,389 $ 980,543 Significant Accounting Policies Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reported period. Estimates and assumptions are used in accounting for, among other things: impairment testing of recorded goodwill and intangible assets and long-lived assets; allowances for uncollectible accounts receivable; sales reserve allowances; provisions for income taxes, including uncertain tax positions; valuation allowances related to deferred tax assets; liabilities for losses related to self-insured liability claims; liabilities for losses related to environmental remediation obligations; sublease income associated with restructuring liabilities; pension and postretirement benefit costs and obligations; share-based compensation costs; the discount rates used to value lease obligations; the redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests; and the allocation of purchase price of acquired businesses. Actual results could differ from these and other estimates. Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash Cash equivalents are highly-liquid investments with remaining maturities when purchased of three months or less. Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and bank demand deposits and money market funds. Investments in money market funds are classified as available-for-sale and carried at fair value. Restricted cash represents collateral required for surety bonds and letters of credit. Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash balances presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows consisted of the following: December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 Cash and cash equivalents $ 39,545 $ 61,999 Restricted cash included in other current assets 2,426 5 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows $ 41,971 $ 62,004 Allowances for Doubtful Accounts Allowances for doubtful accounts reflect the best estimate of probable losses inherent in the accounts receivable balance. The allowances for doubtful accounts, including a sales allowance for discounts at the time of sale, are based upon an evaluation of the aging of receivables, historical trends, and the current economic environment. Inventories We state inventories, which consist primarily of exhibit design and construction materials and supplies, as well as retail inventory, at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out and specific identification methods) or net realizable value. Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Property and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets: buildings, 15 to 40 years; equipment, 3 to 12 years; and leasehold improvements, over the shorter of the lease term or useful life. Property and equipment are tested for potential impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the long-lived asset may not be recoverable through undiscounted cash flows. Leases We recognize a right-of-use (“ROU”) asset and lease liability on the balance sheet and classify leases as either finance or operating leases. The classification of the lease determines whether the lease expense is recognized on an effective interest method basis (finance lease) or on a straight-line basis (operating lease) over the lease term. In determining whether an agreement contains a lease, we consider if we have a right to control the use of the underlying asset during the lease term in exchange for an obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. We recognize ROU assets and lease liabilities at commencement date, which is when the underlying asset is available for use to a lessee, based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Our operating and finance leases are primarily facility, equipment, and land leases. Our facility leases comprise mainly manufacturing facilities, sales and design facilities, offices, storage and/or warehouses, and truck marshaling yards. These facility leases generally have lease terms ranging up to 23 years. Our equipment leases comprise mainly vehicles, hardware, and office equipment, each with various lease terms. Our land leases comprise mainly leases in Canada and Iceland on which our hotels or attractions are located and have lease terms ranging up to 47 years. If a lease contains a renewal option that is reasonably certain to be exercised, then the lease term includes the optional periods in measuring a ROU asset and lease liability. The reasonably certain threshold is evaluated at lease commencement and is typically met if we identify substantial economic incentives or termination penalties. We do not include variable leases and variable non-lease components in the calculation of the ROU asset and corresponding lease liability. For facility leases, variable lease costs include the costs of common area maintenance, taxes, and insurance for which we pay our lessors an estimate that is adjusted to actual expense on a quarterly or annual basis depending on the underlying contract terms. We expense these variable lease payments as incurred. Our lease agreements do not contain any significant residual value guarantees or restrictive covenants. Substantially all of our lease agreements do not specify an implicit borrowing rate, and as such, we utilize an incremental borrowing rate based on lease term and country, in order to calculate the present value of our future lease payments. The discount rate represents a risk-adjusted rate on a collateralized basis and is the expected rate at which we would borrow funds to satisfy the scheduled lease liability payment streams commensurate with the lease term and the country. We are also a lessor to third party tenants who either lease certain portions of facilities that we own or sublease certain portions of facilities that we lease. We record lease income from owned facilities as rental income and we record sublease income from leased facilities against lease expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. We classify a ll of our leases for which we are the lessor as operating leases. Goodwill Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis as of October 31, and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more-likely-than-not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. We use a discounted expected future cash flow methodology (income approach) in order to estimate the fair value of our reporting units for purposes of goodwill impairment testing. The estimates and assumptions regarding expected future cash flows, discount rates, and terminal values require considerable judgment and are based on market conditions, financial forecasts, industry trends, and historical experience. These estimates, however, have inherent uncertainties and different assumptions could lead to materially different results. Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance We had Company-owned life insurance contracts that were intended to fund the cost of certain employee compensation and benefit programs. These contracts were carried at cash surrender value, net of outstanding policy loans. The cash surrender value represented the amount of cash we could receive if the policies were discontinued before maturity. The changes in the cash surrender value of the policies, net of insurance premiums, were included as a component of “Costs of services” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. In 2020, we terminated the life insurance policies and received cash proceeds of $24.8 million. Self-Insurance Liabilities We are self-insured up to certain limits for workers’ compensation and general liabilities, which includes automobile, product general liability, and client property loss claims. We have also retained and provided for certain workers’ compensation insurance liabilities in conjunction with previously sold operations. We are also self-insured for certain employee health benefits. Provisions for losses for claims incurred, including actuarially derived estimated claims incurred but not yet reported, are made based on historical experience, claims frequency, and other factors. We have purchased insurance for amounts in excess of the self-insured levels. Environmental Remediation Liabilities Environmental remediation liabilities represent the estimated cost of environmental remediation obligations primarily associated with previously sold operations. The amounts accrued primarily consist of the estimated direct incremental costs, on an undiscounted basis, for contractor and other services related to remedial actions and post-remediation site monitoring. Environmental remediation liabilities are recorded when the specific obligation is considered probable and the costs are reasonably estimable. Subsequent recoveries from third parties, if any, are recorded through discontinued operations when realized. Environmental insurance is maintained that provides coverage for new and undiscovered pre-existing conditions at both our continuing and discontinued operations. Fair Value of Financial Instruments The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. Refer to Note 12 – Debt and Finance Lease Obligations for the estimated fair value of debt obligations. Convertible Preferred Stock We record shares of convertible preferred stock based on proceeds received net of costs on the date of issuance. Redeemable preferred stock (including preferred stock that features redemption rights that are either within the control of the holder or subject to redemption upon the occurrence of uncertain events not solely within our control) is classified as temporary equity and is reported between liabilities and stockholders’ equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Noncontrolling Interests – Non-redeemable and Redeemable Non-redeemable noncontrolling interest represents the portion of equity in a subsidiary that is not attributable, directly or indirectly, to us. Our non-redeemable noncontrolling interest relates to the 20% equity ownership interest that we do not own in Glacier Park, Inc., the 40% equity interest that we do not own in the Mountain Park Lodges, and the 49% equity interest that we do not own in the new entity that will operate the Pursuit Sky Lagoon attraction. We report non-redeemable noncontrolling interest within stockholders’ equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The amount of consolidated net income or loss attributable to Viad and the non-redeemable noncontrolling interest is presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. We consider noncontrolling interests with redemption features that are not solely within our control to be redeemable noncontrolling interests. Our redeemable noncontrolling interest relates to our 54.5% equity ownership interest in Esja Attractions ehf. (“Esja”), which owns the FlyOver Iceland attraction. Operations and the accretion of the redemption value is recorded as an adjustment to retained earnings (deficit) and is included in our income (loss) per share. Refer to Note 22 – Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest for additional information. Foreign Currency Translation Our foreign operations are primarily in Canada, the United Kingdom, Iceland, the Netherlands, Germany, and to a lesser extent, in certain other countries. The functional currency of our foreign subsidiaries is their local currency. Accordingly, for purposes of consolidation, we translate the assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries into U.S. dollars at the foreign exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. The unrealized gains or losses resulting from the translation of these foreign denominated assets and liabilities are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For purposes of consolidation, revenue, expenses, gains, and losses related to our foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars at the average foreign exchange rates for the period. Revenue Recognition Revenue is measured based on a specified amount of consideration in a contract with a customer, net of commissions paid to customers and amounts collected on behalf of third parties. We recognize revenue when a performance obligation is satisfied by transferring control of a product or service to a customer. GES’ service revenue is primarily derived through its comprehensive range of services to event organizers and corporate brand marketers including Core Services, Event Technology, and Audio-visual . Pursuit’s service revenue is derived through its admissions, accommodations, transportation, and travel planning services. Pursuit’s product revenue is derived through food and beverage and retail sales. Pursuit’s revenue is recognized at the time services are performed or upon delivery of the product. Pursuit’s service revenue is recognized over time as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits. Pursuit’s product revenue is recognized at a point in time. Share-Based Compensation Share-based compensation costs related to all share-based payment awards are recognized and measured using the fair value method of accounting. These awards generally include restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, performance units, and stock options, and contain forfeiture and non-compete provisions. We issue share-based payment awards from shares held in treasury. Future vesting is generally subject to continued employment. Holders of share-based awards have the right to receive dividends and vote the shares, but may not sell, assign, transfer, pledge, or otherwise encumber the stock, except to the extent restrictions have lapsed and in accordance with our stock trading policy. We account for share-based payment awards that will be settled in cash as liability-based awards, which includes performance units and restricted stock units. We measure share-based compensation expense of liability-based awards at fair value at each reporting date until the date of settlement based on the number of units expected to vest and, where applicable, the level of achievement of predefined performance goals. These awards are remeasured on each reporting date based on our stock price and the Monte Carlo simulation model. A Monte Carlo simulation requires the use of several assumptions, including historical volatility and correlation between our stock price and the price of the common shares of a comparator group, a risk-free rate of return, and an expected term. Share-based compensation expense related to liability-based awards is recognized ratably over the requisite service period of approximately three years. We account for share-based awards that will be settled in shares of our common stock as equity-based awards, which include performance units, restricted stock units, and restricted stock awards. We measure share-based compensation expense of equity-based awards at fair value on the grant date on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The estimated number of shares to be achieved is updated each reporting period based on the number of units expected to vest and, where applicable, the level of achievement of predefined performance goals, until the date of settlement. Share-based compensation expense related to equity-based awards is recognized ratably over the requisite service period ranging from three months to three years. The fair value of stock option grants is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes stock option pricing model. We grant non-qualified stock options that are performance-based and service-based. The performance-based awards are recognized on a straight-line basis over the performance period ranging up to 3.4 years, and the underlying shares expected to be settled are adjusted each reporting period based on estimated future achievement of the respective performance metrics. The service-based awards are recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period on a graded-vesting schedule Common Stock in Treasury Common stock purchased for treasury is recorded at historical cost. Subsequent share reissuances are primarily related to share-based compensation programs and recorded at weighted-average cost. Income (Loss) Per Common Share Diluted income per common share is calculated using the more dilutive of the two-class method or as-converted method. The two-class method uses net income available to common stockholders and assumes conversion of all potential shares other than the participating securities. The as-converted method uses net income and assumes conversion of all potential shares including the participating securities. Dilutive potential common shares include outstanding stock options, unvested restricted share units and convertible preferred stock. We apply the two-class method in calculating income per common share as unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends and preferred stock are considered participating securities. Accordingly, such securities are included in the earnings allocation in calculating income per share. The adjustment to the carrying value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest is reflected in income per common share. Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements The following table provides a brief description of recent accounting pronouncements: Standard Description Date of adoption Effect on the financial statements Standards Not Yet Adopted ASU 2020-06 , Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40) The amendment simplifies the accounting for convertible instruments by reducing the number of accounting models available for convertible debt instruments and convertible preferred stock. The amendment also requires expanded disclosures about the terms and features of convertible instruments. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. 1/1/2022 We are currently evaluating the potential impact of the adoption of this new guidance on our consolidated financial statements and if there are applicable provisions that will simplify our accounting or reporting we will likely pursue early adoption. Standard Description Date of adoption Effect on the financial statements Standards Recently Adopted ASU 2016-13 , Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326) - Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments The amendment eliminates the incurred credit loss impairment methodology and replaces it with an expected credit loss concept based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. 1/1/2020 We adopted this new standard on a modified retrospective basis. The adoption of this new standard on January 1, 2020 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. ASU 2020-04 , Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) The amendment provides temporary optional guidance to ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform. Topic 848 provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP to transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. 3/12/2020 Topic 848 was effective beginning on March 12, 2020, and we will apply the amendments prospectively through December 31, 2022. There was no impact to our consolidated financial statements as a result of adopting this amendment. ASU 2019-12 , Income Taxes (Topic 740) Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes The amendment enhances and simplifies various aspects of the income tax accounting guidance, including requirements such as ownership changes in investments, and interim-period accounting for enacted changes in tax law. 1/1/2021 The adoption of this new standard on January 1, 2021 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Revenue and Related Contract Co

Revenue and Related Contract Costs and Contract Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Revenue From Contract With Customer [Abstract]
Revenue and Related Contract Costs and Contract Liabilities	Note 2. Revenue and Related Contract Costs and Contract Liabilities GES’ performance obligations consist of services or product(s) outlined in a contract. While we often sign multi-year contracts for recurring events, the obligations for each occurrence are well defined and conclude upon the occurrence of each event. The obligations are typically the provision of services and/or sale of a product in connection with an exhibition, conference, or other event. Revenue for goods and services provided for which we do not have control of the goods or services before that good or service is transferred to a customer is recorded on a net basis to reflect only the fees received for arranging these services . We recognize revenue for services generally at the close of the exhibition, conference, or corporate event. We recognize revenue for products either upon delivery to the customer’s location, upon delivery to an event that we are serving, or when we have the right to invoice . In circumstances where a customer cancels a contract, we generally have the right to bill the customer for costs incurred to date. Payment terms are generally within 30-60 days and contain no significant financing components . Pursuit’s performance obligations are short-term in nature. They include the provision of a hotel room, an attraction admission, a chartered or ticketed bus or van ride, the fulfillment of travel planning itineraries, and/or the sale of food, beverage, or retail products. Revenue is recognized when the service has been provided or the product has been delivered. When credit is extended, payment terms are generally within 30 days and contain no significant financing components. Contract Liabilities GES and Pursuit typically receive customer deposits prior to transferring the related product or service to the customer. We record these deposits as a contract liability, which are recognized as revenue upon satisfaction of the related contract performance obligation(s). GES also provides customer rebates and volume discounts to certain event organizers that we recognize as a reduction of revenue. We include these amounts in the Consolidated Balance Sheets under the captions “Contract liabilities” and “Other deferred items and liabilities.” The decrease in contract liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2020 was primarily due to the reduction of planned shows in the first half of 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes to contract liabilities are as follows: (in thousands) Balance at January 1, 2019 $ 35,600 Cash additions 210,871 Revenue recognized (196,158 ) Foreign exchange translation adjustment 483 Balance at December 31, 2019 50,796 Cash additions 154,057 Revenue recognized (186,518 ) Foreign exchange translation adjustment 283 Balance at December 31, 2020 $ 18,618 Contract Costs GES capitalizes certain incremental costs incurred in obtaining and fulfilling contracts. Capitalized costs principally relate to direct costs of materials and services incurred in fulfilling services of future exhibitions, conferences, and events, and also include up-front incentives and commissions incurred upon contract signing. We expense costs associated with preliminary contract activities (i.e. proposal activities) as incurred. Capitalized contract costs are expensed upon the transfer of the related goods or services and are included in cost of services or cost of products, as applicable. We include the deferred incremental costs of obtaining and fulfilling contracts in the Consolidated Balance Sheets under the captions “Current contract costs” and “Other investments and assets.” Changes to contract costs are as follows: (in thousands) Balance at January 1, 2019 $ 21,478 Additions 74,274 Expenses (67,425 ) Cancelled (68 ) Foreign exchange translation adjustment 237 Balance at December 31, 2019 28,496 Additions 19,517 Expenses (25,381 ) Cancelled (11,482 ) Foreign exchange translation adjustment (315 ) Balance at December 31, 2020 $ 10,835 As of December 31, 2020, capitalized contract costs consisted of $0.9 million to obtain contracts and $9.9 million to fulfill contracts. We did not recognize an impairment loss with respect to capitalized contract costs during the years ended December 31, 2020 or 2019. Disaggregation of Revenue The following tables disaggregate GES and Pursuit revenue by major product line, timing of revenue recognition, and markets served: GES Year Ended December 31, 2020 (in thousands) GES North America GES EMEA Intersegment Eliminations Total Services: Core services $ 231,666 $ 33,556 $ — $ 265,222 Audio-visual 20,148 4,126 — 24,274 Event technology 9,150 3,979 — 13,129 Intersegment eliminations — — (3,680 ) (3,680 ) Total services 260,964 41,661 (3,680 ) 298,945 Products: Core products 27,957 11,723 — 39,680 Total revenue $ 288,921 $ 53,384 $ (3,680 ) $ 338,625 Timing of revenue recognition: Services transferred over time $ 260,964 $ 41,661 $ (3,680 ) $ 298,945 Products transferred over time ( 1) 13,068 2,449 — 15,517 Products transferred at a point in time 14,889 9,274 — 24,163 Total revenue $ 288,921 $ 53,384 $ (3,680 ) $ 338,625 Markets: Exhibitions $ 211,953 $ 40,077 $ — $ 252,030 Conferences 41,371 7,789 — 49,160 Corporate events 24,521 5,353 — 29,874 Consumer events 11,076 165 — 11,241 Intersegment eliminations — — (3,680 ) (3,680 ) Total revenue $ 288,921 $ 53,384 $ (3,680 ) $ 338,625 (1) GES’ graphics product revenue is earned over time over the duration of an event as it is considered a part of the single performance obligation satisfied over time. Year Ended December 31, 2019 (in thousands) GES North America GES EMEA Intersegment Eliminations Total Services: Core services $ 701,721 $ 113,900 $ — $ 815,621 Audio-visual 78,178 24,197 — 102,375 Event technology 29,600 9,749 — 39,349 Intersegment eliminations — — (20,741 ) (20,741 ) Total services 809,499 147,846 (20,741 ) 936,604 Products: Core products 74,606 68,713 — 143,319 Total revenue $ 884,105 $ 216,559 $ (20,741 ) $ 1,079,923 Timing of revenue recognition: Services transferred over time $ 809,499 $ 147,846 $ (20,741 ) $ 936,604 Products transferred over time ( 1) 45,597 16,071 — 61,668 Products transferred at a point in time 29,009 52,642 — 81,651 Total revenue $ 884,105 $ 216,559 $ (20,741 ) $ 1,079,923 Markets: Exhibitions $ 463,653 $ 159,397 $ — $ 623,050 Conferences 253,511 24,499 — 278,010 Corporate events 139,935 31,627 — 171,562 Consumer events 27,006 1,036 — 28,042 Intersegment eliminations — — (20,741 ) (20,741 ) Total revenue $ 884,105 $ 216,559 $ (20,741 ) $ 1,079,923 (1) GES’ graphics product revenue is earned over time over the duration of an event as it is considered a part of the single performance obligation satisfied over time. Year Ended December 31, 2018 (in thousands) GES North America GES EMEA Intersegment Eliminations Total Services: Core services $ 689,804 $ 105,114 $ — $ 794,918 Audio-visual 73,331 22,011 — 95,342 Event technology 30,208 10,658 — 40,866 Intersegment eliminations — — (17,140 ) (17,140 ) Total services 793,343 137,783 (17,140 ) 913,986 Products: Core products 72,844 65,207 — 138,051 Total revenue $ 866,187 $ 202,990 $ (17,140 ) $ 1,052,037 Timing of revenue recognition: Services transferred over time $ 793,343 $ 137,783 $ (17,140 ) $ 913,986 Products transferred over time ( 1) 44,109 16,084 — 60,193 Products transferred at a point in time 28,735 49,123 — 77,858 Total revenue $ 866,187 $ 202,990 $ (17,140 ) $ 1,052,037 Markets: Exhibitions $ 486,400 $ 149,338 $ — $ 635,738 Conferences 223,096 24,209 — 247,305 Corporate events 126,084 27,413 — 153,497 Consumer events 30,607 2,030 — 32,637 Intersegment eliminations — — (17,140 ) (17,140 ) Total revenue $ 866,187 $ 202,990 $ (17,140 ) $ 1,052,037 (1) GES’ graphics product revenue is earned over time over the duration of an event as it is considered a part of the single performance obligation satisfied over time. Pursuit Year Ended December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Services: Admissions $ 19,939 $ 85,371 $ 83,000 Accommodations 29,800 60,672 37,470 Transportation 2,694 14,594 13,956 Travel planning 467 5,979 4,529 Intersegment eliminations (317 ) (1,686 ) (1,551 ) Total services revenue 52,583 164,930 137,404 Products: Food and beverage 10,295 31,838 25,962 Retail operations 13,932 26,045 21,921 Total products revenue 24,227 57,883 47,883 Total revenue $ 76,810 $ 222,813 $ 185,287 Timing of revenue recognition: Services transferred over time $ 52,583 $ 164,930 $ 137,404 Products transferred at a point in time 24,227 57,883 47,883 Total revenue $ 76,810 $ 222,813 $ 185,287 Markets: Banff Jasper Collection $ 46,913 $ 133,229 $ 106,106 Alaska Collection 6,282 39,406 36,451 Glacier Park Collection 17,596 37,121 31,465 FlyOver 6,019 13,057 11,265 Total revenue $ 76,810 $ 222,813 $ 185,287

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation	Note 3. Share-Based Compensation We grant share-based compensation awards to our officers, directors, and certain key employees pursuant to the 2017 Viad Corp Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2017 Plan”). The 2017 Plan has a 10-year term and provides for the following types of awards: (a) incentive and non-qualified stock options; (b) restricted stock awards and restricted stock units; (c) performance units or performance shares; (d) stock appreciation rights; (e) cash-based awards; and (f) certain other stock-based awards. In June 2017, we registered 1,750,000 shares of common stock issuable under the 2017 Plan. As of December 31, 2020, there were 1,081,404 shares available for future grant under the 2017 Plan. The following table summarizes share-based compensation (income) expense: Year Ended December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Performance unit incentive plan (“PUP”) $ (2,187 ) $ 3,990 $ 2,260 Restricted stock awards and restricted stock units 4,523 3,200 2,610 Stock options 317 — — Share-based compensation expense before income tax 2,653 7,190 4,870 Income tax benefit ( 1) — (2,241 ) (1,227 ) Share-based compensation expense, net of income tax $ 2,653 $ 4,949 $ 3,643 (1) There was no income tax benefit for the year ended 2020 due to the valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets. Refer to Note 17 – Income Taxes. We recorded no share-based compensation expense through restructuring charges in 2020, $0.1 million in 2019, and none in 2018. No share-based compensation costs were capitalized during 2020, 2019, or 2018. PUP Awards PUP awards are performance-based restricted stock units that are tied to our stock price and the expected achievement of certain performance-based criteria. The vesting of PUP award shares is based upon the achievement of the performance-based criteria over a three-year During the year ended December 31, 2020, we granted PUP awards with a grant date fair value of $4.8 million of which $1.8 million are payable in shares. Liabilities related to PUP awards were $0.8 million as of December 31, 2020 and $5.3 million as of December 31, 2019. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the value of the PUP awards decreased due to the reduction of our estimated performance achievement and the decline in our stock price as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, PUP awards granted in 2017 vested and we paid $2.6 million in cash. No PUP awards were paid in shares in 2020. In 2019, PUP awards granted in 2016 vested and we paid $5.6 million in cash and $3.4 million in shares. In 2019, we withheld 25,771 shares for $1.5 million related to tax withholding requirements on vested PUP awards paid in shares. In 2018, PUP awards granted in 2015 vested and we paid $5.9 million in cash. No PUP awards were paid in shares in 2018. The following table summarizes the activity of the outstanding PUP awards: Equity-Based PUP Awards Liability-Based PUP Awards Shares Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Shares Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Balance at December 31, 2019 59,714 $ 55.10 155,190 $ 52.53 Granted 32,367 $ 56.23 52,531 $ 56.10 Vested — $ — (67,866 ) $ 47.43 Forfeited (30,873 ) $ 52.15 (18,370 ) $ 56.40 Balance at December 31, 2020 61,208 $ 57.18 121,485 $ 56.34 Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units Restricted stock awards and restricted stock units are service-based awards. We account for restricted stock awards and restricted stock units that will be settled in shares of our common stock as equity-based awards. We measure share-based compensation expense of equity-based awards at fair value on the grant date on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. We account for restricted stock units that will be settled in cash as liability-based awards. We measure share-based compensation expense of liability-based awards at fair value at each reporting date until the date of settlement. Forfeitures are recorded when they occur. As of December 31, 2020, the unamortized cost of outstanding equity-based restricted stock awards and restricted stock units was $4.2 million, which we expect to recognize over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.3 years. We repurchased 42,185 shares for $1.7 million during 2020, 24,995 shares for $1.5 million in 2019, and 22,358 shares for $1.2 million in 2018 related to tax withholding requirements on vested share-based awards. Aggregate liabilities related to liability-based restricted stock units were $0.2 million as of December 31, 2020 and $0.4 million as of December 31, 2019. In 2020, restricted stock units vested, and we paid $0.2 million in cash and $2.0 million in shares. In 2019, restricted stock units vested, and we paid $0.6 million in cash and $0.2 million in shares. In 2018, the 2015 restricted stock units vested and we paid $0.2 million in cash. The following table summarizes the activity of the outstanding restricted stock awards and restricted stock units: Equity-Based Restricted Stock Awards Equity-Based Restricted Stock Units Liability-Based Restricted Stock Units Shares Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Shares Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Shares Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Balance at December 31, 2019 136,123 $ 52.66 — $ — 11,623 $ 52.17 Granted 55,171 $ 51.06 232,435 $ 19.44 3,952 $ 50.43 Vested (66,054 ) $ 49.99 (77,725 ) $ 19.30 (2,815 ) $ 47.45 Forfeited (18,133 ) $ 54.11 (3,449 ) $ 19.47 (2,301 ) $ 56.13 Balance at December 31, 2020 107,107 $ 53.23 151,261 $ 19.51 10,459 $ 51.91 Stock Options We grant non-qualified stock options that are performance-based, as well as non-qualified stock options that are service-based. The performance-based awards are recognized on a straight-line basis over the performance period ranging from 1.0 to 3.4 years, and the underlying shares expected to be settled are adjusted each reporting period based on estimated future achievement of the respective performance metrics. The service-based awards are recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period on a graded-vesting schedule over two years. The following table summarizes stock option activity: Shares Weighted-Average Exercise Price Aggregate Intrinsic Value ( 1) Options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2019 41,143 $ 16.62 Granted 204,150 $ 19.98 Exercised (41,143 ) $ 16.62 Options outstanding at December 31, 2020 204,150 $ 19.98 $ 3,305,928 Options exercisable at December 31, 2020 — $ — $ — (1) The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding represents the difference between our closing stock price at the end of the reporting period and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money stock options. The following table summarizes stock options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2020: Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Range of exercise prices Shares Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) Weighted-Average Exercise Price Shares Weighted-Average Exercise Price $ 19.30 150,000 8.00 $ 19.30 — $ — $ 21.85 54,150 6.65 $ 21.85 — $ — $19.30 - $21.85 204,150 7.64 $ 19.98 — $ — The fair value of stock options granted in 2020 was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes stock option pricing model. Following is additional information on stock options and the underlying assumptions used in assessing fair value: Year Ended December 31, 2020 Assumptions used to estimate fair value of stock options granted: Risk-free interest rate 0.27% - 0.31% Expected life 4.3 - 5.4 years Expected volatility 46.9% - 52.2% Expected dividend yield — Weighted average grant-date fair value per share of options granted $ 8.38 Cash received from exercise of options (in thousands) $ 2,077 As of December 31, 2020, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock option awards was $1.4 million. We expect to recognize such costs over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.1 years. No stock options were granted in 2019 or 2018.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Note 4. Acquisitions 2019 Acquisitions Belton Chalet On May 16, 2019, we acquired the Belton Chalet in Glacier National Park for total cash consideration of $3.2 million. Transaction costs associated with the acquisition were $0.3 million during 2019, which are included in “Cost of services” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. We included these assets in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. Mountain Park Lodges On June 8, 2019, we acquired a 60% equity interest in Mountain Park Lodges’ group of seven hotels and an undeveloped land parcel located in Jasper National Park for total consideration of $100.6 million Canadian dollars (approximately $76 million U.S. dollars). As the majority owner of these properties, we consolidate 100% of the results of operations in our consolidated financial statements and record the 40% owners’ share of the net income or loss attributable to non-redeemable noncontrolling interest. The following table summarizes the final 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. (in thousands) Purchase price paid as: Cash $ 75,837 Net working capital adjustment 18 Consideration transferred 75,855 Right to manage (1,276 ) Purchase price, net 74,579 Fair value of net assets acquired: Accounts receivable $ 333 Inventories 152 Prepaid expenses 276 Property and equipment 103,642 Intangible assets 20,180 Total assets acquired 124,583 Accounts payable 329 Advanced deposits payable 400 Deferred tax liability 19,734 Other liabilities 16 Total liabilities assumed 20,479 Noncontrolling interest equity 49,719 Total fair value of net assets acquired 54,385 Excess purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired (“goodwill”) $ 20,194 Under the acquisition method of accounting, the purchase price as shown in the table above is allocated to the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values. The excess purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired was recorded as “Goodwill.” Goodwill is included in the Pursuit business group. The primary factor that contributed to the purchase price resulting in the recognition of goodwill related to future growth opportunities when combined with our other businesses. Goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. The estimated values of current assets and liabilities were based upon their historical costs on the acquisition date due to their short-term nature. Transaction costs associated with the Mountain Park Lodges were $0.9 million in 2019 and $0.1 million in 2018, which are included in “Corporate activities” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The results of operations of Mountain Park Lodges have been included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. Identifiable intangible assets acquired in the Mountain Park Lodges acquisition were $ million and consist primarily of in-place leases, customer relationships, and trade names. The weighted average amortization period related to the intangible assets was approximately 30.8 years . Sky Lagoon Attraction On July 25, 2019, we announced plans for a new geothermal lagoon attraction that is located on an oceanfront lot just outside downtown Reykjavik, Iceland. We acquired a 51% controlling interest for $13.2 million in the new entity that will manage the Sky Lagoon attraction, which we will operate in partnership with Geothermal Lagoon ehf., the Icelandic entity that owns the lagoon assets. The noncontrolling interest’s carrying value was determined by the fair value of the noncontrolling interest as of the acquisition date and the noncontrolling interest’s share of the subsequent net income or loss. The amortization of the resulting operating contract intangible is not deductible for tax purposes. We expect to open our new attraction in the second quarter of 2021. Supplementary pro forma financial information The following table summarizes the unaudited pro forma results of operations attributable to Viad, assuming the completion of the Mountain Park Lodges acquisition was on January 1, 2018. We do not consider the Sky Lagoon attraction or the Belton Chalet significant acquisitions and accordingly, they are not included in the following pro forma results of operations: (in thousands, except per share data) Year Ended December 31, 2019 Year Ended December 31, 2018 Revenue $ 1,310,997 $ 1,264,664 Depreciation and amortization $ 61,597 $ 62,261 Income from continuing operations $ 22,195 $ 48,312 Net income attributable to Viad $ 21,337 $ 49,070 Diluted income per share $ 0.99 $ 2.39 Basic income per share $ 0.99 $ 2.40 2018 Acquisition Maligne Canyon Restaurant In March 2018

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Note 5. Inventories The components of inventories consisted of the following: December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 Raw materials $ 3,362 $ 11,788 Finished goods 5,365 5,481 Inventories $ 8,727 $ 17,269

Other Current Assets

Other Current Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Deferred Costs Capitalized Prepaid And Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Current Assets	Note 6. Other Current Assets Other current assets consisted of the following: December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 Prepaid insurance $ 4,297 $ 5,573 Prepaid software maintenance 3,058 3,875 Restricted cash 2,426 5 Prepaid vendor payments 1,835 4,698 Prepaid taxes 345 917 Income tax receivable 337 13,250 Prepaid other 1,296 1,904 Other 3,631 632 Other current assets $ 17,225 $ 30,854

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Note 7. Property and Equipment Property and equipment consisted of the following: December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 Land and land interests ( 1) $ 32,849 $ 34,532 Buildings and leasehold improvements 386,751 377,754 Equipment and other 401,288 417,239 Gross property and equipment 820,888 829,525 Accumulated depreciation (352,100 ) (353,974 ) Property and equipment, net (excluding finance leases) 468,788 475,551 Finance lease ROU assets, net 23,366 25,350 Property and equipment, net $ 492,154 $ 500,901 (1) Land and land interests include certain leasehold interests in land within Pursuit for which we are considered to have perpetual use rights. The carrying amount of these leasehold interests was $8.3 million as of December 31, 2020 and $8.2 million as of December 31, 2019. These land interests are not subject to amortization. Depreciation expense was $46.5 million during 2020, $45.6 million during 2019, and $45.8 million during 2018. Property and equipment purchased through accounts payable and accrued liabilities decreased $6.9 million during 2020, increased $4.2 million during 2019, and decreased $1.9 million during 2018. We recorded fixed asset impairment charges of $1.6 million during 2020 primarily related to capitalized software and $3.8 million to equipment during 2019 primarily related to our audio-visual production business in the United Kingdom.

Other Investments and Assets

Other Investments and Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Investments All Other Investments [Abstract]
Other Investments and Assets	Note 8. Other Investments and Assets Other investments and assets consisted of the following: December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 Self-insured liability receivable $ 6,358 $ 9,982 Other mutual funds 3,457 3,107 Contract costs 2,912 3,961 Cash surrender value of life insurance — 24,873 Other 2,765 3,196 Other investments and assets $ 15,492 $ 45,119

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Note 9. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows: (in thousands) GES North America GES EMEA Pursuit Total Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 154,944 $ 29,954 $ 76,432 $ 261,330 Business acquisitions — — 20,684 20,684 Foreign currency translation adjustments 332 875 4,762 5,969 Balance at December 31, 2019 155,276 30,829 101,878 287,983 Goodwill impairment (154,989 ) (29,042 ) (1,758 ) (185,789 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments (287 ) (1,787 ) 1,659 (415 ) Other — — (1,932 ) (1,932 ) Balance at December 31, 2020 $ — $ — $ 99,847 $ 99,847 The following table summarizes goodwill by reporting unit and segment: December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 GES: GES North America: U.S. $ — $ 148,277 Canada — 6,999 GES EMEA — 30,829 Total GES — 186,105 Pursuit: Banff Jasper Collection 54,856 55,524 Alaska Collection 3,184 3,184 Glacier Park Collection — 1,758 FlyOver 41,807 41,412 Total Pursuit 99,847 101,878 Total Goodwill $ 99,847 $ 287,983 Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis as of October 31, and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more-likely-than-not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. We use a discounted expected future cash flow methodology (income approach) to estimate the fair value of our reporting units for purposes of goodwill impairment testing. In early March 2020, as a result of COVID-19 concerns, we began to see event postponements and cancellations at GES, as well as cancelled bookings at Pursuit. This quickly escalated into the shut-down of event activity and tourism as government mandated closures and stay-at-home orders went more broadly into effect around the world. As demand halted, we essentially placed our businesses into a state of hibernation to preserve cash. As government mandated closures and stay-at-home orders started to be lifted, we began to restart our business with enhanced health and safety protocols in place. We phased in most of Pursuit’s attractions and lodging operations starting in May 2020. However, exhibition and event activity remain largely dormant. For GES, we believe that as governments continue to lift restrictions, events in certain geographies will gradually increase. During the first quarter of 2020, we determined that an interim triggering event had occurred due to the deteriorating macroeconomic environment related to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in disruptions to our operations and the decline in our stock price. As such, we performed an interim evaluation of goodwill as of March 31, 2020. As a result, we recorded non-cash goodwill impairment charges of $41.9 million associated with GES U.S., $29.0 million associated with GES EMEA, and $1.8 million associated with Pursuit’s Glacier Park Collection. We recorded an income tax benefit of $12.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020 related to these goodwill impairment charges. This income tax benefit was reversed during the second quarter of 2020 due to the recording of a valuation allowance. Refer to Note 17 – Income Taxes. During the second quarter of 2020, GES continued to experience event postponements and cancellations and we experienced further declines in our stock price. There was also an increased spread of the COVID-19 virus throughout the United States, which resulted in further closures and government orders that we believed had increased the uncertainty regarding when the live event industry would re-commence and how long it would take to get back to similar pre-COVID-19 business levels. The uncertainty regarding the duration of the current domestic and global economic conditions and whether further deterioration in the macroeconomic environment would continue as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic was factored into our second quarter goodwill impairment analysis. As a result, we recorded a full impairment charge to the remaining GES goodwill balance of $ 113.1 million during the second quarter of 2020 . Our remaining goodwill balance as of December 3 1 , 2020 of $ million pertains to our Pursuit business. Although Pursuit’s reporting units continued to operate at a loss due to travel restrictions, we did not record any additional impairment charges during the third or fourth quarter of 2020 as there were no significant changes to our outlook for the future years and the risk profile of the reporting units had not changed. Additionally, we experienced a slight increase in our stock price during the third and fourth quarters of 2020 once news of a vaccine was announced and the vaccine was rolled out. Given the evolving nature of COVID-19 and the uncertain government and consumer reactions, the estimates and assumptions regarding expected future cash flows, discount rates, and terminal values used in our goodwill impairment analysis require considerable judgment and are based on our current estimates of market conditions, financial forecasts, and industry trends. These estimates, however, have inherent uncertainties and different assumptions could lead to materially different results including additional impairment charges in the future. Our accumulated goodwill impairment was $415.5 million as of December 31, 2020 and $229.7 million as of December 31, 2019. Other intangible assets consisted of the following: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 (in thousands) Useful Life (Years) Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Value Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Value Intangible assets subject to amortization: Customer contracts and relationships 6.4 $ 38,214 $ (26,288 ) $ 11,926 $ 72,219 $ (40,866 ) $ 31,353 Operating contracts and licenses 36.7 42,012 (2,405 ) 39,607 43,329 (1,881 ) 41,448 In-place lease 13.3 15,347 (656 ) 14,691 15,044 (231 ) 14,813 Tradenames 5.3 5,940 (2,435 ) 3,505 9,423 (4,338 ) 5,085 Non-compete agreements 1.0 770 (616 ) 154 2,077 (1,775 ) 302 Other 7.2 818 (102 ) 716 802 (66 ) 736 Total amortized intangible assets 103,101 (32,502 ) 70,599 142,894 (49,157 ) 93,737 Indefinite-lived intangible assets: Business licenses 573 — 573 571 — 571 Other intangible assets $ 103,674 $ (32,502 ) $ 71,172 $ 143,465 $ (49,157 ) $ 94,308 Intangible asset amortization expense was $6.4 million during 2020, $10.6 million during 2019, and $11.0 million during 2018. We recorded a non-cash impairment charge to intangible assets of $15.7 million during 2020 related our U.S audio-visual production business and $1.5 million during 2019 related to our United Kingdom audio-visual production business. The duration and impact of COVID-19 may result in additional future impairment charges as facts and circumstances evolve. At December 31, 2020, the estimated future amortization expense related to intangible assets subject to amortization is as follows: (in thousands) Year ending December 31, 2021 $ 5,216 2022 5,129 2023 4,466 2024 3,510 2025 2,218 Thereafter 50,060 Total $ 70,599

Other Current Liabilities

Other Current Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Other Liabilities Current [Abstract]
Other Current Liabilities	Note 10. Other Current Liabilities Other current liabilities consisted of the following: December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 Continuing operations: Self-insured liability $ 5,715 $ 5,668 Accrued interest payable 3,042 399 Accrued restructuring 2,479 2,130 Accrued employee benefit costs 2,363 3,564 Current portion of pension and postretirement liabilities 1,805 1,899 Accrued professional fees 1,691 1,248 Accrued sales and use taxes 1,547 5,451 Commissions payable 903 8,274 Accommodation services deposits 304 959 Accrued legal settlement — 2,500 Accrued dividends — 2,019 Other taxes 1,872 278 Other 4,819 4,788 Total continuing operations 26,540 39,177 Discontinued operations: Environmental remediation liabilities 61 311 Self-insured liability 347 260 Other 91 76 Total discontinued operations 499 647 Total other current liabilities $ 27,039 $ 39,824

Other Deferred Items and Liabil

Other Deferred Items and Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Deferred Items and Liabilities	Note 11. Other Deferred Items and Liabilities Other deferred items and liabilities consisted of the following: December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 Continuing operations: Foreign deferred tax liability $ 21,336 $ 32,570 Multi-employer pension plan withdrawal liability 15,864 15,693 Self-insured liability 6,662 8,682 Self-insured excess liability 6,358 9,982 Accrued compensation 5,821 7,485 Accrued restructuring 2,751 2,383 Contract liabilities 23 125 Other 1,456 2,423 Total continuing operations 60,271 79,343 Discontinued operations: Environmental remediation liabilities 2,179 1,964 Self-insured liability 1,639 2,018 Other 539 382 Total discontinued operations 4,357 4,364 Total other deferred items and liabilities $ 64,628 $ 83,707

Debt and Finance Lease Obligati

Debt and Finance Lease Obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt and Finance Lease Obligations	Note 12. Debt and Finance Lease Obligations The components of debt and finance lease obligations consisted of the following: December 31, (in thousands, except interest rates) 2020 2019 2018 Credit Facility, 4.5% weighted-average interest rate at December 31, 2020 and 3.9% at December 31, 2019, due through 2023 (1) $ 266,762 $ 311,464 FlyOver Iceland Credit Facility, 4.9% weighted-average interest rate at December 31, 2020 and 2019, due through 2023 (1) 5,820 5,607 FlyOver Iceland Term Loans, 3.8% weighted-average interest rate at December 31, 2020, due through 2024 (1) 705 — Less unamortized debt issuance costs (2,737 ) (1,836 ) Total debt (2) 270,550 315,235 Finance lease obligations, 8.0% weighted-average interest rate at December 31, 2020 and 7.7% at December 31, 2019, due through 2039 23,141 25,257 Total debt and finance lease obligations (3) 293,691 340,492 Current portion (4) (8,335 ) (5,330 ) Long-term debt and finance lease obligations $ 285,356 $ 335,162 (1) Represents the weighted-average interest rate in effect at the respective periods, including any applicable margin. The interest rates do not include amortization of debt issuance costs or commitment fees. (2) The weighted-average interest rate on total debt (including unamortized debt issuance costs and commitment fees) was 4.6% for 2020, 4.2% for 2019 and 4.3% for 2018. The estimated fair value of total debt and finance leases was $254.0 million as of December 31, 2020 and $304.0 million as of December 31, 2019. The fair value of debt was estimated by discounting the future cash flows using rates currently available for debt of similar terms and maturity, which is a Level 2 measurement. Refer to Note 13 – Fair Value Measurements. (3) Cash paid for interest on debt was $14.0 million during 2020, $11.9 million during 2019, and $8.5 million during 2018. (4) Subsequent to the filing of our 2019 Form 10-K, we identified a correction related to the classification of the 2018 Credit Facility (as defined below) from current to long-term given that the 2018 Credit Facility’s contractual maturity was not within 12 months 2018 Credit Agreement Effective October 24, 2018, we entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “2018 Credit Agreement”). The 2018 Credit Agreement has a maturity date of October 24, 2023 and provides for a $450 million revolving credit facility (“2018 Credit Facility”). The 2018 Credit Facility may be increased up to an additional $250 million under certain circumstances and has a $20 million sublimit for letters of credit. Borrowings and letters of credit can be denominated in U.S. dollars, Euros, Canadian dollars, or British pounds. Our lenders under the 2018 Credit Agreement have a first perfected security interest in all of our personal property. Dividends are permitted up to $15 million in any calendar year. In addition, we can declare and pay dividends or repurchase our common stock up to $20 million per calendar year. Dividends and repurchases above those thresholds are permitted as long as our pro forma leverage ratio is less than or equal to 2.75 to 1.00. Unsecured debt is allowed provided we are in compliance with the leverage ratio. In addition, the unsecured debt must mature after the expiration of the 2018 Credit Facility, cannot have scheduled principal payments while the 2018 Credit Facility is in place, and any covenants for unsecured debt cannot be more restrictive than the 2018 Credit Facility. Significant other covenants include limitations on investments, additional indebtedness, sales and dispositions of assets, and liens on property. As of December 31, 2020, we were not in compliance with our financial covenants, however, we obtained financial covenant relief until September 30, 2022 pursuant to the amendment to the 2018 Credit Agreement described below. Effective August 5, 2020, we entered into an amendment to the 2018 Credit Agreement, which, among other things, (i) waives our financial covenants until September 30, 2022 (the “Covenant Waiver Period”) and (ii) requires us to maintain minimum liquidity of $100 million, with liquidity defined as unrestricted cash and available capacity on our 2018 Credit Facility. The Covenant Waiver Period will be in effect until the earlier of September 30, 2022 or the fiscal quarter when our leverage ratio is less than or equal to 4.00 to 1.00. Post Covenant Waiver Period, the maximum leverage ratio will be less than or equal to 4.50 to 1.00 at September 30, 2022 with a step down to less than or equal to 4.00 to 1.00 at December 31, 2022 and thereafter until the maturity date. The minimum interest coverage ratio will be greater than or equal to 2.00 to 1.00 post Covenant Waiver Period and until maturity of the facility. The interest rate on the borrowings is equal to LIBOR plus 350 basis points, with a LIBOR floor of one percent, during the Covenant Waiver Period. The LIBOR floor continues until the end of the 2018 Credit Agreement. A revised pricing grid goes into effect after the Covenant Waiver Period ends. Additionally, we are precluded from paying cash dividends, from issuing unsecured debt, and from accessing the $ 250 million expansion feature during the Covenant Waiver Period. The amendment allows us to make acquisitions under certain conditions. In connection with the amendment, Viad pledged 100 % of the capital stock of its wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries and it s top-tier foreign subsidiaries (other than Esja). Fees related to the amendment were approximately $ 1.7 million. Refer to Note 1 – Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Impact of COVID-19) for additional information. As of December 31, 2020, capacity remaining under the 2018 Credit Facility was $173.5 million, reflecting borrowings of $266.8 million and $9.7 million in outstanding letters of credit. We index borrowings under the 2018 Credit Facility to the prime rate or the London Inter-bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), plus appropriate spreads tied to our leverage ratio. As LIBOR will begin to be phased out in 2021, our 2018 Credit Facility includes a method for determining an alternative or successor rate of interest that gives consideration to the new prevailing market convention. The vast majority of our borrowings under the 2018 Credit Facility are indexed to LIBOR. Commitment fees and letters of credit fees are also tied to our leverage ratio. The fees on the unused portion of the 2018 Credit Facility were 0.50% annually as of December 31, 2020. Only our borrowings under the 2018 Credit Facility and the discount rates we use to account for some leases are indexed to LIBOR. We do not expect the alternative or successor rate to LIBOR to have a material impact on either our 2018 Credit Facility or the accounting for our leases . FlyOver Iceland Credit Facility Effective February 15, 2019, FlyOver Iceland ehf., (“FlyOver Iceland”) a wholly-owned subsidiary of Esja, entered into a credit agreement with a €5.0 million (approximately $5.6 million U.S. dollars) credit facility (the “FlyOver Iceland Credit Facility”) with a maturity date of March 1, 2022. The loan proceeds were used to complete the development of the FlyOver Iceland attraction. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we entered into an addendum to the FlyOver Iceland Credit Facility effective January 8, 2021 wherein the principal payments were deferred for twelve months beginning December 1, 2020, with the first payment due December 1, 2021. The addendum also extended the maturity date to September 1, 2023. There were no other changes to the terms of the FlyOver Iceland Credit Facility. We obtained a waiver of certain covenants to the FlyOver Iceland Credit Facility through December 2020. We expect to be unable to meet our financial covenants under the FlyOver Iceland Credit Facility beginning with the six months ending June 30, 2021, and as a result, the €4.8 million (approximately $5.8 million U.S. dollars) balance outstanding as of December 31, 2020 has been classified as a current liability. We intend to seek a waiver for the June 30, 2021 financial covenants. FlyOver Iceland Term Loans During 2020, FlyOver Iceland entered into three term loans totaling ISK 90.0 million (approximately $0.7 million U.S. dollars) (the “FlyOver Iceland Term Loans”). The first term loan for ISK 10.0 million was entered into effective October 15, 2020 with a maturity date of April 1, 2023 and bears interest on a seven-day term deposit at the Central Bank of Iceland. The second term loan for ISK 30.0 million was entered into effective October 15, 2020 with a maturity date of October 1, 2024 and bears interest on a seven-day term deposit at the Central Bank of Iceland plus 3.07%. The third term loan for ISK 50.0 million was entered into effective December 29, 2020 with a maturity date of February 1, 2023 and bears interest at one-month Reykjavik InterBank Offered Rate (“REIBOR”) plus 4.99%. The Icelandic State Treasury guarantees supplemental loans provided by credit institutions to companies impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Accordingly, the Icelandic State Treasury guaranteed the repayment of up to 85% of the principal and interest on the ISK 10.0 million and ISK 30.0 million term loans and 70% of the principal amount on the ISK 50.0 million term loan. Loan proceeds will be used to fund operations. Aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt (excluding finance leases) as of December 31, 2020 are as follows: (in thousands) Credit Facilities Year ending December 31, 2021 $ 5,820 2022 53 2023 267,306 2024 108 2025 — Thereafter — Total $ 273,287 The aggregate annual maturities and the related amounts representing interest on finance lease obligations are included in Note 20 – Leases and Other.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Note 13. Fair Value Measurements The fair value of an asset or liability is defined as the price that would be received by selling an asset or paying 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. Money market mutual funds and certain other mutual fund investments are measured 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) December 31, 2020 Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets: Money market funds ( 1) $ 2 $ 2 $ — $ — Other mutual funds ( 2) 3,457 3,457 — — Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis $ 3,459 $ 3,459 $ — $ — Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using (in thousands) December 31, 2019 Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets: Money market funds ( 1) $ 123 $ 123 $ — $ — Other mutual funds ( 2) 3,107 3,107 — — Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis $ 3,230 $ 3,230 $ — $ — (1) We include money market funds in “Cash and cash equivalents” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We classify these investments as available-for-sale and recorded them at fair value. There have been no realized gains or losses related to these investments and we have not experienced any redemption restrictions with respect to any of the money market mutual funds. (2) We include other mutual funds in “Other investments and assets” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. Refer to Note 12 – Debt and Finance Lease Obligations for the estimated fair value of debt obligations.

Income (Loss) Per Share

Income (Loss) Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Income (Loss) Per Share	Note 14. Income (Loss) Per Share The components of basic and diluted income per share are as follows: Year Ended December 31, (in thousands, except per share data) 2020 2019 2018 Net income (loss) attributable to Viad (diluted) $ (374,094 ) $ 22,035 $ 49,170 Less: Allocation to non-vested shares — (147 ) (458 ) Convertible preferred stock dividends (3,006 ) — — Adjustment to the redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest (926 ) (1,318 ) (251 ) Net income (loss) allocated to Viad common stockholders (basic) $ (378,026 ) $ 20,570 $ 48,461 Basic weighted-average outstanding common shares 20,279 20,146 20,168 Additional dilutive shares related to share-based compensation — 138 236 Diluted weighted-average outstanding shares 20,279 20,284 20,404 Income (loss) per share: Basic income (loss) attributable to Viad common stockholders $ (18.64 ) $ 1.02 $ 2.40 Diluted income (loss) attributable to Viad common stockholders (1) $ (18.64 ) $ 1.02 $ 2.40 (1) Diluted loss per share amount cannot exceed basic loss per share. We excluded the following weighted-average potential common shares from the calculations of diluted net income (loss) per common share during the applicable periods because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive: Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Convertible preferred stock (as converted to common stock) 6,406,324 — — Unvested restricted share-based awards 115,089 8,000 500 Stock options 24,205 — —

Common and Preferred Stock

Common and Preferred Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Common and Preferred Stock	Note 15. Common and Preferred Stock Preferred Stock We authorized two million shares of Junior Participating Preferred Stock, none of which was outstanding on December 31, 2020 and five million shares of Preferred Stock of which 135,000 shares are outstanding Convertible Series A Preferred Stock On August 5, 2020, we entered into an Investment Agreement with funds managed by private equity firm Crestview Partners, relating to the issuance of 135,000 shares of newly issued Convertible Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $135 million or $1,000 per share. The $135 million issuance was offset in part by $9.2 million of expenses related to the capital raise. The Investment Agreement also includes a delayed draw commitment of up to $45 million in additional Convertible Series A Preferred Stock, which we may access during the 12 months following the August 5, 2020 closing date on the same terms and conditions as the initial investment. We have classified the convertible preferred stock as temporary equity in our Consolidated Balance Sheet due to the existence of certain change in control provisions that are not solely within our control. The Convertible Series A Preferred Stock carries a 5.5 Holders of the Convertible Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to vote with holders of Viad’s common stock on an as-converted basis. Common Stock Repurchases Our Board of Directors previously authorized us to repurchase shares of our common stock from time to time at prevailing market prices. Effective February 7, 2019, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an additional 500,000 shares. In March 2020, our Board of Directors suspended our share repurchase program for the foreseeable future. Prior to the suspension, we repurchased 53,784 shares on the open market for $2.8 million in 2020. No shares were repurchased on the open market during 2019. During 2018, we repurchased 340,473 shares on the open market for $17.2 million. As of December 31, 2020, 546,283 shares remain available for repurchase. Additionally, we repurchase shares related to tax withholding requirements on vested restricted stock awards. Refer to Note 3 – Share-Based Compensation. Stockholder Rights Plan On March 29, 2020, our Board of Directors adopted a short-term stockholder rights plan and declared a dividend payable to stockholders of record on April 13, 2020 of one preferred stock purchase right per each outstanding share of Viad common stock to purchase one one-hundredth of a share of Viad’s Junior Participating Preferred Stock at an exercise price of $115. Our Board of Directors will be able to redeem the rights at $0.01 per right at any time before a person or group acquired 10% (20% in the case of a passive institutional investor) or more of the outstanding common stock. On August 5, 2020, the stockholder rights plan was amended, whereby Crestview and affiliated parties were designated as exempt persons, and as such, the issuance of preferred stock to Crestview did not result in a triggering event. The rights expired on February 28, 2021 in accordance with its original terms. Subject to limited exceptions, if a person or group acquired 10% (20% in the case of a passive institutional investor) or more of our common stock (including shares that were synthetically owned pursuant to derivative transactions or ownership of derivative securities) or announced a tender offer, and the consummation of that offer would have resulted in such ownership (we refer to such a person or group as an “acquiring person”), each right entitled its holder to purchase, at the right’s then-current exercise price, a number of shares of common stock having a market value at that time of twice the right’s exercise price. Rights held by the acquiring person would have become void and would not be exercisable. If the Company had been acquired in a merger or other business combination transaction that had not been approved by our Board of Directors after the rights would have become exercisable, each right would have entitled its holder to purchase, at the right’s then-current exercise price, a number of shares of the acquiring company’s common stock having a market value at that time of twice the right’s exercise price.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Note 16. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) by component are as follows: (in thousands) Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Unrecognized Net Actuarial Loss and Prior Service Credit, Net Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ (36,332 ) $ (11,643 ) $ (47,975 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 12,533 (10 ) 12,523 Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax — (247 ) (247 ) Net other comprehensive income (loss) 12,533 (257 ) 12,276 Balance at December 31, 2019 $ (23,799 ) $ (11,900 ) $ (35,699 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 7,113 (27 ) 7,086 Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax — (2,028 ) (2,028 ) Net other comprehensive income (loss) 7,113 (2,055 ) 5,058 Balance at December 31, 2020 $ (16,686 ) $ (13,955 ) $ (30,641 ) Amounts reclassified that relate to our defined benefit pension and postretirement plans include the amortization of prior service costs and actuarial net losses recognized during each period presented. These costs are recorded as components of net periodic cost for each period presented. Refer to Note 18 – Pension and Postretirement Benefits for additional information.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note 17. Income Taxes We record current income tax expense for the amounts that we expect to report and pay on our income tax returns and deferred income tax expense for the change in the deferred tax assets and liabilities. On December 22, 2017, the U.S. enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) that significantly changed U.S. tax law. One part of this Tax Act required the Company to pay a deemed repatriation tax of $5.2 million on its cumulative foreign E&P. After application of tax payments and credits, $1.0 million of the liability remains outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and is due in 2024. Income from continuing operations before income taxes consisted of the following: Year Ended December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Foreign $ (95,919 ) $ 49,171 $ 54,753 United States (264,940 ) (23,061 ) 10,256 Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes $ (360,859 ) $ 26,110 $ 65,009 Significant components of the income tax provision from continuing operations are as follows: Year Ended December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Current: United States: Federal $ (128 ) $ (2,260 ) $ 41 State 674 1,400 (335 ) Foreign (1,397 ) 13,764 12,039 Total current (851 ) 12,904 11,745 Deferred: United States: Federal 17,171 (3,355 ) 1,860 State 2,896 (1,619 ) 860 Foreign (4,970 ) (5,424 ) 2,630 Total deferred 15,097 (10,398 ) 5,350 Income tax expense $ 14,246 $ 2,506 $ 17,095 We are subject to income tax in jurisdictions in which we operate. A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective tax rate is as follows: Year Ended December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Computed income tax (benefit) expense at statutory federal income tax rate $ (75,780 ) 21.0 % $ 5,483 21.0 % $ 13,665 21.0 % State income tax (benefit), net of federal benefit (4,138 ) 1.1 % (173 ) (0.2 )% 3,489 5.4 % Deemed mandatory repatriation state tax — 0.0 % — 0.0 % (909 ) (1.4 )% Deemed mandatory repatriation federal tax, net of foreign tax credit — 0.0 % — 0.0 % (1,690 ) (2.6 )% Remeasurement of deferred taxes due to change in tax rates — 0.0 % (4,517 ) (17.3 )% (510 ) (0.8 )% Foreign tax rate differential (401 ) 0.1 % 3,122 12.0 % 4,138 6.4 % U.S. tax (benefit) on current year foreign earnings, net of foreign tax credits — 0.0 % (1,792 ) (6.9 )% (223 ) (0.3 )% Goodwill impairment 16,471 (4.6 )% — 0.0 % — 0.0 % Change in valuation allowance 77,369 (21.3 )% 920 1.8 % (653 ) (1.0 )% Other adjustments, net 725 (0.2 )% (537 ) (0.8 )% (212 ) (0.3 )% Income tax expense $ 14,246 (3.9 )% $ 2,506 9.6 % $ 17,095 26.4 % The components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows: December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 Deferred tax assets: Tax credit carryforwards $ 5,326 $ 7,879 Pension, compensation, and other employee benefits 11,991 17,231 Provisions for losses 4,623 4,778 Net operating loss carryforwards 44,358 5,371 State income taxes — 3,089 Leases 660 — Goodwill and other intangible assets 18,055 — Other deferred income tax assets 14,175 2,177 Total deferred tax assets 99,188 40,525 Valuation allowance (81,795 ) (4,276 ) Foreign deferred tax assets included above (7,717 ) (2,351 ) United States net deferred tax assets 9,676 33,898 Deferred tax liabilities: Property and equipment (24,017 ) (20,681 ) Goodwill and other intangible assets (8,846 ) (16,172 ) Leases (857 ) — Life insurance — (3,945 ) Other deferred income tax liabilities (4,485 ) (1,858 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (38,205 ) (42,656 ) Foreign deferred tax liabilities included above 28,490 31,192 United States net deferred tax assets (liabilities) $ (39 ) $ 22,434 We use significant judgment in forming conclusions regarding the recoverability of our deferred tax assets and evaluate all available positive and negative evidence to determine if it is more-likely-than-not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. To the extent recovery does not appear likely, a valuation allowance must be recorded. In determining the recoverability of our deferred assets, we considered our cumulative loss incurred over the four-year The valuation allowance was $ 81.8 million at December 31, 2020 and $ 4.3 million at December 31, 2019. The increase was primarily due to an increase for net operating losses, credit carryforwards, and deferred tax assets that do not meet the more likely-than-not threshold for recognition. As of December 31, 2020, foreign tax credit carryforwards were $4.5 million, of which $3.8 million are foreign tax credits against U.S. income tax, which will begin to expire in 2022 and $0.7 million are creditable against United Kingdom taxes, which can be carried forward indefinitely. As of December 31, 2020, we had $0.7 million of U.S. research and development credit carryforwards. We had gross federal, state, and foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $371.2 million as of December 31, 2020 and $55.2 million as of December 31, 2019, for which we had deferred tax assets of $44.4 million as of December 31, 2020 and $5.4 million as of December 31, 2019. Certain state net operating loss carryforwards of $181.5 million expire from 2020 through 2039, although many states now have unlimited carryforwards. We recorded a valuation allowance on all net operating losses except losses generated in Canada, the Netherlands, Iceland, and Poland. The Canadian net operating loss carryforwards of $28.4 million may be carried back three years and carried forward 20 years. The net operating losses of Iceland and Poland of $8.8 million will expire between five and ten years. The remaining amount of foreign net operating losses of $25.6 million may be carried forward indefinitely. We have not recorded deferred taxes for withholding taxes on current unremitted earnings of our subsidiaries located in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands as we expect to reinvest those earnings in operations outside of the U.S. We exercise judgment in determining the income tax provision for positions taken on prior returns when the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. We classify liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions as “Other deferred items and liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets unless expected to be paid or released within one year. We had liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions of $0.3 million as of December 31, 2020 and $0.2 million as of December 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2020, these amounts do not include any accrual of interest nor penalties as none would be owed on these amounts. We elected that all uncertain tax positions, including interest and penalties, are classified as a component of income tax expense. A reconciliation of the liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions (excluding interest and penalties) is as follows: (in thousands) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 1,425 Additions for tax positions taken in prior years 31 Reductions for lapse of applicable statutes (1,086 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 370 Additions for tax positions taken in prior years 151 Reductions for lapse of applicable statutes (296 ) Balance at December 31, 2019 225 Additions for tax positions taken in prior years 25 Reductions for lapse of applicable statutes — Balance at December 31, 2020 $ 250 Our 2017 through 2019 U.S. federal tax years and various state tax years from 2015 through 2019 remain subject to income tax examinations by tax authorities. The tax years 2016 through 2019 remain subject to examination by various foreign taxing jurisdictions. We received cash refunds from income taxes of $14.9 million during 2020 and paid cash for income taxes of $17.2 million during 2019 and $27.3 million during 2018.

Pension and Postretirement Bene

Pension and Postretirement Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension and Postretirement Benefits	Note 18. Pension and Postretirement Benefits Domestic Plans We have frozen defined benefit pension plans held in trust for certain employees which we funded. We also maintain certain unfunded defined benefit pension plans, which provide supplemental benefits to select management employees. These plans use traditional defined benefit formulas based on years of service and final average compensation. Funding policies provide that payments to defined benefit pension trusts shall be at least equal to the minimum funding required by applicable regulations. We also have certain defined benefit postretirement plans that provide medical and life insurance for certain eligible employees, retirees, and dependents. The related postretirement benefit liabilities are recognized over the period that services are provided by employees. In addition, we retained the obligations for these benefits for retirees of certain sold businesses. While the plans have no funding requirements, we may fund the plans. The components of net periodic benefit cost and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) of our pension plans consist of the following: December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ — $ 61 $ 64 Interest cost 653 861 780 Expected return on plan assets (145 ) (99 ) (193 ) Recognized net actuarial loss 526 403 494 Net periodic benefit cost 1,034 1,226 1,145 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income: Net actuarial (gain) loss 1,587 1,305 (76 ) Reversal of amortization item: Net actuarial loss (526 ) (403 ) (494 ) Total recognized in other comprehensive income 1,061 902 (570 ) Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income $ 2,095 $ 2,128 $ 575 The components of net periodic benefit cost and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income of our postretirement benefit plans consist of the following: December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ 51 $ 64 $ 80 Interest cost 296 458 449 Amortization of prior service credit (146 ) (189 ) (205 ) Recognized net actuarial loss 18 112 405 Net periodic benefit cost 219 445 729 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income: Net actuarial (gain) loss 688 (1,117 ) 170 Prior service credit — — — Reversal of amortization item: Net actuarial loss (18 ) (112 ) (405 ) Prior service credit 146 189 205 Total recognized in other comprehensive income 816 (1,040 ) (30 ) Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income $ 1,035 $ (595 ) $ 699 The following table indicates the funded status of the plans as of December 31: Postretirement Funded Plans Unfunded Plans Benefit Plans (in thousands) 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 15,572 $ 14,235 $ 9,462 $ 9,271 $ 11,986 $ 13,454 Service cost — — — 61 51 64 Interest cost 406 527 247 333 296 458 Actuarial adjustments 1,242 1,611 784 753 688 (1,117 ) Benefits paid (889 ) (801 ) (717 ) (956 ) (802 ) (873 ) Benefit obligation at end of year 16,331 15,572 9,776 9,462 12,219 11,986 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 11,291 10,299 — — — — Actual return on plan assets 584 1,157 — — — — Company contributions 892 636 717 956 802 873 Benefits paid (889 ) (801 ) (717 ) (956 ) (802 ) (873 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year 11,878 11,291 — — — — Funded status at end of year $ (4,453 ) $ (4,281 ) $ (9,776 ) $ (9,462 ) $ (12,219 ) $ (11,986 ) The net amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets under the caption “Pension and postretirement benefits” as of December 31 are as follows: Postretirement Funded Plans Unfunded Plans Benefit Plans (in thousands) 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 Other current liabilities $ — $ — $ 687 $ 703 $ 931 $ 1,019 Non-current liabilities 4,453 4,281 9,089 8,759 11,288 10,967 Net amount recognized $ 4,453 $ 4,281 $ 9,776 $ 9,462 $ 12,219 $ 11,986 Amounts recognized in AOCI as of December 31 are as follows: Postretirement Funded Plans Unfunded Plans Benefit Plans Total Total (in thousands) 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 Net actuarial loss $ 9,252 $ 8,856 $ 3,409 $ 2,744 $ 1,990 $ 1,320 $ 14,651 $ 12,920 Prior service credit — — — — 189 43 189 43 Subtotal 9,252 8,856 3,409 2,744 2,179 1,363 14,840 12,963 Less tax effect — (2,236 ) — (693 ) — (344 ) — (3,273 ) Total $ 9,252 $ 6,620 $ 3,409 $ 2,051 $ 2,179 $ 1,019 $ 14,840 $ 9,690 The fair value of the domestic plans’ assets by asset class are as follows: Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2020 Quoted Prices in Active Markets Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs (in thousands) Total (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Domestic pension plans: Fixed income securities $ 6,430 $ 6,430 $ — $ — Equity securities 4,485 4,485 — — Cash 774 774 — — Other 189 — 189 — Total $ 11,878 $ 11,689 $ 189 $ — Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2019 Quoted Prices in Active Markets Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs (in thousands) Total (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Domestic pension plans: Fixed income securities $ 5,267 $ 5,267 $ — $ — Equity securities 5,518 5,518 — — Cash 316 316 — — Other 190 — 190 — Total $ 11,291 $ 11,101 $ 190 $ — We employ a total return investment approach whereby a mix of equities and fixed income securities is used to maximize the long-term return of plan assets for a prudent level of risk. Risk tolerance is established through careful consideration of plan liabilities, plan funded status, and corporate financial condition. The investment portfolio contains a diversified blend of equity and fixed income securities. Furthermore, equity securities are diversified across U.S. and non-U.S. stocks, as well as growth and value. Investment risk is measured and monitored on an ongoing basis through quarterly investment portfolio reviews and annual liability measurements. We utilize a building-block approach in determining the long-term expected rate of return on plan assets. Historical markets are studied and long-term historical relationships between equity securities and fixed income securities are preserved consistent with the widely accepted capital market principle that assets with higher volatility generate a greater return over the long run. Current market factors such as inflation and interest rates are evaluated before long-term capital market assumptions are determined. The long-term portfolio return also considers diversification and rebalancing. Peer data and historical returns are reviewed relative to our assumed rates for reasonableness and appropriateness. The following pension and postretirement benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid: (in thousands) Funded Plans Unfunded Plans Postretirement Benefit Plans 2021 $ 1,439 $ 695 $ 943 2022 $ 1,020 $ 699 $ 925 2023 $ 1,012 $ 684 $ 902 2024 $ 975 $ 666 $ 875 2025 $ 1,044 $ 648 $ 835 2026-2030 $ 4,641 $ 2,919 $ 3,541 Foreign Pension Plans Certain of our foreign operations also maintain defined benefit pension plans held in trust for certain employees which are funded by the companies, and unfunded defined benefit pension plans providing supplemental benefits to select management employees. These plans use traditional defined benefit formulas based on years of service and final average compensation. Funding policies provide that payments to defined benefit pension trusts shall be at least equal to the minimum funding required by applicable regulations. The components of net periodic benefit cost and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) included the following: December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ 444 $ 405 $ 552 Interest cost 365 397 381 Expected return on plan assets (530 ) (487 ) (505 ) Recognized net actuarial loss 162 127 139 Settlement — — — Net periodic benefit cost 441 442 567 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss): Net actuarial loss 368 605 (238 ) Reversal of amortization of net actuarial loss (162 ) (127 ) (139 ) Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) 206 478 (377 ) Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income (loss) $ 647 $ 920 $ 190 The following table represents the funded status of the plans as of December 31: Funded Plans Unfunded Plans (in thousands) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 9,990 $ 8,134 $ 2,331 $ 2,290 Service cost 444 405 — — Interest cost 295 320 70 77 Actuarial adjustments 686 1,037 111 106 Benefits paid (743 ) (336 ) (180 ) (178 ) Translation adjustment 244 430 117 36 Benefit obligation at end of year 10,916 9,990 2,449 2,331 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 10,013 8,243 — — Actual return on plan assets 1,044 1,156 — — Company contributions 253 515 180 178 Benefits paid (743 ) (336 ) (180 ) (178 ) Translation adjustment 231 435 — — Fair value of plan assets at end of year 10,798 10,013 — — Funded status at end of year $ (118 ) $ 23 $ (2,449 ) $ (2,331 ) The net amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets under the caption “Pension and postretirement benefits” as of December 31 were as follows: Funded Plans Unfunded Plans (in thousands) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Non-current assets $ (31 ) $ (43 ) $ — $ — Other current liabilities — — 187 177 Non-current liabilities 149 20 2,262 2,154 Net amount recognized $ 118 $ (23 ) $ 2,449 $ 2,331 Net actuarial losses for the foreign funded plans recognized in AOCI were $2.7 million ($2.0 million after-tax) as of December 31, 2020 and $2.6 million ($1.9 million after-tax) as of December 31, 2019. Net actuarial losses for the foreign unfunded plans recognized in AOCI were $0.8 million ($0.6 million after-tax) as of December 31, 2020 and $0.7 million ($0.5 million after-tax) as of December 31, 2019. The fair value information related to the foreign pension plans’ assets is summarized in the following tables: Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using (in thousands) December 31, 2020 Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobserved Inputs (Level 3) Assets: Fixed income securities $ 5,450 $ 5,450 $ — $ — Equity securities 5,153 5,153 — — Other 195 195 — — Total $ 10,798 $ 10,798 $ — $ — Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using (in thousands) December 31, 2019 Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobserved Inputs (Level 3) Assets: Fixed income securities $ 5,194 $ 5,194 $ — $ — Equity securities 4,669 4,669 — — Other 150 150 — — Total $ 10,013 $ 10,013 $ — $ — The following payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid: (in thousands) Funded Plans Unfunded Plans 2021 $ 444 $ 190 2022 $ 402 $ 189 2023 $ 440 $ 188 2024 $ 442 $ 188 2025 $ 441 $ 187 2026-2030 $ 2,359 $ 920 Information for Pension Plans with an Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets The accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets as of December 31 were as follows: Domestic Plans Funded Plans Unfunded Plans (in thousands) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Projected benefit obligation $ 16,331 $ 15,572 $ 9,776 $ 9,462 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 16,331 $ 15,572 $ 9,776 $ 9,454 Fair value of plan assets $ 11,878 $ 11,291 $ — $ — Foreign Plans Funded Plans Unfunded Plans (in thousands) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Projected benefit obligation $ 10,916 $ 9,990 $ 2,449 $ 2,331 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 10,447 $ 9,347 $ 2,449 $ 2,331 Fair value of plan assets $ 10,798 $ 10,013 $ — $ — Contributions In aggregate for both the domestic and foreign plans, we anticipate contributing $0.8 million to the funded pension plans, $0.9 million to the unfunded pension plans, and $0.9 million to the postretirement benefit plans in 2021. Weighted-Average Assumptions Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations as of December 31 were as follows: Domestic Plans Funded Plans Unfunded Plans Postretirement Benefit Plans Foreign Plans 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 Discount rate 2.38 % 3.15 % 2.35 % 3.13 % 2.47 % 3.17 % 2.34 % 2.92 % Rate of compensation increase N/A N/A 3.00 % 3.00 % N/A N/A 2.35 % 2.34 % Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit costs as of December 31 were as follows: Domestic Plans Funded Plans Unfunded Plans Postretirement Benefit Plans Foreign Plans 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 Discount rate 3.12 % 4.28 % 3.13 % 4.22 % 3.19 % 4.29 % 2.93 % 3.68 % Expected return on plan assets 5.50 % 5.50 % N/A N/A 0.00 % 0.00 % 4.39 % 4.55 % Rate of compensation increase N/A N/A 3.00 % 3.00 % N/A N/A 2.35 % 2.34 % Multi-employer Plans We contribute to various defined benefit pension plans under the terms of collective bargaining agreements that cover our union-represented employees. The financial risks of participating in these multi-employer pension plans generally include the fact that the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by solvent participating employers. In addition, if we were to discontinue participating in some of our multi-employer pension plans, we could be required to pay a withdrawal liability amount based on the underfunded status of the plan. During the year ended December 31, 2019, we finalized the terms of the new collective bargaining agreement with the Teamsters 727 union. The terms included a withdrawal from the underfunded Central States pension plan. Accordingly, for the year ended December 31, 2019, we recorded a charge of $15.5 million, which represents the estimated present value of future contributions we will be required to make to the plan as a result of this withdrawal and $0.2 million of other withdrawal costs. Currently, we do not anticipate triggering any withdrawal from any other multi-employer pension plan to which we currently contribute. We also contribute to defined contribution plans pursuant to collective bargaining agreements, which are generally not subject to the funding risks inherent in defined benefit pension plans. The overall level of contributions to our multi-employer plans may significantly vary from year to year based on the demand for union-represented labor to support our operations. We do not have any minimum contribution requirements for future periods pursuant to our collective bargaining agreements for individually significant multi-employer plans. Our participation in multi-employer pension plans for 2020 is outlined in the following table. Unless otherwise noted, the most recent Pension Protection Act zone status available in 2020 and 2019 relates to the plan’s year end as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and is based on information received from the plan. Among other factors, plans in the red zone are generally less than 65% funded, plans in the yellow zone are less than 80% funded, and plans in the green zone are at least 80% funded. The “FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented” column indicates plans for which a financial improvement plan or a rehabilitation plan is either pending or has been implemented. Plan Pension Protection Act Zone Status FIP/RP Status Pending/ Implemented Viad Contributions Surcharge Paid Expiration Date of Collective Bargaining Agreement(s) (in thousands) EIN No. 2020 2019 2020 2019 2018 Pension Fund: Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Plan 91-6145047 1 Green Green No $ 2,898 $ 6,754 $ 6,471 No 5/31/2021 Southern California Local 831—Employer Pension Fund (1) 95-6376874 1 Green Green No 943 3,427 3,087 No 8/31/2021 IBEW Local Union No 357 Pension Plan A 88-6023284 1 Green Green No 843 1,074 1,025 No 6/16/2021 Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters Pension Fund 36-6130207 1 Green Green Yes 608 2,877 2,876 No 5/31/2024 Electrical Contractors Assoc. Chicago Local Union 134, IBEW Joint Pension Trust of Chicago Plan #2 51-6030753 2 Green Green No 509 1,651 927 No 6/6/2021 Machinery Movers Riggers & Mach Erect Local 136 Supplemental Retirement Plan (1) 36-1416355 11 Yellow Yellow Yes 337 797 1,328 Yes 6/30/2024 Southwest Carpenters Pension Trust 95-6042875 1 Green Green No 195 717 789 No 7/31/2023 Sign Pictorial & Display Industry Pension Plan (1) 94-6278490 1 Green Green No 92 768 778 No 3/31/2021 Southern California IBEW-NECA Pension Fund 95-6392774 1 Yellow Yellow Yes 89 799 881 Yes 8/31/2021 New England Teamsters & Trucking Industry Pension 04-6372430 1 Red Red Yes 42 506 423 No 3/31/2022 Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Plan 36-6044243 1 Red Red Yes 7 872 1,177 No 3/31/2023 All other funds (2) 963 3,625 3,734 Total contributions to defined benefit plans 7,526 23,867 23,496 Total contributions to other plans 1,066 3,416 2,900 Total contributions to multi-employer plans $ 8,592 $ 27,283 $ 26,396 (1) We contributed more than 5% of total plan contributions for the plan year detailed in the plans’ most recent Form 5500s. (2) Represents participation in 31 pension funds during 2020. Other Employee Benefits We match U.S. employee contributions to the 401(k) Plan with shares of our common stock held in treasury up to 100% of the first 3% of a participant’s salary plus 50% of the next 2%. The expense associated with our match was $1.7 million for 2020, $5.0 million for 2019, and $4.8 million for 2018. In April 2020, we suspended our 401(k) Plan employer match contributions. The employer match was reinstated in October 2020.

Restructuring Charges

Restructuring Charges	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring Charges	Note 19. Restructuring Charges GES As part of our efforts to drive efficiencies and simplify our business operations, we took certain restructuring actions designed to simplify and transform GES for greater profitability. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, we accelerated our transformation and streamlining efforts at GES to significantly reduce costs and create a lower and more flexible cost structure focused on servicing our more profitable market segments. These initiatives included recording restructuring charges related to the elimination of certain positions and facility closures at GES, as well as charges related to the closure and liquidation of GES’ United Kingdom-based audio-visual services business. During 2019, we completed some strategic simplification actions, including a facility consolidation in Las Vegas and other restructuring actions. As a result, we recorded restructuring charges primarily consisting of severance and related benefits as a result of workforce reductions and charges related to the consolidation and downsizing of facilities representing the remaining operating lease obligations (net of estimated sublease income) and related costs. Other Restructurings We recorded restructuring charges in connection with the consolidation of certain support functions at our corporate headquarters and certain reorganization activities within Pursuit. These charges primarily consist of severance and related benefits due to headcount reductions and charges related to the downsizing of facilities. Changes to the restructuring liability by major restructuring activity are as follows: GES Other Restructurings (in thousands) Severance & Employee Benefits Facilities Severance & Employee Benefits Total Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 1,551 $ 807 $ 191 $ 2,549 Restructuring charges 1,457 — 130 1,587 Cash payments (1,379 ) (156 ) (181 ) (1,716 ) Adjustment to liability 410 (451 ) (128 ) (169 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 2,039 200 12 2,251 Restructuring charges 6,071 1,817 492 8,380 Cash payments (5,169 ) (752 ) (272 ) (6,193 ) Adjustment to liability (6 ) 74 7 75 Balance at December 31, 2019 2,935 1,339 239 4,513 Restructuring charges 6,563 5,784 1,093 13,440 Cash payments (7,051 ) (2,573 ) (1,201 ) (10,825 ) Non-cash items (1) — (1,789 ) — (1,789 ) Adjustment to liability (7 ) 5 (107 ) (109 ) Balance at December 31, 2020 $ 2,440 $ 2,766 $ 24 $ 5,230 (1) Represents the impact related to the closure and liquidation of GES’ United Kingdom-based audio-visual services business during the year ended December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020 , we expect to pay all but $ million of the liabilities related to severance and employee benefits by the end of 202 1 . T he liability related to future lease payments will be paid over the remaining lease terms. Refer to Note 23 – Segment Information, for information regarding restructuring charges by segment .

Leases and Other

Leases and Other	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Leases and Other	Note 20. Leases and Other The balance sheet presentation of our operating and finance leases is as follows: December 31, (in thousands) Classification on the Consolidated Balance Sheet 2020 2019 Assets: Operating lease assets Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 82,739 $ 103,314 Finance lease assets Property and equipment, net 23,366 25,350 Total lease assets $ 106,105 $ 128,664 Liabilities: Current: Operating lease obligations Operating lease obligations $ 15,697 $ 22,180 Finance lease obligations Current portion of debt and finance lease obligations 2,514 3,386 Noncurrent: Operating lease obligations Long-term operating lease obligations 70,150 82,851 Finance lease obligations Long-term debt and finance lease obligations 20,627 21,871 Total lease liabilities $ 108,988 $ 130,288 The components of lease expense consisted of the following: Year Ended December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets $ 3,662 $ 2,780 Interest on lease liabilities 1,668 924 Operating lease cost 27,259 26,511 Short-term lease cost 701 1,932 Variable lease cost 5,672 6,271 Total lease cost, net $ 38,962 $ 38,418 Other information related to operating and finance leases are as follows: Year Ended December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 26,250 $ 28,146 Operating cash flows from finance leases $ 1,948 $ 502 Financing cash flows from finance leases $ 3,543 $ 2,698 ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: Operating leases $ 659 $ 125,755 Finance leases $ 2,141 $ 18,822 December 31, 2020 2019 Weighted-average remaining lease term (years): Operating leases 8.39 8.17 Finance leases 13.97 14.01 Weighted-average discount rate: Operating leases 6.93 % 5.77 % Finance leases 7.99 % 7.73 % As of December 31, 2020, the estimated future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases, excluding variable leases and variable non-lease components, are as follows: (in thousands) Operating Leases Finance Leases Total 2021 $ 22,046 $ 4,405 $ 26,451 2022 16,567 3,917 20,484 2023 13,489 3,397 16,886 2024 10,314 2,724 13,038 2025 8,994 2,193 11,187 Thereafter 45,101 22,973 68,074 Total future lease payments 116,511 39,609 156,120 Less: Amount representing interest (30,664 ) (16,468 ) (47,132 ) Present value of minimum lease payments 85,847 23,141 108,988 Current portion 15,697 2,514 18,211 Long-term portion $ 70,150 $ 20,627 $ 90,777 As of December 31, 2020, the estimated future minimum rentals under non-cancellable leases, which includes rental income from facilities that we own, are as follows: (in thousands) 2021 $ 1,612 2022 1,089 2023 869 2024 646 2025 493 Thereafter 1,332 Total minimum sublease rents $ 6,041 Leases Not Yet Commenced As of December 31, 2020, we had executed certain facility and land leases for which we did not have control of the underlying assets. Accordingly, we did not record the lease liabilities and ROU assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. These leases include future planned attractions for Pursuit that are currently in the planning or development phase and that we expect the lease commencement dates to begin between fiscal years 2021 and 2023 with lease terms of 23 to 47 years.

Litigation, Claims, Contingenci

Litigation, Claims, Contingencies, and Other	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Litigation, Claims, Contingencies, and Other	Note 21. Litigation, Claims, Contingencies, and Other We 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 us. During the year ended December 31, 2019, we recorded an $8.5 million charge to resolve a legal dispute at GES involving a former industry contractor. Although the amount of liability as of December 31, 2020 with respect to unresolved legal matters is not ascertainable, we believe that any resulting liability, after taking into consideration amounts already provided for and insurance coverage, will not have a material effect on our business, financial position, or results of operations. On July 18, 2020, an off-road Ice Explorer operated by our Pursuit business was involved in an accident while enroute to the Athabasca Glacier, resulting in three fatalities and multiple other serious injuries. We continue to support the victims and their families, and we are fully cooperating with the applicable regulatory authorities to investigate this accident. We immediately reported the accident to our relevant insurance carriers, who are also supporting the investigation and subsequent claims. Subject to customary deductibles, we believe that our insurance coverage is sufficient to cover potential claims related to this accident. We are 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 we have or had operations. If we fail to comply with these environmental laws and regulations, civil and criminal penalties could be imposed, and we could become subject to regulatory enforcement actions in the form of injunctions and cease and desist orders. As is the case with many companies, we also face exposure to actual or potential claims and lawsuits involving environmental matters relating to our past operations. As of December 31, 2020, we had recorded environmental remediation liabilities of $2.2 million related to previously sold operations. Although we are a party to certain environmental disputes, we believe that any resulting liabilities, after taking into consideration amounts already provided for and insurance coverage, will not have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations. As of December 31, 2020, on behalf of our subsidiaries, we had certain obligations under guarantees to third parties. These guarantees are not subject to liability recognition in the consolidated financial statements and relate to leased facilities and equipment leases entered into by our subsidiary operations. We 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 we would be required to make under all guarantees existing as of December 31, 2020 would be $91.7 million. These guarantees relate to our leased equipment and facilities through January 2040. There are no recourse provisions that would enable us to recover from third parties any payments made under the guarantees. Furthermore, there are no collateral or similar arrangements pursuant to which we could recover payments. A significant number of our employees are unionized and we are a party to approximately 100 collective bargaining agreements, with approximately one-third requiring renegotiation each year. If we are 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 our business and results of operations. We believe that relations with our employees are satisfactory and that collective bargaining agreements expiring in 2021 will be renegotiated in the ordinary course of business. Although our labor relations are currently stable, disruptions could occur, with the possibility of an adverse impact on the operating results of GES. During 2019, we finalized the terms of a new collective bargaining agreement with the Teamsters Local 727 union. The terms included a withdrawal from the underfunded Central States Pension Plan. Accordingly, during 2019 we recorded a charge of $15.5 million, which represents the estimated present value of future contributions we will be required to make to the plan as a result of this withdrawal. Refer to Note 18 – Pension and Postretirement Benefits for additional information on specific union-related pension issues. We are self-insured up to certain limits for workers’ compensation and general liabilities, which includes automobile, product general liability, and client property loss claims. The aggregate amount of insurance liabilities (up to our retention limit) related to our continuing operations was $12.4 million as of December 31, 2020, which includes $7.8 million related to workers’ compensation liabilities, and $4.6 million related to general liability claims. We have also retained and provided for certain workers’ compensation insurance liabilities in conjunction with previously sold businesses of $2.0 million as of December 31, 2020. We are also self-insured for certain employee health benefits and the estimated employee health benefit claims incurred but not yet reported was $0.8 million as of December 31, 2020. Provisions for losses for claims incurred, including actuarially derived estimated claims incurred but not yet reported, are made based on our historical experience, claims frequency, and other factors. A change in the assumptions used could result in an adjustment to recorded liabilities. We have 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. We do not maintain a self-insured retention pool fund as claims are paid from current cash resources at the time of settlement. Our net cash payments in connection with these insurance liabilities were $5.0 million for 2020, $6.9 million for 2019, and $5.4 million for 2018. In addition, as of December 31, 2020, we have recorded insurance liabilities of $6.4 million related to continuing operations, which represents the amount for which we remain the primary obligor after self-insured insurance limits, without taking into consideration the above-referenced insurance coverage. The $6.4 million is related to workers’ compensation liabilities, which is recorded in other deferred items and liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets with a corresponding receivable in other investments.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Inter

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	Note 22. Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest On November 3, 2017, we acquired the controlling interest (54.5% of the common stock) in Esja, a private corporation in Reykjavik, Iceland. Through Esja and its wholly-owned subsidiary, we are operating a new FlyOver Iceland attraction. The minority Esja shareholders have the right to sell (or “put”) their Esja shares to us based on a multiple of 5.0x EBITDA as calculated on the trailing 12 months from the most recently completed quarter before the put option exercise. The put option is only exercisable after 36 months of business operation (the “Reference Date”) and if the FlyOver Iceland attraction has earned a minimum of €3.25 million in unadjusted EBITDA during the most recent fiscal year and during the trailing 12-month period prior to exercise (the “Put Option Condition”). The put option is exercisable during a period of 12 months following the Reference Date (the “Option Period”) if the Put Option Condition has been met. If the Put Option Condition has not been met during the first Option Period, the Reference Date will be extended for an additional 12 months up to three times. If after 72 months, the FlyOver Iceland attraction has not achieved the Put Option Condition, the put option expires. If the Put Option Condition is met during any of the Option Periods, yet the shares are not exercised prior to the end of the 12-month Option Period, the put option will expire. The noncontrolling interest’s carrying value is determined by the fair value of the noncontrolling interest as of the acquisition date and the noncontrolling interest’s share of the subsequent net income or loss. This value is benchmarked against the redemption value of the sellers’ put option. The carrying value is adjusted to the redemption value, provided that it does not fall below the initial carrying value, as determined by the purchase price allocation. We have made a policy election to reflect any changes caused by such an adjustment to retained earnings, rather than to current earnings. Changes in the redeemable noncontrolling interest are as follows: (in thousands) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 5,909 Net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest (821 ) Adjustment to the redemption value 1,318 Foreign currency translation adjustment (234 ) Balance at December 31, 2019 6,172 Net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest (1,482 ) Adjustment to the redemption value 926 Foreign currency translation adjustment (391 ) Balance at December 31, 2020 $ 5,225

Segment Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Note 23. Segment Information We measure the profit and performance of our operations on the basis of segment operating income (loss) 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. Our reportable segments, with reconciliations to consolidated totals, are as follows: Year Ended December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Revenue: GES: GES North America $ 288,921 $ 884,105 $ 866,187 GES EMEA 53,384 216,559 202,990 Intersegment eliminations (3,680 ) (20,741 ) (17,140 ) Total GES 338,625 1,079,923 1,052,037 Pursuit 76,810 222,813 185,287 Total revenue $ 415,435 $ 1,302,736 $ 1,237,324 Segment operating income (loss): GES: GES North America $ (56,446 ) $ 27,659 $ 29,981 GES EMEA (17,451 ) 8,274 9,621 Total GES (73,897 ) 35,933 39,602 Pursuit (42,343 ) 54,310 48,915 Segment operating income (loss) (116,240 ) 90,243 88,517 Corporate eliminations (1) 65 67 67 Corporate activities (8,687 ) (10,865 ) (10,993 ) Operating income (loss) (124,862 ) 79,445 77,591 Interest income 377 369 354 Interest expense (18,264 ) (14,199 ) (9,640 ) Multi-employer pension plan withdrawal (462 ) (15,693 ) — Other expense (1,132 ) (1,586 ) (1,744 ) Restructuring (charges) recoveries: GES North America (3,825 ) (6,157 ) (408 ) GES EMEA (8,522 ) (1,731 ) (1,049 ) Pursuit (132 ) (52 ) (140 ) Corporate (961 ) (440 ) 10 Impairment (charges) recoveries: GES North America (171,095 ) (5,346 ) — GES EMEA (30,223 ) — — Pursuit (1,758 ) — 35 Legal settlement: GES — (8,500 ) — Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes $ (360,859 ) $ 26,110 $ 65,009 (1) December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Assets: GES: GES North America $ 134,162 $ 475,279 $ 406,484 GES EMEA 50,644 132,975 111,798 Pursuit 620,413 589,205 357,630 Corporate and other 48,005 121,232 46,629 $ 853,224 $ 1,318,691 $ 922,541 Depreciation and amortization: GES: GES North America $ 24,022 $ 29,321 $ 30,855 GES EMEA 4,053 6,260 7,071 Pursuit 28,393 23,154 18,690 Corporate and other 97 229 226 $ 56,565 $ 58,964 $ 56,842 Capital expenditures: GES: GES North America $ 9,003 $ 19,099 $ 19,263 GES EMEA 1,388 7,098 7,065 Pursuit 43,176 49,934 56,865 Corporate and other — 16 152 $ 53,567 $ 76,147 $ 83,345 Geographic Areas Our foreign operations are primarily in Canada, the United Kingdom, Iceland, the Netherlands, Germany, and to a lesser extent, in certain other countries. GES revenue is designated as domestic or foreign based on the originating location of the product or service. Long-lived assets are attributed to domestic or foreign based principally on the physical location of the assets. Long-lived assets consist of “Property and equipment, net” and “Other investments and assets.” The table below presents the financial information by major geographic area: December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Revenue: United States $ 290,541 $ 873,213 $ 850,839 EMEA 56,656 218,404 202,990 Canada 68,238 211,119 183,495 Total revenue $ 415,435 $ 1,302,736 $ 1,237,324 Long-lived assets: United States $ 173,790 $ 205,399 $ 182,140 EMEA 56,996 63,582 48,553 Canada 276,860 277,039 146,064 Total long-lived assets $ 507,646 $ 546,020 $ 376,757

Selected Quarterly Financial In

Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidated Quarterly Results (Unaudited)	Note 24. Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) The following table sets forth selected unaudited consolidated quarterly financial information: 2020 2020 2019 (in thousands, except per share data) First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Revenue as previously reported $ 306,008 $ 30,863 $ 63,072 $ 285,594 $ 402,279 $ 353,743 $ 321,334 Gross to net correction ( 1) (11,350 ) (796 ) (265 ) (12,572 ) (25,815 ) (1,234 ) (20,593 ) Revenue as corrected $ 294,658 $ 30,067 $ 62,807 $ 27,903 $ 273,022 $ 376,464 $ 352,509 $ 300,741 Operating income (loss): Ongoing operations ( 2) $ (9,400 ) $ (49,736 ) $ (6,765 ) $ (50,274 ) $ (11,236 ) $ 46,442 $ 54,822 $ 141 Business interruption gain — — — — — 141 — — Corporate activities (789 ) (2,468 ) (2,645 ) (2,785 ) (1,833 ) (3,282 ) (2,680 ) (3,070 ) Interest income 79 176 58 64 98 83 79 109 Interest expense (4,018 ) (5,186 ) (5,508 ) (3,552 ) (2,915 ) (2,957 ) (3,740 ) (4,587 ) Multi-employer pension plan withdrawal — (462 ) — — — (15,508 ) — (185 ) Other expense, net (419 ) (265 ) (210 ) (238 ) (455 ) (456 ) (281 ) (394 ) Restructuring charges (851 ) (260 ) (11,259 ) (1,070 ) (688 ) (4,455 ) (1,702 ) (1,535 ) Legal settlement — — — — (8,500 ) — — — Impairment charges (88,380 ) (114,020 ) (676 ) — — — — (5,346 ) Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes $ (103,778 ) $ (172,221 ) $ (27,005 ) $ (57,855 ) $ (25,529 ) $ 20,008 $ 46,498 $ (14,867 ) Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Viad $ (86,131 ) $ (205,899 ) $ (29,769 ) $ (50,448 ) $ (17,490 ) $ 13,364 $ 31,557 $ (5,315 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Viad $ (86,585 ) $ (206,278 ) $ (30,758 ) $ (50,473 ) $ (17,777 ) $ 13,824 $ 31,416 $ (5,428 ) Diluted income (loss) per common share: (3) Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Viad common stockholders $ (4.27 ) $ (10.17 ) $ (1.54 ) $ (2.57 ) $ (0.88 ) $ 0.65 $ 1.54 $ (0.30 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Viad common stockholders $ (4.29 ) $ (10.19 ) $ (1.59 ) $ (2.58 ) $ (0.89 ) $ 0.67 $ 1.53 $ (0.31 ) (1) The quarterly financial data for the four quarters of 2019 and the first three quarters of 2020 were adjusted for immaterial errors related to the recognition of revenue of GES’ Corporate Accounts’ third-party services. Refer to Note 1 – Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for additional information. The Company intends to correct for these errors prospectively in subsequent quarterly filings. (2) Represents revenue less costs of services and cost of products sold. (3) The sum of quarterly income per share amounts may not equal annual income per share due to rounding.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Note 25. Subsequent Event Sale of Orlando warehouse On January 25, 2021, we sold a GES warehouse in Orlando and received cash proceeds of approximately $14 million.

Schedule II - Valuation And Qua

Schedule II - Valuation And Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	VIAD CORP SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS Additions Deductions (in thousands) Balance at Beginning of Year Charged to Expense Charged to Other Accounts Write-Offs Other ( 1) Balance at End of Year Allowances for doubtful accounts: December 31, 2018 2,023 414 39 (1,170 ) (18 ) 1,288 December 31, 2019 1,288 1,050 45 (1,182 ) (1 ) 1,200 December 31, 2020 1,200 6,712 17 (2,628 ) 9 5,310 Deferred tax valuation allowance: December 31, 2018 4,010 1,230 — (1,851 ) (33 ) 3,356 December 31, 2019 3,356 884 — — 36 4,276 December 31, 2020 4,276 77,369 — — 150 81,795 (1) “Other” primarily includes foreign exchange translation adjustments.

Overview and Summary of Signi_2

Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation	Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of Viad and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany account balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Nature of Business	Nature of Business We are a leading provider of experiential leisure travel and face-to-face events and marketing experiences company with operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, continental Europe, the United Arab Emirates, and Iceland. We are committed to providing unforgettable experiences to our clients and guests. We operate through three reportable business segments: GES North America, GES EMEA (collectively, “GES”), and Pursuit. GES GES is a global, full-service live events company offering a comprehensive range of services to event organizers and corporate brand marketers. Event organizers schedule and run events from start to finish. 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. GES serves corporate brand marketers when they exhibit at shows and when GES is engaged to manage their global exhibit program or produce their proprietary corporate events. Pursuit Pursuit is a collection of inspiring and unforgettable travel experiences that includes recreational attractions, unique hotels and lodges, food and beverage, retail, sightseeing, and ground transportation services. Pursuit comprises the Banff Jasper Collection, the Alaska Collection, the Glacier Park Collection, and FlyOver.
Impact of COVID-19	Impact of COVID-19 On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a “pandemic.” COVID-19 has spread rapidly, with a high concentration of confirmed cases in the U.S. and other countries in which we operate. The rapid spread has resulted in authorities around the world implementing numerous measures to contain the virus, such as travel bans and restrictions, quarantines, shelter-in-place orders, and business shutdowns. The COVID-19 pandemic and these containment measures have had, and are expected to continue to have, a substantial negative impact on businesses around the world and on global, regional, and national economies. The COVID-19 pandemic is having and will likely continue to have a significant and negative impact on our operations and financial performance, with live events largely shut down and severe tourism activity disruptions. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we implemented aggressive cost reduction measures to preserve cash, including furloughs, layoffs, mandatory unpaid time off, or salary reductions for all employees, and the reduction of discretionary spending. We continue to implement measures to successfully adapt for the long-term impact of COVID-19. During 2020, we secured additional capital to strengthen our liquidity position and amended our Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “2018 Credit Agreement”) to provide financial covenant relief and financial flexibility.
Investment Agreement	Investment Agreement On August 5, 2020, we entered into an investment agreement with funds managed by private equity firm Crestview Partners (the “Investment Agreement”) who made an initial investment of $135 million, offset in part by $9.2 million in fees, in newly issued perpetual convertible preferred stock that carries a 5.5% cumulative quarterly dividend, which is payable in cash or in-kind at Viad’s option (the “Convertible Preferred Stock”). The Convertible Preferred Stock is convertible into shares of our common stock at a conversion price of $21.25 per share. The Investment Agreement also includes a delayed draw commitment of up to $45 million in additional Convertible Preferred Stock, which we may access during the 12 months following the August 5, 2020 closing date on the same terms and conditions as the initial investment. The proceeds from Crestview’s initial investment were used to repay a portion of our 2018 Credit Facility, will provide additional short-term liquidity, will fund capital expenditures, and will support general corporate purposes. Pursuant to the Investment Agreement, two Crestview Partners’ designees joined our Board of Directors, increasing the size of our board from seven to nine directors.
Credit Agreement Amendment	Credit Agreement Amendment On August 5, 2020, we entered into an amendment to our 2018 Credit Agreement, which, among other things, (i) waives our financial covenants until September 30, 2022 (the “Covenant Waiver Period”) and (ii) requires us to maintain minimum liquidity of $100 million, with liquidity defined as unrestricted cash and available capacity on our 2018 Credit Facility. The interest rate on the borrowings is equal to the London Inter-bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 350 basis points, with a LIBOR floor of one percent during the Covenant Waiver Period. The LIBOR floor continues until the end of the 2018 Credit Agreement. Viad pledged 100% of the capital stock of its wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries and its top-tier foreign subsidiaries (other than Esja Attractions ehf.). Management anticipates that the initial cash proceeds from Crestview Partners, existing cash and cash equivalents, and the amendment to waive financial covenants within the 2018 Credit Agreement until September 30, 2022 will be sufficient to fund operations for at least the next 12 months.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Impairments	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Impairments Due to the deteriorating macroeconomic environment related to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in disruptions to our operations and the decline in our stock price, we determined interim triggering events had occurred in the first and second quarters of 2020, which required us to assess the carrying values of goodwill and intangible assets in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) No. 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other
Correction to Prior Period Financial Statements	Correction to Prior Period Financial Statements Subsequent to the issuance of the December 31, 2019 consolidated financial statements, we identified prior period errors related to the recognition of revenue of GES’ Corporate Accounts’ third-party services. Revenue from these services should have been recorded on a net basis to reflect only the fees received for arranging these services, whereas previously, we recorded this revenue on a gross basis, thus overstating revenue and cost of services by the same amount. As a result, we corrected the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 related to this gross-to-net adjustment. We determined that the error is not material to the previously issued financial statements. Note 2 – Revenue and Related Contract Costs and Contract Liabilities, Note 23 – Segment Information, and Note 24 – Selected Quarterly Financial Information reflect this correction. Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 (in thousands) Services Revenue Cost of Services Services Revenue Cost of Services As previously reported $ 1,170,493 $ 1,100,146 $ 1,110,249 $ 1,039,403 Gross to net correction for GES North America (51,927 ) (51,927 ) (43,603 ) (43,603 ) Gross to net correction for GES EMEA (17,032 ) (17,032 ) (15,257 ) (15,257 ) Total as corrected $ 1,101,534 $ 1,031,187 $ 1,051,389 $ 980,543
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reported period. Estimates and assumptions are used in accounting for, among other things: impairment testing of recorded goodwill and intangible assets and long-lived assets; allowances for uncollectible accounts receivable; sales reserve allowances; provisions for income taxes, including uncertain tax positions; valuation allowances related to deferred tax assets; liabilities for losses related to self-insured liability claims; liabilities for losses related to environmental remediation obligations; sublease income associated with restructuring liabilities; pension and postretirement benefit costs and obligations; share-based compensation costs; the discount rates used to value lease obligations; the redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests; and the allocation of purchase price of acquired businesses. Actual results could differ from these and other estimates.
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash	Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash Cash equivalents are highly-liquid investments with remaining maturities when purchased of three months or less. Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and bank demand deposits and money market funds. Investments in money market funds are classified as available-for-sale and carried at fair value. Restricted cash represents collateral required for surety bonds and letters of credit. Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash balances presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows consisted of the following: December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 Cash and cash equivalents $ 39,545 $ 61,999 Restricted cash included in other current assets 2,426 5 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows $ 41,971 $ 62,004
Allowances for Doubtful Accounts	Allowances for Doubtful Accounts Allowances for doubtful accounts reflect the best estimate of probable losses inherent in the accounts receivable balance. The allowances for doubtful accounts, including a sales allowance for discounts at the time of sale, are based upon an evaluation of the aging of receivables, historical trends, and the current economic environment.
Inventories	Inventories We state inventories, which consist primarily of exhibit design and construction materials and supplies, as well as retail inventory, at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out and specific identification methods) or net realizable value.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment
Leases	Leases We recognize a right-of-use (“ROU”) asset and lease liability on the balance sheet and classify leases as either finance or operating leases. The classification of the lease determines whether the lease expense is recognized on an effective interest method basis (finance lease) or on a straight-line basis (operating lease) over the lease term. In determining whether an agreement contains a lease, we consider if we have a right to control the use of the underlying asset during the lease term in exchange for an obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. We recognize ROU assets and lease liabilities at commencement date, which is when the underlying asset is available for use to a lessee, based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Our operating and finance leases are primarily facility, equipment, and land leases. Our facility leases comprise mainly manufacturing facilities, sales and design facilities, offices, storage and/or warehouses, and truck marshaling yards. These facility leases generally have lease terms ranging up to 23 years. Our equipment leases comprise mainly vehicles, hardware, and office equipment, each with various lease terms. Our land leases comprise mainly leases in Canada and Iceland on which our hotels or attractions are located and have lease terms ranging up to 47 years. If a lease contains a renewal option that is reasonably certain to be exercised, then the lease term includes the optional periods in measuring a ROU asset and lease liability. The reasonably certain threshold is evaluated at lease commencement and is typically met if we identify substantial economic incentives or termination penalties. We do not include variable leases and variable non-lease components in the calculation of the ROU asset and corresponding lease liability. For facility leases, variable lease costs include the costs of common area maintenance, taxes, and insurance for which we pay our lessors an estimate that is adjusted to actual expense on a quarterly or annual basis depending on the underlying contract terms. We expense these variable lease payments as incurred. Our lease agreements do not contain any significant residual value guarantees or restrictive covenants. Substantially all of our lease agreements do not specify an implicit borrowing rate, and as such, we utilize an incremental borrowing rate based on lease term and country, in order to calculate the present value of our future lease payments. The discount rate represents a risk-adjusted rate on a collateralized basis and is the expected rate at which we would borrow funds to satisfy the scheduled lease liability payment streams commensurate with the lease term and the country. We are also a lessor to third party tenants who either lease certain portions of facilities that we own or sublease certain portions of facilities that we lease. We record lease income from owned facilities as rental income and we record sublease income from leased facilities against lease expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. We classify a ll of our leases for which we are the lessor as operating leases.
Goodwill	Goodwill Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis as of October 31, and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more-likely-than-not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. We use a discounted expected future cash flow methodology (income approach) in order to estimate the fair value of our reporting units for purposes of goodwill impairment testing. The estimates and assumptions regarding expected future cash flows, discount rates, and terminal values require considerable judgment and are based on market conditions, financial forecasts, industry trends, and historical experience. These estimates, however, have inherent uncertainties and different assumptions could lead to materially different results.
Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance	Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance We had Company-owned life insurance contracts that were intended to fund the cost of certain employee compensation and benefit programs. These contracts were carried at cash surrender value, net of outstanding policy loans. The cash surrender value represented the amount of cash we could receive if the policies were discontinued before maturity. The changes in the cash surrender value of the policies, net of insurance premiums, were included as a component of “Costs of services” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. In 2020, we terminated the life insurance policies and received cash proceeds of $24.8 million.
Self-Insurance Liabilities	Self-Insurance Liabilities We are self-insured up to certain limits for workers’ compensation and general liabilities, which includes automobile, product general liability, and client property loss claims. We have also retained and provided for certain workers’ compensation insurance liabilities in conjunction with previously sold operations. We are also self-insured for certain employee health benefits. Provisions for losses for claims incurred, including actuarially derived estimated claims incurred but not yet reported, are made based on historical experience, claims frequency, and other factors. We have purchased insurance for amounts in excess of the self-insured levels.
Environmental Remediation Liabilities	Environmental Remediation Liabilities Environmental remediation liabilities represent the estimated cost of environmental remediation obligations primarily associated with previously sold operations. The amounts accrued primarily consist of the estimated direct incremental costs, on an undiscounted basis, for contractor and other services related to remedial actions and post-remediation site monitoring. Environmental remediation liabilities are recorded when the specific obligation is considered probable and the costs are reasonably estimable. Subsequent recoveries from third parties, if any, are recorded through discontinued operations when realized. Environmental insurance is maintained that provides coverage for new and undiscovered pre-existing conditions at both our continuing and discontinued operations.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. Refer to Note 12 – Debt and Finance Lease Obligations for the estimated fair value of debt obligations. The fair value of an asset or liability is defined as the price that would be received by selling an asset or paying 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.
Convertible Preferred Stock	Convertible Preferred Stock We record shares of convertible preferred stock based on proceeds received net of costs on the date of issuance. Redeemable preferred stock (including preferred stock that features redemption rights that are either within the control of the holder or subject to redemption upon the occurrence of uncertain events not solely within our control) is classified as temporary equity and is reported between liabilities and stockholders’ equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Noncontrolling Interests - Non-redeemable and Redeemable	Noncontrolling Interests – Non-redeemable and Redeemable Non-redeemable noncontrolling interest represents the portion of equity in a subsidiary that is not attributable, directly or indirectly, to us. Our non-redeemable noncontrolling interest relates to the 20% equity ownership interest that we do not own in Glacier Park, Inc., the 40% equity interest that we do not own in the Mountain Park Lodges, and the 49% equity interest that we do not own in the new entity that will operate the Pursuit Sky Lagoon attraction. We report non-redeemable noncontrolling interest within stockholders’ equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The amount of consolidated net income or loss attributable to Viad and the non-redeemable noncontrolling interest is presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. We consider noncontrolling interests with redemption features that are not solely within our control to be redeemable noncontrolling interests. Our redeemable noncontrolling interest relates to our 54.5% equity ownership interest in Esja Attractions ehf. (“Esja”), which owns the FlyOver Iceland attraction. Operations and the accretion of the redemption value is recorded as an adjustment to retained earnings (deficit) and is included in our income (loss) per share. Refer to Note 22 – Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest for additional information.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation Our foreign operations are primarily in Canada, the United Kingdom, Iceland, the Netherlands, Germany, and to a lesser extent, in certain other countries. The functional currency of our foreign subsidiaries is their local currency. Accordingly, for purposes of consolidation, we translate the assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries into U.S. dollars at the foreign exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. The unrealized gains or losses resulting from the translation of these foreign denominated assets and liabilities are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For purposes of consolidation, revenue, expenses, gains, and losses related to our foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars at the average foreign exchange rates for the period.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Revenue is measured based on a specified amount of consideration in a contract with a customer, net of commissions paid to customers and amounts collected on behalf of third parties. We recognize revenue when a performance obligation is satisfied by transferring control of a product or service to a customer. GES’ service revenue is primarily derived through its comprehensive range of services to event organizers and corporate brand marketers including Core Services, Event Technology, and Audio-visual . Pursuit’s service revenue is derived through its admissions, accommodations, transportation, and travel planning services. Pursuit’s product revenue is derived through food and beverage and retail sales. Pursuit’s revenue is recognized at the time services are performed or upon delivery of the product. Pursuit’s service revenue is recognized over time as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits. Pursuit’s product revenue is recognized at a point in time.
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation Share-based compensation costs related to all share-based payment awards are recognized and measured using the fair value method of accounting. These awards generally include restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, performance units, and stock options, and contain forfeiture and non-compete provisions. We issue share-based payment awards from shares held in treasury. Future vesting is generally subject to continued employment. Holders of share-based awards have the right to receive dividends and vote the shares, but may not sell, assign, transfer, pledge, or otherwise encumber the stock, except to the extent restrictions have lapsed and in accordance with our stock trading policy. We account for share-based payment awards that will be settled in cash as liability-based awards, which includes performance units and restricted stock units. We measure share-based compensation expense of liability-based awards at fair value at each reporting date until the date of settlement based on the number of units expected to vest and, where applicable, the level of achievement of predefined performance goals. These awards are remeasured on each reporting date based on our stock price and the Monte Carlo simulation model. A Monte Carlo simulation requires the use of several assumptions, including historical volatility and correlation between our stock price and the price of the common shares of a comparator group, a risk-free rate of return, and an expected term. Share-based compensation expense related to liability-based awards is recognized ratably over the requisite service period of approximately three years. We account for share-based awards that will be settled in shares of our common stock as equity-based awards, which include performance units, restricted stock units, and restricted stock awards. We measure share-based compensation expense of equity-based awards at fair value on the grant date on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The estimated number of shares to be achieved is updated each reporting period based on the number of units expected to vest and, where applicable, the level of achievement of predefined performance goals, until the date of settlement. Share-based compensation expense related to equity-based awards is recognized ratably over the requisite service period ranging from three months to three years. The fair value of stock option grants is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes stock option pricing model. We grant non-qualified stock options that are performance-based and service-based. The performance-based awards are recognized on a straight-line basis over the performance period ranging up to 3.4 years, and the underlying shares expected to be settled are adjusted each reporting period based on estimated future achievement of the respective performance metrics. The service-based awards are recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period on a graded-vesting schedule
Common Stock in Treasury	Common Stock in Treasury Common stock purchased for treasury is recorded at historical cost. Subsequent share reissuances are primarily related to share-based compensation programs and recorded at weighted-average cost.
Income Per Common Share	Income (Loss) Per Common Share Diluted income per common share is calculated using the more dilutive of the two-class method or as-converted method. The two-class method uses net income available to common stockholders and assumes conversion of all potential shares other than the participating securities. The as-converted method uses net income and assumes conversion of all potential shares including the participating securities. Dilutive potential common shares include outstanding stock options, unvested restricted share units and convertible preferred stock. We apply the two-class method in calculating income per common share as unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends and preferred stock are considered participating securities. Accordingly, such securities are included in the earnings allocation in calculating income per share. The adjustment to the carrying value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest is reflected in income per common share.
Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements The following table provides a brief description of recent accounting pronouncements: Standard Description Date of adoption Effect on the financial statements Standards Not Yet Adopted ASU 2020-06 , Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40) The amendment simplifies the accounting for convertible instruments by reducing the number of accounting models available for convertible debt instruments and convertible preferred stock. The amendment also requires expanded disclosures about the terms and features of convertible instruments. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. 1/1/2022 We are currently evaluating the potential impact of the adoption of this new guidance on our consolidated financial statements and if there are applicable provisions that will simplify our accounting or reporting we will likely pursue early adoption. Standard Description Date of adoption Effect on the financial statements Standards Recently Adopted ASU 2016-13 , Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326) - Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments The amendment eliminates the incurred credit loss impairment methodology and replaces it with an expected credit loss concept based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. 1/1/2020 We adopted this new standard on a modified retrospective basis. The adoption of this new standard on January 1, 2020 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. ASU 2020-04 , Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) The amendment provides temporary optional guidance to ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform. Topic 848 provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP to transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. 3/12/2020 Topic 848 was effective beginning on March 12, 2020, and we will apply the amendments prospectively through December 31, 2022. There was no impact to our consolidated financial statements as a result of adopting this amendment. ASU 2019-12 , Income Taxes (Topic 740) Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes The amendment enhances and simplifies various aspects of the income tax accounting guidance, including requirements such as ownership changes in investments, and interim-period accounting for enacted changes in tax law. 1/1/2021 The adoption of this new standard on January 1, 2021 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Overview and Summary of Signi_3

Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Corrections to Prior Period Adjustments	We determined that the error is not material to the previously issued financial statements. Note 2 – Revenue and Related Contract Costs and Contract Liabilities, Note 23 – Segment Information, and Note 24 – Selected Quarterly Financial Information reflect this correction. Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 (in thousands) Services Revenue Cost of Services Services Revenue Cost of Services As previously reported $ 1,170,493 $ 1,100,146 $ 1,110,249 $ 1,039,403 Gross to net correction for GES North America (51,927 ) (51,927 ) (43,603 ) (43,603 ) Gross to net correction for GES EMEA (17,032 ) (17,032 ) (15,257 ) (15,257 ) Total as corrected $ 1,101,534 $ 1,031,187 $ 1,051,389 $ 980,543
Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Balances	Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash balances presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows consisted of the following: December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 Cash and cash equivalents $ 39,545 $ 61,999 Restricted cash included in other current assets 2,426 5 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows $ 41,971 $ 62,004

Revenue and Related Contract _2

Revenue and Related Contract Costs and Contract Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Revenue From Contract With Customer [Abstract]
Summary of Changes in Contract Liabilities	Changes to contract liabilities are as follows: (in thousands) Balance at January 1, 2019 $ 35,600 Cash additions 210,871 Revenue recognized (196,158 ) Foreign exchange translation adjustment 483 Balance at December 31, 2019 50,796 Cash additions 154,057 Revenue recognized (186,518 ) Foreign exchange translation adjustment 283 Balance at December 31, 2020 $ 18,618
Summary of Changes in Contract Costs	Changes to contract costs are as follows: (in thousands) Balance at January 1, 2019 $ 21,478 Additions 74,274 Expenses (67,425 ) Cancelled (68 ) Foreign exchange translation adjustment 237 Balance at December 31, 2019 28,496 Additions 19,517 Expenses (25,381 ) Cancelled (11,482 ) Foreign exchange translation adjustment (315 ) Balance at December 31, 2020 $ 10,835
Disaggregate GES and Pursuit Revenue by Major Product Line Timing of Revenue Recognition and Markets Served	The following tables disaggregate GES and Pursuit revenue by major product line, timing of revenue recognition, and markets served: GES Year Ended December 31, 2020 (in thousands) GES North America GES EMEA Intersegment Eliminations Total Services: Core services $ 231,666 $ 33,556 $ — $ 265,222 Audio-visual 20,148 4,126 — 24,274 Event technology 9,150 3,979 — 13,129 Intersegment eliminations — — (3,680 ) (3,680 ) Total services 260,964 41,661 (3,680 ) 298,945 Products: Core products 27,957 11,723 — 39,680 Total revenue $ 288,921 $ 53,384 $ (3,680 ) $ 338,625 Timing of revenue recognition: Services transferred over time $ 260,964 $ 41,661 $ (3,680 ) $ 298,945 Products transferred over time ( 1) 13,068 2,449 — 15,517 Products transferred at a point in time 14,889 9,274 — 24,163 Total revenue $ 288,921 $ 53,384 $ (3,680 ) $ 338,625 Markets: Exhibitions $ 211,953 $ 40,077 $ — $ 252,030 Conferences 41,371 7,789 — 49,160 Corporate events 24,521 5,353 — 29,874 Consumer events 11,076 165 — 11,241 Intersegment eliminations — — (3,680 ) (3,680 ) Total revenue $ 288,921 $ 53,384 $ (3,680 ) $ 338,625 (1) GES’ graphics product revenue is earned over time over the duration of an event as it is considered a part of the single performance obligation satisfied over time. Year Ended December 31, 2019 (in thousands) GES North America GES EMEA Intersegment Eliminations Total Services: Core services $ 701,721 $ 113,900 $ — $ 815,621 Audio-visual 78,178 24,197 — 102,375 Event technology 29,600 9,749 — 39,349 Intersegment eliminations — — (20,741 ) (20,741 ) Total services 809,499 147,846 (20,741 ) 936,604 Products: Core products 74,606 68,713 — 143,319 Total revenue $ 884,105 $ 216,559 $ (20,741 ) $ 1,079,923 Timing of revenue recognition: Services transferred over time $ 809,499 $ 147,846 $ (20,741 ) $ 936,604 Products transferred over time ( 1) 45,597 16,071 — 61,668 Products transferred at a point in time 29,009 52,642 — 81,651 Total revenue $ 884,105 $ 216,559 $ (20,741 ) $ 1,079,923 Markets: Exhibitions $ 463,653 $ 159,397 $ — $ 623,050 Conferences 253,511 24,499 — 278,010 Corporate events 139,935 31,627 — 171,562 Consumer events 27,006 1,036 — 28,042 Intersegment eliminations — — (20,741 ) (20,741 ) Total revenue $ 884,105 $ 216,559 $ (20,741 ) $ 1,079,923 (1) GES’ graphics product revenue is earned over time over the duration of an event as it is considered a part of the single performance obligation satisfied over time. Year Ended December 31, 2018 (in thousands) GES North America GES EMEA Intersegment Eliminations Total Services: Core services $ 689,804 $ 105,114 $ — $ 794,918 Audio-visual 73,331 22,011 — 95,342 Event technology 30,208 10,658 — 40,866 Intersegment eliminations — — (17,140 ) (17,140 ) Total services 793,343 137,783 (17,140 ) 913,986 Products: Core products 72,844 65,207 — 138,051 Total revenue $ 866,187 $ 202,990 $ (17,140 ) $ 1,052,037 Timing of revenue recognition: Services transferred over time $ 793,343 $ 137,783 $ (17,140 ) $ 913,986 Products transferred over time ( 1) 44,109 16,084 — 60,193 Products transferred at a point in time 28,735 49,123 — 77,858 Total revenue $ 866,187 $ 202,990 $ (17,140 ) $ 1,052,037 Markets: Exhibitions $ 486,400 $ 149,338 $ — $ 635,738 Conferences 223,096 24,209 — 247,305 Corporate events 126,084 27,413 — 153,497 Consumer events 30,607 2,030 — 32,637 Intersegment eliminations — — (17,140 ) (17,140 ) Total revenue $ 866,187 $ 202,990 $ (17,140 ) $ 1,052,037 (1) GES’ graphics product revenue is earned over time over the duration of an event as it is considered a part of the single performance obligation satisfied over time. Pursuit Year Ended December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Services: Admissions $ 19,939 $ 85,371 $ 83,000 Accommodations 29,800 60,672 37,470 Transportation 2,694 14,594 13,956 Travel planning 467 5,979 4,529 Intersegment eliminations (317 ) (1,686 ) (1,551 ) Total services revenue 52,583 164,930 137,404 Products: Food and beverage 10,295 31,838 25,962 Retail operations 13,932 26,045 21,921 Total products revenue 24,227 57,883 47,883 Total revenue $ 76,810 $ 222,813 $ 185,287 Timing of revenue recognition: Services transferred over time $ 52,583 $ 164,930 $ 137,404 Products transferred at a point in time 24,227 57,883 47,883 Total revenue $ 76,810 $ 222,813 $ 185,287 Markets: Banff Jasper Collection $ 46,913 $ 133,229 $ 106,106 Alaska Collection 6,282 39,406 36,451 Glacier Park Collection 17,596 37,121 31,465 FlyOver 6,019 13,057 11,265 Total revenue $ 76,810 $ 222,813 $ 185,287

Share-Based Compensation (Table

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Summary of Share-Based Compensation (income) expense	The following table summarizes share-based compensation (income) expense: Year Ended December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Performance unit incentive plan (“PUP”) $ (2,187 ) $ 3,990 $ 2,260 Restricted stock awards and restricted stock units 4,523 3,200 2,610 Stock options 317 — — Share-based compensation expense before income tax 2,653 7,190 4,870 Income tax benefit ( 1) — (2,241 ) (1,227 ) Share-based compensation expense, net of income tax $ 2,653 $ 4,949 $ 3,643 (1) There was no income tax benefit for the year ended 2020 due to the valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets. Refer to Note 17 – Income Taxes.
Summary of Activity of the Outstanding PUP Awards	The following table summarizes the activity of the outstanding PUP awards: Equity-Based PUP Awards Liability-Based PUP Awards Shares Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Shares Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Balance at December 31, 2019 59,714 $ 55.10 155,190 $ 52.53 Granted 32,367 $ 56.23 52,531 $ 56.10 Vested — $ — (67,866 ) $ 47.43 Forfeited (30,873 ) $ 52.15 (18,370 ) $ 56.40 Balance at December 31, 2020 61,208 $ 57.18 121,485 $ 56.34
Summary of Stock Option Activity	The following table summarizes stock option activity: Shares Weighted-Average Exercise Price Aggregate Intrinsic Value ( 1) Options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2019 41,143 $ 16.62 Granted 204,150 $ 19.98 Exercised (41,143 ) $ 16.62 Options outstanding at December 31, 2020 204,150 $ 19.98 $ 3,305,928 Options exercisable at December 31, 2020 — $ — $ — (1) The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding represents the difference between our closing stock price at the end of the reporting period and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money stock options.
Summary of Options Outstanding and Exercisable	The following table summarizes stock options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2020: Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Range of exercise prices Shares Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) Weighted-Average Exercise Price Shares Weighted-Average Exercise Price $ 19.30 150,000 8.00 $ 19.30 — $ — $ 21.85 54,150 6.65 $ 21.85 — $ — $19.30 - $21.85 204,150 7.64 $ 19.98 — $ —
Assumptions Used in the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model to Estimate the Fair Value of Each Stock Option Grant	Following is additional information on stock options and the underlying assumptions used in assessing fair value: Year Ended December 31, 2020 Assumptions used to estimate fair value of stock options granted: Risk-free interest rate 0.27% - 0.31% Expected life 4.3 - 5.4 years Expected volatility 46.9% - 52.2% Expected dividend yield — Weighted average grant-date fair value per share of options granted $ 8.38 Cash received from exercise of options (in thousands) $ 2,077

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table summarizes the final 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. (in thousands) Purchase price paid as: Cash $ 75,837 Net working capital adjustment 18 Consideration transferred 75,855 Right to manage (1,276 ) Purchase price, net 74,579 Fair value of net assets acquired: Accounts receivable $ 333 Inventories 152 Prepaid expenses 276 Property and equipment 103,642 Intangible assets 20,180 Total assets acquired 124,583 Accounts payable 329 Advanced deposits payable 400 Deferred tax liability 19,734 Other liabilities 16 Total liabilities assumed 20,479 Noncontrolling interest equity 49,719 Total fair value of net assets acquired 54,385 Excess purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired (“goodwill”) $ 20,194
Schedule of Proforma Results of Operations	The following table summarizes the unaudited pro forma results of operations attributable to Viad, assuming the completion of the Mountain Park Lodges acquisition was on January 1, 2018. We do not consider the Sky Lagoon attraction or the Belton Chalet significant acquisitions and accordingly, they are not included in the following pro forma results of operations: (in thousands, except per share data) Year Ended December 31, 2019 Year Ended December 31, 2018 Revenue $ 1,310,997 $ 1,264,664 Depreciation and amortization $ 61,597 $ 62,261 Income from continuing operations $ 22,195 $ 48,312 Net income attributable to Viad $ 21,337 $ 49,070 Diluted income per share $ 0.99 $ 2.39 Basic income per share $ 0.99 $ 2.40

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Inventories	The components of inventories consisted of the following: December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 Raw materials $ 3,362 $ 11,788 Finished goods 5,365 5,481 Inventories $ 8,727 $ 17,269

Other Current Assets (Tables)

Other Current Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Deferred Costs Capitalized Prepaid And Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Current Assets	Other current assets consisted of the following: December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 Prepaid insurance $ 4,297 $ 5,573 Prepaid software maintenance 3,058 3,875 Restricted cash 2,426 5 Prepaid vendor payments 1,835 4,698 Prepaid taxes 345 917 Income tax receivable 337 13,250 Prepaid other 1,296 1,904 Other 3,631 632 Other current assets $ 17,225 $ 30,854

Property and Equipment (Tables)

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Property and Equipment	Property and equipment consisted of the following: December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 Land and land interests ( 1) $ 32,849 $ 34,532 Buildings and leasehold improvements 386,751 377,754 Equipment and other 401,288 417,239 Gross property and equipment 820,888 829,525 Accumulated depreciation (352,100 ) (353,974 ) Property and equipment, net (excluding finance leases) 468,788 475,551 Finance lease ROU assets, net 23,366 25,350 Property and equipment, net $ 492,154 $ 500,901 (1) Land and land interests include certain leasehold interests in land within Pursuit for which we are considered to have perpetual use rights. The carrying amount of these leasehold interests was $8.3 million as of December 31, 2020 and $8.2 million as of December 31, 2019. These land interests are not subject to amortization.

Other Investments and Assets (T

Other Investments and Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Investments All Other Investments [Abstract]
Summary of Other Investments and Assets	Other investments and assets consisted of the following: December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 Self-insured liability receivable $ 6,358 $ 9,982 Other mutual funds 3,457 3,107 Contract costs 2,912 3,961 Cash surrender value of life insurance — 24,873 Other 2,765 3,196 Other investments and assets $ 15,492 $ 45,119

Goodwill and Other Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of the Goodwill Balances by Component and Segment	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows: (in thousands) GES North America GES EMEA Pursuit Total Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 154,944 $ 29,954 $ 76,432 $ 261,330 Business acquisitions — — 20,684 20,684 Foreign currency translation adjustments 332 875 4,762 5,969 Balance at December 31, 2019 155,276 30,829 101,878 287,983 Goodwill impairment (154,989 ) (29,042 ) (1,758 ) (185,789 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments (287 ) (1,787 ) 1,659 (415 ) Other — — (1,932 ) (1,932 ) Balance at December 31, 2020 $ — $ — $ 99,847 $ 99,847
Goodwill by reporting unit and segment	The following table summarizes goodwill by reporting unit and segment: December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 GES: GES North America: U.S. $ — $ 148,277 Canada — 6,999 GES EMEA — 30,829 Total GES — 186,105 Pursuit: Banff Jasper Collection 54,856 55,524 Alaska Collection 3,184 3,184 Glacier Park Collection — 1,758 FlyOver 41,807 41,412 Total Pursuit 99,847 101,878 Total Goodwill $ 99,847 $ 287,983
Summary of Other Intangible Assets	Other intangible assets consisted of the following: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 (in thousands) Useful Life (Years) Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Value Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Value Intangible assets subject to amortization: Customer contracts and relationships 6.4 $ 38,214 $ (26,288 ) $ 11,926 $ 72,219 $ (40,866 ) $ 31,353 Operating contracts and licenses 36.7 42,012 (2,405 ) 39,607 43,329 (1,881 ) 41,448 In-place lease 13.3 15,347 (656 ) 14,691 15,044 (231 ) 14,813 Tradenames 5.3 5,940 (2,435 ) 3,505 9,423 (4,338 ) 5,085 Non-compete agreements 1.0 770 (616 ) 154 2,077 (1,775 ) 302 Other 7.2 818 (102 ) 716 802 (66 ) 736 Total amortized intangible assets 103,101 (32,502 ) 70,599 142,894 (49,157 ) 93,737 Indefinite-lived intangible assets: Business licenses 573 — 573 571 — 571 Other intangible assets $ 103,674 $ (32,502 ) $ 71,172 $ 143,465 $ (49,157 ) $ 94,308
Estimated Future Amortization Expense Related to Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization	At December 31, 2020, the estimated future amortization expense related to intangible assets subject to amortization is as follows: (in thousands) Year ending December 31, 2021 $ 5,216 2022 5,129 2023 4,466 2024 3,510 2025 2,218 Thereafter 50,060 Total $ 70,599

Other Current Liabilities (Tabl

Other Current Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Other Liabilities Current [Abstract]
Other Current Liabilities	Other current liabilities consisted of the following: December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 Continuing operations: Self-insured liability $ 5,715 $ 5,668 Accrued interest payable 3,042 399 Accrued restructuring 2,479 2,130 Accrued employee benefit costs 2,363 3,564 Current portion of pension and postretirement liabilities 1,805 1,899 Accrued professional fees 1,691 1,248 Accrued sales and use taxes 1,547 5,451 Commissions payable 903 8,274 Accommodation services deposits 304 959 Accrued legal settlement — 2,500 Accrued dividends — 2,019 Other taxes 1,872 278 Other 4,819 4,788 Total continuing operations 26,540 39,177 Discontinued operations: Environmental remediation liabilities 61 311 Self-insured liability 347 260 Other 91 76 Total discontinued operations 499 647 Total other current liabilities $ 27,039 $ 39,824

Other Deferred Items and Liab_2

Other Deferred Items and Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Other Deferred Items and Liabilities	Other deferred items and liabilities consisted of the following: December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 Continuing operations: Foreign deferred tax liability $ 21,336 $ 32,570 Multi-employer pension plan withdrawal liability 15,864 15,693 Self-insured liability 6,662 8,682 Self-insured excess liability 6,358 9,982 Accrued compensation 5,821 7,485 Accrued restructuring 2,751 2,383 Contract liabilities 23 125 Other 1,456 2,423 Total continuing operations 60,271 79,343 Discontinued operations: Environmental remediation liabilities 2,179 1,964 Self-insured liability 1,639 2,018 Other 539 382 Total discontinued operations 4,357 4,364 Total other deferred items and liabilities $ 64,628 $ 83,707

Debt and Finance Lease Obliga_2

Debt and Finance Lease Obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations	The components of debt and finance lease obligations consisted of the following: December 31, (in thousands, except interest rates) 2020 2019 2018 Credit Facility, 4.5% weighted-average interest rate at December 31, 2020 and 3.9% at December 31, 2019, due through 2023 (1) $ 266,762 $ 311,464 FlyOver Iceland Credit Facility, 4.9% weighted-average interest rate at December 31, 2020 and 2019, due through 2023 (1) 5,820 5,607 FlyOver Iceland Term Loans, 3.8% weighted-average interest rate at December 31, 2020, due through 2024 (1) 705 — Less unamortized debt issuance costs (2,737 ) (1,836 ) Total debt (2) 270,550 315,235 Finance lease obligations, 8.0% weighted-average interest rate at December 31, 2020 and 7.7% at December 31, 2019, due through 2039 23,141 25,257 Total debt and finance lease obligations (3) 293,691 340,492 Current portion (4) (8,335 ) (5,330 ) Long-term debt and finance lease obligations $ 285,356 $ 335,162 (1) Represents the weighted-average interest rate in effect at the respective periods, including any applicable margin. The interest rates do not include amortization of debt issuance costs or commitment fees. (2) The weighted-average interest rate on total debt (including unamortized debt issuance costs and commitment fees) was 4.6% for 2020, 4.2% for 2019 and 4.3% for 2018. The estimated fair value of total debt and finance leases was $254.0 million as of December 31, 2020 and $304.0 million as of December 31, 2019. The fair value of debt was estimated by discounting the future cash flows using rates currently available for debt of similar terms and maturity, which is a Level 2 measurement. Refer to Note 13 – Fair Value Measurements. (3) Cash paid for interest on debt was $14.0 million during 2020, $11.9 million during 2019, and $8.5 million during 2018. (4) Subsequent to the filing of our 2019 Form 10-K, we identified a correction related to the classification of the 2018 Credit Facility (as defined below) from current to long-term given that the 2018 Credit Facility’s contractual maturity was not within 12 months
Schedule of Aggregate Annual Maturities of Long-term Debt	Aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt (excluding finance leases) as of December 31, 2020 are as follows: (in thousands) Credit Facilities Year ending December 31, 2021 $ 5,820 2022 53 2023 267,306 2024 108 2025 — Thereafter — Total $ 273,287

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Summary of 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) December 31, 2020 Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets: Money market funds ( 1) $ 2 $ 2 $ — $ — Other mutual funds ( 2) 3,457 3,457 — — Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis $ 3,459 $ 3,459 $ — $ — Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using (in thousands) December 31, 2019 Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets: Money market funds ( 1) $ 123 $ 123 $ — $ — Other mutual funds ( 2) 3,107 3,107 — — Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis $ 3,230 $ 3,230 $ — $ — (1) We include money market funds in “Cash and cash equivalents” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We classify these investments as available-for-sale and recorded them at fair value. There have been no realized gains or losses related to these investments and we have not experienced any redemption restrictions with respect to any of the money market mutual funds. (2) We include other mutual funds in “Other investments and assets” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Income (Loss) Per Share (Tables

Income (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Income Per Share	The components of basic and diluted income per share are as follows: Year Ended December 31, (in thousands, except per share data) 2020 2019 2018 Net income (loss) attributable to Viad (diluted) $ (374,094 ) $ 22,035 $ 49,170 Less: Allocation to non-vested shares — (147 ) (458 ) Convertible preferred stock dividends (3,006 ) — — Adjustment to the redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest (926 ) (1,318 ) (251 ) Net income (loss) allocated to Viad common stockholders (basic) $ (378,026 ) $ 20,570 $ 48,461 Basic weighted-average outstanding common shares 20,279 20,146 20,168 Additional dilutive shares related to share-based compensation — 138 236 Diluted weighted-average outstanding shares 20,279 20,284 20,404 Income (loss) per share: Basic income (loss) attributable to Viad common stockholders $ (18.64 ) $ 1.02 $ 2.40 Diluted income (loss) attributable to Viad common stockholders (1) $ (18.64 ) $ 1.02 $ 2.40 (1) Diluted loss per share amount cannot exceed basic loss per share.
Schedule of Excluded Weighted-Average Potential Common Shares from Calculations of Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Common Shares	We excluded the following weighted-average potential common shares from the calculations of diluted net income (loss) per common share during the applicable periods because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive: Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Convertible preferred stock (as converted to common stock) 6,406,324 — — Unvested restricted share-based awards 115,089 8,000 500 Stock options 24,205 — —

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) by component are as follows: (in thousands) Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Unrecognized Net Actuarial Loss and Prior Service Credit, Net Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ (36,332 ) $ (11,643 ) $ (47,975 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 12,533 (10 ) 12,523 Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax — (247 ) (247 ) Net other comprehensive income (loss) 12,533 (257 ) 12,276 Balance at December 31, 2019 $ (23,799 ) $ (11,900 ) $ (35,699 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 7,113 (27 ) 7,086 Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax — (2,028 ) (2,028 ) Net other comprehensive income (loss) 7,113 (2,055 ) 5,058 Balance at December 31, 2020 $ (16,686 ) $ (13,955 ) $ (30,641 )

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Income from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes	Income from continuing operations before income taxes consisted of the following: Year Ended December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Foreign $ (95,919 ) $ 49,171 $ 54,753 United States (264,940 ) (23,061 ) 10,256 Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes $ (360,859 ) $ 26,110 $ 65,009
Summary of Significant Components of the Income Tax Provision From Continuing Operations	Significant components of the income tax provision from continuing operations are as follows: Year Ended December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Current: United States: Federal $ (128 ) $ (2,260 ) $ 41 State 674 1,400 (335 ) Foreign (1,397 ) 13,764 12,039 Total current (851 ) 12,904 11,745 Deferred: United States: Federal 17,171 (3,355 ) 1,860 State 2,896 (1,619 ) 860 Foreign (4,970 ) (5,424 ) 2,630 Total deferred 15,097 (10,398 ) 5,350 Income tax expense $ 14,246 $ 2,506 $ 17,095
Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense	Year Ended December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Computed income tax (benefit) expense at statutory federal income tax rate $ (75,780 ) 21.0 % $ 5,483 21.0 % $ 13,665 21.0 % State income tax (benefit), net of federal benefit (4,138 ) 1.1 % (173 ) (0.2 )% 3,489 5.4 % Deemed mandatory repatriation state tax — 0.0 % — 0.0 % (909 ) (1.4 )% Deemed mandatory repatriation federal tax, net of foreign tax credit — 0.0 % — 0.0 % (1,690 ) (2.6 )% Remeasurement of deferred taxes due to change in tax rates — 0.0 % (4,517 ) (17.3 )% (510 ) (0.8 )% Foreign tax rate differential (401 ) 0.1 % 3,122 12.0 % 4,138 6.4 % U.S. tax (benefit) on current year foreign earnings, net of foreign tax credits — 0.0 % (1,792 ) (6.9 )% (223 ) (0.3 )% Goodwill impairment 16,471 (4.6 )% — 0.0 % — 0.0 % Change in valuation allowance 77,369 (21.3 )% 920 1.8 % (653 ) (1.0 )% Other adjustments, net 725 (0.2 )% (537 ) (0.8 )% (212 ) (0.3 )% Income tax expense $ 14,246 (3.9 )% $ 2,506 9.6 % $ 17,095 26.4 %
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows: December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 Deferred tax assets: Tax credit carryforwards $ 5,326 $ 7,879 Pension, compensation, and other employee benefits 11,991 17,231 Provisions for losses 4,623 4,778 Net operating loss carryforwards 44,358 5,371 State income taxes — 3,089 Leases 660 — Goodwill and other intangible assets 18,055 — Other deferred income tax assets 14,175 2,177 Total deferred tax assets 99,188 40,525 Valuation allowance (81,795 ) (4,276 ) Foreign deferred tax assets included above (7,717 ) (2,351 ) United States net deferred tax assets 9,676 33,898 Deferred tax liabilities: Property and equipment (24,017 ) (20,681 ) Goodwill and other intangible assets (8,846 ) (16,172 ) Leases (857 ) — Life insurance — (3,945 ) Other deferred income tax liabilities (4,485 ) (1,858 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (38,205 ) (42,656 ) Foreign deferred tax liabilities included above 28,490 31,192 United States net deferred tax assets (liabilities) $ (39 ) $ 22,434
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	(in thousands) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 1,425 Additions for tax positions taken in prior years 31 Reductions for lapse of applicable statutes (1,086 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 370 Additions for tax positions taken in prior years 151 Reductions for lapse of applicable statutes (296 ) Balance at December 31, 2019 225 Additions for tax positions taken in prior years 25 Reductions for lapse of applicable statutes — Balance at December 31, 2020 $ 250

Pension and Postretirement Be_2

Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Other Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) of Viad's Postretirement Benefit Plans	The components of net periodic benefit cost and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) of our pension plans consist of the following: December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ — $ 61 $ 64 Interest cost 653 861 780 Expected return on plan assets (145 ) (99 ) (193 ) Recognized net actuarial loss 526 403 494 Net periodic benefit cost 1,034 1,226 1,145 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income: Net actuarial (gain) loss 1,587 1,305 (76 ) Reversal of amortization item: Net actuarial loss (526 ) (403 ) (494 ) Total recognized in other comprehensive income 1,061 902 (570 ) Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income $ 2,095 $ 2,128 $ 575 The components of net periodic benefit cost and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income of our postretirement benefit plans consist of the following: December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ 51 $ 64 $ 80 Interest cost 296 458 449 Amortization of prior service credit (146 ) (189 ) (205 ) Recognized net actuarial loss 18 112 405 Net periodic benefit cost 219 445 729 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income: Net actuarial (gain) loss 688 (1,117 ) 170 Prior service credit — — — Reversal of amortization item: Net actuarial loss (18 ) (112 ) (405 ) Prior service credit 146 189 205 Total recognized in other comprehensive income 816 (1,040 ) (30 ) Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income $ 1,035 $ (595 ) $ 699 December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ 444 $ 405 $ 552 Interest cost 365 397 381 Expected return on plan assets (530 ) (487 ) (505 ) Recognized net actuarial loss 162 127 139 Settlement — — — Net periodic benefit cost 441 442 567 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss): Net actuarial loss 368 605 (238 ) Reversal of amortization of net actuarial loss (162 ) (127 ) (139 ) Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) 206 478 (377 ) Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income (loss) $ 647 $ 920 $ 190
Summary of Funded Status of the Plans	The following table indicates the funded status of the plans as of December 31: Postretirement Funded Plans Unfunded Plans Benefit Plans (in thousands) 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 15,572 $ 14,235 $ 9,462 $ 9,271 $ 11,986 $ 13,454 Service cost — — — 61 51 64 Interest cost 406 527 247 333 296 458 Actuarial adjustments 1,242 1,611 784 753 688 (1,117 ) Benefits paid (889 ) (801 ) (717 ) (956 ) (802 ) (873 ) Benefit obligation at end of year 16,331 15,572 9,776 9,462 12,219 11,986 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 11,291 10,299 — — — — Actual return on plan assets 584 1,157 — — — — Company contributions 892 636 717 956 802 873 Benefits paid (889 ) (801 ) (717 ) (956 ) (802 ) (873 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year 11,878 11,291 — — — — Funded status at end of year $ (4,453 ) $ (4,281 ) $ (9,776 ) $ (9,462 ) $ (12,219 ) $ (11,986 ) The following table represents the funded status of the plans as of December 31: Funded Plans Unfunded Plans (in thousands) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 9,990 $ 8,134 $ 2,331 $ 2,290 Service cost 444 405 — — Interest cost 295 320 70 77 Actuarial adjustments 686 1,037 111 106 Benefits paid (743 ) (336 ) (180 ) (178 ) Translation adjustment 244 430 117 36 Benefit obligation at end of year 10,916 9,990 2,449 2,331 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 10,013 8,243 — — Actual return on plan assets 1,044 1,156 — — Company contributions 253 515 180 178 Benefits paid (743 ) (336 ) (180 ) (178 ) Translation adjustment 231 435 — — Fair value of plan assets at end of year 10,798 10,013 — — Funded status at end of year $ (118 ) $ 23 $ (2,449 ) $ (2,331 )
Net Amount Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets	The net amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets under the caption “Pension and postretirement benefits” as of December 31 are as follows: Postretirement Funded Plans Unfunded Plans Benefit Plans (in thousands) 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 Other current liabilities $ — $ — $ 687 $ 703 $ 931 $ 1,019 Non-current liabilities 4,453 4,281 9,089 8,759 11,288 10,967 Net amount recognized $ 4,453 $ 4,281 $ 9,776 $ 9,462 $ 12,219 $ 11,986 The net amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets under the caption “Pension and postretirement benefits” as of December 31 were as follows: Funded Plans Unfunded Plans (in thousands) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Non-current assets $ (31 ) $ (43 ) $ — $ — Other current liabilities — — 187 177 Non-current liabilities 149 20 2,262 2,154 Net amount recognized $ 118 $ (23 ) $ 2,449 $ 2,331
Amounts Recognized in AOCI	Amounts recognized in AOCI as of December 31 are as follows: Postretirement Funded Plans Unfunded Plans Benefit Plans Total Total (in thousands) 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 Net actuarial loss $ 9,252 $ 8,856 $ 3,409 $ 2,744 $ 1,990 $ 1,320 $ 14,651 $ 12,920 Prior service credit — — — — 189 43 189 43 Subtotal 9,252 8,856 3,409 2,744 2,179 1,363 14,840 12,963 Less tax effect — (2,236 ) — (693 ) — (344 ) — (3,273 ) Total $ 9,252 $ 6,620 $ 3,409 $ 2,051 $ 2,179 $ 1,019 $ 14,840 $ 9,690
Fair Value of Plans' Assets by Asset Class	The fair value of the domestic plans’ assets by asset class are as follows: Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2020 Quoted Prices in Active Markets Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs (in thousands) Total (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Domestic pension plans: Fixed income securities $ 6,430 $ 6,430 $ — $ — Equity securities 4,485 4,485 — — Cash 774 774 — — Other 189 — 189 — Total $ 11,878 $ 11,689 $ 189 $ — Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2019 Quoted Prices in Active Markets Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs (in thousands) Total (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Domestic pension plans: Fixed income securities $ 5,267 $ 5,267 $ — $ — Equity securities 5,518 5,518 — — Cash 316 316 — — Other 190 — 190 — Total $ 11,291 $ 11,101 $ 190 $ — The fair value information related to the foreign pension plans’ assets is summarized in the following tables: Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using (in thousands) December 31, 2020 Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobserved Inputs (Level 3) Assets: Fixed income securities $ 5,450 $ 5,450 $ — $ — Equity securities 5,153 5,153 — — Other 195 195 — — Total $ 10,798 $ 10,798 $ — $ — Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using (in thousands) December 31, 2019 Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobserved Inputs (Level 3) Assets: Fixed income securities $ 5,194 $ 5,194 $ — $ — Equity securities 4,669 4,669 — — Other 150 150 — — Total $ 10,013 $ 10,013 $ — $ —
Payments and Receipts Reflecting Expected Future Service	The following pension and postretirement benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid: (in thousands) Funded Plans Unfunded Plans Postretirement Benefit Plans 2021 $ 1,439 $ 695 $ 943 2022 $ 1,020 $ 699 $ 925 2023 $ 1,012 $ 684 $ 902 2024 $ 975 $ 666 $ 875 2025 $ 1,044 $ 648 $ 835 2026-2030 $ 4,641 $ 2,919 $ 3,541 The following payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid: (in thousands) Funded Plans Unfunded Plans 2021 $ 444 $ 190 2022 $ 402 $ 189 2023 $ 440 $ 188 2024 $ 442 $ 188 2025 $ 441 $ 187 2026-2030 $ 2,359 $ 920
Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets	The accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets as of December 31 were as follows: Domestic Plans Funded Plans Unfunded Plans (in thousands) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Projected benefit obligation $ 16,331 $ 15,572 $ 9,776 $ 9,462 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 16,331 $ 15,572 $ 9,776 $ 9,454 Fair value of plan assets $ 11,878 $ 11,291 $ — $ — Foreign Plans Funded Plans Unfunded Plans (in thousands) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Projected benefit obligation $ 10,916 $ 9,990 $ 2,449 $ 2,331 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 10,447 $ 9,347 $ 2,449 $ 2,331 Fair value of plan assets $ 10,798 $ 10,013 $ — $ —
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations as of December 31 were as follows: Domestic Plans Funded Plans Unfunded Plans Postretirement Benefit Plans Foreign Plans 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 Discount rate 2.38 % 3.15 % 2.35 % 3.13 % 2.47 % 3.17 % 2.34 % 2.92 % Rate of compensation increase N/A N/A 3.00 % 3.00 % N/A N/A 2.35 % 2.34 % Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit costs as of December 31 were as follows: Domestic Plans Funded Plans Unfunded Plans Postretirement Benefit Plans Foreign Plans 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 Discount rate 3.12 % 4.28 % 3.13 % 4.22 % 3.19 % 4.29 % 2.93 % 3.68 % Expected return on plan assets 5.50 % 5.50 % N/A N/A 0.00 % 0.00 % 4.39 % 4.55 % Rate of compensation increase N/A N/A 3.00 % 3.00 % N/A N/A 2.35 % 2.34 %
Multi-Employer Pension Plans	The “FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented” column indicates plans for which a financial improvement plan or a rehabilitation plan is either pending or has been implemented. Plan Pension Protection Act Zone Status FIP/RP Status Pending/ Implemented Viad Contributions Surcharge Paid Expiration Date of Collective Bargaining Agreement(s) (in thousands) EIN No. 2020 2019 2020 2019 2018 Pension Fund: Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Plan 91-6145047 1 Green Green No $ 2,898 $ 6,754 $ 6,471 No 5/31/2021 Southern California Local 831—Employer Pension Fund (1) 95-6376874 1 Green Green No 943 3,427 3,087 No 8/31/2021 IBEW Local Union No 357 Pension Plan A 88-6023284 1 Green Green No 843 1,074 1,025 No 6/16/2021 Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters Pension Fund 36-6130207 1 Green Green Yes 608 2,877 2,876 No 5/31/2024 Electrical Contractors Assoc. Chicago Local Union 134, IBEW Joint Pension Trust of Chicago Plan #2 51-6030753 2 Green Green No 509 1,651 927 No 6/6/2021 Machinery Movers Riggers & Mach Erect Local 136 Supplemental Retirement Plan (1) 36-1416355 11 Yellow Yellow Yes 337 797 1,328 Yes 6/30/2024 Southwest Carpenters Pension Trust 95-6042875 1 Green Green No 195 717 789 No 7/31/2023 Sign Pictorial & Display Industry Pension Plan (1) 94-6278490 1 Green Green No 92 768 778 No 3/31/2021 Southern California IBEW-NECA Pension Fund 95-6392774 1 Yellow Yellow Yes 89 799 881 Yes 8/31/2021 New England Teamsters & Trucking Industry Pension 04-6372430 1 Red Red Yes 42 506 423 No 3/31/2022 Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Plan 36-6044243 1 Red Red Yes 7 872 1,177 No 3/31/2023 All other funds (2) 963 3,625 3,734 Total contributions to defined benefit plans 7,526 23,867 23,496 Total contributions to other plans 1,066 3,416 2,900 Total contributions to multi-employer plans $ 8,592 $ 27,283 $ 26,396 (1) We contributed more than 5% of total plan contributions for the plan year detailed in the plans’ most recent Form 5500s. (2) Represents participation in 31 pension funds during 2020.

Restructuring Charges (Tables)

Restructuring Charges (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Changes to Restructuring Liability by Major Restructuring Activity	Changes to the restructuring liability by major restructuring activity are as follows: GES Other Restructurings (in thousands) Severance & Employee Benefits Facilities Severance & Employee Benefits Total Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 1,551 $ 807 $ 191 $ 2,549 Restructuring charges 1,457 — 130 1,587 Cash payments (1,379 ) (156 ) (181 ) (1,716 ) Adjustment to liability 410 (451 ) (128 ) (169 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 2,039 200 12 2,251 Restructuring charges 6,071 1,817 492 8,380 Cash payments (5,169 ) (752 ) (272 ) (6,193 ) Adjustment to liability (6 ) 74 7 75 Balance at December 31, 2019 2,935 1,339 239 4,513 Restructuring charges 6,563 5,784 1,093 13,440 Cash payments (7,051 ) (2,573 ) (1,201 ) (10,825 ) Non-cash items (1) — (1,789 ) — (1,789 ) Adjustment to liability (7 ) 5 (107 ) (109 ) Balance at December 31, 2020 $ 2,440 $ 2,766 $ 24 $ 5,230 (1) Represents the impact related to the closure and liquidation of GES’ United Kingdom-based audio-visual services business during the year ended December 31, 2020.

Leases and Other (Tables)

Leases and Other (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Summary of Balance Sheet Presentation of Operating and Finance Leases	The balance sheet presentation of our operating and finance leases is as follows: December 31, (in thousands) Classification on the Consolidated Balance Sheet 2020 2019 Assets: Operating lease assets Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 82,739 $ 103,314 Finance lease assets Property and equipment, net 23,366 25,350 Total lease assets $ 106,105 $ 128,664 Liabilities: Current: Operating lease obligations Operating lease obligations $ 15,697 $ 22,180 Finance lease obligations Current portion of debt and finance lease obligations 2,514 3,386 Noncurrent: Operating lease obligations Long-term operating lease obligations 70,150 82,851 Finance lease obligations Long-term debt and finance lease obligations 20,627 21,871 Total lease liabilities $ 108,988 $ 130,288
Components of Lease Expense	The components of lease expense consisted of the following: Year Ended December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets $ 3,662 $ 2,780 Interest on lease liabilities 1,668 924 Operating lease cost 27,259 26,511 Short-term lease cost 701 1,932 Variable lease cost 5,672 6,271 Total lease cost, net $ 38,962 $ 38,418
Schedule of Other Information Related to Operating and Finance Leases	Other information related to operating and finance leases are as follows: Year Ended December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 26,250 $ 28,146 Operating cash flows from finance leases $ 1,948 $ 502 Financing cash flows from finance leases $ 3,543 $ 2,698 ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: Operating leases $ 659 $ 125,755 Finance leases $ 2,141 $ 18,822 December 31, 2020 2019 Weighted-average remaining lease term (years): Operating leases 8.39 8.17 Finance leases 13.97 14.01 Weighted-average discount rate: Operating leases 6.93 % 5.77 % Finance leases 7.99 % 7.73 %
Schedule of Estimated Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Non-cancellable Leases Excluding Variable Leases and Variable Non-lease Components	As of December 31, 2020, the estimated future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases, excluding variable leases and variable non-lease components, are as follows: (in thousands) Operating Leases Finance Leases Total 2021 $ 22,046 $ 4,405 $ 26,451 2022 16,567 3,917 20,484 2023 13,489 3,397 16,886 2024 10,314 2,724 13,038 2025 8,994 2,193 11,187 Thereafter 45,101 22,973 68,074 Total future lease payments 116,511 39,609 156,120 Less: Amount representing interest (30,664 ) (16,468 ) (47,132 ) Present value of minimum lease payments 85,847 23,141 108,988 Current portion 15,697 2,514 18,211 Long-term portion $ 70,150 $ 20,627 $ 90,777
Schedule of Estimated Future Minimum Rentals Under Non-cancellable Leases	As of December 31, 2020, the estimated future minimum rentals under non-cancellable leases, which includes rental income from facilities that we own, are as follows: (in thousands) 2021 $ 1,612 2022 1,089 2023 869 2024 646 2025 493 Thereafter 1,332 Total minimum sublease rents $ 6,041

Redeemable Noncontrolling Int_2

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Summary of Changes in Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	Changes in the redeemable noncontrolling interest are as follows: (in thousands) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 5,909 Net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest (821 ) Adjustment to the redemption value 1,318 Foreign currency translation adjustment (234 ) Balance at December 31, 2019 6,172 Net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest (1,482 ) Adjustment to the redemption value 926 Foreign currency translation adjustment (391 ) Balance at December 31, 2020 $ 5,225

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reconciliation of income statement items from reportable segments	Our reportable segments, with reconciliations to consolidated totals, are as follows: Year Ended December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Revenue: GES: GES North America $ 288,921 $ 884,105 $ 866,187 GES EMEA 53,384 216,559 202,990 Intersegment eliminations (3,680 ) (20,741 ) (17,140 ) Total GES 338,625 1,079,923 1,052,037 Pursuit 76,810 222,813 185,287 Total revenue $ 415,435 $ 1,302,736 $ 1,237,324 Segment operating income (loss): GES: GES North America $ (56,446 ) $ 27,659 $ 29,981 GES EMEA (17,451 ) 8,274 9,621 Total GES (73,897 ) 35,933 39,602 Pursuit (42,343 ) 54,310 48,915 Segment operating income (loss) (116,240 ) 90,243 88,517 Corporate eliminations (1) 65 67 67 Corporate activities (8,687 ) (10,865 ) (10,993 ) Operating income (loss) (124,862 ) 79,445 77,591 Interest income 377 369 354 Interest expense (18,264 ) (14,199 ) (9,640 ) Multi-employer pension plan withdrawal (462 ) (15,693 ) — Other expense (1,132 ) (1,586 ) (1,744 ) Restructuring (charges) recoveries: GES North America (3,825 ) (6,157 ) (408 ) GES EMEA (8,522 ) (1,731 ) (1,049 ) Pursuit (132 ) (52 ) (140 ) Corporate (961 ) (440 ) 10 Impairment (charges) recoveries: GES North America (171,095 ) (5,346 ) — GES EMEA (30,223 ) — — Pursuit (1,758 ) — 35 Legal settlement: GES — (8,500 ) — Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes $ (360,859 ) $ 26,110 $ 65,009 (1)
Reconciliation of assets from reportable segments	December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Assets: GES: GES North America $ 134,162 $ 475,279 $ 406,484 GES EMEA 50,644 132,975 111,798 Pursuit 620,413 589,205 357,630 Corporate and other 48,005 121,232 46,629 $ 853,224 $ 1,318,691 $ 922,541 Depreciation and amortization: GES: GES North America $ 24,022 $ 29,321 $ 30,855 GES EMEA 4,053 6,260 7,071 Pursuit 28,393 23,154 18,690 Corporate and other 97 229 226 $ 56,565 $ 58,964 $ 56,842 Capital expenditures: GES: GES North America $ 9,003 $ 19,099 $ 19,263 GES EMEA 1,388 7,098 7,065 Pursuit 43,176 49,934 56,865 Corporate and other — 16 152 $ 53,567 $ 76,147 $ 83,345
Financial information by major geographic area	The table below presents the financial information by major geographic area: December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Revenue: United States $ 290,541 $ 873,213 $ 850,839 EMEA 56,656 218,404 202,990 Canada 68,238 211,119 183,495 Total revenue $ 415,435 $ 1,302,736 $ 1,237,324 Long-lived assets: United States $ 173,790 $ 205,399 $ 182,140 EMEA 56,996 63,582 48,553 Canada 276,860 277,039 146,064 Total long-lived assets $ 507,646 $ 546,020 $ 376,757

Selected Quarterly Financial _2

Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly financial information	The following table sets forth selected unaudited consolidated quarterly financial information: 2020 2020 2019 (in thousands, except per share data) First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Revenue as previously reported $ 306,008 $ 30,863 $ 63,072 $ 285,594 $ 402,279 $ 353,743 $ 321,334 Gross to net correction ( 1) (11,350 ) (796 ) (265 ) (12,572 ) (25,815 ) (1,234 ) (20,593 ) Revenue as corrected $ 294,658 $ 30,067 $ 62,807 $ 27,903 $ 273,022 $ 376,464 $ 352,509 $ 300,741 Operating income (loss): Ongoing operations ( 2) $ (9,400 ) $ (49,736 ) $ (6,765 ) $ (50,274 ) $ (11,236 ) $ 46,442 $ 54,822 $ 141 Business interruption gain — — — — — 141 — — Corporate activities (789 ) (2,468 ) (2,645 ) (2,785 ) (1,833 ) (3,282 ) (2,680 ) (3,070 ) Interest income 79 176 58 64 98 83 79 109 Interest expense (4,018 ) (5,186 ) (5,508 ) (3,552 ) (2,915 ) (2,957 ) (3,740 ) (4,587 ) Multi-employer pension plan withdrawal — (462 ) — — — (15,508 ) — (185 ) Other expense, net (419 ) (265 ) (210 ) (238 ) (455 ) (456 ) (281 ) (394 ) Restructuring charges (851 ) (260 ) (11,259 ) (1,070 ) (688 ) (4,455 ) (1,702 ) (1,535 ) Legal settlement — — — — (8,500 ) — — — Impairment charges (88,380 ) (114,020 ) (676 ) — — — — (5,346 ) Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes $ (103,778 ) $ (172,221 ) $ (27,005 ) $ (57,855 ) $ (25,529 ) $ 20,008 $ 46,498 $ (14,867 ) Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Viad $ (86,131 ) $ (205,899 ) $ (29,769 ) $ (50,448 ) $ (17,490 ) $ 13,364 $ 31,557 $ (5,315 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Viad $ (86,585 ) $ (206,278 ) $ (30,758 ) $ (50,473 ) $ (17,777 ) $ 13,824 $ 31,416 $ (5,428 ) Diluted income (loss) per common share: (3) Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Viad common stockholders $ (4.27 ) $ (10.17 ) $ (1.54 ) $ (2.57 ) $ (0.88 ) $ 0.65 $ 1.54 $ (0.30 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Viad common stockholders $ (4.29 ) $ (10.19 ) $ (1.59 ) $ (2.58 ) $ (0.89 ) $ 0.67 $ 1.53 $ (0.31 ) (1) The quarterly financial data for the four quarters of 2019 and the first three quarters of 2020 were adjusted for immaterial errors related to the recognition of revenue of GES’ Corporate Accounts’ third-party services. Refer to Note 1 – Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for additional information. The Company intends to correct for these errors prospectively in subsequent quarterly filings. (2) Represents revenue less costs of services and cost of products sold. (3) The sum of quarterly income per share amounts may not equal annual income per share due to rounding.

Overview and Summary of Signi_4

Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Narrative (Details)	Aug. 05, 2020USD ($)$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)Segment	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 08, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments | Segment		3
Initial Investment	$ 135,000,000
Fees	$ 9,200,000
Cash Dividends Payable Percentage	5.50%
Frequency of periodic payment of cumulative dividend	quarterly
Conversion price per share | $ / shares	$ 21.25
Preferred stock redemption term	additional Convertible Preferred Stock, which we may access during the 12 months
Minimum liquidity requirement		$ 100,000,000
Fees related to the amendment	$ 1,700,000
Pledge percentage of capital stock	100.00%
Non-cash goodwill impairment charge		185,789,000
Goodwill		$ 99,847,000	$ 287,983,000		$ 261,330,000
Remaining maturities of highly-liquid investments		three months or less
Proceeds from life insurance policy		$ 24,800,000
Percentage of non equity ownership related redeemable noncontrolling interests		54.50%
Share based compensation arrangements requisite service period		2 years
Stock Options
Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Share based compensation arrangements requisite service period		2 years
Liability Based Awards
Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Share based compensation arrangements requisite service period		3 years
Glacier Park Inc
Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage of non-equity ownership related to non-redeemable noncontrolling interests		20.00%
Mountain Park Lodges
Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Goodwill				$ 20,194,000
Percentage of non-equity ownership related to non-redeemable noncontrolling interests		40.00%
Geothermal Lagoon Attraction
Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage of non-equity ownership related to non-redeemable noncontrolling interests		49.00%
GES
Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Non-cash goodwill impairment charge		$ 185,800,000
Goodwill		99,800,000	$ 186,105,000
U.S Audio Visual Production Business
Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Non-cash impairment charge to intangible assets		$ 15,700
LIBOR rate [Member]
Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Variable rate	3.50%
Maximum
Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of additional preferred stock	$ 45,000,000
Lease expiration period		23 years
Share based compensation arrangement performance period		3 years 4 months 24 days
Maximum | Equity Based Awards
Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Share based compensation arrangements requisite service period		3 years
Maximum | Building
Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life		40 years
Maximum | Equipment
Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life		12 years
Maximum | Land
Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Lease expiration period		47 years
Minimum [Member]
Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Share based compensation arrangement performance period		1 year
Minimum [Member] | Equity Based Awards
Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Share based compensation arrangements requisite service period		3 months
Minimum [Member] | Building
Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life		15 years
Minimum [Member] | Equipment
Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life		3 years

Overview and Summary of Signi_5

Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Corrections to Prior Period Adjustments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended							12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Total revenue								$ 415,435	$ 1,302,736	$ 1,237,324
Services
Total revenue								351,528	1,101,534	1,051,389
Costs and expenses								457,827	1,031,187	980,543
Cost of Services
Costs and expenses									1,031,187	980,543
GES
Total revenue								$ 338,625	1,079,923	1,052,037
Previously Reported
Total revenue	$ 63,072	$ 30,863	$ 306,008	$ 321,334	$ 353,743	$ 402,279	$ 285,594
Previously Reported | Services
Total revenue									1,170,493	1,110,249
Previously Reported | Cost of Services
Costs and expenses									1,100,146	1,039,403
Revision Of Prior Period Error Correction Adjustment | GES | North America | Services
Total revenue									(51,927)	(43,603)
Revision Of Prior Period Error Correction Adjustment | GES | North America | Cost of Services
Costs and expenses									(51,927)	(43,603)
Revision Of Prior Period Error Correction Adjustment | GES | EMEA | Services
Total revenue									(17,032)	(15,257)
Revision Of Prior Period Error Correction Adjustment | GES | EMEA | Cost of Services
Costs and expenses									$ (17,032)	$ (15,257)

Overview and Summary of Signi_6

Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Balances (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 39,545	$ 61,999
Restricted cash included in other current assets	$ 2,426	$ 5
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current, Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	us-gaap:OtherCurrentAssetsMember	us-gaap:OtherCurrentAssetsMember
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows	$ 41,971	$ 62,004	$ 44,899	$ 53,729

Revenue and Related Contract _3

Revenue and Related Contract Costs and Contract Liabilities - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue recognition description of capitalized contract costs	Capitalized contract costs are expensed upon the transfer of the related goods or services and are included in cost of services or cost of products, as applicable
Capitalized contract costs to obtain contracts	$ 900,000
Capitalized contract costs to fulfill contracts	$ 9,900,000
Impairment loss on capitalized contract costs		$ 0	$ 0
GES
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Performance obligation description of payment terms	Payment terms are generally within 30-60 days and contain no significant financing components
GES | Minimum [Member]
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Performance obligation payment terms	30 days
GES | Maximum
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Performance obligation payment terms	60 days
Pursuit
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Performance obligation description of payment terms	When credit is extended, payment terms are generally within 30 days and contain no significant financing components
Performance obligation payment terms	30 days

Revenue and Related Contract _4

Revenue and Related Contract Costs and Contract Liabilities - Summary of Changes in Contract Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue From Contract With Customer [Abstract]
Balance at January 1	$ 50,796	$ 35,600
Cash additions	154,057	210,871
Revenue recognized	(186,518)	(196,158)
Foreign exchange translation adjustment	283	483
Balance at December 31	$ 18,618	$ 50,796

Revenue and Related Contract _5

Revenue and Related Contract Costs and Contract Liabilities - Summary of Changes in Contract Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue From Contract With Customer [Abstract]
Balance at January 1	$ 28,496	$ 21,478
Additions	19,517	74,274
Expenses	(25,381)	(67,425)
Cancelled	(11,482)	(68)
Foreign exchange translation adjustment	(315)	237
Balance at December 31	$ 10,835	$ 28,496

Revenue and Related Contract _6

Revenue and Related Contract Costs and Contract Liabilities - Disaggregate GES and Pursuit Revenue by Major Product Line Timing of Revenue Recognition and Markets Served (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		$ 415,435	$ 1,302,736	$ 1,237,324
GES
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		338,625	1,079,923	1,052,037
GES | Operating Segments
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		338,625	1,079,923	1,052,037
GES | Intersegment Eliminations
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		(3,680)	(20,741)	(17,140)
Pursuit
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		76,810	222,813	185,287
Pursuit | Operating Segments
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		76,810	222,813	185,287
Pursuit | Intersegment Eliminations
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		(317)	(1,686)	(1,551)
North America | GES | Operating Segments
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		288,921	884,105	866,187
EMEA | GES | Operating Segments
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		53,384	216,559	202,990
Services Transferred Over Time | GES
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		298,945	936,604	913,986
Services Transferred Over Time | GES | Intersegment Eliminations
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		(3,680)	(20,741)	(17,140)
Services Transferred Over Time | Pursuit
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		52,583	164,930	137,404
Services Transferred Over Time | North America | GES | Operating Segments
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		260,964	809,499	793,343
Services Transferred Over Time | EMEA | GES | Operating Segments
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		41,661	147,846	137,783
Products Transferred Over Time | GES
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	[1]	15,517	61,668	60,193
Products Transferred Over Time | North America | GES | Operating Segments
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	[1]	13,068	45,597	44,109
Products Transferred Over Time | EMEA | GES | Operating Segments
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	[1]	2,449	16,071	16,084
Products Transferred at a Point in Time | GES
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		24,163	81,651	77,858
Products Transferred at a Point in Time | Pursuit
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		24,227	57,883	47,883
Products Transferred at a Point in Time | North America | GES | Operating Segments
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		14,889	29,009	28,735
Products Transferred at a Point in Time | EMEA | GES | Operating Segments
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		9,274	52,642	49,123
Core Services | GES
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		265,222	815,621	794,918
Core Services | North America | GES | Operating Segments
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		231,666	701,721	689,804
Core Services | EMEA | GES | Operating Segments
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		33,556	113,900	105,114
Audio Visual | GES
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		24,274	102,375	95,342
Audio Visual | North America | GES | Operating Segments
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		20,148	78,178	73,331
Audio Visual | EMEA | GES | Operating Segments
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		4,126	24,197	22,011
Event Technology | GES
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		13,129	39,349	40,866
Event Technology | North America | GES | Operating Segments
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		9,150	29,600	30,208
Event Technology | EMEA | GES | Operating Segments
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		3,979	9,749	10,658
Total Services | GES
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		298,945	936,604	913,986
Total Services | GES | Intersegment Eliminations
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		(3,680)	(20,741)	(17,140)
Total Services | Pursuit
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		52,583	164,930	137,404
Total Services | North America | GES | Operating Segments
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		260,964	809,499	793,343
Total Services | EMEA | GES | Operating Segments
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		41,661	147,846	137,783
Core Products | GES
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		39,680	143,319	138,051
Core Products | North America | GES | Operating Segments
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		27,957	74,606	72,844
Core Products | EMEA | GES | Operating Segments
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		11,723	68,713	65,207
Exhibitions | GES
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		252,030	623,050	635,738
Exhibitions | North America | GES | Operating Segments
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		211,953	463,653	486,400
Exhibitions | EMEA | GES | Operating Segments
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		40,077	159,397	149,338
Conferences | GES
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		49,160	278,010	247,305
Conferences | North America | GES | Operating Segments
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		41,371	253,511	223,096
Conferences | EMEA | GES | Operating Segments
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		7,789	24,499	24,209
Corporate Events | GES
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		29,874	171,562	153,497
Corporate Events | North America | GES | Operating Segments
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		24,521	139,935	126,084
Corporate Events | EMEA | GES | Operating Segments
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		5,353	31,627	27,413
Consumer Events | GES
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		11,241	28,042	32,637
Consumer Events | North America | GES | Operating Segments
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		11,076	27,006	30,607
Consumer Events | EMEA | GES | Operating Segments
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		165	1,036	2,030
Admissions | Pursuit
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		19,939	85,371	83,000
Accommodations | Pursuit
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		29,800	60,672	37,470
Transportation | Pursuit
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		2,694	14,594	13,956
Travel Planning | Pursuit
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		467	5,979	4,529
Food and Beverage | Pursuit
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		10,295	31,838	25,962
Retail Operations | Pursuit
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		13,932	26,045	21,921
Products
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		63,907	201,202	185,935
Products | Pursuit
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		24,227	57,883	47,883
Banff Jasper Collection | Pursuit
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		46,913	133,229	106,106
Alaska Collection | Pursuit
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		6,282	39,406	36,451
Glacier Park Collection | Pursuit
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		17,596	37,121	31,465
FlyOver | Pursuit
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		$ 6,019	$ 13,057	$ 11,265
[1]	GES’ graphics product revenue is earned over time over the duration of an event as it is considered a part of the single performance obligation satisfied over time.

Share-Based Compensation - Narr

Share-Based Compensation - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Capitalized share-based compensation costs	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Repurchase of common stock for employee tax withholding obligations amount	$ 1,688,000	$ 3,046,000	$ 1,209,000
Recognition period of unrecognized cost	2 years 1 month 6 days
Requisite service period	2 years
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock option awards	$ 1,400,000
Granted, Shares	204,150	0	0
Minimum [Member]
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share based compensation arrangement performance period	1 year
Maximum
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share based compensation arrangement performance period	3 years 4 months 24 days
Performance Unit Incentive Plan ("PUP")
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Shares available for grant	0	3,400,000	0
Awards with grant date fair value during the period	$ 4,800,000
Stock value payable	1,800,000
Liability awards recorded	800,000	$ 5,300,000
Payments to employees	2,600,000	5,600,000	$ 5,900,000
Repurchase of common stock for employee tax withholding obligations amount		$ 1,500,000
Repurchase of common stock for employee tax withholding obligations amount, shares		25,771
Restricted Stock Awards And Restricted Stock Units
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Payments to employees	200,000	$ 600,000	200,000
Liabilities related to restricted stock	200,000	400,000
Paid to employees as shares	2,000,000	200,000
Restructuring Charges
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation before income tax benefit	$ 0	100,000	0
2017 Plan
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Useful Term of the plan	10 years
Common stock shares issuable	1,750,000,000
Shares available for grant	1,081,404,000
2007 Plan
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Award vesting period	3 years
2007 Plan | Restricted Stock Awards And Restricted Stock Units
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Repurchase of common stock for employee tax withholding obligations amount	$ 1,700,000	$ 1,500,000	$ 1,200,000
Repurchase of common stock for employee tax withholding obligations amount, shares	42,185,000	24,995,000	22,358,000
Unamortized cost	$ 4,200,000
Recognition period of unrecognized cost	1 year 3 months 18 days

Share-Based Compensation - Summ

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Share-Based Compensation (income) expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Summary of share-based compensation expense
Share-based compensation expense before income tax		$ 2,653	$ 7,190	$ 4,870
Income tax benefit	[1]		(2,241)	(1,227)
Share-based compensation expense, net of income tax		2,653	4,949	3,643
Performance Unit Incentive Plan ("PUP")
Summary of share-based compensation expense
Share-based compensation expense before income tax		(2,187)	3,990	2,260
Restricted Stock Awards And Restricted Stock Units
Summary of share-based compensation expense
Share-based compensation expense before income tax		4,523	$ 3,200	$ 2,610
Stock Options
Summary of share-based compensation expense
Share-based compensation expense before income tax		$ 317
[1]	There was no income tax benefit for the year ended 2020 due to the valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets. Refer to Note 17 – Income Taxes.

Share-Based Compensation - Su_2

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Activity of the Outstanding PUP Awards (Details) - Performance Unit Incentive Plan ("PUP")	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020$ / sharesshares
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Beginning Balance, shares | shares	59,714
Granted, shares | shares	32,367
Forfeited, shares | shares	(30,873)
Ending Balance, shares | shares	61,208
Beginning Balance, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 55.10
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	56.23
Forfeited, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	52.15
Ending Balance, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 57.18
Beginning Balance, shares | shares	155,190
Granted, shares | shares	52,531
Vested, shares | shares	(67,866)
Forfeited, shares | shares	(18,370)
Ending Balance, shares | shares	121,485
Beginning Balance, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 52.53
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	56.10
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	47.43
Forfeited, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	56.40
Ending Balance, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 56.34

Share-Based Compensation - Su_3

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Activity of the Outstanding Restricted Stock Awards And Restricted Stock Units (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020$ / sharesshares
Restricted Stock Units
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Beginning Balance, shares | shares	136,123
Granted, shares | shares	55,171
Vested, shares | shares	(66,054)
Forfeited, shares | shares	(18,133)
Ending Balance, shares | shares	107,107
Beginning Balance, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 52.66
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	51.06
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	49.99
Forfeited, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	54.11
Ending Balance, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 53.23
Restricted Stock Awards
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted, shares | shares	232,435
Vested, shares | shares	(77,725)
Forfeited, shares | shares	(3,449)
Ending Balance, shares | shares	151,261
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 19.44
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	19.30
Forfeited, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	19.47
Ending Balance, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 19.51
Beginning Balance, shares | shares	11,623
Granted, shares | shares	3,952
Vested, shares | shares	(2,815)
Forfeited, shares | shares	(2,301)
Ending Balance, shares | shares	10,459
Beginning Balance, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 52.17
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	50.43
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	47.45
Forfeited, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	56.13
Ending Balance, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 51.91

Share-Based Compensation - Su_4

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Details) - USD ($)		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Options outstanding and exercisable
Options outstanding and exercisable Beginning Balance, Shares		41,143,000
Granted, Shares		204,150	0	0
Exercised, Shares		(41,143)
Options outstanding at December 31, 2020		204,150
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Options outstanding and exercisable Beginning Balance, Weighted-Average Exercise Price		$ 16.62
Granted		19.98
Exercised, Weighted-Average Exercise Price		16.62
Options outstanding at December 31, 2020		$ 19.98
Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding at December 31, 2020	[1]	$ 3,305,928
[1]	The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding represents the difference between our closing stock price at the end of the reporting period and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money stock options.

Share Based Compensation - Summ

Share Based Compensation - Summary of Options Outstanding and Exercisable (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020$ / sharesshares
Exercise Price Range One
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of exercise prices	$ 19.30
Shares | shares	150,000
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	8 years
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$ 19.30
Exercise Price Range Two
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of exercise prices	$ 21.85
Shares | shares	54,150
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	6 years 7 months 24 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$ 21.85
Exercise Price Range Three
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of exercise prices	19.30
Range of exercise prices	$ 21.85
Shares | shares	204,150
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	7 years 7 months 21 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$ 19.98

Share Based Compensation - Assu

Share Based Compensation - Assumptions Used in the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model to Estimate the Fair Value of Each Stock Option Grant (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate, Minimum	0.27%
Risk-free interest rate, Maximum	0.31%
Expected volatility, Minimum	46.90%
Expected volatility, Maximum	52.20%
Weighted average grant-date fair value per share of options granted	$ 8.38
Cash received from exercise of options (in thousands)	$ 2,077	$ 293	$ 84
Minimum [Member]
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Expected life	4 years 3 months 18 days
Maximum
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Expected life	5 years 4 months 24 days

Acquisitions - Narrative (Detai

Acquisitions - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands, $ in Millions	Jul. 25, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 08, 2019USD ($)Hotel	Jun. 08, 2019CAD ($)Hotel	May 16, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018CAD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Belton Chalet
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price				$ 3,200
Acquisition related costs				$ 300
Business acquisition date				May 16, 2019
Purchase price				$ 3,200
Mountain Park Lodges
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price		$ 75,837
Acquisition related costs							$ 900	$ 100
Business acquisition date		Jun. 8, 2019	Jun. 8, 2019
Percentage of controlling interest acquired		60.00%	60.00%
Number of hotels acquired | Hotel		7	7
Total consideration		$ 76,000	$ 100.6
Percentage of operations results consolidated to financial statements		100.00%	100.00%
Percentage of non-redeemable noncontrolling portion of income (loss) recorded in financial statements		40.00%	40.00%
Identifiable intangible assets acquired		$ 20,200
Weighted average amortization period		30 years 9 months 18 days	30 years 9 months 18 days
Purchase price		$ 75,837
New Sky Lagoon Attraction | Pursuit | Sky Lagoon Attraction
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of controlling interest acquired	51.00%
Payments to acquire controlling interest	$ 13,200
Maligne Canyon Restaurant
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price					$ 4,600	$ 6
Acquisition related costs								$ 24
Business acquisition date					Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018
Purchase price					$ 4,600	$ 6

Acquisitions - Schedule of Reco

Acquisitions - Schedule of Recognized Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 08, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Excess purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired (“goodwill”)		$ 99,847	$ 287,983	$ 261,330
Mountain Park Lodges
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price	$ 75,837
Net working capital adjustment	18
Consideration transferred	75,855
Right to manage	(1,276)
Purchase price, net	74,579
Accounts receivable	333
Inventories	152
Prepaid expenses	276
Property and equipment	103,642
Intangible assets	20,180
Total assets acquired	124,583
Accounts payable	329
Advanced deposits payable	400
Deferred tax liability	19,734
Other liabilities	16
Total liabilities assumed	20,479
Noncontrolling interest equity	49,719
Total fair value of net assets acquired	54,385
Excess purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired (“goodwill”)	$ 20,194

Acquisitions - Schedule of Prof

Acquisitions - Schedule of Proforma Results of Operations (Details) - Mountain Park Lodges - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2018
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 1,310,997	$ 1,264,664
Depreciation and amortization	61,597	62,261
Income from continuing operations	22,195	48,312
Net income attributable to Viad	$ 21,337	$ 49,070
Diluted income per share	$ 0.99	$ 2.39
Basic income per share	$ 0.99	$ 2.40

Inventories - Components of Inv

Inventories - Components of Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Components of Inventories
Raw materials	$ 3,362	$ 11,788
Finished goods	5,365	5,481
Inventories	$ 8,727	$ 17,269

Other Current Assets - Schedule

Other Current Assets - Schedule of Other Current Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Deferred Costs Capitalized Prepaid And Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Prepaid insurance	$ 4,297	$ 5,573
Prepaid software maintenance	3,058	3,875
Restricted cash	2,426	5
Prepaid vendor payments	1,835	4,698
Prepaid taxes	345	917
Income tax receivable	337	13,250
Prepaid other	1,296	1,904
Other	3,631	632
Other current assets	$ 17,225	$ 30,854

Property and Equipment - Schedu

Property and Equipment - Schedule of Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property and equipment		$ 820,888	$ 829,525
Accumulated depreciation		(352,100)	(353,974)
Property and equipment, net (excluding finance leases)		468,788	475,551
Finance lease ROU assets, net		23,366	25,350
Property and equipment, net		492,154	500,901
Land and land interests
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property and equipment	[1]	32,849	34,532
Buildings and leasehold improvements
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property and equipment		386,751	377,754
Equipment and other
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property and equipment		$ 401,288	$ 417,239
[1]	Land and land interests include certain leasehold interests in land within Pursuit for which we are considered to have perpetual use rights. The carrying amount of these leasehold interests was $8.3 million as of December 31, 2020 and $8.2 million as of December 31, 2019. These land interests are not subject to amortization.

Property and Equipment - Sche_2

Property and Equipment - Schedule of Property and Equipment (Parenthetical) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Leasehold interests	$ 820,888	$ 829,525
Leasehold Land Interests | Pursuit
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Leasehold interests	$ 8,300	$ 8,200

Property and Equipment - Narrat

Property and Equipment - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense					$ 46,500	$ 45,600	$ 45,800
Property and equipment purchased through accounts payable and accrued liabilities, increased/decreased amount					6,900	4,200	1,900
Impairment charges (recoveries)	$ 676	$ 114,020	$ 88,380	$ 5,346	203,076	$ 5,346	$ (35)
Capitalized Software
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Impairment charges (recoveries)					$ 1,600
Audio Visual
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Impairment charges (recoveries)				$ 3,800

Other Investments and Assets -

Other Investments and Assets - Summary of Other Investments and Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Investments All Other Investments [Abstract]
Self-insured liability receivable	$ 6,358	$ 9,982
Other mutual funds	3,457	3,107
Contract costs	2,912	3,961
Cash surrender value of life insurance		24,873
Other	2,765	3,196
Other investments and assets	$ 15,492	$ 45,119

Goodwill and Other Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Goodwill Balances by Component and Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance, beginning	$ 287,983	$ 261,330
Business acquisitions		20,684
Goodwill impairment	(185,789)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(415)	5,969
Other	(1,932)
Balance, ending	99,847	287,983
GES North America
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance, beginning	155,276	154,944
Goodwill impairment	(154,989)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(287)	332
Balance, ending		155,276
GES EMEA
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance, beginning	30,829	29,954
Goodwill impairment	(29,042)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(1,787)	875
Balance, ending		30,829
Pursuit
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance, beginning	101,878	76,432
Business acquisitions		20,684
Goodwill impairment	(1,758)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,659	4,762
Other	(1,932)
Balance, ending	$ 99,847	$ 101,878

Goodwill and Other Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Goodwill by Reporting Unit and Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill by reporting unit and segment
Goodwill	$ 99,847	$ 287,983	$ 261,330
GES North America
Goodwill by reporting unit and segment
Goodwill		155,276	154,944
GES North America | G E S U S
Goodwill by reporting unit and segment
Goodwill		148,277
GES North America | GES Canada
Goodwill by reporting unit and segment
Goodwill		6,999
GES EMEA
Goodwill by reporting unit and segment
Goodwill		30,829	29,954
GES
Goodwill by reporting unit and segment
Goodwill	99,800	186,105
Pursuit
Goodwill by reporting unit and segment
Goodwill	99,847	101,878	$ 76,432
Pursuit | Banff Jasper Collection
Goodwill by reporting unit and segment
Goodwill	54,856	55,524
Pursuit | Alaska Collection
Goodwill by reporting unit and segment
Goodwill	3,184	3,184
Pursuit | Glacier Park Collection
Goodwill by reporting unit and segment
Goodwill		1,758
FlyOver Canada | Pursuit
Goodwill by reporting unit and segment
Goodwill	$ 41,807	$ 41,412

Goodwill and Other Intangible_5

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment			$ 415,500	$ 229,700
Income tax benefit related to goodwill impairment charges		$ 12,400
Full Impairement Charges	$ 113,100
Remaining goodwill balance			99,847	287,983	$ 261,330
Impairment charge to intangible assets			15,700	1,500
Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Intangible asset amortization expense			6,400	10,600	11,000
G E S U S
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment		41,900
GES EMEA
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment		29,000
Remaining goodwill balance				30,829	29,954
Pursuit Glacier Park Collection
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment		$ 1,800
Pursuit
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Remaining goodwill balance			$ 99,847	$ 101,878	$ 76,432

Goodwill and Other Intangible_6

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Gross Carrying Value	$ 103,101	$ 142,894
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Accumulated Amortization	(32,502)	(49,157)
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Net Carrying Value	70,599	93,737
Other intangible assets, Gross Carrying Value	103,674	143,465
Other intangible assets, Net Carrying Value	$ 71,172	94,308
Customer contracts and relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Useful Life (Years)	6 years 4 months 24 days
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Gross Carrying Value	$ 38,214	72,219
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Accumulated Amortization	(26,288)	(40,866)
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Net Carrying Value	$ 11,926	31,353
Operating contracts and licenses
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Useful Life (Years)	36 years 8 months 12 days
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Gross Carrying Value	$ 42,012	43,329
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Accumulated Amortization	(2,405)	(1,881)
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Net Carrying Value	$ 39,607	41,448
In-place lease
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Useful Life (Years)	13 years 3 months 18 days
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Gross Carrying Value	$ 15,347	15,044
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Accumulated Amortization	(656)	(231)
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Net Carrying Value	$ 14,691	14,813
Tradenames
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Useful Life (Years)	5 years 3 months 18 days
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Gross Carrying Value	$ 5,940	9,423
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Accumulated Amortization	(2,435)	(4,338)
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Net Carrying Value	$ 3,505	5,085
Non-compete agreements
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Useful Life (Years)	1 year
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Gross Carrying Value	$ 770	2,077
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Accumulated Amortization	(616)	(1,775)
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Net Carrying Value	$ 154	302
Other
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Useful Life (Years)	7 years 2 months 12 days
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Gross Carrying Value	$ 818	802
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Accumulated Amortization	(102)	(66)
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Net Carrying Value	716	736
Business licenses
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, Gross Carrying Value	$ 573	$ 571

Goodwill and Other Intangible_7

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Estimated Future Amortization Expense Related to Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Estimated amortization expense related to amortized intangible assets
2021	$ 5,216
2022	5,129
2023	4,466
2024	3,510
2025	2,218
Thereafter	50,060
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Net Carrying Value	$ 70,599	$ 93,737

Other Current Liabilities - Sch

Other Current Liabilities - Schedule of Other Current Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Continuing operations:
Self-insured liability	$ 5,715	$ 5,668
Accrued interest payable	3,042	399
Accrued restructuring	2,479	2,130
Accrued employee benefit costs	2,363	3,564
Current portion of pension and postretirement liabilities	1,805	1,899
Accrued professional fees	1,691	1,248
Accrued sales and use taxes	1,547	5,451
Commissions payable	903	8,274
Accommodation services deposits	304	959
Accrued legal settlement		2,500
Accrued dividends		2,019
Other taxes	1,872	278
Other	4,819	4,788
Total continuing operations	26,540	39,177
Discontinued operations:
Environmental remediation liabilities	61	311
Self-insured liability	347	260
Other	91	76
Total discontinued operations	499	647
Total other current liabilities	$ 27,039	$ 39,824

Other Deferred Items and Liab_3

Other Deferred Items and Liabilities - Summary of Other Deferred Items and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Continuing operations:
Foreign deferred tax liability	$ 21,336	$ 32,570
Multi-employer pension plan withdrawal liability	15,864	15,693
Self-insured liability	6,662	8,682
Self-insured excess liability	6,358	9,982
Accrued compensation	5,821	7,485
Accrued restructuring	2,751	2,383
Contract liabilities	23	125
Other	1,456	2,423
Total continuing operations	60,271	79,343
Discontinued operations:
Environmental remediation liabilities	2,179	1,964
Self-insured liability	1,639	2,018
Other	539	382
Total discontinued operations	4,357	4,364
Total other deferred items and liabilities	$ 64,628	$ 83,707

Debt and Finance Lease Obliga_3

Debt and Finance Lease Obligations - Schedule of Long-term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Less unamortized debt issuance costs		$ (2,737)	$ (1,836)
Total debt	[1]	270,550	315,235
Finance lease obligations, 8.0% weighted-average interest rate at December 31, 2020 and 7.7% at December 31, 2019, due through 2039		23,141	25,257
Total debt and finance lease obligations	[2]	293,691	340,492
Current portion	[3]	(8,335)	(5,330)
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations		285,356	335,162
FlyOver Iceland Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility	[4]	5,820	5,607
Fly Over Iceland Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility	[4]	705
2018 Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility	[4]	$ 266,762	$ 311,464
[1]	The weighted-average interest rate on total debt (including unamortized debt issuance costs and commitment fees) was 4.6% for 2020, 4.2% for 2019 and 4.3% for 2018. The estimated fair value of total debt and finance leases was $254.0 million as of December 31, 2020 and $304.0 million as of December 31, 2019. The fair value of debt was estimated by discounting the future cash flows using rates currently available for debt of similar terms and maturity, which is a Level 2 measurement. Refer to Note 13 – Fair Value Measurements.
[2]	Cash paid for interest on debt was $14.0 million during 2020, $11.9 million during 2019, and $8.5 million during 2018.
[3]	Subsequent to the filing of our 2019 Form 10-K, we identified a correction related to the classification of the 2018 Credit Facility (as defined below) from current to long-term given that the 2018 Credit Facility’s contractual maturity was not within 12 months
[4]	Represents the weighted-average interest rate in effect at the respective periods, including any applicable margin. The interest rates do not include amortization of debt issuance costs or commitment fees.

Debt and Finance Lease Obliga_4

Debt and Finance Lease Obligations - Schedule of Long-term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations (Parenthetical) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate on long term debt	4.60%	4.20%	4.30%
Fair value of debt	$ 254	$ 304
Cash paid for interest on debt	$ 14	$ 11.9	$ 8.5
Current revolving credit facility maturity period	12 months	12 months
FlyOver Iceland Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate on long term debt	4.90%	4.90%
Fly Over Iceland Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on credit facility	3.80%
2018 Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on credit facility	4.50%	3.90%

Debt and Finance Lease Obliga_5

Debt and Finance Lease Obligations - Narrative (Details) € in Millions, kr in Millions

Jan. 08, 2021

Aug. 05, 2020USD ($)

Oct. 24, 2018USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2020EUR (€)

Dec. 31, 2020ISK (kr)

Dec. 29, 2020ISK (kr)

Oct. 15, 2020ISK (kr)

Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)

Feb. 15, 2019USD ($)

Feb. 15, 2019EUR (€)

Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]

Minimum liquidity requirement

$ 100,000,000

Pledge percentage of capital stock

100.00%

Fees related to the amendment

$ 1,700,000

Liabilities Current

$ 97,733,000

$ 237,323,000

LIBOR rate [Member]

Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]

Variable rate

3.50%

Revolving Credit Facility | Maximum

Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]

Leverage ratio during covenant waiver period

400.00%

FlyOver Iceland Credit Facility

Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]

Maturity date

Sep. 1, 2023

Mar. 1, 2022

Revolving credit facility, balance outstanding

[1]

$ 5,820,000

5,607,000

Maximum borrowing capacity on credit facility

$ 5,600,000

€ 5

Line Of Credit Facility Amendment Description

an addendum to the FlyOver Iceland Credit Facility effective January 8, 2021 wherein the principal payments were deferred for twelve months beginning December 1, 2020, with the first payment due December 1, 2021. The addendum also extended the maturity date to September 1, 2023. There were no other changes to the terms of the FlyOver Iceland Credit Facility

Line Of Credit Facility Date Of First Required Payment1

Dec. 1, 2020

Liabilities Current

$ 5,800,000

€ 4.8

Fly Over Iceland Term Loan

Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]

Revolving credit facility, balance outstanding

[1]

705,000

Maximum borrowing capacity on credit facility

700,000

kr 90

2018 Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility

Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]

Borrowing capacity on line of credit

$ 450,000,000

Additional borrowing capacity on line of credit

250,000,000

Line of Credit borrowings used to support letter of credit

$ 20,000,000

Maturity date

Oct. 24, 2023

Annual share repurchase and dividends limit on leverage ratio basis

$ 20,000,000

Leverage ratio required for dividend or share activity

275.00%

Maximum additional dividends amount permitted to distribute

$ 15,000,000

Interest coverage ratio

200.00%

Remaining borrowing capacity on line of credit

173,500,000

Revolving credit facility, balance outstanding

[1]

266,762,000

$ 311,464,000

Letters of Credit Outstanding

$ 9,700,000

Commitment fee percentage on line of credit

0.50%

2018 Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility | Maximum

Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]

Leverage ratio, post covenant waiver period

450.00%

Financial covenants leverage ratio step up

400.00%

Amendment Three Credit Agreement [Member]

Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]

Minimum liquidity requirement

$ 100,000,000

Pledge percentage of capital stock

100.00%

Fees related to the amendment

$ 1,700,000

Amendment Three Credit Agreement [Member] | Unsecured Debt [Member]

Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]

Credit Facility Expansion Feature

$ 250,000,000

Amendment Three Credit Agreement [Member] | LIBOR rate [Member]

Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]

Variable rate

3.50%

First Term Loan [Member] | Fly Over Iceland Term Loan

Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]

Maturity date

Apr. 1, 2023

Maximum borrowing capacity on credit facility | kr

kr 10

Line Of Term Loan Amendment Description

bears interest on a seven-day term deposit at the Central Bank of Iceland.

Second Term Loan [Member] | Fly Over Iceland Term Loan

Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]

Maturity date

Oct. 1, 2024

Maximum borrowing capacity on credit facility | kr

kr 30

Line Of Term Loan Amendment Description

bears interest on a seven-day term deposit at the Central Bank of Iceland plus 3.07%.

Third Term Loan [Member] | Fly Over Iceland Term Loan

Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]

Maturity date

Feb. 1, 2023

Maximum borrowing capacity on credit facility | kr

kr 50

Line Of Term Loan Amendment Description

bears interest at one-month Reykjavik InterBank Offered Rate (“REIBOR”) plus 4.99%. The Icelandic State Treasury guarantees supplemental loans provided by credit institutions to companies impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Accordingly, the Icelandic State Treasury guaranteed the repayment of up to 85% of the principal and interest on the ISK 10.0 million and ISK 30.0 million term loans and 70% of the principal amount on the ISK 50.0 million term loan.

[1]

Represents the weighted-average interest rate in effect at the respective periods, including any applicable margin. The interest rates do not include amortization of debt issuance costs or commitment fees.

Debt and Finance Lease Obliga_6

Debt and Finance Lease Obligations - Schedule of Aggregate Annual Maturities of Long-term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	[1]	$ 270,550	$ 315,235
Credit Facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2021		5,820
2022		53
2023		267,306
2024		108
2025
Thereafter
Total debt		$ 273,287
[1]	The weighted-average interest rate on total debt (including unamortized debt issuance costs and commitment fees) was 4.6% for 2020, 4.2% for 2019 and 4.3% for 2018. The estimated fair value of total debt and finance leases was $254.0 million as of December 31, 2020 and $304.0 million as of December 31, 2019. The fair value of debt was estimated by discounting the future cash flows using rates currently available for debt of similar terms and maturity, which is a Level 2 measurement. Refer to Note 13 – Fair Value Measurements.

Fair Value Measurements - Summa

Fair Value Measurements - Summary of Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Fair value information related to assets
Assets		$ 3,459	$ 3,230
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Fair value information related to assets
Assets		3,459	3,230
Money market funds
Fair value information related to assets
Assets	[1]	2	123
Money market funds | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Fair value information related to assets
Assets	[1]	2	123
Other mutual funds
Fair value information related to assets
Assets	[2]	3,457	3,107
Other mutual funds | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Fair value information related to assets
Assets	[2]	$ 3,457	$ 3,107
[1]	We include money market funds in “Cash and cash equivalents” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We classify these investments as available-for-sale and recorded them at fair value. There have been no realized gains or losses related to these investments and we have not experienced any redemption restrictions with respect to any of the money market mutual funds.
[2]	We include other mutual funds in “Other investments and assets” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets

Fair Value Measurements - Sum_2

Fair Value Measurements - Summary of Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis (Parenthetical) (Details) - Money market funds	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Realized gains on the investments	$ 0
Unrealized gains on the investments	$ 0

Income (Loss) Per Share - Recon

Income (Loss) Per Share - Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Income Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020		Sep. 30, 2020		Jun. 30, 2020		Mar. 31, 2020		Dec. 31, 2019		Sep. 30, 2019		Jun. 30, 2019		Mar. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2020		Dec. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to Viad (diluted)	$ (50,473)		$ (30,758)		$ (206,278)		$ (86,585)		$ (5,428)		$ 31,416		$ 13,824		$ (17,777)		$ (374,094)		$ 22,035		$ 49,170
Less: Allocation to non-vested shares																			(147)		(458)
Dividends on convertible preferred stock																	(3,006)
Adjustment to the redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest																	(926)		(1,318)		(251)
Net income (loss) allocated to Viad common stockholders (basic)																	$ (378,026)		$ 20,570		$ 48,461
Denominator:
Weighted-average outstanding common shares																	20,279		20,146		20,168
Additional dilutive shares related to share-based compensation																			138		236
Diluted weighted-average outstanding shares																	20,279		20,284		20,404
Basic income (loss) attributable to Viad common stockholders																	$ (18.64)		$ 1.02		$ 2.40
Diluted income (loss) attributable to Viad common stockholders	$ (2.58)	[1]	$ (1.59)	[1]	$ (10.19)	[1]	$ (4.29)	[1]	$ (0.31)	[1]	$ 1.53	[1]	$ 0.67	[1]	$ (0.89)	[1]	$ (18.64)	[2]	$ 1.02	[2]	$ 2.40	[2]
[1]	The sum of quarterly income per share amounts may not equal annual income per share due to rounding.
[2]	Diluted loss per share amount cannot exceed basic loss per share.

Income (Loss) Per Share - Sched

Income (Loss) Per Share - Schedule of Excluded Weighted-Average Potential Common Shares from Calculations of Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Common Shares (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Convertible Preferred Stock (as Converted to Common Stock)
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Common stock shares effect would be anti-dilutive	6,406,324
Unvested Restricted Share-Based Awards
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Common stock shares effect would be anti-dilutive	115,089	8,000	500
Stock Options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Common stock shares effect would be anti-dilutive	24,205

Common and Preferred Stock - Na

Common and Preferred Stock - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Aug. 05, 2020	Mar. 29, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Feb. 07, 2019
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Junior participating preferred Stock, Authorized			2,000,000
Junior participating preferred Stock, Outstanding			0
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized			5,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding			135,000
Preferred stock dividend rate percentage		10.00%
Frequency of periodic payment of cumulative dividend	quarterly
Common Stock Repurchases (Textual) [Abstract]
Authorized repurchase of additional shares						500,000
Repurchased shares			53,784	0	340,473
Shares remain available for repurchase			546,283
Common stock purchased for treasury			$ 2,800		$ 17,200
Dividends payable, date of record		Apr. 13, 2020
Preferred stock, voting rights		one preferred stock purchase right per each outstanding share of Viad common stock to purchase one one-hundredth of a share
Preferred stock exercise price		$ 115
Preferred stock, redemption price per share		$ 0.01
Preferred stock, redemption date		Feb. 28, 2021
Convertible Series A Preferred Stock
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividend rate percentage	5.50%
Frequency of periodic payment of cumulative dividend	quarterly
Convertible preferred stock conversion price per share	$ 21.25
Dividends paid in kind			$ 3,000
Crestview Partners | Convertible Series A Preferred Stock
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Convertible Preferred Stock, Shares Issued upon Conversion	135,000
Preferred Stock, Par value	$ 0.01
Purchase price	$ 135,000
Shares issued, price per share	$ 1,000
Delayed draw commitment	$ 45,000
Capital raising expense	$ 9,200

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 547,229	$ 450,555
Ending Balance	174,099	547,229
Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(23,799)	(36,332)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	7,113	12,533
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	7,113	12,533
Ending Balance	(16,686)	(23,799)
Unrecognized Net Actuarial Loss and Prior Service Credit, Net
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(11,900)	(11,643)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(27)	(10)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax	(2,028)	(247)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,055)	(257)
Ending Balance	(13,955)	(11,900)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(35,699)	(47,975)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	7,086	12,523
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax	(2,028)	(247)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	5,058	12,276
Ending Balance	$ (30,641)	$ (35,699)

Income Taxes - Narrative (Detai

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Tax cuts and jobs act of 2017 complete accounting deemed repatriation federal tax	$ 5,200
Tax cuts and jobs act of 2017 complete accounting estimated payments of liability	1,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross	99,188	$ 40,525
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	$ 81,795	4,276
Cumulative loss incurred over the period	4 years
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards	$ 5,326	7,879
Operating Loss Carryforwards	25,600
Deferred Tax, Operating Loss Carryforwards	44,358	5,371
Liability for uncertain tax positions	300	200
Cash Refunds from Income Taxes	14,900
Paid Cash for Income Taxes		17,200	$ 27,300
Foreign Income Tax Credit
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards	4,500
U.S
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Research and development credit carryforwards	700
U.S | Foreign Income Tax Credit
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards	$ 3,800
Tax credit carryforward expiration year	2022
Foreign Tax Authority | CA
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$ 28,400
Foreign Tax Authority | Iceland And Poland
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$ 8,800
Foreign Tax Authority | Iceland And Poland | Minimum [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carry forwards expire period	5 years
Foreign Tax Authority | Iceland And Poland | Maximum
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carry forwards expire period	10 years
Foreign Tax Authority | CA
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carry back period	3 years
Operating loss carryforwards period	20 years
Foreign Tax Authority | Foreign Income Tax Credit | United Kingdom
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards	$ 700
State and Foreign
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	371,200	55,200
Deferred Tax, Operating Loss Carryforwards	44,400	$ 5,400
State and Local Jurisdiction
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$ 181,500
State and Local Jurisdiction | Latest Tax Year
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforward expiration year	2020
State and Local Jurisdiction | Earliest Tax Year
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforward expiration year	2039

Income Taxes - Summary of Incom

Income Taxes - Summary of Income from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Foreign									$ (95,919)	$ 49,171	$ 54,753
United States									(264,940)	(23,061)	10,256
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	$ (57,855)	$ (27,005)	$ (172,221)	$ (103,778)	$ (14,867)	$ 46,498	$ 20,008	$ (25,529)	$ (360,859)	$ 26,110	$ 65,009

Income Taxes - Summary of Signi

Income Taxes - Summary of Significant Components of the Income Tax Provision From Continuing Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current:
Federal	$ (128)	$ (2,260)	$ 41
State	674	1,400	(335)
Foreign	(1,397)	13,764	12,039
Total current	(851)	12,904	11,745
Deferred:
Federal	17,171	(3,355)	1,860
State	2,896	(1,619)	860
Foreign	(4,970)	(5,424)	2,630
Total deferred	15,097	(10,398)	5,350
Income tax expense	$ 14,246	$ 2,506	$ 17,095

Income Taxes - Reconciliation o

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]
Computed income tax (benefit) expense at statutory federal income tax rate	$ (75,780)	$ 5,483	$ 13,665
State income tax (benefit), net of federal benefit	(4,138)	(173)	3,489
Deemed mandatory repatriation state tax			(909)
Deemed mandatory repatriation federal tax, net of foreign tax credit			(1,690)
Remeasurement of deferred taxes due to change in tax rates		(4,517)	(510)
Foreign tax rate differential	(401)	3,122	4,138
U.S. tax (benefit) on current year foreign earnings, net of foreign tax credits		(1,792)	(223)
Goodwill impairment	16,471
Change in valuation allowance	77,369	920	(653)
Other adjustments, net	725	(537)	(212)
Income tax expense	$ 14,246	$ 2,506	$ 17,095
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract]
Computed income tax (benefit) expense at statutory federal income tax rate	21.00%	21.00%	21.00%
State income tax (benefit), net of federal benefit	1.10%	(0.20%)	5.40%
Deemed mandatory repatriation state tax rate	0.00%	0.00%	(1.40%)
Deemed mandatory repatriation federal tax, net of foreign tax credit, tax rate	0.00%	0.00%	(2.60%)
Remeasurement of deferred taxes due to change in tax rates, tax rate	0.00%	(17.30%)	(0.80%)
Foreign tax differentials rate	0.10%	12.00%	6.40%
U.S. tax (benefit) on current year foreign earnings, net of foreign tax credits	(0.00%)	(6.90%)	(0.30%)
Goodwill impairment	(4.60%)	0.00%	0.00%
Change in valuation allowance, tax rate	(21.30%)	1.80%	(1.00%)
Other adjustments, net, tax rate	(0.20%)	(0.80%)	(0.30%)
Income tax expense	(3.90%)	9.60%	26.40%

Income Taxes - Schedule of Defe

Income Taxes - Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Deferred tax assets:
Tax credit carryforwards	$ 5,326	$ 7,879
Pension, compensation, and other employee benefits	11,991	17,231
Provisions for losses	4,623	4,778
Net operating loss carryforwards	44,358	5,371
State income taxes		3,089
Leases	660
Goodwill and other intangible assets	18,055
Other deferred income tax assets	14,175	2,177
Total deferred tax assets	99,188	40,525
Valuation allowance	(81,795)	(4,276)
Foreign deferred tax assets included above	(7,717)	(2,351)
United States net deferred tax assets	9,676	33,898
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment	(24,017)	(20,681)
Goodwill and other intangible assets	(8,846)	(16,172)
Leases	(857)
Life insurance		(3,945)
Other deferred income tax liabilities	(4,485)	(1,858)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(38,205)	(42,656)
Foreign deferred tax liabilities included above	28,490	31,192
United States net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	$ (39)
United States net deferred tax assets		$ 22,434

Income Taxes - Schedule of Unre

Income Taxes - Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Beginning Balance	$ 225	$ 370	$ 1,425
Additions for tax positions taken in prior years	25	151	31
Reductions for lapse of applicable statutes	0	(296)	(1,086)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Ending Balance	$ 250	$ 225	$ 370

Pension and Postretirement Be_3

Pension and Postretirement Benefits - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Other Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) of Viad's Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Postretirement Benefit Plans
Net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	$ 51	$ 64
Interest cost	296	458
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income:
Net actuarial (gain) loss	688	(1,117)
Domestic Plans | Pension Plans
Net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost		61	$ 64
Interest cost	653	861	780
Expected return on plan assets	(145)	(99)	(193)
Recognized net actuarial loss	526	403	494
Net periodic benefit cost	1,034	1,226	1,145
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income:
Net actuarial (gain) loss	1,587	1,305	(76)
Reversal of amortization item:
Net actuarial loss	(526)	(403)	(494)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income	1,061	902	(570)
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income	2,095	2,128	575
Domestic Plans | Postretirement Benefit Plans
Net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	51	64	80
Interest cost	296	458	449
Amortization of prior service credit	(146)	(189)	(205)
Recognized net actuarial loss	18	112	405
Net periodic benefit cost	219	445	729
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income:
Net actuarial (gain) loss	688	(1,117)	170
Reversal of amortization item:
Net actuarial loss	(18)	(112)	(405)
Prior service credit	146	189	205
Total recognized in other comprehensive income	816	(1,040)	(30)
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income	1,035	(595)	699
Foreign Pension Plans
Net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	444	405	552
Interest cost	365	397	381
Expected return on plan assets	(530)	(487)	(505)
Recognized net actuarial loss	162	127	139
Net periodic benefit cost	441	442	567
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income:
Net actuarial (gain) loss	368	605	(238)
Reversal of amortization item:
Net actuarial loss	(162)	(127)	(139)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income	206	478	(377)
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income	$ 647	$ 920	$ 190

Pension and Postretirement Be_4

Pension and Postretirement Benefits - Summary of Funded Status of the Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Domestic Plans
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$ 11,291
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	11,878	$ 11,291
Foreign Pension Plans
Change in benefit obligation:
Service cost	444	405	$ 552
Interest cost	365	397	381
Actuarial adjustments	368	605	(238)
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	10,013
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	10,798	10,013
Foreign Pension Plans | Funded Plans
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	9,990	8,134
Service cost	444	405
Interest cost	295	320
Actuarial adjustments	686	1,037
Benefits paid	(743)	(336)
Translation adjustment	244	430
Benefit obligation at end of year	10,916	9,990	8,134
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	10,013	8,243
Actual return on plan assets	1,044	1,156
Company contributions	253	515
Benefits paid	(743)	(336)
Translation adjustment	231	435
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	10,798	10,013	8,243
Funded status at end of year	(118)	23
Foreign Pension Plans | Unfunded Pension Plans
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	2,331	2,290
Interest cost	70	77
Actuarial adjustments	111	106
Benefits paid	(180)	(178)
Translation adjustment	117	36
Benefit obligation at end of year	2,449	2,331	2,290
Change in plan assets:
Company contributions	180	178
Benefits paid	(180)	(178)
Funded status at end of year	(2,449)	(2,331)
Pension Plans | Domestic Plans
Change in benefit obligation:
Service cost		61	64
Interest cost	653	861	780
Actuarial adjustments	1,587	1,305	(76)
Pension Plans | Domestic Plans | Funded Plans
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	15,572	14,235
Interest cost	406	527
Actuarial adjustments	1,242	1,611
Benefits paid	(889)	(801)
Benefit obligation at end of year	16,331	15,572	14,235
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	11,291	10,299
Actual return on plan assets	584	1,157
Company contributions	892	636
Benefits paid	(889)	(801)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	11,878	11,291	10,299
Funded status at end of year	(4,453)	(4,281)
Pension Plans | Domestic Plans | Unfunded Pension Plans
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	9,462	9,271
Service cost		61
Interest cost	247	333
Actuarial adjustments	784	753
Benefits paid	(717)	(956)
Benefit obligation at end of year	9,776	9,462	9,271
Change in plan assets:
Company contributions	717	956
Benefits paid	(717)	(956)
Funded status at end of year	(9,776)	(9,462)
Postretirement Benefit Plans
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	11,986	13,454
Service cost	51	64
Interest cost	296	458
Actuarial adjustments	688	(1,117)
Benefits paid	(802)	(873)
Benefit obligation at end of year	12,219	11,986	13,454
Change in plan assets:
Company contributions	802	873
Benefits paid	(802)	(873)
Funded status at end of year	(12,219)	(11,986)
Postretirement Benefit Plans | Domestic Plans
Change in benefit obligation:
Service cost	51	64	80
Interest cost	296	458	449
Actuarial adjustments	$ 688	$ (1,117)	$ 170

Pension and Postretirement Be_5

Pension and Postretirement Benefits - Net Amount Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Domestic Plans | Pension Plans | Funded Plans
Net amounts recognized in Viad's consolidated balance sheets under the caption Pension and postretirement benefits
Net amount recognized	$ 4,453	$ 4,281
Domestic Plans | Pension Plans | Unfunded Pension Plans
Net amounts recognized in Viad's consolidated balance sheets under the caption Pension and postretirement benefits
Net amount recognized	9,776	9,462
Domestic Plans | Postretirement Benefit Plans
Net amounts recognized in Viad's consolidated balance sheets under the caption Pension and postretirement benefits
Net amount recognized	12,219	11,986
Foreign Pension Plans | Funded Plans
Net amounts recognized in Viad's consolidated balance sheets under the caption Pension and postretirement benefits
Net amount recognized	118	(23)
Foreign Pension Plans | Unfunded Pension Plans
Net amounts recognized in Viad's consolidated balance sheets under the caption Pension and postretirement benefits
Net amount recognized	2,449	2,331
Non Current Assets | Foreign Pension Plans | Funded Plans
Net amounts recognized in Viad's consolidated balance sheets under the caption Pension and postretirement benefits
Net amount recognized	(31)	(43)
Other current liabilities | Domestic Plans | Pension Plans | Unfunded Pension Plans
Net amounts recognized in Viad's consolidated balance sheets under the caption Pension and postretirement benefits
Net amount recognized	687	703
Other current liabilities | Domestic Plans | Postretirement Benefit Plans
Net amounts recognized in Viad's consolidated balance sheets under the caption Pension and postretirement benefits
Net amount recognized	931	1,019
Other current liabilities | Foreign Pension Plans | Unfunded Pension Plans
Net amounts recognized in Viad's consolidated balance sheets under the caption Pension and postretirement benefits
Net amount recognized	187	177
Non Current Liabilities | Domestic Plans | Pension Plans | Funded Plans
Net amounts recognized in Viad's consolidated balance sheets under the caption Pension and postretirement benefits
Net amount recognized	4,453	4,281
Non Current Liabilities | Domestic Plans | Pension Plans | Unfunded Pension Plans
Net amounts recognized in Viad's consolidated balance sheets under the caption Pension and postretirement benefits
Net amount recognized	9,089	8,759
Non Current Liabilities | Domestic Plans | Postretirement Benefit Plans
Net amounts recognized in Viad's consolidated balance sheets under the caption Pension and postretirement benefits
Net amount recognized	11,288	10,967
Non Current Liabilities | Foreign Pension Plans | Funded Plans
Net amounts recognized in Viad's consolidated balance sheets under the caption Pension and postretirement benefits
Net amount recognized	149	20
Non Current Liabilities | Foreign Pension Plans | Unfunded Pension Plans
Net amounts recognized in Viad's consolidated balance sheets under the caption Pension and postretirement benefits
Net amount recognized	$ 2,262	$ 2,154

Pension and Postretirement Be_6

Pension and Postretirement Benefits - Amounts Recognized in AOCI (Details) - Domestic Plans - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Pension Plans | Funded Plans
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gains (Losses), before Tax	$ 9,252	$ 8,856
Subtotal	9,252	8,856
Less tax effect		(2,236)
Total	9,252	6,620
Pension Plans | Unfunded Pension Plans
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gains (Losses), before Tax	3,409	2,744
Subtotal	3,409	2,744
Less tax effect		(693)
Total	3,409	2,051
Postretirement Benefit Plans
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gains (Losses), before Tax	1,990	1,320
Prior service credit	189	43
Subtotal	2,179	1,363
Less tax effect		(344)
Total	2,179	1,019
US Postretirement and Pension Plan
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gains (Losses), before Tax	14,651	12,920
Prior service credit	189	43
Subtotal	14,840	12,963
Less tax effect		(3,273)
Total	$ 14,840	$ 9,690

Pension and Postretirement Be_7

Pension and Postretirement Benefits - Fair Value of the Plans' Assets by Asset Class (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Domestic Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value measurement domestic pension plans	$ 11,878	$ 11,291
Domestic Plans | Fixed Income Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value measurement domestic pension plans	6,430	5,267
Domestic Plans | Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value measurement domestic pension plans	4,485	5,518
Domestic Plans | Cash
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value measurement domestic pension plans	774	316
Domestic Plans | Other
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value measurement domestic pension plans	189	190
Foreign Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value measurement domestic pension plans	10,798	10,013
Foreign Pension Plans | Fixed Income Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value measurement domestic pension plans	5,450	5,194
Foreign Pension Plans | Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value measurement domestic pension plans	5,153	4,669
Foreign Pension Plans | Other
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value measurement domestic pension plans	195	150
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) | Domestic Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value measurement domestic pension plans	11,689	11,101
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) | Domestic Plans | Fixed Income Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value measurement domestic pension plans	6,430	5,267
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) | Domestic Plans | Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value measurement domestic pension plans	4,485	5,518
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) | Domestic Plans | Cash
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value measurement domestic pension plans	774	316
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) | Foreign Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value measurement domestic pension plans	10,798	10,013
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) | Foreign Pension Plans | Fixed Income Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value measurement domestic pension plans	5,450	5,194
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) | Foreign Pension Plans | Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value measurement domestic pension plans	5,153	4,669
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) | Foreign Pension Plans | Other
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value measurement domestic pension plans	195	150
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Domestic Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value measurement domestic pension plans	189	190
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Domestic Plans | Other
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value measurement domestic pension plans	$ 189	$ 190

Pension and Postretirement Be_8

Pension and Postretirement Benefits - Payments and Receipts Reflecting Expected Future Service (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Foreign Pension Plans | Funded Plans
Expected future service expected to be paid
2021	$ 444
2022	402
2023	440
2024	442
2025	441
2026-2030	2,359
Foreign Pension Plans | Unfunded Pension Plans
Expected future service expected to be paid
2021	190
2022	189
2023	188
2024	188
2025	187
2026-2030	920
Pension Plans | Domestic Plans | Funded Plans
Expected future service expected to be paid
2021	1,439
2022	1,020
2023	1,012
2024	975
2025	1,044
2026-2030	4,641
Pension Plans | Domestic Plans | Unfunded Pension Plans
Expected future service expected to be paid
2021	695
2022	699
2023	684
2024	666
2025	648
2026-2030	2,919
Postretirement Benefit Plans | Domestic Plans
Expected future service expected to be paid
2021	943
2022	925
2023	902
2024	875
2025	835
2026-2030	$ 3,541

Pension and Postretirement Be_9

Pension and Postretirement Benefits - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Multiemployer plans, withdrawal obligation		$ 15.5
Multiemployer plans, plan contributions		0.2
Maximum percentage of funding status of plans in red zone	65.00%
Maximum percentage of funding status of plans in yellow zone	80.00%
Maximum percentage of funding status of plans in green zone	80.00%
401(k) plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of employer matching contribution with employee gross pay	100.00%
Percentage of employer matching contribution match with 100 percent	3.00%
Percentage of employer matching contribution	50.00%
Percentage of employer matching contribution match with 50 percent	2.00%
Expense associated with other employee benefit plans	$ 1.7	5	$ 4.8
Postretirement Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Amount expected to contribute in postretirement benefit plans	0.9
Funded Plans | Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Amount expected to contribute in funded pension plans	0.8
Unfunded Pension Plans | Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Amount expected to contribute in unfunded pension plans	0.9
Foreign Pension Plans | Funded Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial losses for the foreign funded plans recognized in AOCI (before tax)	(2.7)	(2.6)
Net actuarial losses for the foreign funded plans recognized in AOCI (after tax)	(2)	(1.9)
Foreign Pension Plans | Unfunded Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial losses for the foreign unfunded plans recognized in AOCI (before tax)	(0.8)	(0.7)
Net actuarial losses for the foreign unfunded plans recognized in AOCI (after tax)	$ (0.6)	$ (0.5)

Pension and Postretirement B_10

Pension and Postretirement Benefits - Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Domestic Plans | Funded Plans
Accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets
Projected benefit obligation	$ 16,331	$ 15,572
Accumulated benefit obligation	16,331	15,572
Fair value of plan assets	11,878	11,291
Domestic Plans | Unfunded Pension Plans
Accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets
Projected benefit obligation	9,776	9,462
Accumulated benefit obligation	9,776	9,454
Foreign Pension Plans | Funded Plans
Accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets
Projected benefit obligation	10,916	9,990
Accumulated benefit obligation	10,447	9,347
Fair value of plan assets	10,798	10,013
Foreign Pension Plans | Unfunded Pension Plans
Accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets
Projected benefit obligation	2,449	2,331
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 2,449	$ 2,331

Pension and Postretirement B_11

Pension and Postretirement Benefits - Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Foreign Pension Plans
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate	2.34%	2.92%
Rate of compensation increase	2.35%	2.34%
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rate	2.93%	3.68%
Expected return on plan assets	4.39%	4.55%
Rate of compensation increase	2.35%	2.34%
Pension Plans | Domestic Plans | Funded Plans
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate	2.38%	3.15%
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rate	3.12%	4.28%
Expected return on plan assets	5.50%	5.50%
Pension Plans | Domestic Plans | Unfunded Pension Plans
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate	2.35%	3.13%
Rate of compensation increase	3.00%	3.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rate	3.13%	4.22%
Rate of compensation increase	3.00%	3.00%
Postretirement Benefit Plans | Domestic Plans
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate	2.47%	3.17%
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rate		4.29%
Expected return on plan assets		0.00%
Postretirement Benefit Plans | Domestic Plans | Unfunded Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rate	3.19%
Expected return on plan assets	0.00%

Pension and Postretirement B_12

Pension and Postretirement Benefits - Multi-Employer Pension Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Entity Tax Identification Number		36-1169950
Viad Contributions		$ 8,592	$ 27,283	$ 26,396
Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Entity Tax Identification Number		91-6145047
Plan No:		001
Pension Protection Act Zone Status		Green	Green
FIP/RP Status Pending/ Implemented		No
Viad Contributions		$ 2,898	$ 6,754	6,471
Surcharge Paid		No
Collective bargaining agreements expiration date		May 31, 2021
Southern California Local 831-Employer Pension Fund
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Entity Tax Identification Number	[1]	95-6376874
Plan No:	[1]	001
Pension Protection Act Zone Status	[1]	Green	Green
FIP/RP Status Pending/ Implemented	[1]	No
Viad Contributions	[1]	$ 943	$ 3,427	3,087
Surcharge Paid	[1]	No
Collective bargaining agreements expiration date	[1]	Aug. 31, 2021
Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters Pension Fund
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Entity Tax Identification Number		36-6130207
Plan No:		001
Pension Protection Act Zone Status		Green	Green
FIP/RP Status Pending/ Implemented		Implemented
Viad Contributions		$ 608	$ 2,877	2,876
Surcharge Paid		No
Collective bargaining agreements expiration date		May 31, 2024
IBEW Local Union No 357 Pension Plan A
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Entity Tax Identification Number		88-6023284
Plan No:		001
Pension Protection Act Zone Status		Green	Green
FIP/RP Status Pending/ Implemented		No
Viad Contributions		$ 843	$ 1,074	1,025
Surcharge Paid		No
Collective bargaining agreements expiration date		Jun. 16, 2021
Machinery Movers Riggers & Mach Erect Local 136 Supplemental Retirement Plan(1),
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Entity Tax Identification Number	[1]	36-1416355
Plan No:	[1]	011
Pension Protection Act Zone Status	[1]	Yellow	Yellow
FIP/RP Status Pending/ Implemented	[1]	Implemented
Viad Contributions	[1]	$ 337	$ 797	1,328
Surcharge Paid	[1]	Yes
Collective bargaining agreements expiration date	[1]	Jun. 30, 2024
Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Entity Tax Identification Number		36-6044243
Plan No:		001
Pension Protection Act Zone Status		Red	Red
FIP/RP Status Pending/ Implemented		Implemented
Viad Contributions		$ 7	$ 872	1,177
Surcharge Paid		No
Collective bargaining agreements expiration date		Mar. 31, 2023
Electrical Contractors Assoc. Chicago Local Union 134, IBEW Joint Pension Trust of Chicago Plan 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Entity Tax Identification Number	[2]	51-6030753
Plan No:	[2]	002
Pension Protection Act Zone Status	[2]	Green	Green
FIP/RP Status Pending/ Implemented	[2]	No
Viad Contributions	[2]	$ 509	$ 1,651	927
Surcharge Paid	[2]	No
Collective bargaining agreements expiration date	[2]	Jun. 6, 2021
Southwest Carpenters Pension Trust
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Entity Tax Identification Number		95-6042875
Plan No:		001
Pension Protection Act Zone Status		Green	Green
FIP/RP Status Pending/ Implemented		No
Viad Contributions		$ 195	$ 717	789
Surcharge Paid		No
Collective bargaining agreements expiration date		Jul. 31, 2023
Southern California IBEW-NECA Pension Fund
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Entity Tax Identification Number		95-6392774
Plan No:		001
Pension Protection Act Zone Status		Yellow	Yellow
FIP/RP Status Pending/ Implemented		Implemented
Viad Contributions		$ 89	$ 799	881
Surcharge Paid		Yes
Collective bargaining agreements expiration date		Aug. 31, 2021
New England Teamsters & Trucking Industry Pension
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Entity Tax Identification Number		04-6372430
Plan No:		001
Pension Protection Act Zone Status		Red	Red
FIP/RP Status Pending/ Implemented		Implemented
Viad Contributions		$ 42	$ 506	423
Surcharge Paid		No
Collective bargaining agreements expiration date		Mar. 31, 2022
Sign Pictorial & Display Industry Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Entity Tax Identification Number	[1]	94-6278490
Plan No:	[1]	001
Pension Protection Act Zone Status	[1]	Green	Green
FIP/RP Status Pending/ Implemented	[1]	No
Viad Contributions	[1]	$ 92	$ 768	778
Surcharge Paid	[1]	No
Collective bargaining agreements expiration date	[1]	Mar. 31, 2021
All other funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Viad Contributions	[2]	$ 963	3,625	3,734
Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Viad Contributions		7,526	23,867	23,496
Total contributions to other plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Viad Contributions		$ 1,066	$ 3,416	$ 2,900
[1]	We contributed more than 5% of total plan contributions for the plan year detailed in the plans’ most recent Form 5500s.
[2]	Represents participation in 31 pension funds during 2020.

Pension and Postretirement B_13

Pension and Postretirement Benefits - Multi-Employer Pension Plans (Parenthetical) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020PensionFund
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Percentage of excess employer contributions	5.00%
Aggregate number of funds	31

Restructuring Charges - Changes

Restructuring Charges - Changes to Restructuring Liability by Major Restructuring Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning balance					$ 4,513				$ 2,251	$ 4,513	$ 2,251	$ 2,549
Restructuring charges		$ 1,070	$ 11,259	$ 260	851	$ 1,535	$ 1,702	$ 4,455	688	13,440	8,380	1,587
Cash payments										(10,825)	(6,193)	(1,716)
Non-cash items	[1]									(1,789)
Adjustment to liability										(109)	75	(169)
Ending balance		5,230				4,513				5,230	4,513	2,251
GES | Severance & Employee Benefits
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning balance					2,935				2,039	2,935	2,039	1,551
Restructuring charges										6,563	6,071	1,457
Cash payments										(7,051)	(5,169)	(1,379)
Adjustment to liability										(7)	(6)	410
Ending balance		2,440				2,935				2,440	2,935	2,039
GES | Facilities
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning balance					1,339				200	1,339	200	807
Restructuring charges										5,784	1,817
Cash payments										(2,573)	(752)	(156)
Non-cash items	[1]									(1,789)
Adjustment to liability										5	74	(451)
Ending balance		2,766				1,339				2,766	1,339	200
Other Restructuring | Severance & Employee Benefits
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning balance					$ 239				$ 12	239	12	191
Restructuring charges										1,093	492	130
Cash payments										(1,201)	(272)	(181)
Adjustment to liability										(107)	7	(128)
Ending balance		$ 24				$ 239				$ 24	$ 239	$ 12
[1]	Represents the impact related to the closure and liquidation of GES’ United Kingdom-based audio-visual services business during the year ended December 31, 2020.

Restructuring Charges - Narrati

Restructuring Charges - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Payments of liabilities related to severance and employee benefits	$ 1.6

Leases and Other - Summary of B

Leases and Other - Summary of Balance Sheet Presentation of Operating and Finance Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Lessee Lease Description [Line Items]
Operating lease assets	$ 82,739	$ 103,314
Finance lease assets	23,366	25,350
Total lease assets	106,105	128,664
Operating lease obligations	15,697	22,180
Finance lease obligations	2,514
Operating lease obligations	70,150	82,851
Finance lease obligations	20,627
Total lease liabilities	108,988	130,288
Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets
Lessee Lease Description [Line Items]
Operating lease assets	82,739	103,314
Property and Equipment, Net
Lessee Lease Description [Line Items]
Finance lease assets	23,366	25,350
Operating Lease Obligations
Lessee Lease Description [Line Items]
Operating lease obligations	15,697	22,180
Current Portion of Debt and Finance Lease Obligations
Lessee Lease Description [Line Items]
Finance lease obligations	2,514	3,386
Long-Term Operating Lease Obligations
Lessee Lease Description [Line Items]
Operating lease obligations	70,150	82,851
Long-Term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations
Lessee Lease Description [Line Items]
Finance lease obligations	$ 20,627	$ 21,871

Leases and Other - Components o

Leases and Other - Components of Least Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets	$ 3,662	$ 2,780
Interest on lease liabilities	1,668	924
Operating lease cost	27,259	26,511
Short-term lease cost	701	1,932
Variable lease cost	5,672	6,271
Total lease cost, net	$ 38,962	$ 38,418

Leases and Other - Schedule of

Leases and Other - Schedule of Other Information Related to Operating and Finance Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$ 26,250	$ 28,146
Operating cash flows from finance leases	1,948	502
Financing cash flows from finance leases	3,543	2,698
ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases	659	125,755
Finance leases	$ 2,141	$ 18,822
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years):
Operating leases	8 years 4 months 20 days	8 years 2 months 1 day
Finance leases	13 years 11 months 19 days	14 years 3 days
Weighted-average discount rate:
Operating leases	6.93%	5.77%
Finance leases	7.99%	7.73%

Leases and Other - Schedule o_2

Leases and Other - Schedule of Estimated Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Non-cancelable Leases Excluding Variable Leases and Variable Non-lease Components (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
2021	$ 22,046
2022	16,567
2023	13,489
2024	10,314
2025	8,994
Thereafter	45,101
Total future lease payments	116,511
Less: Amount representing interest	(30,664)
Present value of minimum lease payments	85,847
Current portion	15,697	$ 22,180
Long-term portion	70,150	82,851
2021	4,405
2022	3,917
2023	3,397
2024	2,724
2025	2,193
Thereafter	22,973
Total future lease payments	39,609
Less: Amount representing interest	(16,468)
Present value of minimum lease payments	23,141	25,257
Current portion	2,514
Long-term portion	20,627
2021	26,451
2022	20,484
2023	16,886
2024	13,038
2025	11,187
Thereafter	68,074
Total future lease payments	156,120
Less: Amount representing interest	(47,132)
Total lease liabilities	108,988	$ 130,288
Current portion	18,211
Long-term portion	$ 90,777

Leases and Other - Schedule o_3

Leases and Other - Schedule of Estimated Future Minimum Rentals Under Non-cancellable Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
2021	$ 1,612
2022	1,089
2023	869
2024	646
2025	493
Thereafter	1,332
Total minimum sublease rents	$ 6,041

Leases and Other - Narrative (D

Leases and Other - Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Lessee Lease Description [Line Items]
Operating lease not yet commenced, description	we had executed certain facility and land leases for which we did not have control of the underlying assets. Accordingly, we did not record the lease liabilities and ROU assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. These leases include future planned attractions for Pursuit that are currently in the planning or development phase and that we expect the lease commencement dates to begin between fiscal years 2021 and 2023 with lease terms of 23 to 47 years.
Minimum [Member]
Lessee Lease Description [Line Items]
Operating lease not yet commenced, term of contract	23 years
Maximum
Lessee Lease Description [Line Items]
Operating lease not yet commenced, term of contract	47 years

Litigation, Claims, Contingen_2

Litigation, Claims, Contingencies, and Other - Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)Agreement	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Legal settlement	$ 8,500,000		$ 8,500,000
Environmental remediation liability		$ 2,200,000
Maximum potential amount of future payments		$ 91,700,000
Guarantees relate to facilities and equipment leased by the company		2040-01
Recourse provision to recover guarantees		$ 0
Bargaining agreements | Agreement		100
Multiemployer plans, withdrawal obligation			15,500,000
Self insurance reserve		$ 12,400,000
Workers' compensation liability		7,800,000
Self insurance reserve for general and auto		4,600,000
Self insurance reserve on discontinued operations		2,000,000
Payments for self insurance		5,000,000	6,900,000	$ 5,400,000
Estimated employee health benefit claims incurred but not yet reported		800,000
Self insurance reserve in which company is the primary obligor		6,400,000
Self insurance reserve in which company is the primary obligor for workers compensation		6,400,000
Minimum
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
General range on claims		200,000
Maximum
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
General range on claims		$ 500,000
GES
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Legal settlement			$ 8,500,000

Redeemable Noncontrolling Int_3

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest - Narrative (Details) - Esja Attractions ehf. - EUR (€)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Nov. 03, 2017
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Percentage of controlling interest acquired		54.50%
EBITDA trailing period	12 months
Put option right of exercisable period upon earnings	36 months
Redeemable noncontrolling interest conditions	The put option is only exercisable after 36 months of business operation (the “Reference Date”) and if the FlyOver Iceland attraction has earned a minimum of €3.25 million in unadjusted EBITDA during the most recent fiscal year and during the trailing 12-month period prior to exercise (the “Put Option Condition”). The put option is exercisable during a period of 12 months following the Reference Date (the “Option Period”) if the Put Option Condition has been met. If the Put Option Condition has not been met during the first Option Period, the Reference Date will be extended for an additional 12 months up to three times. If after 72 months, the FlyOver Iceland attraction has not achieved the Put Option Condition, the put option expires. If the Put Option Condition is met during any of the Option Periods, yet the shares are not exercised prior to the end of the 12-month Option Period, the put option will expire.
Put option exercisable period	12 months
Put option additional exercisable period upon not meeting of conditions	12 months
FlyOver Iceland
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Put option expiration period	72 months
FlyOver Iceland | Minimum [Member]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Unadjusted EBITDA	€ 3,250,000

Redeemable Noncontrolling Int_4

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest - Summary of Changes in Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Beginning balance	$ 6,172	$ 5,909
Net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	(1,482)	(821)	$ (317)
Adjustment to the redemption value	926	1,318
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(391)	(234)
Ending balance	$ 5,225	$ 6,172	$ 5,909

Segment Information - Reconcili

Segment Information - Reconciliation of Income Statement Items from Reportable Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Reportable segments reconciliations:
Total revenue										$ 415,435	$ 1,302,736	$ 1,237,324
Segment operating income										(124,862)	79,445	77,591
Interest income		$ 64	$ 58	$ 176	$ 79	$ 109	$ 79	$ 83	$ 98	377	369	354
Interest expense		(3,552)	(5,508)	(5,186)	(4,018)	(4,587)	(3,740)	(2,957)	(2,915)	(18,264)	(14,199)	(9,640)
Multi-employer pension plan withdrawal				(462)		(185)		(15,508)		(462)	(15,693)
Other expense		(238)	(210)	(265)	(419)	(394)	(281)	(456)	(455)	(1,132)	(1,586)	(1,744)
Restructuring (charges) recoveries		(1,070)	(11,259)	(260)	(851)	(1,535)	(1,702)	(4,455)	(688)	(13,440)	(8,380)	(1,587)
Impairment charges (recoveries)			676	114,020	88,380	5,346				203,076	5,346	(35)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes		$ (57,855)	$ (27,005)	$ (172,221)	$ (103,778)	$ (14,867)	$ 46,498	$ 20,008	$ (25,529)	(360,859)	26,110	65,009
GES
Reportable segments reconciliations:
Total revenue										338,625	1,079,923	1,052,037
Pursuit
Reportable segments reconciliations:
Total revenue										76,810	222,813	185,287
Operating Segments
Reportable segments reconciliations:
Segment operating income										(116,240)	90,243	88,517
Operating Segments | GES
Reportable segments reconciliations:
Total revenue										338,625	1,079,923	1,052,037
Segment operating income										(73,897)	35,933	39,602
Legal settlement											(8,500)
Operating Segments | Pursuit
Reportable segments reconciliations:
Total revenue										76,810	222,813	185,287
Segment operating income										(42,343)	54,310	48,915
Restructuring (charges) recoveries										(132)	(52)	(140)
Impairment charges (recoveries)										(1,758)		35
Intersegment Eliminations | GES
Reportable segments reconciliations:
Total revenue										(3,680)	(20,741)	(17,140)
Intersegment Eliminations | Pursuit
Reportable segments reconciliations:
Total revenue										(317)	(1,686)	(1,551)
Corporate Eliminations
Reportable segments reconciliations:
Segment operating income	[1]									65	67	67
Corporate
Reportable segments reconciliations:
Segment operating income										(8,687)	(10,865)	(10,993)
Restructuring (charges) recoveries										(961)	(440)	10
North America | Operating Segments | GES
Reportable segments reconciliations:
Total revenue										288,921	884,105	866,187
Segment operating income										(56,446)	27,659	29,981
Restructuring (charges) recoveries										(3,825)	(6,157)	(408)
Impairment charges (recoveries)										(171,095)	(5,346)
EMEA | Operating Segments | GES
Reportable segments reconciliations:
Total revenue										53,384	216,559	202,990
Segment operating income										(17,451)	8,274	9,621
Restructuring (charges) recoveries										(8,522)	$ (1,731)	$ (1,049)
Impairment charges (recoveries)										$ (30,223)
[1]	Corporate eliminations represent the elimination of depreciation expense recorded by Pursuit associated with previously eliminated intercompany profit realized by GES for renovations to Pursuit’s Banff Gondola.

Segment Information - Reconci_2

Segment Information - Reconciliation of Assets from Reportable Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Reconciliation of assets from segment
Total Assets	$ 853,224	$ 1,318,691	$ 922,541
Total Depreciation and Amortization	56,565	58,964	56,842
Capital expenditures	53,567	76,147	83,345
GES | North America
Reconciliation of assets from segment
Total Assets	134,162	475,279	406,484
Total Depreciation and Amortization	24,022	29,321	30,855
Capital expenditures	9,003	19,099	19,263
GES | EMEA
Reconciliation of assets from segment
Total Assets	50,644	132,975	111,798
Total Depreciation and Amortization	4,053	6,260	7,071
Capital expenditures	1,388	7,098	7,065
Pursuit
Reconciliation of assets from segment
Total Assets	620,413	589,205	357,630
Total Depreciation and Amortization	28,393	23,154	18,690
Capital expenditures	43,176	49,934	56,865
Corporate and other
Reconciliation of assets from segment
Total Assets	48,005	121,232	46,629
Total Depreciation and Amortization	$ 97	229	226
Capital expenditures		$ 16	$ 152

Segment Information - Financial

Segment Information - Financial Information by Major Geographic Area (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenue:
Total revenue	$ 415,435	$ 1,302,736	$ 1,237,324
Long-lived assets:
Total long-lived assets	507,646	546,020	376,757
Domestic Plans
Revenue:
Total revenue	290,541	873,213	850,839
Long-lived assets:
Total long-lived assets	173,790	205,399	182,140
EMEA
Revenue:
Total revenue	56,656	218,404	202,990
Long-lived assets:
Total long-lived assets	56,996	63,582	48,553
CA
Revenue:
Total revenue	68,238	211,119	183,495
Long-lived assets:
Total long-lived assets	$ 276,860	$ 277,039	$ 146,064

Selected Quarterly Financial _3

Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) - Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2020		Sep. 30, 2020		Jun. 30, 2020		Mar. 31, 2020		Dec. 31, 2019		Sep. 30, 2019		Jun. 30, 2019		Mar. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2020		Dec. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018
Total revenue																		$ 415,435		$ 1,302,736		$ 1,237,324
Operating income (loss):
Ongoing operations	[1]	$ (50,274)		$ (6,765)		$ (49,736)		$ (9,400)		$ 141		$ 54,822		$ 46,442		$ (11,236)
Business interruption gain														141						141		602
Legal settlement																(8,500)				(8,500)
Business interruption gain														141						141		602
Corporate activities		(2,785)		(2,645)		(2,468)		(789)		(3,070)		(2,680)		(3,282)		(1,833)
Interest income		64		58		176		79		109		79		83		98		377		369		354
Interest expense		(3,552)		(5,508)		(5,186)		(4,018)		(4,587)		(3,740)		(2,957)		(2,915)		(18,264)		(14,199)		(9,640)
Multi-employer pension plan withdrawal						(462)				(185)				(15,508)				(462)		(15,693)
Other expense		(238)		(210)		(265)		(419)		(394)		(281)		(456)		(455)		(1,132)		(1,586)		(1,744)
Restructuring (charges) recoveries		(1,070)		(11,259)		(260)		(851)		(1,535)		(1,702)		(4,455)		(688)		(13,440)		(8,380)		(1,587)
Legal settlement																(8,500)				(8,500)
Impairment charges				(676)		(114,020)		(88,380)		(5,346)								(203,076)		(5,346)		35
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes		(57,855)		(27,005)		(172,221)		(103,778)		(14,867)		46,498		20,008		(25,529)		(360,859)		26,110		65,009
Income (loss) from continuing operations		(50,448)		(29,769)		(205,899)		(86,131)		(5,315)		31,557		13,364		(17,490)		(372,247)		22,116		47,689
Net income (loss) attributable to Viad (diluted)		$ (50,473)		$ (30,758)		$ (206,278)		$ (86,585)		$ (5,428)		$ 31,416		$ 13,824		$ (17,777)		$ (374,094)		$ 22,035		$ 49,170
Diluted income (loss) per common share:
Continuing operations attributable to Viad common stockholders		$ (2.57)	[2]	$ (1.54)	[2]	$ (10.17)	[2]	$ (4.27)	[2]	$ (0.30)	[2]	$ 1.54	[2]	$ 0.65	[2]	$ (0.88)	[2]	$ (18.55)		$ 1.02		$ 2.33
Diluted income (loss) attributable to Viad common stockholders		$ (2.58)	[2]	$ (1.59)	[2]	$ (10.19)	[2]	$ (4.29)	[2]	$ (0.31)	[2]	$ 1.53	[2]	$ 0.67	[2]	$ (0.89)	[2]	$ (18.64)	[3]	$ 1.02	[3]	$ 2.40	[3]
Previously Reported
Total revenue				$ 63,072		$ 30,863		$ 306,008		$ 321,334		$ 353,743		$ 402,279		$ 285,594
Gross to net correction
Total revenue	[4]			(265)		(796)		(11,350)		(20,593)		(1,234)		(25,815)		(12,572)
As Corrected
Total revenue		$ 27,903		$ 62,807		$ 30,067		$ 294,658		$ 300,741		$ 352,509		$ 376,464		$ 273,022
[1]	Represents revenue less costs of services and cost of products sold.
[2]	The sum of quarterly income per share amounts may not equal annual income per share due to rounding.
[3]	Diluted loss per share amount cannot exceed basic loss per share.
[4]	The quarterly financial data for the four quarters of 2019 and the first three quarters of 2020 were adjusted for immaterial errors related to the recognition of revenue of GES’ Corporate Accounts’ third-party services. Refer to Note 1 – Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for additional information. The Company intends to correct for these errors prospectively in subsequent quarterly filings.

Subsequent Events - Narrative (

Subsequent Events - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	Jan. 25, 2021USD ($)
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of warehouse	$ 14

Schedule II - Valuation And Q_2

Schedule II - Valuation And Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Allowances for doubtful accounts
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of Year		$ 1,200	$ 1,288	$ 2,023
Additions Charged to Expense		6,712	1,050	414
Additions Charged to Other Accounts		17	45	39
Write Offs		(2,628)	(1,182)	(1,170)
Other	[1]	9	(1)	(18)
Balance at end of Year		5,310	1,200	1,288
Deferred tax valuation allowance
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of Year		4,276	3,356	4,010
Additions Charged to Expense		77,369	884	1,230
Write Offs				(1,851)
Other	[1]	150	36	(33)
Balance at end of Year		$ 81,795	$ 4,276	$ 3,356
[1]	“Other” primarily includes foreign exchange translation adjustments.