Information concerning financial reporting for segments and operations in different geographical areas (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Financial information by business segment and geographic area
Adjusted earnings by segment	$ 137,066	$ 133,419	$ 102,807
(Loss)/gain on disposal	1,514	16,544	0
Impairment of goodwill	(2,055)	(11,907)	(5,895)
Impairment of real estate assets, other intangible assets and property, plant and equipment	(3,837)	(8,153)	(7,456)
Impairment of property, plant and equipment in unconsolidated company	0	(626)	0
Central overheads	(38,974)	(37,095)	(26,503)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	(43,934)	(43,835)	(42,630)
Interest income	1,067	2,365	1,295
Interest expense	(30,862)	(42,599)	(34,165)
Foreign currency, net	(2,844)	(4,596)	4,678
Provision for income taxes	(21,987)	(20,080)	(18,184)
Share of provision for income taxes of unconsolidated companies	(5,771)	(2,270)	(2,228)
Losses from continuing operations	(10,617)	(18,833)	(28,281)
Less: Net earnings/(losses) from discontinued operations, net of tax	3,729	(68,763)	(34,299)
Net losses	(6,888)	(87,596)	(62,580)
Hotel management/part ownership interests
Financial information by business segment and geographic area
Adjusted earnings by segment	2,818	5,261	2,228
Restaurants
Financial information by business segment and geographic area
Adjusted earnings by segment	2,203	(67)	2,476
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	(827)	(675)	(671)
Hotels and restaurants
Financial information by business segment and geographic area
Adjusted earnings by segment	115,443	112,471	85,680
Impairment of goodwill	(2,055)	(11,907)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	(38,641)	(38,914)	(38,383)
Tourist trains and cruises
Financial information by business segment and geographic area
Adjusted earnings by segment	22,235	20,948	17,407
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	(4,335)	(3,906)	(3,479)
Real estate and property development
Financial information by business segment and geographic area
Adjusted earnings by segment	(612)	0	(280)
Europe | Owned hotels
Financial information by business segment and geographic area
Adjusted earnings by segment	56,289	60,264	37,388
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	(18,184)	(18,487)	(18,169)
North America | Owned hotels
Financial information by business segment and geographic area
Adjusted earnings by segment	19,481	13,552	14,986
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	(10,338)	(9,795)	(10,361)
Rest of World | Owned hotels
Financial information by business segment and geographic area
Adjusted earnings by segment	34,652	33,461	28,602
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	$ (9,292)	$ (9,957)	$ (9,182)