Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net losses	$ (6,888)	$ (87,596)	$ (62,580)
Other comprehensive income/(losses), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax provision of $(43), $(477) and $Nil	(14,525)	(32,488)	(1,942)
Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax provision/(benefit) of $(1,367), $(1,082) and $112	464	2,305	2,530
Change in pension liability, net of tax (benefit)/provision of $176, $644 and $(555)	(32)	(3,432)	615
Total other comprehensive (losses)/income, net of tax	(14,093)	(33,615)	1,203
Total comprehensive losses	(20,981)	(121,211)	(61,377)
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	(172)	(273)	(153)
Comprehensive losses attributable to Orient-Express Hotels Ltd.	$ (21,153)	$ (121,484)	$ (61,530)