Earnings per share Calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Numerator
Net earnings/(losses) from continuing operations	$ (26,178)	$ (11,426)	$ (19,891)
Net earnings/(losses) from discontinued operations	(5,318)	4,538	(67,705)
Net losses/(earnings) attributable to non-controlling interests	(63)	(173)	(184)
Net losses attributable to Orient-Express Hotels Ltd.	$ (31,559)	$ (7,061)	$ (87,780)
Denominator (shares)
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	103,226	102,849	102,531
Effect of dilution (in shares)	0	0	0
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	103,226	102,849	102,531
Basic earnings per share
Net earnings/(losses) from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ (0.254)	$ (0.111)	$ (0.194)
Net earnings/(losses) from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$ (0.052)	$ 0.044	$ (0.660)
Net losses/(earnings) attributable to non-controlling interests (in dollars per share)	$ (0.001)	$ (0.002)	$ (0.002)
Basic net earnings/(losses) per share attributable to Orient-Express Hotels Ltd. (in dollars per share)	$ (0.307)	$ (0.069)	$ (0.856)
Diluted earnings per share
Net earnings/(losses) from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ (0.254)	$ (0.111)	$ (0.194)
Net earnings/(losses) from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$ (0.052)	$ 0.044	$ (0.660)
Net losses/(earnings) attributable to non-controlling interests (in dollars per share)	$ (0.001)	$ (0.002)	$ (0.002)
Diluted net earnings/(losses) per share attributable to Orient-Express Hotels Ltd. (in dollars per share)	$ (0.307)	$ (0.069)	$ (0.856)