Basis of financial statement presentation (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Number of hotels	35
Number of restaurants	1
Number of trains	6
Number of river cruise ship businesses	2
Number of canal boat businesses	1
Brazilian hotels
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), gain (loss) arising on change in functional currency	$ (49,356)