Earnings per share - Calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Numerator ($'000)
Net earnings/(losses) from continuing operations	$ (19,909)	$ (46,204)
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(735)	(802)
Net losses/(earnings) attributable to non-controlling interests	(116)	(209)
Net earnings/(losses) attributable to Orient-Express Hotels Ltd.	$ (20,760)	$ (47,215)
Denominator (shares '000)
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	103,719	103,011
Effect of dilution (in shares)	0	0
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	103,719	103,011
Basic earnings per share
Net earnings/(losses) from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ (0.192)	$ (0.449)
Net earnings/(losses) from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$ (0.007)	$ (0.008)
Net losses/(earnings) attributable to non-controlling interests (in dollars per share)	$ (0.001)	$ (0.002)
Basic net earnings/(losses) per share attributable to Orient-Express Hotels Ltd. (in dollars per share)	$ (0.200)	$ (0.459)
Diluted earnings per share
Net earnings/(losses) from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ (0.192)	$ (0.449)
Net earnings/(losses) from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$ (0.007)	$ (0.008)
Net losses/(earnings) attributable to non-controlling interests (in dollars per share)	$ (0.001)	$ (0.002)
Diluted net earnings/(losses) per share attributable to Orient-Express Hotels Ltd. (in dollars per share)	$ (0.200)	$ (0.459)