Goodwill - Changes in carrying amount of goodwill (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Beginning balance at January 1, 2014	$ 156,916
Impairment	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(8,314)
Ending balance at March 31, 2014	148,602
Segment: Owned hotels - Europe
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Beginning balance at January 1, 2014	77,781
Impairment	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(1,984)
Ending balance at March 31, 2014	75,797
Segment: Owned hotels - North America
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Beginning balance at January 1, 2014	49,991
Impairment	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	0
Ending balance at March 31, 2014	49,991
Segment: Owned hotels - Rest of world
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Beginning balance at January 1, 2014	21,107
Impairment	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(6,369)
Ending balance at March 31, 2014	14,738
Segment: Owned trains and cruises
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Beginning balance at January 1, 2014	8,037
Impairment	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	39
Ending balance at March 31, 2014	$ 8,076