Segment information - Reconciliation of other significant reconciling items from segments to consolidated (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Earnings from unconsolidated companies, net of tax	$ (413)	$ (627)
Capital expenditure	17,998	20,685
Unallocated corporate
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Capital expenditure	72	25
Subtotal: Owned hotels
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Capital expenditure	17,020	18,851
Segment: Owned hotels - Europe
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Capital expenditure	8,216	3,628
Segment: Owned hotels - North America
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Capital expenditure	4,937	12,274
Segment: Owned hotels - Rest of world
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Capital expenditure	3,867	2,949
Segment: Hotels - part-owned/ managed
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Earnings from unconsolidated companies, net of tax	(866)	(1,586)
Segment: Owned trains and cruises
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Capital expenditure	906	1,809
Segment: Trains - part-owned/ managed
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Earnings from unconsolidated companies, net of tax	$ 453	$ 959