Segment information - Reconciliation of other significant reconciling items from segments to consolidated (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Earnings from unconsolidated companies, net of tax	$ 1,357	$ 1,451	$ 1,682	$ 1,038
Capital expenditure to acquire property, plant and equipment	14,523	20,919	31,365	40,040
Unallocated corporate
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Capital expenditure to acquire property, plant and equipment	87	16	253	88
Part-owned/managed hotels | Hotel | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Earnings from unconsolidated companies, net of tax	(977)	114	(1,482)	(752)
Part-owned/managed trains | Trains and Cruises | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Earnings from unconsolidated companies, net of tax	2,334	1,337	3,164	1,790
Owned hotels - Europe | Hotel | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Capital expenditure to acquire property, plant and equipment	5,454	10,913	14,419	19,920
Owned hotels - North America | Hotel | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Capital expenditure to acquire property, plant and equipment	3,350	3,895	6,611	9,235
Owned hotels - Rest of world | Hotel | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Capital expenditure to acquire property, plant and equipment	3,808	4,417	5,786	8,239
Total owned hotels | Hotel | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Capital expenditure to acquire property, plant and equipment	12,612	19,225	26,816	37,394
Owned trains and cruises | Trains and Cruises | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Capital expenditure to acquire property, plant and equipment	$ 1,824	$ 1,678	$ 4,296	$ 2,558