Assets held for sale and discontinued operations - Summary of net assets sold and the gain/loss recorded on sale (Details) - USD ($)			12 Months Ended
	Apr. 19, 2016	Mar. 21, 2014	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Consideration:
Key money retained by buyer			$ 0	$ 0	$ 3,000,000
Inn at Perry Cabin by Belmond
Discontinued operations
Gross Proceeds From Divestiture Of Businesses Including Reduction in Debt Facility on Sale of Asset		$ 39,700,000
Net assets sold and gain on sale
Property, plant & equipment		32,293,000
Net working capital deficit		(820,000)
Net assets		31,473,000
Consideration:
Cash		25,680,000
Reduction in debt facility on sale of hotel		11,020,000
Key money retained by buyer		3,000,000
Less: Working capital adjustment		(1,130,000)
Less: Costs to sell		(393,000)
Net proceeds from divestiture of businesses		38,177,000
Gain on sale, not discontinued operations		$ 6,704,000
Great South Pacific Express [Member]
Discontinued operations
Gross Proceeds From Divestiture Of Businesses Including Reduction in Debt Facility on Sale of Asset	$ 2,362,400
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax	$ 0