Segment, Operating Activities [Domain] Segment Reporting Information, Revenue Information about each segment's profit or loss, assets, and types of products or services from which the segment derives its revenues. Describes any existing condition, situation, or set of circumstances involving uncertainty as of the balance sheet date (or prior to issuance of the financial statements) as to a probable or reasonably possible gain or loss incurred by an entity and typically discloses the amount of range of possible gain or loss recorded. Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] USA Europe Asia Accounts Payable, Current Accounts payable Accrued liabilities and other Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Investment Hedge Net of Tax Cumulative foreign currency transaction gains included in the cumulative translation adjustment component of AOCI Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Additional paid-in capital Adjustments, Noncash Items, to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Other Other Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities Amendment Flag Anti-dilutive stock options excluded from diluted earnings per share computations Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, by Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Assets Assets, Total ASSETS Total current assets Total current assets Current Assets Basis of Presentation [Line Items] Basis of Presentation [Line Items] Basis of Presentation [Table] Basis of Presentation [Table] Intersegment elimination Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash Flow Hedging Change in classification of port costs that vary with guest head counts to a gross presentation from a net presentation. Prior period adjustment amounts on gross basis in revenues and expenses Class of Stock [Domain] Commercial Paper Contingencies (Note 3) Dividends Declared Per Share Common stock Common stock, par value Common stock, shares authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Value, Issued Common stock Total comprehensive income (loss) Total comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income Table Comprehensive Income (Loss) Table Describes any existing condition, situation, or set of circumstances involving uncertainty as of the balance sheet date (or prior to issuance of the financial statements) as to a probable or reasonably possible gain or loss incurred by an entity and typically discloses the amount of range of possible gain or loss recorded. Contingencies A liability that is not currently a liability but may become one upon the happening of some future event. It is an obligation that may result, but is not likely to result because the event causing the obligation is improbable. If the event becomes probable and reasonable estimable, then it's considered a liability. Estimated contingent obligations Cost and Fair Value of Financial Instruments Disclosure Fair Value Measurements This represents costs that vary directly with onboard and other revenues, and include the costs of liquor and some beverages, costs of tangible goods sold by us from our gift, photo and art auction activities, pre and post-cruise land packages and credit card fees. Concession revenues do not have any significant amount of costs associated with them, as the costs and services incurred for these activities are provided by our concessionaires. Cost of Onboard and other Onboard and other Operating expenses Total Cost of Revenue [Abstract] Cruise Payroll and related Costs and Expenses Costs and Expenses Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Costs and Expenses Cruise costs of commissions, transportation and other. Commissions, transportation and other Cruise [Member] Cruise Support Current Fiscal Year End Date Customer Deposits, Current Customer deposits Debt Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt and other obligations maturity date Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Depreciation and amortization Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship [Axis] Effective portions of derivative gains and (losses) recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) Amount by which Ibero's estimated fair value exceeds its carrying value Disclosure - Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share Computation [Abstract] Disclosure - Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share Computation [Abstract] Disclosure - Basis of Presentation - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Basis of Presentation - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Carrying Amount of Goodwill [Abstract] Disclosure - Carrying Amount of Goodwill [Abstract] Disclosure - Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract] Disclosure - Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract] Disclosure - Contingencies - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Contingencies - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Debt - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Debt - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Estimated Carrying and Fair Values of Financial Instrument Assets and (Liabilities) Not Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Abstract] Disclosure - Estimated Carrying and Fair Values of Financial Instrument Assets and (Liabilities) Not Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Abstract] Disclosure - Estimated Fair Value and Basis of Valuation of Financial Instrument Assets and (Liabilities) Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Abstract] Disclosure - Estimated Fair Value and Basis of Valuation of Financial Instrument Assets and (Liabilities) Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Abstract] Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements, Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements, Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Selected Information for Cruise and Tour and Other Segments [Abstract] Disclosure - Selected Information for Cruise and Tour and Other Segments [Abstract] Document - Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document - Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Period End Date Document Type Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share Basic Basic earnings per share This item represents the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share and the reconciliation of basic weighted shares outstanding to diluted weighted shares outstanding. It also includes anti-dilutive weighted average shares outstanding. Earnings Per Share Calculation Diluted Diluted earnings per share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Earnings Per Share Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity [Domain] Entity Filer Category Entity Registrant Name Fair Value Euro And Sterling Debt And Other Obligations [Member] Euro And Sterling Debt And Other Obligations Euro Denominated Bank Loans [Member] Euro Denominated Bank Loans Europe Australia And Asia Cruise Brands [Member] EAA Cruise Brands Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis Axis Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis Axis Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis [Domain] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis [Domain] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Derivative Financial Instruments, Assets and Liabilities Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Derivative Financial Instruments Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis. Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Disclosure Items [Axis] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Disclosure Items [Domain] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping, Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] Level 1 Level 2 Fair Value, Measured on Recurring Basis, Investments Marketable securities held in rabbi trusts Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Line Items] Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Line Items] Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Table] Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks by Financial Instrument [Axis] Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Financial Instruments [Domain] Fair Value, Option, Eligible Item or Group [Domain] Fair Value, Option, Qualitative Disclosures Related to Election, by Eligible Item or Group [Axis] Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Member] Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Financial Instruments Not Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Member] Financial Instruments Not Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Fixed Rate Export Credit Facilities [Member] Fixed Rate Export Credit Facilities Fixed Rate [Member] Fixed Rate Floating Rate [Member] Floating Rate Food Total foreign currency options designated as foreign currency cash flow hedges for euro and sterling-denominated shipbuilding contracts Foreign Exchange Contract Fuel Goodwill Balance at February 28, 2011 Balance at November 30, 2010 Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments Foreign currency translation adjustment Hedging Relationship [Domain] Ibero Cruise [Member] Ibero Cruise Income Before Income Taxes Income Before Income Taxes Income Statement [Abstract] Income Tax (Expense) Benefit, Net Income Tax (Expense) Benefit, Net Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Customer Deposits Customer deposits Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Inventories Changes in operating assets and liabilities Accrued and other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid, Deferred Expense and Other Assets Prepaid expenses and other Receivables Receivables Dilutive effect of convertible notes Dilutive effect of equity plans Other Intangibles Interest expense, net of capitalized interest Interest expense, net of capitalized interest Interest on dilutive convertible notes Amount of interest rate swap agreements change, of EURIBOR-based floating rate debt to fixed rate debt, for euro interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges Amount of interest rate swap agreements change, of fixed rate debt to U.S. dollar LIBOR or GBP LIBOR-based floating rate debt, for both U.S. dollar and sterling interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges Interest rate swaps Inventories Interest income Lease Out And Lease Back Type Transactions [Member] Lease Out And Lease Back Type Transactions Legal Entity [Axis] Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity, Total LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Total current liabilities Total current liabilities Current Liabilities Long-term Debt Debt Current portion of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Long-Term Debt Percentage of debt bore fixed interest rates, including the effect of interest rate swaps Percentage of debt bore floating interest rates, including the effect of interest rate swaps Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Loss Contingencies by Nature of Contingency [Axis] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Table] Estimated termination payment in the event that Nanonull were to default on its contingent obligations and assuming performance by all other participants Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Marketable Securities Held In Rabbi Trusts [Member] Marketable securities held in rabbi trusts Maturity of foreign currency derivatives Date when interest rate swaps derivatives mature or expire. Maturity of interest rate swaps Maximum [Member] Maximum Minimum [Member] Minimum Cash equivalents Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net cash used in investing activities Net cash used in investing activities INVESTING ACTIVITIES Net cash provided by operating activities Net cash provided by operating activities OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net income Net Income Net income for diluted earnings per share Net income for diluted earnings per share Total foreign currency forwards designated as hedges of net investments in foreign operations for euro-denominated functional currency Net investment hedges Nonoperating (Expense) Income, Total Nonoperating (Expense) Income, Total Nonoperating (Expense) Income North America Cruise Brands [Member] North America Cruise Brands Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract] Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract] Designated debt and other obligations as nonderivative hedges of net investments in foreign operations This is the sale of goods and/or services primarily onboard our ships (which include bar and some beverage sales, casino gaming, shore excursions, gift shop and spa sales and photo and art sales) and pre and post-cruise land packages. These goods and services are either provided directly by us or by independent concessionaires, from which we receive a percentage of their revenues or a fee. Onboard and other Operating Operating Income Operating Income Ordinary Shares [Member] Ordinary shares Basis of Presentation Prepaid expenses and other Other Assets Other Assets Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation adjustment Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation adjustment Other Comprehensive Income Loss From Continuing Operations Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease [Abstract] Items included in other comprehensive income (loss) Other comprehensive income (loss) Other comprehensive income (loss) Other components of other comprehensive income that is not sufficiently large enough to require separate presentation. Accordingly, if changes related to cash flow hedges, available for sale securities on certain investments in debt and equity securities and pension liability adjustments are too small to be meaningful they can be combined into one line item. Other Comprehensive Income, Other, Net of Tax Other Other ship operating Other Cost of Operating Revenue Tour and other Other Liabilities Other Other Long-Term Liabilities and Deferred Income Other income (expense), net Other Sales Revenue, Net Tour and other Nanonull Passenger tickets Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Other, net Purchases of treasury stock Purchases of treasury stock Dividends paid Dividends paid Additions to property and equipment Additions to property and equipment Percentage Difference Between Fair Value And Carrying Value of Asset Percentage by which Ibero's estimated fair value exceeds its carrying value Percentage Of Newbuild Passenger Capacity Under Contract Exposed To Currency Risk Newbuild passenger capacity under contract exposed to currency risk Percentage Of Newbuild Passenger Capacity Under Contract Hedged Newbuild passenger capacity under contract hedged Percentage Of Newbuild Passenger Capacity Under Contract Not Exposed To Currency Risk Newbuild passenger capacity under contract not exposed to currency risk Percentage Of Weighted Average Cost Of Capital Adjusted For Risk Percentage of weighted average cost of capital adjusted for risk Proceeds from issuance of other long-term debt Proceeds from revolvers Other, net (Repayments of) proceeds from short-term borrowings, net Sales of treasury stock Property and Equipment, Net Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Trade and other receivables, net Principal repayments of revolvers Principal repayments of revolvers Principal repayments of other long-term debt Principal repayments of other long-term debt Retained earnings Revenues [Abstract] Revenues Sales Revenue, Net [Abstract] Cruise Revenues Revenues Revenues Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Line Items] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Line Items] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Table] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Segment, Business [Domain] Segment Information Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Selling and administrative Share-based compensation Ship Foreign Currency Options [Member] Ship foreign currency options Short term borrowings Short-term borrowings Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Aggregate Weighted Average Interest Rate Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Statement [Line Items] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement [Table] Total shareholders' equity Total shareholders' equity Shareholders' Equity Stock Option Tour And Other [Member] Tour and Other Trading Symbol Treasury stock, shares Treasury stock, 39 shares at 2011 and 2010 of Nanonull Inc. and 31 shares at 2011 and 2010 of Nanull Partners Inc., at cost Treasury stock, 39 shares at 2011 and 2010 of Nanonull Inc. and 31 shares at 2011 and 2010 of Nanull Partners Inc., at cost Unsecured Debt Unsecured Long-Term Debt Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding Weighted-average common and ordinary shares outstanding