Selected Information for Cruise and Tour and Other Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	May 31, 2012	May 31, 2011	May 31, 2012	May 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 3,538	$ 3,620	$ 7,120	$ 7,039
Operating expenses	2,478	2,521	5,172	4,916
Selling and administrative	431	440	852	862
Depreciation and amortization	376	380	752	747
Ibero Impairment charges			173
Operating Income	253	279	171	514
North America Cruise Brands
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	2,163	2,063	4,245	3,991
Operating expenses	1,512	1,445	3,021	2,775
Selling and administrative	238	238	475	472
Depreciation and amortization	220	216	441	429
Operating Income	193	164	308	315
EAA Cruise Brands
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	1,338	1,510	2,804	2,971
Operating expenses	954	1,052	2,107	2,111
Selling and administrative	159	170	314	326
Depreciation and amortization	140	146	277	281
Ibero Impairment charges			173
Operating Income	85	142	(67)	253
Cruise Support
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	18	22	43	42
Operating expenses	(9)	(3)	9	(6)
Selling and administrative	32	26	59	52
Depreciation and amortization	6	8	14	15
Operating Income	(11)	(9)	(39)	(19)
Tour and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	26	35	35	45
Operating expenses	28	37	42	46
Selling and administrative	2	6	4	12
Depreciation and amortization	10	10	20	22
Operating Income	(14)	(18)	(31)	(35)
Intersegment elimination
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	(7)	(10)	(7)	(10)
Operating expenses	$ (7)	$ (10)	$ (7)	$ (10)