Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011 Royal Caribbean International Cruise Ships	Dec. 31, 2010 Royal Caribbean International Cruise Ships	Dec. 31, 2009 Royal Caribbean International Cruise Ships	Dec. 31, 2011 Pullmantur	Dec. 31, 2010 Pullmantur
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 759,328	$ 792,373	$ 283,723	$ 283,723	$ 283,723	$ 475,605	$ 508,650
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(12,791)	(33,045)				(12,791)	(33,045)
Ending balance	$ 746,537	$ 759,328	$ 283,723	$ 283,723	$ 283,723	$ 462,814	$ 475,605

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

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+ Details