Accounts Payable Current Accounts payable (Note 9) Accounts Payable Disclosure [Text Block] Accounts Payable Disclosure [Text Block] ACCOUNTS PAYABLE Accounts Receivable Net Current Accounts receivable, net (Note 3) Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred and payable, pertaining to costs that are statutory in nature, are incurred on contractual obligations, or accumulate over time and for which invoices have not yet been received or will not be rendered and used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer); and the aggregate carrying amount of current obligations not separately disclosed in the balance sheet that are expected to be paid within one year. Accrued Expenses And Other Current Liabilities Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (Note 10) The entire disclosure for accrued expenses and other liabilities that are classified as current at the end of the reporting period. Accrued Expenses And Other Current Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES Accrued Income Taxes Current Income tax payable Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive losses Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Losses The entire disclosure for acquisition of subsidiaries completed during the period, including background, timing, and recognized assets and liabilities. Acquisition Of Subsidiaries Disclosure [Text Block] ACQUISITION OF SUBSIDIARIES Future cash outflow to pay for acquisition of subsidiaries that have occurred through accrued expenses and other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities. Acquisition Of Subsidiaries Funded Through Accrued Expenses And Other Current Liabilities And Other Long Term Liabilities Acquisition of subsidiaries funded through accrued expenses and other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities Increase in noncontrolling interest balance because of an acquisition that occurred during the period. Acquisition Of Subsidiary Acquisition of subsidiaries (Note 22) Additional Paid In Capital Common Stock Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid In Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital Sharebased Compensation Requisite Service Period Recognition Value Share-based compensation (Note 16) Adjustments To Reconcile Net Income Loss To Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Amortization Of Debt Discount Premium Amortization of discount on senior notes payable Represents the charge against earnings during the period for debt issuance expenses. Amortization Of Deferred Financing Costs Amortization of deferred financing costs Amortization of deferred financing costs Represents the charge against earnings during the period for deferred interest expenses. Amortization Of Deferred Interest Expense Amortization of deferred interest expense The current period expense charged against earnings on gaming subconcession over the term of the gaming subconcession agreement. Amortization Of Gaming Subconcession Amortization of gaming subconcession The current period expense charged against earnings on land use rights over the estimated lease term of the land. Amortization Of Land Use Right Amortization of land use rights Assets TOTAL Assets [Abstract] ASSETS Assets Current Total current assets Assets Current [Abstract] CURRENT ASSETS Description containing consolidation and basis of presentation of financial statements disclosure, the significant judgments and assumptions made by an enterprise and to describe all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity. Basis Of Presentation Consolidation And Accounting Policies [Text Block] SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Represents the disclosure of capital structure including information on authorized common stock, stock offerings, and stock issued in relation to the shareholders' loan conversion and the equity-based compensation. Capital Structure Disclosure [Text Block] CAPITAL STRUCTURE Cash And Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR Cash and cash equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents Period Increase Decrease NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash Flow Noncash Investing And Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES Casino Expenses Casino Casino Revenue Casino Change in fair value of forward exchange rate contracts. Change In Fair Value Of Forward Exchange Rate Contracts Change in fair value of forward exchange rate contracts Commitments And Contingencies COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 19) Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Common Stock [Member] Common Shares Common Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share Ordinary shares, par value Common Stock Shares Authorized Ordinary shares, authorized Common Stock Shares Issued Ordinary shares, issued Common Stock Value Ordinary shares at US$0.01 par value per share (Authorized - 7,300,000,000 and 2,500,000,000 shares as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 and issued - 1,653,101,002 and 1,605,658,111 shares as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively (Note 14)) Comprehensive Income [Member] Comprehensive (Loss) Income Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Total comprehensive income (loss) Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block] ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SCHEDULE 1 FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT COMPANY The entire disclosure for condensed financial statements. Condensed Financial Statements [Text Block] CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION Future cash outflow to pay for purchases of fixed assets and construction in progress expenditures that have occurred through accrued expenses and other current liabilities. Construction Costs And Property And Equipment Funded Through Accrued Expenses And Other Current Liabilities Construction costs and property and equipment funded through accrued expenses and other current liabilities Amount represents (1) the difference between the fair value of the payments made and the carrying amount of the debt at the time of the modification of debt and/or (2) the write-off of deferred financing fees associated with the modification. Cost Associated With Debt Modification Costs associated with debt modification Costs And Expenses Total operating costs and expenses Costs And Expenses [Abstract] OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES Future cash outflow to pay for purchases of fixed assets that have occurred through amounts due from (to) affiliated companies. Costs Of Property And Equipment Funded Through Amounts Due From To Affiliated Companies Costs of property and equipment funded through amounts due to affiliated companies Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Debt Conversion Converted Instrument Amount 1 Settlement of shareholders' loans through issuance of shares Deferred Finance Costs Noncurrent Net DEFERRED FINANCING COSTS Future cash outflow to pay for deferred financing costs that have occurred through accrued expenses and other current liabilities. Deferred Financing Costs Funded Through Accrued Expenses And Other Current Liabilities Deferred financing costs funded through accrued expenses and other current liabilities Deferred Tax Assets Net Noncurrent DEFERRED TAX ASSETS (Note 15) Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES (Note 15) The cash outflow associated with the deposits for the acquisition of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale; includes cash outflows to pay deposits for construction of self-constructed assets. Deposits For Acquisition Of Property And Equipment Deposits for acquisition of property and equipment Depreciation And Amortization Depreciation and amortization The current period expense charged against earnings on long-lived, physical assets not used in production, and which are not intended for resale, to allocate or recognize the cost of such assets over their useful lives; or to reflect consumption during the period of an asset that is not used in production. Depreciation And Amortization Excluding Intangible Depreciation and amortization The aggregate amount of costs incurred for pursuit of new business opportunities. Development Expenses Development costs Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments [Text Block] SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION Document - Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document - Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Information [Line Items] Document Information [Line Items] Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Type Document Type Due From Affiliate Current Amounts due from affiliated companies (Note 20(a)) Due From Officers Or Stockholders Current Amount due from a shareholder (Note 20(d)) Due To Affiliate Current Amounts due to affiliated companies (Note 20(b)) Due To Officers Or Stockholders Current Amounts due to shareholders (Note 20(d)) Due To Officers Or Stockholders Noncurrent LOANS FROM SHAREHOLDERS (Note 20(c)) Earnings Per Share [Abstract] NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO MELCO CROWN ENTERTAINMENT LIMITED PER SHARE: Earnings Per Share Basic Basic Earnings Per Share Diluted Diluted Effect Of Exchange Rate On Cash And Cash Equivalents EFFECT OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Revenue earned during the period from shows, retail outlets and others. Entertainment Retail And Others Entertainment, retail and others Costs incurred during the period related to generating revenue from shows, retail outlets and others. Entertainment Retail And Others Operating Costs And Expenses Entertainment, retail and others Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Well Known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Finite Lived Intangible Assets Net GAMING SUBCONCESSION, NET (Note 5) Food And Beverage Cost Of Sales Food and beverage Food And Beverage Revenue Food and beverage Foreign Currency Transaction Gain Loss Before Tax Foreign exchange (loss) gain, net Gain Loss On Derivative Instruments Net Pretax Change in fair value of interest rate swap agreements Change in fair value of interest rate swap agreements Gain Loss On Sale Of Property Plant Equipment Loss on disposal of property and equipment Gains Losses On Extinguishment Of Debt Loss on extinguishment of debt (Note 11) Loss on extinguishment of debt The note disclosure of a major finite-lived intangible asset class, less accumulated amortization and any impairment charges. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company. Gaming Subconcession Net Disclosure [Text Block] GAMING SUBCONCESSION, NET Goodwill GOODWILL (Note 6) The note disclosure for goodwill 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, and note disclosure for intangible assets, excluding goodwill, having a projected indefinite period of benefit. Goodwill And Intangible Assets Net Disclosure [Text Block] GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET Aggregate revenue earned from hotel, casino, food and beverage, entertainment, retail, and other operations. This amount includes the retail value of complimentaries provided on a routine basis as part of our normal day to day operations. Gross Revenue Gross revenues Impairment Of Long Lived Assets Held For Use Impairment loss recognized on property and equipment Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Minority Interest And Income Loss From Equity Method Investments INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAX Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] INCOME TAX (CREDIT) EXPENSE Income Taxes Paid Net Cash paid for tax (net of refunds) Income Taxes Receivable Income tax receivable Income Tax Expense Benefit INCOME TAX CREDIT (EXPENSE) (Note 15) Increase Decrease In Accounts Payable Trade Accounts payable Increase Decrease In Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the value of accrued expenses and other current liabilities. Increase Decrease In Accrued Expenses And Other Current Liabilities Accrued expenses and other current liabilities Increase Decrease In Accrued Income Taxes Payable Income tax payable The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the deferred tax assets that represents the temporary difference that results from income (loss) that is recognized for accounting purposes but not for tax purposes. Increase Decrease In Deferred Tax Assets Deferred tax assets The net change during the reporting period in the deferred tax liabilities that represents the temporary difference that results from income (loss) that is recognized for accounting purposes but not for tax purposes. Increase Decrease In Deferred Tax Liabilities Deferred tax liabilities Increase Decrease In Due From Affiliates Current Amounts due from affiliated companies Increase Decrease In Due To Affiliates Current Amounts due to affiliated companies Increase Decrease In Due To Officers And Stockholders Current Amounts due to shareholders Increase Decrease In Income Taxes Receivable Income tax receivable Increase Decrease In Inventories Inventories The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the value of long-term prepayment, deposits and other assets. Increase Decrease In Long Term Prepayment Deposits And Other Assets Long-term prepayment, deposits and other assets Increase Decrease In Operating Capital [Abstract] Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase Decrease In Other Noncurrent Liabilities Other long-term liabilities The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the value of prepaid expenses and other current assets. Increase Decrease In Prepaid Expense And Other Current Assets Prepaid expenses and other current assets Increase Decrease In Restricted Cash Changes in restricted cash Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET (Note 6) Interest Expense Interest expenses, net of capitalized interest Interest Paid Net Cash paid for interest (net of capitalized interest) Accumulated gains or losses of interest rate swap agreements, that were no longer qualified for cash flow hedge, were reclassified to earnings from accumulated other comprehensive income/losses. Interest Rate Swap Realized Gain Loss Reclassification of accumulated losses of interest rate swap agreements from accumulated other comprehensive losses (Note 12) Reclassification of accumulated losses of interest rate swap agreements from accumulated other comprehensive losses Inventory Net Inventories Investment Income Interest Interest income Number of common stock issued for conversion of shareholders' loans. Issuance Of Shares For Conversion Of Shareholders Loans Number Issuance of shares for conversion of shareholders' loans (Note 14) (in shares) Value of common stock issued for conversion of shareholders' loans. Issuance Of Shares For Conversion Of Shareholders Loans Value Issuance of shares for conversion of shareholders' loans (Note 14) Future cash outflow to pay for land use right that have occurred through land use right payable and accrued expenses and other current liabilities. Land Use Right Cost Funded Through Land Use Right Payable And Accrued Expenses And Other Current Liabilities Land use right cost funded through accrued expenses and other current liabilities Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of land use right payable incurred through that date and due after one year (or beyond the operating cycle if longer). Land Use Right Payable Noncurrent LAND USE RIGHTS PAYABLE (Note 19(c)) Carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of amounts paid or payable for the use of land that is expected to provide economic benefit for more than one year. Land Use Rights Net LAND USE RIGHTS, NET (Note 8) The note disclosure of carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of amounts paid or payable for the use of land that is expected to provide economic benefit for more than one year. Land Use Rights Net Disclosure [Text Block] LAND USE RIGHTS, NET Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Liabilities And Stockholders Equity TOTAL Liabilities And Stockholders Equity [Abstract] LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities Current Total current liabilities Liabilities Current [Abstract] CURRENT LIABILITIES Expenses recognized in the period that are related to the listing of common stock on a stock exchange. Listing Expenses Listing expenses Represents the charge against earnings during the period for commitment fees. Loan Commitment Fees Loan commitment fees Loans Notes Trade And Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET Long Term Debt Current Current portion of long-term debt (Note 11) Long Term Debt Noncurrent LONG-TERM DEBT (Note 11) Long Term Debt [Text Block] LONG-TERM DEBT Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of amounts paid in advance which will be charged against earnings in periods after one year or beyond the operating cycle, if longer; deposits transferred to third parties for security purposes that are expected to be returned or applied towards payment after one year or beyond the operating cycle, if longer; and aggregate carrying amount of other noncurrent assets not separately disclosed in the balance sheet that are expected to be realized or consumed after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Long Term Prepayment Deposits And Other Assets LONG-TERM PREPAYMENT, DEPOSITS AND OTHER ASSETS (Note 7) The note disclosure of carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of amounts paid in advance which will be charged against earnings in periods after one year or beyond the operating cycle, if longer; deposits transferred to third parties for security purposes that are expected to be returned or applied towards payment after one year or beyond the operating cycle, if longer; and aggregate carrying amount of other noncurrent assets not separately disclosed in the balance sheet that are expected to be realized or consumed after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Long Term Prepayment Deposits And Other Assets Disclosure [Text Block] LONG-TERM PREPAYMENT, DEPOSITS AND OTHER ASSETS Minority Interest Noncontrolling interests Nature Of Operations COMPANY INFORMATION Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities [Abstract] CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities [Abstract] CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net Income Loss NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO MELCO CROWN ENTERTAINMENT LIMITED Net Income Loss Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Non controlling Interests Nonoperating Income Expense [Abstract] NON-OPERATING EXPENSES Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract] Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract] Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract] Occupancy Costs Rooms Occupancy Revenue Rooms Operating Income Loss OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) Other Comprehensive Income Derivatives Qualifying As Hedges Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease Change in fair value of interest rate swap agreements Other Comprehensive Income Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Adjustment Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease Foreign currency translation adjustment Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification Adjustment On Derivatives Included In Net Income Before Tax Reclassification to earnings upon discontinuance of hedge accounting (Note 12) Other Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES Other Liabilities Noncurrent OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES (Note 12) Other Nonoperating Income Expense Other income, net The cash outflow associated with the payment of entertainment production costs. Payment For Entertainment Production Costs Payment for entertainment production costs The cash outflow associated with the payment of land use rights. Payments For Land Use Rights Payment for land use right Payments Of Debt Issuance Costs Payment of deferred financing costs Payments To Acquire Property Plant And Equipment Acquisition of property and equipment The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of subsidiaries, net of the cash acquired from the purchase. Payments To Acquire Subsidiaries Acquisition of subsidiaries Pension And Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Pre Opening Costs Pre-opening costs Prepaid Expense And Other Assets Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Proceeds From Issuance Of Common Stock Proceeds from issue of share capital Proceeds From Issuance Of Long Term Debt Proceeds from long-term debt Proceeds From Sale Of Property Plant And Equipment Proceeds from sale of property and equipment Proceeds From Stock Options Exercised Proceeds from exercise of share options Profit Loss Net income (loss) NET INCOME (LOSS) Net income (loss) for the year Promotional Allowances Less: promotional allowances The aggregate amount of expenses charged against earnings to eliminate the capitalized costs of projects abandoned during the reporting period and expenses associated with business termination activities and other expenses. Property Charges And Others Property charges and others Property Plant And Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET Property Plant And Equipment Net PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Note 4) Provision For Doubtful Accounts Allowance for doubtful debts and direct write off Settlement of provision of bonus funded through restricted shares issued and vested. Provision Of Bonus Funded Through Restricted Shares Issued And Vested Provision of bonus funded through restricted shares issued and vested The cash inflow associated with refund of deposit for acquisition of land interest. Refund Of Deposit For Acquisition Of Land Interest Refund of deposit for acquisition of land interest Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Repayments Of Long Term Debt Principal payments on long-term debt Restricted Cash And Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value Restricted cash Restricted Cash And Cash Equivalents Noncurrent RESTRICTED CASH (Note 11) Retained Earnings Accumulated Deficit Accumulated losses Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Losses The entire disclosure for the terms of any restriction upon retained earnings. This may include restrictions that arise from: (1) the aggregate preferences of the preferred shares exceeding the par or stated value of such shares upon liquidation; (2) dividend restrictions - for example, restrictions on the payment of dividends, indicating the source, the pertinent provision, and the amount of retained earnings or net income restricted or free of restrictions; (3) other appropriations; (4) any restrictions on distributions to shareholders; (5) retained earnings appropriated for loss contingencies; and (6) the amount of consolidated earnings which represents undistributed earnings of 50% or less owned by persons accounted for by the equity method, (7) state laws that govern circumstances under which corporations may acquire its own stock and on the availability of retained earnings for payment of dividends. Retained Earnings Restrictions Disclosure [Text Block] DISTRIBUTION OF PROFITS Revenues Net revenues Revenues [Abstract] OPERATING REVENUES Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] SEGMENT INFORMATION