| Financial Instruments - Fair Value of Interest Rate Derivatives by Balance Sheet Location (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Mar. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | 
|---|---|---|
| Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Non-current Liabilities [Member] | ||
| Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||
| Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value | $ 0 | $ 21,290 | 
| Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Non-current Liabilities [Member] | ||
| Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||
| Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value | 21,978 | 5,134 | 
| Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member] | ||
| Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||
| Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value | $ 1,077 | $ 0 | 
| Liquefaction Credit Facility [Member] | Liquefaction Credit Facility | ||
| Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||
| Percentage of Debt Hedged by Interest Rate Derivatives | 75.00% | |
| Sabine Pass Liquefaction [Member] | Liquefaction Credit Facility [Member] | Liquefaction Credit Facility | ||
| Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||
| Percentage of Debt Hedged by Interest Rate Derivatives | 75.00% |