Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Document and Entity Information Document

v3.8.0.1
Document and Entity Information Document - shares
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2017
Nov. 03, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]    
Entity Registrant Name CHENIERE ENERGY INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0000003570  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2017  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2017  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Amendment Flag false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   237,664,678