| 
           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% |