Property, Plant and Equipment Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 4,893,605	$ 3,282,305
LNG terminal costs [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization	263,977	235,275
Property, plant and equipment, net	4,885,167	3,273,516
LNG terminal [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	2,233,776	2,233,595
LNG terminal construction-in-process [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	2,909,974	1,269,798
LNG site and related costs, net [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	5,394	5,398
Oil and Gas Properties [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	3,933	3,917
Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization	3,279	3,209
Property, plant and equipment, net	654	708
Fixed assets [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization	27,555	25,918
Property, plant and equipment, net	7,784	8,081
Computer and office equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	7,563	7,014
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	4,163	4,057
Computer Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	13,012	13,012
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	7,239	6,989
Other Fixed Assets [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 3,362	$ 2,927