Accrued Liabilities (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Accrued interest expense and related fees	$ 55,241	$ 35,884
Payroll	17,245	19,321
LNG terminal costs	869	1,122
LNG liquefaction costs	53,914	1,702
Other accrued liabilities	11,511	5,045
Accrued liabilities	$ 138,780	$ 63,074