Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangement, Right to Repurchase, Period Post Closing

No definition available.

Name:	glng_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementRighttoRepurchasePeriodPostClosing
Namespace Prefix:	glng_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Interest Income (Expense), Related Party

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	glng_InterestIncomeExpenseRelatedParty
Namespace Prefix:	glng_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Interest in Liquefaction Trains, Percent

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	glng_InterestinLiquefactionTrainsPercent
Namespace Prefix:	glng_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Loans and Leases Receivable, Amount Available for Draw Down, Related Parties

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	glng_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAmountAvailableForDrawDownRelatedParties
Namespace Prefix:	glng_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Number of Liquefaction Trains

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	glng_NumberofLiquefactionTrains
Namespace Prefix:	glng_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Related Party Transaction, Debt Repayment Incentive Fee, Percentage of Loan Amount

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	glng_RelatedPartyTransactionDebtRepaymentIncentiveFeePercentageofLoanAmount
Namespace Prefix:	glng_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Related Party Transaction, Debt Repayment Period

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	glng_RelatedPartyTransactionDebtRepaymentPeriod
Namespace Prefix:	glng_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Related Party Transaction, Duration of Notice Required for Contract Termination

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	glng_RelatedPartyTransactionDurationofNoticeRequiredforContractTermination
Namespace Prefix:	glng_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Related Party Transaction, Term of Agreement

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	glng_RelatedPartyTransactionTermofAgreement
Namespace Prefix:	glng_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Sale Leaseback Transaction, Number of Vessels

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	glng_SaleLeasebackTransactionNumberofVessels
Namespace Prefix:	glng_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Sale Leaseback Transaction, Term

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	glng_SaleLeasebackTransactionTerm
Namespace Prefix:	glng_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of amortization expense attributable to debt issuance costs.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64930785&loc=d3e28555-108399

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=98514028&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(8))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=63488584&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 225
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04(8))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879574&loc=d3e536633-122882

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount equal to the present value (the principal) at the beginning of the lease term of minimum lease payments during the lease term (excluding that portion of the payments representing executory costs such as insurance, maintenance, and taxes to be paid by the lessor, together with any profit thereon) net of payments or other amounts applied to the principal through the balance sheet date.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 840
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84164817&loc=d3e45280-112737

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(22))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligations
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of consideration received or receivable for the disposal of assets and liabilities, including discontinued operation.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationConsideration
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of interest expense incurred on a debt or other obligation to related party.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_InterestExpenseRelatedParty
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The percentage points (also referred to as 'margin') added to the reference rate as stated in the loan agreement and used to compute the variable rate on the loans receivable. For instance, the loan agreement might state that the interest rate the borrower is obligated to pay is the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus three quarters (3/4) of a percentage point adjusted quarterly (each three months). LIBOR in this example is the index or reference rate, 3/4 percentage point is the margin, the reference rate plus the margin is the fully indexed rate. This element would be used to report separately the margin.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LoansReceivableBasisSpreadOnVariableRate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The cash inflow from a long-term borrowing made from related parties where one party can exercise control or significant influence over another party; including affiliates, owners or officers and their immediate families, pension trusts, and so forth. Alternate caption: Proceeds from Advances from Affiliates.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 14
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=98514028&loc=d3e3255-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ProceedsFromRelatedPartyDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of transactions with related party during the financial reporting period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 850
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39603-107864

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 850
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39549-107864

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 850
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39622-107864

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAmountsOfTransaction
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Receivables to be collected from (obligations owed to) related parties, net as of the balance sheet date where one party can exercise control or significant influence over another party; including affiliates, owners or officers and their immediate families, pension trusts, and so forth.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 850
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (d)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39549-107864

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(k)(1))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDueFromToRelatedParty
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Expenses recognized resulting from transactions (excluding transactions that are eliminated in consolidated or combined financial statements) with related party.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Purchases during the period (excluding transactions that are eliminated in consolidated or combined financial statements) with related party.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionPurchasesFromRelatedParty
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Identify the stated interest rate per the agreement, for example, leasing and debt arrangements between related parties.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionRate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis=glng_GolarLngPartnersMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis=glng_ShipManagementFeesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis=glng_CharterhireExpensesGolarGrandMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis=glng_CharterhireExpensesGolarEskimoMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis=glng_InterestExpenseonVendorFinancingLoansMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis=glng_ShorttermCreditFacilitytoFundPurchaseofGolarEskimoMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis=glng_GainonDisposalsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis=glng_TradingBalancesDuefromAffiliatesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis=glng_DepositReceivedMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis=glng_InterestExpenseonDepositPayableMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis=glng_DeferredPurchasePriceMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis=glng_HilliSaleAgreementMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VariableRateAxis=us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis=us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=glng_GolarLngPartnersCreditFacilityMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis=glng_GolarEskimoMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis=glng_GolarTundraMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis=glng_HilliSaleAgreementMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	invest_InvestmentAxis=glng_GolarPowerMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - Transactions/balances with Golar Partners and Subsidiaries Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands		1 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
	Aug. 15, 2017 USD ($) train	May 31, 2017 USD ($)	Feb. 29, 2016	Jan. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) vessel	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	May 31, 2016 USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Amount due from (to) related party							$ 14,010	$ 3,353
Number of vessels in sale and leaseback transaction \| vessel							7
Golar Partners
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party transaction, rate							5.00%
Duration of notice required for contract termination							120 days
Amount due from (to) related party							$ (184,855)	(131,045)
Golar Partners \| Ship management fees income
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Duration of notice required for contract termination							30 days
Golar Partners \| Charter-hire expenses, Golar Grand
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party expense							$ 17,400	28,400	$ 28,700
Amortization in respect of the guarantee obligation							5,100	6,100	3,900
Golar Partners \| Charter-hire expenses, Golar Eskimo
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party expense									12,900
Golar Partners \| Interest Expense on Vendor Financing Loans
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Incentive fee						$ 1,100
Golar Partners \| Short-term credit facility to fund purchase Golar Eskimo
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loan facility provided to Golar Partners						$ 220,000
Golar Partners \| Gain on disposals
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party transaction amount							0	0	102,406
Golar Partners \| Trading balances with affiliates
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Amount due from (to) related party							(4,144)	(21,792)
Golar Partners \| Deposit Received
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party transaction, rate	5.00%
Related party transaction amount	$ 70,000
Golar Partners \| Interest Expense on Deposit Payable
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Interest expense from related parties							4,622	1,967	$ 0
Golar Partners \| Deferred Purchase Price
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party transaction, rate		5.00%
Interest expense from related parties							1,100
Purchases from related party		$ 107,200
Golar Partners \| Hilli Sale Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Interest expense from related parties							1,300	0
LIBOR \| Golar Partners \| Short-term credit facility to fund purchase Golar Eskimo
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Blended margin						2.84%
Line of Credit \| Golar LNG Partners Credit Facility \| Golar Partners
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party transaction, rate				5.00%	5.00%
Proceeds from short-term credit facility with Golar Partners				$ 30,000	$ 50,000
Short-term credit facility repayment period				60 days	28 days
Golar Eskimo \| Golar Partners \| Interest Expense on Vendor Financing Loans
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Early repayment incentive fee, percentage of loan amount						1.00%
Golar Eskimo \| Golar Partners \| Gain on disposals
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party transaction amount						$ 102,400
Golar Tundra \| Golar Partners
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Purchase price										$ 107,200
Right to require repurchase if charter has not commenced, period post closing			12 months
Interest expense from related parties							$ 2,200	$ 2,000
Hilli Sale Agreement \| Golar Partners
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Purchase price	$ 658,000
Interest in liquefaction trains, percent	50.00%
Number of liquefaction trains \| train	2
Related party transaction, term of agreement (in years)	8 years
Minimum \| Hilli Sale Agreement \| Golar Partners
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Capital lease obligations	$ 468,000
Maximum \| Hilli Sale Agreement \| Golar Partners
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Capital lease obligations	$ 480,000
Golar Power
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Term of sale leaseback transaction							18 months
Number of vessels in sale and leaseback transaction \| vessel							2