Common Units, Pledged as Collateral

No definition available.

Name:	glng_CommonUnitsPledgedasCollateral
Namespace Prefix:	glng_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Debt Instrument, Convertible, All-in Cost, Percent

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

Debt Instrument, Convertible, Capped Call Strike Price

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	glng_DebtInstrumentConvertibleCappedCallStrikePrice
Namespace Prefix:	glng_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Debt Instrument, Convertible, Maximum Conversion Price, Premium

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	glng_DebtInstrumentConvertibleMaximumConversionPricePremium
Namespace Prefix:	glng_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Debt Instruments, Convertible, Capped Price Threshold

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

Debt instrument, Convertible, Conversion Premium

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	glng_DebtinstrumentConvertibleConversionPremium
Namespace Prefix:	glng_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Number Of Loan Extension Options

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

Substantial Doubt about Going Concern, Expected Proceeds from Debt Instrument

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	glng_SubstantialDoubtaboutGoingConcernExpectedProceedsfromDebtInstrument
Namespace Prefix:	glng_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying amount of debt identified as being convertible into another form of financial instrument (typically the entity's common stock) as of the balance sheet date, which originally required full repayment more than twelve months after issuance or greater than the normal operating cycle of the company.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-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=120400017&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-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=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120398452&loc=d3e534808-122878

+ Details

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

- Definition

Percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the variable rate on the debt instrument.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The carrying amount of the equity component of convertible debt which may be settled in cash upon conversion.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120520924&loc=SL6031897-161870

+ Details

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

- Definition

The price per share of the conversion feature embedded in the debt instrument.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120520924&loc=SL6031898-161870

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Ratio applied to the conversion of debt instrument into equity with equity shares divided by debt principal amount.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21521-112644

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(5))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21475-112644

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionRatio1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The number of equity instruments that the holder of the debt instrument would receive if the debt was converted to equity.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21521-112644

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(5))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleNumberOfEquityInstruments
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Face (par) amount of debt instrument at time of issuance.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=119993939&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775985&loc=d3e28878-108400

+ Details

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

- Definition

Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

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

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

- Definition

Period of time between issuance and maturity of debt instrument, in PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The premium (cost) of a hedge, expensed during the period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

Dividends declared in the period and the contractual amount of dividends (or interest on participating income bonds) that must be paid per security.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 60B
-Subparagraph (d)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121326447&loc=SL5780133-109256

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicDistributed
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of borrowing capacity currently available under the credit facility (current borrowing capacity less the amount of borrowings outstanding).

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.19(b),22(b))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

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

- Definition

The cash inflow from the issuance of a long-term debt instrument which can be exchanged for a specified amount of another security, typically the entity's common stock, at the option of the issuer or the holder.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 14
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121586364&loc=d3e3255-108585

+ Details

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

- Definition

Amount of cash outflow for payment of an obligation from a lender, including but not limited to, letter of credit, standby letter of credit and revolving credit arrangements.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 15
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121586364&loc=d3e3291-108585

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(f))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120395691&loc=d3e23780-122690

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Cash and investments whose use in whole or in part is restricted for the long-term, generally by contractual agreements or regulatory requirements. For use in an unclassified balance sheet.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

Price of a single share of a number of saleable stocks of a company.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SharePrice
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Details

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

- Details

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

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=glng_A2017ConvertibleBondsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

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

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationAxis=us-gaap_ExtendedMaturityMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember
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:	srt_RangeAxis=srt_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_RangeAxis=srt_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

DEBT - 2017 Convertible, Term Loan Facility, and Margin Loan - Narrative (Details)				1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 03, 2017 USD ($) shares	Feb. 17, 2017 USD ($) shares $ / shares	Feb. 13, 2017 $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2019 $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($) extensionOption	Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 shares	Jul. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash collateral				$ 163,181,000				$ 163,181,000		$ 188,289,000
Margin loan facility \| Line of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash collateral				0				0		10,000,000
Convertible Debt \| 2017 Convertible Bonds
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount		$ 402,500,000
Coupon rate		2.75%
Debt instrument conversion ratio		0.0265308					26.993
Debt instrument conversion price (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares		$ 37.69					$ 37.05
Debt instrument threshold percentage of stock price trigger		35.00%
Share price (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares			$ 27.92
Derivative, cost of hedge		$ 31,200,000
Number of shares issued if converted \| shares		10,678,647
Debt instrument capped call strike price (in usd per share) \| $ / shares		$ 37.69
Cap price premium \| $ / shares		$ 48.86
Capped price threshold			75.00%
Debt instrument all-in cost percent		4.30%
Proceeds from issuance of convertible bonds		$ 360,200,000
Convertible debt		320,300,000
Convertible, carrying amount of equity component		$ 39,900,000
Distribution (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares							$ 0.150
Credit Facility \| Term Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount				$ 100,000,000.0	$ 150,000,000			$ 100,000,000.0		$ 0
Maturity period of debt				366 days	15 months
Basis spread on variable rate				5.00%
Repayments of lines of credit				$ 50,000,000.0
Credit Facility \| Term Facility \| Extended Maturity
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity period of debt								366 days
Number of loan extension options \| extensionOption								2
Credit Facility \| Margin loan facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount					$ 110,000,000.0
Secured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity period of debt						5 years		5 years
Secured Debt \| Margin loan facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Coupon rate													3.75%
Maturity period of debt	3 years
Proceeds of new margin loan facility (up to)	$ 150,000,000
Common units, pledged as collateral \| shares	20,852,291										21,226,586
Facility remaining until maturity									$ 30,000,000.0			$ 100,000,000.0
LIBOR \| Credit Facility \| Margin loan facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate					2.75%
LIBOR \| Secured Debt \| Margin loan facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	3.95%							2.95%
Minimum \| LIBOR \| Credit Facility \| Term Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate					1.50%
Maximum \| LIBOR \| Credit Facility \| Term Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate					2.75%