| Document and Entity Information | Oct. 29, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 29, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | New Fortress Energy Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-38790 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 83-1482060 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 111 W. 19TH STREET |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | 8TH FLOOR |
| Entity Address, City or Town | NEW YORK |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NY |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 10011 |
| City Area Code | 516 |
| Local Phone Number | 268-7400 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001749723 |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Class A common stock |
| Trading Symbol | “NFE” |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
