Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis (Tables) (Linn Energy, LLC [Member])

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Linn Energy, LLC [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure

The following presents the fair value hierarchy for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

	March 31, 2013
	Level 2		Netting (1)			Total
	(in thousands)
Assets:
Commodity derivatives	$	1,034,866	$	(340,530	)	$	694,336
Liabilities:
Commodity derivatives	$	352,259	$	(340,530	)	$	11,729

	December 31, 2012
	Level 2		Netting (1)			Total
	(in thousands)
Assets:
Commodity derivatives	$	1,282,390	$	(401,479	)	$	880,911
Liabilities:
Commodity derivatives	$	405,619	$	(401,479	)	$	4,140

(1) Represents counterparty netting under agreements governing such derivatives.

The following presents the fair value hierarchy for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

	Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis December 31, 2012
	Level 2		Netting(1)			Total
	(in thousands)
Assets:
Commodity derivatives	$	1,282,390	$	(401,479	)	$	880,911
Liabilities:
Commodity derivatives	$	405,619	$	(401,479	)	$	4,140

⁽¹⁾  Represents counterparty netting under agreements governing such derivatives.