Document_and_Entity_Informatio
Document and Entity Information Document | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2015 | |
Document and Entity Information [Abstract] | |
Document Type | 10-Q |
Document Period End Date | 31-Mar-15 |
Amendment Flag | FALSE |
Entity Registrant Name | LinnCo, LLC |
Entity Central Index Key | 1549756 |
Current Fiscal Year End Date | -19 |
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer | Yes |
Entity Voluntary Filers | No |
Entity Current Reporting Status | Yes |
Entity Filer Category | Large Accelerated Filer |
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 128,544,174 |
Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2015 |
Document Fiscal Period Focus | Q1 |
BALANCE_SHEETS_Unaudited
BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (USD $) | Mar. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | ||
Current assets: | ||
Cash | $5,547 | $6,544 |
Accounts receivable – related party | 289 | 0 |
Income taxes receivable | 12,434 | 12,870 |
Deferred offering costs | 450 | 15 |
Deferred income taxes | 40,583 | 46,441 |
Total current assets | 59,303 | 65,870 |
Noncurrent assets: | ||
Investment in Linn Energy, LLC | 1,211,478 | 1,302,152 |
Total noncurrent assets | 1,211,478 | 1,302,152 |
Total assets | 1,270,781 | 1,368,022 |
Current liabilities: | ||
Accounts payable | 317 | 1,415 |
Total current liabilities | 317 | 1,415 |
Noncurrent liabilities: | ||
Income taxes liability | 7,810 | 7,716 |
Deferred income taxes | 35,851 | 60,340 |
Total noncurrent liabilities | 43,661 | 68,056 |
Shareholders’ equity: | ||
Voting shares; unlimited shares authorized; 1 share issued and outstanding at March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014 | 1 | 1 |
Common shares; unlimited shares authorized, 128,544,174 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014 | 3,868,322 | 3,868,322 |
Additional paid-in capital | 40,704 | 39,294 |
Accumulated deficit | -2,682,224 | -2,609,066 |
Total shareholders' equity | 1,226,803 | 1,298,551 |
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | $1,270,781 | $1,368,022 |
BALANCE_SHEETS_Unaudited_Paren
BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) | Mar. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 |
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] | ||
Voting shares: issued | 1 | 1 |
Voting shares: outstanding | 1 | 1 |
Common shares: issued | 128,544,174 | 128,544,174 |
Common shares: outstanding | 128,544,174 | 128,544,174 |
STATEMENTS_OF_OPERATIONS_Unaud
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | |
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified | Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014 |
Income Statement [Abstract] | ||
Equity loss from investment in Linn Energy, LLC | ($50,492) | ($30,541) |
General and administrative expenses | -976 | -734 |
Loss before income taxes | -51,468 | -31,275 |
Income tax benefit | 18,493 | 11,791 |
Net loss | ($32,975) | ($19,484) |
Net loss per share, basic and diluted | ($0.26) | ($0.15) |
Weighted average shares outstanding | 128,544 | 128,503 |
Dividends declared per share | $0.31 | $0.73 |
STATEMENT_OF_SHAREHOLDERS_EQUI
STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited) (USD $) | Total | Shares [Member] | Share Amount [Member] | Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] | Accumulated Income (Deficit) [Member] |
In Thousands | USD ($) | USD ($) | USD ($) | USD ($) | |
Beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2014 | $1,298,551 | $3,868,323 | $39,294 | ($2,609,066) | |
Beginning of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014 | 128,544 | ||||
Capital contributions from Linn Energy, LLC | 1,410 | 0 | 1,410 | 0 | |
Dividends to shareholders | -40,183 | 0 | 0 | -40,183 | |
Net loss | -32,975 | 0 | 0 | -32,975 | |
End of period at Mar. 31, 2015 | $1,226,803 | $3,868,323 | $40,704 | ($2,682,224) | |
End of period (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2015 | 128,544 |
STATEMENTS_OF_CASH_FLOWS_Unaud
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014 |
Cash flow from operating activities: | ||
Net loss | ($32,975) | ($19,484) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||
Equity loss from investment in Linn Energy, LLC | 50,492 | 30,541 |
Noncash general and administrative expenses paid by Linn Energy, LLC | 976 | 734 |
Deferred income taxes | -18,493 | -11,791 |
Decrease in income taxes receivable | 436 | 0 |
Decrease in accounts payable | -97 | 0 |
Cash distributions received | 40,183 | 93,228 |
Net cash provided by operating activities | 40,522 | 93,228 |
Cash flow from financing activities: | ||
Dividends paid to shareholders | -41,519 | -93,225 |
Net cash used in financing activities | -41,519 | -93,225 |
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | -997 | 3 |
Cash and cash equivalents: | ||
Beginning | 6,544 | 1,045 |
Ending | $5,547 | $1,048 |
Basis_of_Presentation
Basis of Presentation | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2015 | |
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
Basis of Presentation | Basis of Presentation |
Nature of Business | |
LinnCo, LLC (“LinnCo” or the “Company”) is a Delaware limited liability company formed on April 30, 2012, that completed its initial public offering (“IPO”) in October 2012. After the IPO, LinnCo’s initial sole purpose was to own units representing limited liability company interests (“units”) in its affiliate, Linn Energy, LLC (“LINN Energy”). In connection with the acquisition of Berry Petroleum Company, now Berry Petroleum Company, LLC (“Berry”), LinnCo amended its limited liability company agreement to permit, among other things, the acquisition and subsequent transfer of assets to LINN Energy for consideration received. As of March 31, 2015, LinnCo had no significant assets or operations other than those related to its interest in LINN Energy. LINN Energy is an independent oil and natural gas company that trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “LINE.” At March 31, 2015, LINN Energy’s last reported sales price was $11.06 per unit, as reported by NASDAQ, and the Company owned approximately 39% of LINN Energy’s outstanding units. | |
Principles of Reporting | |
The information reported herein reflects all normal recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for the fair presentation of the results for the interim periods. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with United States (“U.S.”) generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted under Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules and regulations; as such, this report should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. The results reported in these unaudited financial statements should not necessarily be taken as indicative of results that may be expected for the entire year. | |
Investments in noncontrolled entities over which the Company exercises significant influence are accounted for under the equity method. | |
Reimbursement of LinnCo’s Costs and Expenses | |
LINN Energy has agreed to provide to LinnCo, or to pay on LinnCo’s behalf, any financial, legal, accounting, tax advisory, financial advisory and engineering fees, and other administrative and out-of-pocket expenses incurred by LinnCo, along with any other expenses incurred in connection with any public offering of common shares representing limited liability company interests (“shares”) in LinnCo or incurred as a result of being a publicly traded entity. These expenses include costs associated with annual, quarterly and other reports to holders of LinnCo shares, tax return and Form 1099 preparation and distribution, NASDAQ listing fees, printing costs, independent auditor fees and expenses, legal counsel fees and expenses, limited liability company governance and compliance expenses, and registrar and transfer agent fees. In addition, LINN Energy has agreed to indemnify LinnCo and its officers and directors for damages suffered or costs incurred (other than income taxes payable by LinnCo) in connection with carrying out LinnCo’s activities. Because all general and administrative expenses and certain offering costs are actually paid by LINN Energy on LinnCo’s behalf, no cash is disbursed by LinnCo for these expenses and costs. | |
For the three months ended March 31, 2015, LinnCo incurred total general and administrative expenses and certain offering costs of approximately $1.4 million, of which approximately $1.1 million had been paid by LINN Energy on LinnCo’s behalf as of March 31, 2015. The expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2015, include approximately $491,000 related to services provided by LINN Energy necessary for the conduct of LinnCo’s business, such as accounting, legal, tax, information technology and other expenses. | |
For the three months ended March 31, 2014, LinnCo incurred total general and administrative expenses of approximately $734,000, of which approximately $83,000 had been paid by LINN Energy on LinnCo’s behalf as of March 31, 2014. The expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2014, include approximately $470,000 related to services provided by LINN Energy necessary for the conduct of LinnCo’s business, such as accounting, legal, tax, information technology and other expenses. In addition, during the three months ended March 31, 2014, LINN Energy paid approximately $11 million on LinnCo’s behalf for general and administrative expenses incurred by LinnCo in 2013. | |
Dividends | |
Within five business days after receiving a cash distribution related to its interest in LINN Energy units, LinnCo is required to pay the cash received, net of reserves for its income taxes liability (“tax reserve”), if any, as dividends to its shareholders. The amount of the tax reserve is calculated on a quarterly basis and is determined based on the estimated tax liability for the entire year. The current tax reserve can be increased or reduced, at Company management’s discretion, to account for the over/(under) tax reserve previously recorded. Because the tax reserve is an estimate, upon filing the annual tax returns, if the actual amount of tax due is greater or less than the total amount of tax reserved, the subsequent tax reserve, at Company management’s discretion, could be adjusted accordingly. Any such adjustments are subject to approval by the Company’s Board of Directors (“Board”). | |
Use of Estimates | |
The preparation of the accompanying financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management of the Company to make estimates and assumptions about future events. These estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the amount of assets and liabilities reported, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities, and reported amounts of income and expenses. These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s best estimates and judgment. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Such estimates and assumptions are adjusted when facts and circumstances dictate. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ from these estimates. Any changes in estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the financial statements in future periods. | |
Accounting for Investment in Linn Energy, LLC | |
The Company uses the equity method of accounting for its investment in LINN Energy. The Company’s equity income (loss) consists of its share of LINN Energy’s earnings attributed to the units the Company owns, the amortization of the difference between the Company’s investment in LINN Energy and LINN Energy’s underlying net assets attributable to certain assets and liabilities, and impairments. The Company records its share of LINN Energy’s net income (loss) in the period in which it is earned. At March 31, 2015, the Company owned approximately 39% of LINN Energy’s outstanding units. The Company’s ownership percentage could change as LINN Energy issues or repurchases additional units. Changes in the Company’s ownership percentage affect its net income (loss). | |
At March 31, 2015, the carrying amount of the Company’s investment in LINN Energy was less than the Company’s ownership interest in LINN Energy’s underlying net assets by approximately $400 million. The difference is attributable to proved and unproved oil and natural gas properties and senior notes, and is included in “investment in Linn Energy, LLC” on the balance sheets and amortized over the lives of the related assets and liabilities. Such amortization is included in the equity income from the Company’s investment in LINN Energy. Impairment testing on the Company’s investment in LINN Energy is performed when events or circumstances warrant such testing and considers whether there is an inability to recover the carrying value of the investment that is other than temporary. No impairment had occurred with respect to the Company’s investment in LINN Energy for the three months ended March 31, 2015, or March 31, 2014. |
Capitalization
Capitalization | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2015 | |
Equity [Abstract] | |
Capitalization | Capitalization |
LinnCo’s authorized capital structure consists of two classes of interests: (1) shares with limited voting rights and (2) voting shares, 100% of which are currently held by LINN Energy. At March 31, 2015, LinnCo’s issued capitalization consisted of approximately $3.9 billion in common shares and $1,000 contributed by LINN Energy in connection with LinnCo’s formation and in exchange for its voting share. LinnCo is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares and voting shares. Additional classes of equity interests may be created upon approval by the Board and the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares and voting shares, voting as separate classes. | |
At-the-Market Offering Program | |
The Company has the authority to sell up to $500 million of shares under an at-the-market offering program. Sales of shares, if any, will be made under an equity distribution agreement by means of ordinary brokers’ transactions, through the facilities of the NASDAQ Global Select Market, any other national securities exchange or facility thereof, a trading facility of a national securities association or an alternate trading system, to or through a market maker or directly on or through an electronic communication network, a “dark pool” or any similar market venue, at market prices, in block transactions, or as otherwise agreed with a sales agent. The Company expects to use the net proceeds from any sale of the shares to purchase additional LINN Energy units. As of March 31, 2015, no shares had been sold under the program. |
Summarized_Financial_Informati
Summarized Financial Information for Linn Energy, LLC | 3 Months Ended | |||||||
Mar. 31, 2015 | ||||||||
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] | ||||||||
Summarized Financial Information for Linn Energy, LLC | Summarized Financial Information for Linn Energy, LLC | |||||||
Following are summarized statements of operations and balance sheets information for LINN Energy. Additional information on LINN Energy’s results of operations and financial position are contained in its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, which is included in this filing as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated herein by reference. | ||||||||
Summarized Linn Energy, LLC Statements of Operations Information | ||||||||
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
March 31, | ||||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Revenues and other | $ | 916,547 | $ | 733,587 | ||||
Expenses | (1,124,155 | ) | (677,154 | ) | ||||
Other income and (expenses) | (138,679 | ) | (136,116 | ) | ||||
Income tax (expense) benefit | 7,127 | (5,654 | ) | |||||
Net loss | $ | (339,160 | ) | $ | (85,337 | ) | ||
Summarized Linn Energy, LLC Balance Sheets Information | ||||||||
March 31, | December 31, | |||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Current assets | $ | 1,656,451 | $ | 1,706,590 | ||||
Noncurrent assets | 14,263,724 | 14,716,919 | ||||||
15,920,175 | 16,423,509 | |||||||
Current liabilities | 794,255 | 982,545 | ||||||
Noncurrent liabilities | 10,999,417 | 10,897,359 | ||||||
Unitholders’ capital | $ | 4,126,503 | $ | 4,543,605 | ||||
Income_Taxes
Income Taxes | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2015 | |
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Income Taxes | Income Taxes |
The Company is a limited liability company that has elected to be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for temporary differences between the basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities for financial and tax reporting purposes. At March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, the majority of the Company’s temporary difference and associated deferred tax expense result from its investment in LINN Energy. |
Distributions_and_Dividends
Distributions and Dividends | 3 Months Ended | ||||||||
Mar. 31, 2015 | |||||||||
Distribution Received and Dividend Paid [Abstract] | |||||||||
Distributions and Dividends | Distributions and Dividends | ||||||||
The following provides a summary of distributions paid by LINN Energy to LinnCo and dividends paid by LinnCo to its shareholders during the three months ended March 31, 2015: | |||||||||
LINN Energy Distributions to LinnCo | |||||||||
Date Paid | Distributions Per Unit | Total Distributions | |||||||
(in millions) | |||||||||
Mar-15 | $ | 0.1042 | $ | 13 | |||||
Feb-15 | $ | 0.1042 | $ | 13 | |||||
Jan-15 | $ | 0.1042 | (1) | $ | 13 | ||||
LinnCo Dividends to its Shareholders | |||||||||
Date Paid | Dividends Per Share | Total Dividends | |||||||
(in millions) | |||||||||
Mar-15 | $ | 0.1042 | $ | 15 | |||||
Feb-15 | $ | 0.1042 | $ | 13 | |||||
Jan-15 | $ | 0.1042 | (1) | $ | 13 | ||||
(1) | On January 2, 2015, LINN Energy’s Board declared a cash distribution of $0.3125 per unit with respect to the fourth quarter of 2014, to be paid in three equal monthly installments of $0.1042 per unit. The current distribution represents an approximate 57% decrease from the distribution of $0.725 paid for the previous quarter. | ||||||||
On April 1, 2015, LINN Energy’s Board declared a cash distribution of $0.3125 per unit with respect to the first quarter of 2015, to be paid in three equal monthly installments of $0.1042 per unit. The first monthly distribution with respect to the first quarter of 2015, totaling approximately $13 million, was paid to LinnCo on April 16, 2015. | |||||||||
On April 1, 2015, the Company’s Board declared a cash dividend of $0.3125 per common share with respect to the first quarter of 2015, to be paid in three equal monthly installments of $0.1042 per common share pending the receipt of the applicable cash distribution from LINN Energy. Company management has determined that no income tax reserve is required to be deducted from the cash dividend declared on April 1, 2015. The first monthly dividend with respect to the first quarter of 2015, totaling approximately $13 million, was paid on April 17, 2015, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on April 13, 2015. |
Supplemental_Disclosures_to_th
Supplemental Disclosures to the Statements of Cash Flows | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2015 | |
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] | |
Supplemental Disclosures to the Statement of Cash Flows | Supplemental Disclosures to the Statements of Cash Flows |
For the three months ended March 31, 2015, and March 31, 2014, LinnCo incurred and recorded approximately $1.4 million and $734,000, respectively, of general and administrative expenses and certain offering costs. Of the expenses and costs incurred for the three months ended March 31, 2015, and March 31, 2014, approximately $1.1 million and $83,000 had been paid by LINN Energy on LinnCo’s behalf as of March 31, 2015, and March 31, 2014, respectively. In addition, during the three months ended March 31, 2014, LINN Energy paid approximately $11 million on LinnCo’s behalf for general and administrative expenses incurred by LinnCo in 2013. All of these expenses and costs are paid by LINN Energy on LinnCo’s behalf, and therefore, are accounted for as capital contributions and reflected as noncash transactions by LinnCo. |
Basis_of_Presentation_Policies
Basis of Presentation (Policies) | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2015 | |
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
Principles of Reporting | Principles of Reporting |
The information reported herein reflects all normal recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for the fair presentation of the results for the interim periods. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with United States (“U.S.”) generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted under Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules and regulations; as such, this report should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. The results reported in these unaudited financial statements should not necessarily be taken as indicative of results that may be expected for the entire year. | |
Investments in noncontrolled entities over which the Company exercises significant influence are accounted for under the equity method. | |
Dividends | Dividends |
Within five business days after receiving a cash distribution related to its interest in LINN Energy units, LinnCo is required to pay the cash received, net of reserves for its income taxes liability (“tax reserve”), if any, as dividends to its shareholders. The amount of the tax reserve is calculated on a quarterly basis and is determined based on the estimated tax liability for the entire year. The current tax reserve can be increased or reduced, at Company management’s discretion, to account for the over/(under) tax reserve previously recorded. Because the tax reserve is an estimate, upon filing the annual tax returns, if the actual amount of tax due is greater or less than the total amount of tax reserved, the subsequent tax reserve, at Company management’s discretion, could be adjusted accordingly. Any such adjustments are subject to approval by the Company’s Board of Directors (“Board”). | |
Use of Estimates | Use of Estimates |
The preparation of the accompanying financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management of the Company to make estimates and assumptions about future events. These estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the amount of assets and liabilities reported, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities, and reported amounts of income and expenses. These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s best estimates and judgment. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Such estimates and assumptions are adjusted when facts and circumstances dictate. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ from these estimates. Any changes in estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the financial statements in future periods. | |
Accounting for Investment in Linn Energy, LLC | Accounting for Investment in Linn Energy, LLC |
The Company uses the equity method of accounting for its investment in LINN Energy. The Company’s equity income (loss) consists of its share of LINN Energy’s earnings attributed to the units the Company owns, the amortization of the difference between the Company’s investment in LINN Energy and LINN Energy’s underlying net assets attributable to certain assets and liabilities, and impairments. The Company records its share of LINN Energy’s net income (loss) in the period in which it is earned. At March 31, 2015, the Company owned approximately 39% of LINN Energy’s outstanding units. The Company’s ownership percentage could change as LINN Energy issues or repurchases additional units. Changes in the Company’s ownership percentage affect its net income (loss). | |
At March 31, 2015, the carrying amount of the Company’s investment in LINN Energy was less than the Company’s ownership interest in LINN Energy’s underlying net assets by approximately $400 million. The difference is attributable to proved and unproved oil and natural gas properties and senior notes, and is included in “investment in Linn Energy, LLC” on the balance sheets and amortized over the lives of the related assets and liabilities. Such amortization is included in the equity income from the Company’s investment in LINN Energy. Impairment testing on the Company’s investment in LINN Energy is performed when events or circumstances warrant such testing and considers whether there is an inability to recover the carrying value of the investment that is other than temporary. No impairment had occurred with respect to the Company’s investment in LINN Energy for the three months ended March 31, 2015, or March 31, 2014. |
Summarized_Financial_Informati1
Summarized Financial Information for Linn Energy, LLC (Tables) | 3 Months Ended | |||||||
Mar. 31, 2015 | ||||||||
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] | ||||||||
Summarized Financial Information for Linn Energy, LLC | Following are summarized statements of operations and balance sheets information for LINN Energy. Additional information on LINN Energy’s results of operations and financial position are contained in its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, which is included in this filing as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated herein by reference. | |||||||
Summarized Linn Energy, LLC Statements of Operations Information | ||||||||
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
March 31, | ||||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Revenues and other | $ | 916,547 | $ | 733,587 | ||||
Expenses | (1,124,155 | ) | (677,154 | ) | ||||
Other income and (expenses) | (138,679 | ) | (136,116 | ) | ||||
Income tax (expense) benefit | 7,127 | (5,654 | ) | |||||
Net loss | $ | (339,160 | ) | $ | (85,337 | ) | ||
Summarized Linn Energy, LLC Balance Sheets Information | ||||||||
March 31, | December 31, | |||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Current assets | $ | 1,656,451 | $ | 1,706,590 | ||||
Noncurrent assets | 14,263,724 | 14,716,919 | ||||||
15,920,175 | 16,423,509 | |||||||
Current liabilities | 794,255 | 982,545 | ||||||
Noncurrent liabilities | 10,999,417 | 10,897,359 | ||||||
Unitholders’ capital | $ | 4,126,503 | $ | 4,543,605 | ||||
Distributions_and_Dividends_Ta
Distributions and Dividends (Tables) | 3 Months Ended | ||||||||
Mar. 31, 2015 | |||||||||
Distribution Received and Dividend Paid [Abstract] | |||||||||
Distributions Received and Dividends Paid | The following provides a summary of distributions paid by LINN Energy to LinnCo and dividends paid by LinnCo to its shareholders during the three months ended March 31, 2015: | ||||||||
LINN Energy Distributions to LinnCo | |||||||||
Date Paid | Distributions Per Unit | Total Distributions | |||||||
(in millions) | |||||||||
Mar-15 | $ | 0.1042 | $ | 13 | |||||
Feb-15 | $ | 0.1042 | $ | 13 | |||||
Jan-15 | $ | 0.1042 | (1) | $ | 13 | ||||
LinnCo Dividends to its Shareholders | |||||||||
Date Paid | Dividends Per Share | Total Dividends | |||||||
(in millions) | |||||||||
Mar-15 | $ | 0.1042 | $ | 15 | |||||
Feb-15 | $ | 0.1042 | $ | 13 | |||||
Jan-15 | $ | 0.1042 | (1) | $ | 13 | ||||
(1) | On January 2, 2015, LINN Energy’s Board declared a cash distribution of $0.3125 per unit with respect to the fourth quarter of 2014, to be paid in three equal monthly installments of $0.1042 per unit. The current distribution represents an approximate 57% decrease from the distribution of $0.725 paid for the previous quarter. |
Basis_of_Presentation_Details
Basis of Presentation (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014 | |
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | ||
Number of days after receiving cash distribution related to interest in Linn Energy units, required to pay the cash received, net of tax reserve, to shareholders | 5 days | |
Equity method investment, difference between carrying amount and underlying equity | $400,000,000 | |
Related Party Transaction | ||
General and Administrative Expenses and Offering Costs | 1,400,000 | 734,000 |
Linn Energy, LLC [Member] | ||
Related Party Transaction | ||
Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction | 491,000 | 470,000 |
General and Administrative Expenses Paid by Related Party | 1,100,000 | 83,000 |
Equity Method Investment, Other than Temporary Impairment | 0 | 0 |
FY 2013 [Member] | Linn Energy, LLC [Member] | ||
Related Party Transaction | ||
General and Administrative Expenses Paid by Related Party | $11,000,000 | |
Linn Energy, LLC [Member] | ||
Related Party Transaction | ||
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage | 39.00% | |
Share price | $11.06 |
Capitalization_Related_Party_T
Capitalization (Related Party Transactions) (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | |
Related Party Transaction | ||
Capital contributed by LINN for share purchase | $1,000 | $1,000 |
Equity Offering Program Maximum Value | 500,000,000 | |
Common shares; unlimited shares authorized, 128,544,174 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014 | 3,868,322,000 | 3,868,322,000 |
Number Of Classes Of Interests | 2 | |
Linn Energy, LLC [Member] | ||
Related Party Transaction | ||
Ownership percentage of voting shares held by LINN Energy | 100.00% | |
Capital contributed by LINN for share purchase | $1,000 |
Summarized_Financial_Informati2
Summarized Financial Information for Linn Energy, LLC (Details) (Linn Energy, LLC [Member], USD $) | 3 Months Ended | ||
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2014 |
Linn Energy, LLC [Member] | |||
Summarized Linn Energy, LLC Balance Sheets Information | |||
Current assets | $1,656,451 | $1,706,590 | |
Noncurrent assets | 14,263,724 | 14,716,919 | |
Total assets | 15,920,175 | 16,423,509 | |
Current liabilities | 794,255 | 982,545 | |
Noncurrent liabilities | 10,999,417 | 10,897,359 | |
Unitholders’ capital | 4,126,503 | 4,543,605 | |
Summarized Linn Energy, LLC Statements of Operations Information | |||
Revenues and other | 916,547 | 733,587 | |
Expenses | -1,124,155 | -677,154 | |
Other income and (expenses) | -138,679 | -136,116 | |
Income tax (expense) benefit | 7,127 | -5,654 | |
Net loss | ($339,160) | ($85,337) |
Distributions_and_Dividends_De
Distributions and Dividends (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | ||||||
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified | Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014 | Mar. 31, 2015 | Feb. 28, 2015 | Jan. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2015 | 31-May-15 | Apr. 30, 2015 | Jun. 30, 2015 | |
Distributions and Dividends [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Cash distributions received | $40,183 | $93,228 | |||||||||
Dividends declared per share | $0.31 | $0.73 | |||||||||
Dividends paid to shareholders | 41,519 | 93,225 | |||||||||
Linn Energy, LLC [Member] | |||||||||||
Distributions and Dividends [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member, Distributions Declared, Per Unit | $0.31 | $0.10 | $0.10 | $0.10 | $0.73 | ||||||
Distributions Received, Amount Per Unit | $0.10 | $0.10 | $0.10 | [1] | |||||||
Cash distributions received | 13,000 | 13,000 | 13,000 | ||||||||
Decrease in distributions declared | 57.00% | ||||||||||
Subsequent Event [Member] | Linn Energy, LLC [Member] | |||||||||||
Distributions and Dividends [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member, Distributions Declared, Per Unit | $0.10 | $0.10 | $0.10 | $0.31 | |||||||
Cash distributions received | 13,000 | ||||||||||
Dividend Declared [Member] | |||||||||||
Distributions and Dividends [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid | $0.10 | $0.10 | $0.10 | [1] | |||||||
Dividends paid to shareholders | 15,000 | 13,000 | 13,000 | ||||||||
Dividend Declared [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member] | |||||||||||
Distributions and Dividends [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Dividends declared per share | $0.10 | $0.10 | $0.10 | $0.31 | |||||||
Income Tax Reserve Withheld | $0 | ||||||||||
Dividend Paid [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member] | |||||||||||
Distributions and Dividends [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Dividends paid to shareholders | $13,000 | ||||||||||
[1] | On January 2, 2015, LINN Energy’s Board declared a cash distribution of $0.3125 per unit with respect to the fourth quarter of 2014, to be paid in three equal monthly installments of $0.1042 per unit. The current distribution represents an approximate 57% decrease from the distribution of $0.725 paid for the previous quarter. |
Supplemental_Disclosures_to_th1
Supplemental Disclosures to the Statements of Cash Flows (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014 |
Related Party Transaction | ||
General and Administrative Expenses and Offering Costs | $1,400 | $734 |
Linn Energy, LLC [Member] | ||
Related Party Transaction | ||
General and Administrative Expenses Paid by Related Party | 1,100 | 83 |
FY 2013 [Member] | Linn Energy, LLC [Member] | ||
Related Party Transaction | ||
General and Administrative Expenses Paid by Related Party | $11,000 |