Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Comprehensive Income (Details) [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 70,835	$ 18,473	$ 72,389	$ 29,788
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments	(155)	(1,817)	(51)	(2,081)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	$ 70,680	$ 16,656	$ 72,338	$ 27,707

The portion of consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent. If the entity does not present consolidated financial statements, the amount of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Appreciation or loss in value (before reclassification adjustment) of the total of unsold securities during the period being reported on, net of tax. Reclassification adjustments include: (1) the unrealized holding gain or loss, net of tax, at the date of the transfer for a debt security from the held-to-maturity category transferred into the available-for-sale category. Also includes the unrealized gain or loss at the date of transfer for a debt security from the available-for-sale category transferred into the held-to-maturity category; (2) the unrealized gains or losses realized upon the sale of securities, after tax; and (3) the unrealized gains or losses realized upon the write-down of securities, after tax.

+ References+ Details

BRIGHAM EXPLORATION CO 10-Q