Note 2 - Business Segments and Sales of Products - Information About Reportable Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2021
Net sales	$ 146,339	$ 193,560	$ 524,080	$ 622,395
Income (loss) from operations	(25,459)	(8,572)	(2,989)	61,599
Identifiable assets	2,934,629		2,934,629		$ 2,728,808
Greens Creek [Member]
Net sales	60,875	84,806	239,688	296,978
Income (loss) from operations	1,378	26,572	63,768	127,605
Identifiable assets	594,811		594,811		589,944
Lucky Friday [Member]
Net sales	28,460	29,783	102,380	98,550
Income (loss) from operations	4,269	6,187	18,568	24,247
Identifiable assets	534,114		534,114		516,545
Casa Berardi [Member]
Net sales	56,939	56,065	181,679	185,098
Income (loss) from operations	(5,226)	(6,233)	(8,497)	4,944
Identifiable assets	692,833		692,833		701,868
Nevada Operations [Member]
Net sales	0	22,906	268	41,593
Income (loss) from operations	(8,917)	(12,077)	(30,879)	(35,558)
Identifiable assets	467,532		467,532		468,985
Other Segments [Member]
Net sales	65	0	65	176
Income (loss) from operations	(16,963)	$ (23,021)	(45,949)	$ (59,639)
Identifiable assets	$ 645,339		$ 645,339		$ 451,466