Note 6. Business Segments (Detail) - Information About Reportable Segments (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Net sales from operations to customers:
Net sales from operations to customers	$ 49	$ 6,351	$ 703	$ 6,351
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations	53,791	24,592	122,526	40,246
Greens Creek [Member]
Net sales from operations to customers:
Net sales from operations to customers	81,816	66,941	183,618	123,482
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations	45,054	27,662	103,563	43,786
Lucky Friday [Member]
Net sales from operations to customers:
Net sales from operations to customers	36,044	21,690	70,606	45,024
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations	20,596	8,625	40,508	18,306
Business Segments Total [Member]
Net sales from operations to customers:
Net sales from operations to customers	117,860	88,631	254,224	168,506
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations	53,791	24,592	122,526	40,246
Other Segment Income Loss [Member]
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations	$ (11,859)	$ (11,695)	$ (21,545)	$ (21,846)