Note 4. Environmental and Reclamation Activities (Detail) - Liabilities Accrued for Reclamation and Closure Costs (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Operating properties:
Accrued reclemation and closure costs	$ 153,811	$ 318,797	$ 131,201
Reclamation and closure costs, current	(42,248)	(175,484)
Reclamation and closure costs, long-term	111,563	143,313
Greens Creek [Member]
Operating properties:
Accrued reclemation and closure costs	36,123	35,267
Lucky Friday [Member]
Operating properties:
Accrued reclemation and closure costs	1,520	1,130
San Sebastian [Member]
Operating properties:
Accrued reclemation and closure costs	218	218
Grouse Creek [Member]
Operating properties:
Accrued reclemation and closure costs	13,262	13,651
Coeur d'Alene Basin [Member]
Operating properties:
Accrued reclemation and closure costs	95,081	262,153
Republic [Member]
Operating properties:
Accrued reclemation and closure costs	3,538	3,800
All Other Sites [Member]
Operating properties:
Accrued reclemation and closure costs	$ 4,069	$ 2,578