Note 6. Business Segments (Detail) - Information About Reportable Segments (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Net sales to unaffiliated customers:
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	$ 91,153	$ 136,364
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations	25,436	68,735
Greens Creek [Member]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers:
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	90,900	101,802
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations	47,382	58,509
Lucky Friday [Member]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers:
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	253	34,562
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations	(5,943)	19,912
Other Segment Income(Loss) [Member]
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations	$ (16,003)	$ (9,686)