Note 6. Business Segments (Detail) - Identifiable Assets By Reportable Segment (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Identifiable assets:
Identifiable assets	$ 1,390,494	$ 1,396,090
Greens Creek [Member]
Identifiable assets:
Identifiable assets	738,109	729,289
Lucky Friday [Member]
Identifiable assets:
Identifiable assets	226,516	213,285
Other Segment [Member]
Identifiable assets:
Identifiable assets	$ 425,869	$ 453,516