Note 6. Business Segments (Detail) - Identifiable Assets By Reportable Segment (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Identifiable assets:
Identifiable assets	$ 1,403,603	$ 1,396,090
Greens Creek [Member]
Identifiable assets:
Identifiable assets	743,318	729,289
Lucky Friday [Member]
Identifiable assets:
Identifiable assets	240,351	213,285
Other Segment [Member]
Identifiable assets:
Identifiable assets	$ 419,934	$ 453,516