Note 11 - Business Segments and Significant Customers (Detail) - Percentage Of Sales By Segment	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Percentage Of Sales From Continuing Operations	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Greens Creek [Member]
Percentage Of Sales From Continuing Operations	100.00%	71.80%	74.80%
Lucky Friday [Member]
Percentage Of Sales From Continuing Operations		28.20%	25.20%