Note 6 - Business Segments (Detail) - Information About Reportable Segments (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Net sales to unaffiliated customers:
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	$ 76,450	$ 91,153
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations	(2,213)	25,436
Greens Creek [Member]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers:
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	72,649	90,900
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations	27,189	47,382
Lucky Friday [Member]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers:
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	3,801	253
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations	(3,847)	(5,943)
All Other Segments [Member]
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations	$ (25,555)	$ (16,003)