Note 6 - Business Segments (Detail) - Identifiable Assets by Reportable Segment (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Identifiable assets:
Identifiable assets	$ 1,380,112	$ 1,378,290
Greens Creek [Member]
Identifiable assets:
Identifiable assets	746,417	741,666
Lucky Friday [Member]
Identifiable assets:
Identifiable assets	221,316	226,196
All Other Segments [Member]
Identifiable assets:
Identifiable assets	$ 412,379	$ 410,428