Note 6 - Business Segments (Details) - Information About Reportable Segments (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Net sales to unaffiliated customers:
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	$ 85,330	$ 67,019	$ 161,780	$ 158,172
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations	(32,622)	(2,481)	(34,835)	22,955
Greens Creek [Member]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers:
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	70,082	67,023	142,731	157,923
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations	9,802	23,313	36,991	70,695
Lucky Friday [Member]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers:
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	5,128	(4)	8,929	249
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations	(2,757)	(6,498)	(6,604)	(12,441)
Casa Berardi [Member]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers:
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	10,120		10,120
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations	(13,356)		(13,356)
Other Segments [Member]
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations	$ (26,311)	$ (19,296)	$ (51,866)	$ (35,299)