Note 6 - Business Segments (Details) - Identifiable Assets by Reportable Segment (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Identifiable assets:
Identifiable assets	$ 2,272,455	$ 1,378,290
Greens Creek [Member]
Identifiable assets:
Identifiable assets	747,813	741,666
Lucky Friday [Member]
Identifiable assets:
Identifiable assets	217,413	226,196
Casa Berardi [Member]
Identifiable assets:
Identifiable assets	891,194
Other Segments [Member]
Identifiable assets:
Identifiable assets	$ 416,035	$ 410,428