Note 6 - Business Segments (Details) - Information About Reportable Segments (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net sales to unaffiliated customers:
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	$ 106,629	$ 81,871	$ 268,409	$ 240,043
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations	1,741	8,726	(33,094)	31,681
Greens Creek [Member]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers:
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	64,845	81,871	207,576	239,794
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations	15,310	34,834	51,164	105,529
Lucky Friday [Member]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers:
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	14,395		23,324	249
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations	402	(6,147)	(6,210)	(18,588)
Casa Berardi [Member]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers:
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	27,389		37,509
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations	572		(12,784)
Other Segments [Member]
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations	$ (14,543)	$ (19,961)	$ (65,264)	$ (55,260)