Note 13 - Acquisition of Aurizon Mines Ltd. (Details) - Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013 CAD	Sep. 30, 2013 USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2013 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013 Accrued Payroll and Related Benefits [Member] USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013 Accrued Taxes [Member] USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013 Non-current Deferred Tax Liability [Member] USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013 Non-current Reclamation [Member] USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013 Other Non-current Liabilities [Member] USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013 Bullion and Stockpiled Ore [Member] USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013 Supplies [Member] USD ($)
Consideration:
Cash payments	$ 496,400	514,500	$ 496,211
Hecla stock issued (56,997,790 shares at $3.83 per share)	218,300	226,300	218,302
Total consideration	714,500	740,800	714,513
Assets:
Cash	177,587		177,587
Accounts receivable	14,307		14,307
Inventory										8,090	5,704
Other current assets	7,036		7,036
Properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests, net	715,391		715,391	715,400
Non-current restricted cash and investments	4,471		4,471
Other non-current assets	795		795
Total assets	933,381		933,381
Liabilities:
Accounts payable	22,227		22,227
Accrued liabilities					7,613	509
Non-current liabilities							177,016	11,113	390
Total liabilities	218,868		218,868
Net assets	$ 714,513		$ 714,513