Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Reconciliation Of Level 3 Assets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Reconciliation Of Level 3 Assets [Line Items]
Beginning balance at	$ 16,862	$ 13,300
Ending balance at December 31	18,767	16,862
Net unrealized gains on assets held at the reporting date	1,486	838
Purchases	419	2,724
Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Reconciliation Of Level 3 Assets [Line Items]
Beginning balance at	4,491	3,566
Ending balance at December 31	5,039	4,491
Net unrealized gains on assets held at the reporting date	399	187
Purchases	$ 149	$ 738