Note 6 - Business Segments (Details) - Information About Reportable Segments (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Net sales to unaffiliated customers:
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	$ 125,787	$ 76,450
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations	7,911	(2,213)
Greens Creek [Member]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers:
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	63,596	72,649
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations	11,046	27,189
Lucky Friday [Member]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers:
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	20,096	3,801
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations	4,700	(3,847)
Casa Berardi [Member]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers:
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	42,095
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations	3,441
Other Segments [Member]
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations	$ (11,276)	$ (25,555)