Note 6 - Business Segments (Details) - Information About Reportable Segments (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Net sales to unaffiliated customers:
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	$ 117,502	$ 85,330	$ 243,289	$ 161,780
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations	5,032	(32,622)	12,943	(34,835)
Greens Creek [Member]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers:
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	55,449	70,082	119,045	142,731
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations	8,804	9,802	19,850	36,991
Lucky Friday [Member]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers:
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	23,762	5,128	43,858	8,929
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations	6,398	(2,757)	11,098	(6,604)
Casa Berardi [Member]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers:
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	38,291	10,120	80,386	10,120
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations	996	(13,356)	4,437	(13,356)
Other Segments [Member]
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations	$ (11,166)	$ (26,311)	$ (22,442)	$ (51,866)