Note 4 - Environmental and Reclamation Activities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Environmental And Reclamation Activities [Abstract]

Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]

	2014			2013
Operating properties:
Greens Creek	$	39,237		$	34,530
Lucky Friday		1,069			919
Casa Berardi		6,233			7,795
Non-operating properties:
Coeur d’Alene Basin		—			55,499
Johnny M		5,830			303
Republic		1,389			3,023
All other sites		3,492			3,122
Total		57,250			105,191
Reclamation and closure costs, current		(1,631	)		(58,425	)
Reclamation and closure costs, long-term	$	55,619		$	46,766

Accrued Reclamation and Closure Cost Liability Activity [Table Text Block]

Balance at January 1, 2012	$	153,811
Accruals for estimated costs		4,325
Revision of estimated cash flows due to changes in reclamation plans		(3,738	)
Payment of reclamation obligations		(41,183	)
Balance at December 31, 2012		113,215
Accruals for estimated costs		2,250
Liability addition due to acquisition of the Casa Berardi unit		7,998
Payment of reclamation obligations		(18,272	)
Balance at December 31, 2013		105,191
Accruals for estimated costs		9,952
Revision of estimated cash flows due to changes in reclamation plans		675
Payment of reclamation obligations		(58,568	)
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	57,250

Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation [Table Text Block]

	2014			2013
Balance January 1	$	43,244		$	34,325
Changes in obligations due to changes in reclamation plans		675			—
Addition due to acquisition of the Casa Berardi unit		—			7,998
Accretion expense		3,089			1,958
Payment of reclamation obligations		(469	)		(1,037	)
Balance at December 31	$	46,539		$	43,244