Note 4 - Environmental and Reclamation Activities (Details) - Accrued Reclamation and Closure Cost Liability Activity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Note 4 - Environmental and Reclamation Activities (Details) - Accrued Reclamation and Closure Cost Liability Activity [Line Items]
Balance	$ 57,250	$ 105,191	$ 113,215
Accruals for estimated costs	17,018	9,952	2,250
Revision of estimated cash flows due to changes in reclamation plans	4,112	675
Addition due to development and production at our San Sebastian unit	1,189
Payment of reclamation obligations	(1,544)	(58,568)	(18,272)
Balance	95,538	$ 57,250	105,191
Casa Berardi [Member]
Note 4 - Environmental and Reclamation Activities (Details) - Accrued Reclamation and Closure Cost Liability Activity [Line Items]
			$ 7,998
Revett Mining Company Inc [Member]
Note 4 - Environmental and Reclamation Activities (Details) - Accrued Reclamation and Closure Cost Liability Activity [Line Items]
	$ 17,513