Note 6 - Information about Reportable Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Greens Creek [Member]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	$ 59,574	$ 54,043	$ 113,456	$ 121,398
Income (loss) from operations	14,831	9,950	22,909	24,643
Lucky Friday [Member]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	22,760	14,570	44,012	34,460
Income (loss) from operations	4,047	(585)	6,790	2,961
Casa Berardi [Member]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	53,285	35,584	85,483	67,431
Income (loss) from operations	10,622	(3,200)	12,556	(3,964)
San Sebastian [Member]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	35,683		59,368
Income (loss) from operations	25,583		40,495
Other Segments [Member]
Income (loss) from operations	(13,473)	(23,455)	(25,567)	(36,008)
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	171,302	104,197	302,319	223,289
Income (loss) from operations	$ 41,610	$ (17,290)	$ 57,183	$ (12,368)