Note 2 - Business Segments and Sales of Products - Information About Reportable Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2021
Net sales	$ 186,499	$ 210,852
Income (loss) from operations	14,758	41,029
Identifiable assets	2,738,899		$ 2,728,808
Greens Creek [Member]
Net sales	86,090	98,409
Income (loss) from operations	34,586	44,600
Identifiable assets	578,565		589,944
Lucky Friday [Member]
Net sales	38,040	29,122
Income (loss) from operations	8,771	6,323
Identifiable assets	526,971		516,545
Casa Berardi [Member]
Net sales	62,101	72,911
Income (loss) from operations	(2,699)	11,706
Identifiable assets	710,374		701,868
Nevada Operations [Member]
Net sales	268	10,237
Income (loss) from operations	(12,231)	(3,140)
Identifiable assets	467,092		468,985
Other Segments [Member]
Net sales	0	173
Income (loss) from operations	(13,669)	$ (18,460)
Identifiable assets	$ 455,897		$ 451,466