Note 2 - Business Segments and Sales of Products - Information About Reportable Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2021
Net sales	$ 191,242	$ 217,983	$ 377,741	$ 428,835
Income (loss) from operations	7,712	29,142	22,470	70,171
Identifiable assets	2,717,103		2,717,103		$ 2,728,808
Greens Creek [Member]
Net sales	92,723	113,763	178,813	212,172
Income (loss) from operations	27,803	56,433	62,389	101,033
Identifiable assets	580,692		580,692		589,944
Lucky Friday [Member]
Net sales	35,880	39,645	73,920	68,767
Income (loss) from operations	5,528	11,737	14,299	18,060
Identifiable assets	524,734		524,734		516,545
Casa Berardi [Member]
Net sales	62,639	56,122	124,740	129,033
Income (loss) from operations	(572)	(529)	(3,271)	11,177
Identifiable assets	699,134		699,134		701,868
Nevada Operations [Member]
Net sales	0	8,450	268	18,687
Income (loss) from operations	(9,728)	(20,341)	(21,963)	(23,481)
Identifiable assets	468,901		468,901		468,985
Other Segments [Member]
Net sales	0	3	0	176
Income (loss) from operations	(15,319)	$ (18,158)	(28,984)	$ (36,618)
Identifiable assets	$ 443,642		$ 443,642		$ 451,466