Hecla Mining (HL) 10-K 18 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 16, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	HECLA MINING CO/DE/
Document Type	10-K
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		369,403,662
Entity Public Float			$1,194,535,883
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Central Index Key	719413
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$209,665	$212,175
Accounts receivable:
Trade	17,696	17,672
Taxes	10,392	16,204
Other, net	6,792	4,689
Inventories:
Concentrates, doré, stockpiled ore, and metals in transit and in-process	25,999	27,740
Materials and supplies	21,474	21,097
Current deferred income taxes	12,029	35,734
Other current assets	12,312	8,324
Total current assets	316,359	343,635
Non-current investments	4,920	7,019
Non-current restricted cash and investments	883	5,217
Properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests, net	1,831,564	1,791,601
Non-current deferred income taxes	98,923	78,780
Other non-current assets	9,415	5,867
Total assets	2,262,064	2,232,119
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	41,869	51,152
Accrued payroll and related benefits	27,956	18,769
Accrued taxes	4,241	7,881
Current portion of capital leases	9,491	8,471
Current portion of accrued reclamation and closure costs	1,631	58,425
Other current liabilities	5,797	6,781
Total current liabilities	90,985	151,479
Long-term capital leases	13,650	14,332
Accrued reclamation and closure costs	55,619	46,766
Long-term debt	498,479	490,726
Non-current deferred tax liability	153,300	164,861
Other non-current liabilities	53,057	37,536
Total liabilities	865,090	905,700
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 10)
Preferred stock, 5,000,000 shares authorized:
Series B preferred stock, $0.25 par value, 157,816 shares issued and outstanding, liquidation preference — $7,891	39	39
Common stock, $0.25 par value, authorized 500,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 2014 — 367,376,863 shares and 2013 — 342,663,381 shares	92,382	85,896
Capital surplus	1,486,750	1,426,845
Accumulated deficit	-141,306	-154,982
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net	-32,031	-26,299
Less treasury stock, at cost; 2014 — 2,151,482 and 2013 — 921,721 shares issued and held in treasury	-8,860	-5,080
Total stockholders’ equity	1,396,974	1,326,419
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$2,262,064	$2,232,119

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Series B preferred stock, par value (in Dollars per share)	$0.25	$0.25
Series B preferred stock, shares issued	157,816	157,816
Series B preferred stock, shares outstanding	157,816	157,816
Series B preferred stock, liquidation preference (in Dollars)	$7,891	$7,891
Common stock, par value (in Dollars per share)	$0.25	$0.25
Common stock, shares authorized	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	367,376,863	342,663,381
Treasury stock, shares	2,151,482	921,721

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Sales of products	$500,781	$382,589	$321,143
Cost of sales and other direct production costs	304,446	235,316	134,105
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	111,134	81,127	43,522
Total cost of sales	415,580	316,443	177,627
Gross profit	85,201	66,146	143,516
Other operating expenses:
General and administrative	31,538	28,925	21,253
Exploration	17,698	23,502	31,822
Pre-development	1,969	14,148	17,916
Provision for closed operations and environmental matters	10,098	5,403	4,652
Other operating expense	2,295	1,641	4,423
(Gain) loss on disposition of property, plants, equipment and mineral interests	-25	-75	275
Lucky Friday suspension-related (income) costs		-1,401	25,309
Aurizon acquisition costs		26,397
Total other operating expense	63,573	98,540	105,650
Income (loss) from operations	21,628	-32,394	37,866
Other income (expense):
Gain (loss) on derivative contracts	9,134	17,979	-10,457
Net gain on sale of investments		197
Unrealized loss on investments	-3,224	-2,639	-1,171
Net foreign exchange gain (loss)	11,535	2,959	-63
Interest and other income	286	662	85
Interest expense	-26,775	-21,689	-2,427
Total other income (expense):	-9,044	-2,531	-14,033
Income (loss) before income taxes	12,584	-34,925	23,833
Income tax benefit (provision)	5,240	9,795	-8,879
Net income (loss)	17,824	-25,130	14,954
Unrealized gain (loss) and amortization of prior service on pension plans	-6,875	2,230	-1,644
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investments	-1,282	-7,249	53
Reclassification of impairment of investments included in net income (loss)	2,425	2,638	1,171
Total change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net	-5,732	-2,381	-420
Preferred stock dividends	-552	-552	-552
Income (loss) applicable to common stockholders	17,272	-25,682	14,402
Net income (loss)	17,824	-25,130	14,954
Unrealized gain (loss) and amortization of prior service on pension plans	-6,875	2,230	-1,644
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investments	-1,282	-7,249	53
Reclassification of impairment of investments included in net income (loss)	2,425	2,638	1,171
Total change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net	-5,732	-2,381	-420
Comprehensive income (loss)	$12,092	($27,511)	$14,534
Basic income (loss) per common share after preferred dividends (in Dollars per share)	$0.05	($0.08)	$0.05
Diluted income (loss) per common share after preferred dividends (in Dollars per share)	$0.05	($0.08)	$0.05
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic (in Shares)	353,442	318,679	285,375
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted (in Shares)	357,435	318,679	297,566

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$17,824	($25,130)	$14,954
Non-cash elements included in net income (loss):
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	112,173	82,366	50,113
Net gain on sale of investments		-197
Unrealized loss on investments	3,224	2,639	1,171
(Gain) loss on disposition of properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests	-25	-75	275
Provision for reclamation and closure costs	10,215	1,788	1,106
Deferred income taxes	1,895	-5,893	546
Stock compensation	4,965	4,461	3,101
Amortization of loan origination fees	2,183	1,435	460
(Gain) loss on derivative contracts	-6,886	-1,338	29,627
Foreign exchange (gain) loss	-10,482	-928
Reversal of purchase price allocation to product inventory		550
Other non-cash items	-858	86	1,765
Change in assets and liabilities, net of business acquired:
Accounts receivable	3,091	-1,313	-4,713
Inventories	1,119	-6,507	-2,442
Other current and non-current assets	-580	3,281	610
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-19,697	-10,927	4,927
Accrued payroll and related benefits	16,422	539	-2,118
Accrued taxes	-3,612	-4,775	1,967
Accrued reclamation and closure costs and other non-current liabilities	-47,847	-13,418	-32,333
Net cash provided by operating activities	83,124	26,644	69,016
Investing activities:
Additions to properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests	-122,537	-150,736	-113,096
Proceeds from sale of investments		1,772
Proceeds from disposition of properties, plants and equipment	428	460	886
Redemptions of restricted cash and investment balances	4,334	125
Increases in restricted cash and investment balances			-5
Purchases of investments	-580	-6,001	-5,823
Acquisition of Aurizon, net of cash acquired		-321,117
Net cash used by investing activities	-118,355	-475,497	-118,038
Financing activities:
Proceeds from exercise of warrants	54,418	61
Dividends paid to common stockholders	-3,547	-5,991	-17,121
Dividend paid to preferred stockholders	-552	-552	-552
Debt issuance and loan origination fees paid	-938	-1,244	-750
Acquisition of treasury shares	-3,740	-286	-2,144
Borrowings on debt		490,000
Repayments of capital leases	-9,137	-7,039	-5,890
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	36,504	474,949	-26,457
Effect of exchange rates on cash	-3,783	-4,905
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-2,510	21,191	-75,479
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	212,175	190,984	266,463
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	209,665	212,175	190,984
Cash received (paid) during year for:
Interest	-23,749	-13,465	-1,968
Income tax receipts (payments)	7,124	-1,402	4,483
Significant non-cash investing and financing activities:
Stock issued for acquisition of assets		218,302
Capital leases acquired	9,475	12,344	13,119
Changes in asset retirement obligations	675	7,998	-3,738
Payment of accrued compensation in restricted stock units	4,600
Senior notes contributed to pension plan, par value	$6,500

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Series B Preferred Stock [Member]	Series B Preferred Stock [Member]	Series B Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Stock Issued to Directors [Member]	Stock Issued for 401(k) Match [Member]	Total
In Thousands	Preferred Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]		Stock Issued to Directors [Member]	Stock Issued for 401(k) Match [Member]		Stock Issued to Directors [Member]	Stock Issued for 401(k) Match [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$39					$71,420			$1,215,229	($120,557)	($23,498)	($2,520)			$1,140,113
Net income (loss)										14,954					14,954
Stock issued				19			336					-1,941	355		-1,941
Other comprehensive loss											-420				-420
Series B Preferred Stock dividends declared		-552	-552												-552
Common stock dividends declared						1			11	-17,133					-17,121
Restricted stock units granted									2,746						2,746
Restricted stock unit distributions						59			-39			-203			-183
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	39					71,499			1,218,283	-123,288	-23,918	-4,664			1,137,951
Net income (loss)										-25,130					-25,130
Stock issued				31			356						387
Other comprehensive loss											-2,381				-2,381
Series B Preferred Stock dividends declared		-552	-552												-552
Common stock issued for assets purchased (56,998,000 shares)						14,249			204,053						218,302
Common stock dividends declared						2			19	-6,012		-71			-6,062
Repurchase of common shares												-286			-286
Restricted stock units granted									4,188						4,188
Restricted stock unit distributions						109			-109			-59			-59
Warrants exercised						6			55						61
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	39					85,896			1,426,845	-154,982	-26,299	-5,080			1,326,419
Net income (loss)										17,824					17,824
Stock issued				37			438						475
Other comprehensive loss											-5,732				-5,732
Series B Preferred Stock dividends declared										-552					-552
Stock issued for 401(k) match (811,000 shares)					203			2,226						2,429
Common stock dividends declared						4			46	-3,596					-3,546
Repurchase of common shares												-1,501			-1,501
Restricted stock units granted									9,019						9,019
Restricted stock unit distributions						665			-665			-2,279			-2,279
Warrants exercised						5,577			48,841						54,418
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$39					$92,382			$1,486,750	($141,306)	($32,031)	($8,860)			$1,396,974

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha1

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Parentheticals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Common stock dividends declared, per common share (in Dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.02	$0.06
Common stock issued for assets purchased, shares	369,528,345
Common Stock [Member] | Stock Issued to Directors [Member]
Stock issued, shares	150,000	122,250	78,000
Common Stock [Member] | Stock Issued for 401(k) Match [Member]
Stock issued for 401(k) match, shares	811,000
Common Stock [Member]
Common stock dividends declared, shares			3,000
Restricted stock unit distributions, shares	2,674,000	494,000	235,000
Common stock issued for assets purchased, shares		56,998,000
Warrants exercised, shares	22,308,000	25,000
Repurchase of common shares, shares	534,000	50,000

Note_1_Summary_of_Significant_

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	A. Principles of Consolidation — Our Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and include our accounts and our wholly-owned subsidiaries’ accounts. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	B.  Assumptions and Use of Estimates — Preparing financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and related disclosure of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses at the date of the consolidated financial statements and reporting periods. We consider our most critical accounting estimates to be future metals prices; obligations for environmental, reclamation and closure matters; mineral reserves; and valuation of business combinations. Other significant areas requiring the use of management assumptions and estimates relate to reserves for contingencies and litigation; asset impairments, including long-lived assets and investments; valuation of deferred tax assets; and post-employment, post-retirement and other employee benefit assets and liabilities. We have based our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable. Accordingly, actual results may differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
	C.  Cash and Cash Equivalents — Cash and cash equivalents consist of all cash balances and highly liquid investments with a remaining maturity of three months or less when purchased and are carried at fair value. Cash and cash equivalents are invested in money market funds, certificates of deposit, U.S. government and federal agency securities, municipal securities and corporate bonds.
	D.  Investments and Securities Held for Sale — We determine the appropriate classification of our investments at the time of purchase and re-evaluate such determinations at each reporting date. Short-term investments include certificates of deposit and held-to-maturity securities, based on our intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. Marketable equity securities are categorized as available for sale and carried at fair market value.
	Realized gains and losses on the sale of securities are recognized on a specific identification basis. Unrealized gains and losses are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), unless an other than temporary impairment in value has occurred or we have elected the fair value option accounting method when available for certain investments; in either of those cases, the unrealized gain or loss would be charged to current period net income (loss).  The fair value option allows for the fair value measurement of specified assets or liabilities on a case-by-case basis, with unrealized gains and losses recorded to current period net income (loss). Unrealized gains and losses originally included in accumulated other comprehensive income are reclassified to current period net income (loss) when the sale of securities, determination of an other than temporary impairment, or election of the fair value option accounting method occurs.
	E.  Inventories — Inventories are stated at the lower of average costs incurred or estimated net realizable value. Major types of inventories include materials and supplies and metals product inventory, which is determined by the stage at which the ore is in the production process (stockpiled ore and finished goods). Inventories are valued at the lower of full cost of production or net realizable value based on current metals prices.
	Stockpiled ore inventory represents ore that has been mined, hauled to the surface, and is available for further processing. Stockpiles are measured by estimating the number of tons added and removed from the stockpile, the amount of contained metal ounces or pounds (based on assay data) and the estimated metallurgical recovery rates (based on the expected processing method). Costs are allocated to a stockpile based on relative values of material stockpiled and processed using current mining costs incurred up to the point of stockpiling the ore, including applicable overhead, depreciation, depletion and amortization relating to mining operations, and removed at each stockpile’s average cost per recoverable unit.
	Finished goods inventory includes doré and concentrates at our operations, doré in transit to refiners or at refiners waiting to be processed, and bullion in our accounts at refineries.
	F. Restricted Cash — Restricted cash and investments primarily represent investments in money market funds, certificates of deposit, guaranteed investment certificates (Canadian deposits), and bonds of U.S. government agencies and are restricted primarily for reclamation funding or surety bonds. Restricted cash balances are carried at fair value.
	G. Properties, Plants and Equipment – Costs are capitalized when it has been determined an ore body can be economically developed.  The development stage begins at new projects when our management and/or Board of Directors makes the decision to bring a mine into commercial production, and ends when the production stage, or exploitation of reserves, begins.  Expenditures incurred during the development and production stages for new assets, new facilities, alterations to existing facilities that extend the useful lives of those facilities and major mine development expenditures are capitalized, including primary development costs such as costs of building access ways, shaft sinking, lateral development, drift development, ramps and infrastructure developments. Costs to improve, alter, or rehabilitate primary development assets which appreciably extend the life, increase capacity, or improve the efficiency or safety of such assets are also capitalized.
	Costs for exploration, pre-development, secondary development at operating mines, and maintenance and repairs on capitalized property, plant and equipment are charged to operations as incurred.  Exploration costs include those relating to activities carried out (a) in search of previously unidentified mineral deposits, (b) at undeveloped concessions, or (c) at operating mines already containing proven and probable reserves, where a determination remains pending as to whether new target deposits outside of the existing reserve areas can be economically developed.  Pre-development activities involve costs incurred in the exploration stage that may ultimately benefit production, such as underground ramp development, which are expensed due to the lack of evidence of economic development, which is necessary to demonstrate future recoverability of these expenses. At an underground mine, secondary development costs are incurred for preparation of an ore body for production in a specific ore block, stope or work area, providing a relatively short-lived benefit only to the mine area they relate to, and not to the ore body as a whole.
	Drilling and related costs are either classified as exploration or secondary development, as defined above, and charged to operations as incurred, or capitalized, based on the following criteria:
		•	whether the costs are incurred to further define mineralization at and adjacent to existing reserve areas or intended to assist with mine planning within a reserve area;
		•	whether the drilling costs relate to an ore body that has been determined to be commercially mineable, and a decision has been made to put the ore body into commercial production; and
		•	whether, at the time that the cost is incurred, the expenditure: (a) embodies a probable future benefit that involves a capacity, singly or in combination, with other assets to contribute directly or indirectly to future net cash inflows, (b) we can obtain the benefit and control others’ access to it, and (c) the transaction or event giving rise to our right to or control of the benefit has already occurred.
	If all of these criteria are met, drilling and related costs are capitalized.  Drilling costs not meeting all of these criteria are expensed as incurred.  The following factors are considered in determining whether or not the criteria listed above have been met, and capitalization of drilling costs is appropriate:
		•	completion of a favorable economic study and mine plan for the ore body targeted;
		•	authorization of development of the ore body by management and/or the Board of Directors; and
		•	all permitting and/or contractual requirements necessary for us to have the right to or control of the future benefit from the targeted ore body have been met.
	Drilling and related costs of approximately $5.3 million, $8.0 million, and $5.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, met our criteria for capitalization listed above at our properties that are in the production stage.
	When assets are retired or sold, the costs and related allowances for depreciation and amortization are eliminated from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in current period net income (loss).  Idle facilities placed on standby are carried at the lower of net carrying value or estimated net realizable value.  The net carrying values of idle facilities on standby are written-down to salvage value upon reaching the end of the economic life.  Therefore, with the exception of depreciation recorded on mobile equipment used in ongoing exploration and reclamation efforts at such properties, we do not record depreciation on idle facilities when they are not in operation.
	Included in property, plant and equipment on our consolidated financial statements are mineral interests, which are tangible assets that include acquired undeveloped mineral interests and royalty interests.  Undeveloped mineral interests include: (i) mineralized material and other resources which are measured, indicated or inferred with insufficient drill spacing or quality to qualify as proven and probable reserves; and (ii) inferred material not immediately adjacent to existing proven and probable reserves but accessible within the immediate mine infrastructure.  Residual values for undeveloped mineral interests represents the expected fair value of the interests at the time we plan to convert, develop, further explore or dispose of the interests and are evaluated at least annually.
	We capitalize portions of interest costs incurred on our debt as a part of the cost of constructing or acquiring certain qualifying assets. The amount of interest capitalized represents the portion of interest cost incurred during the construction or acquisition periods that theoretically could have been avoided if expenditures for the qualifying assets had not been made, limited to the total interest cost actually incurred during the period. Qualifying assets include discrete projects constructed by us or by a third party for our use which required a period of time to prepare the assets for their intended use. Interest capitalization takes place when capital expenditures for qualifying assets have been incurred, activities to prepare the qualifying asset for its intended use are underway, and interest cost is being incurred.
	H. Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization — Capitalized costs are depreciated or depleted using the straight-line method or unit-of-production method at rates sufficient to depreciate such costs over the shorter of estimated productive lives of such facilities or the useful life of the individual assets. Productive lives range from 1 to 28 years, but do not exceed the useful life of the individual asset. Determination of expected useful lives for amortization calculations are made on a property-by-property or asset-by-asset basis at least annually. Our estimates for reserves, mineralized material, and other resources are a key component in determining our units of production depreciation rates. Our estimates of proven and probable ore reserves, mineralized material, and other resources may change, possibly in the near term, resulting in changes to depreciation, depletion and amortization rates in future reporting periods.
	Undeveloped mineral interests and value beyond proven and probable reserves are not amortized until such time as there are proven and probable reserves or the related mineralized material is converted to proven and probable reserves.  At that time, the basis of the mineral interest is amortized on a units-of-production basis.  Pursuant to our policy on impairment of long-lived assets (discussed further below), if it is determined that an undeveloped mineral interest cannot be economically converted to proven and probable reserves, the basis of the mineral interest is reduced to its net realizable value and an impairment loss is recorded to expense in the period in which it is determined to be impaired.
	I.  Impairment of Long-lived Assets — Management reviews and evaluates the net carrying value of all facilities, including idle facilities, for impairment upon the occurrence of other events or changes in circumstances that indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. We estimate the net realizable value of each property based on the estimated undiscounted future cash flows that will be generated from operations at each property, the estimated salvage value of the surface plant and equipment, and the value associated with property interests.
	Although management has made a reasonable estimate of factors based on current conditions and information, assumptions underlying future cash flows are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Estimates of undiscounted future cash flows are dependent upon estimates of metals to be recovered from proven and probable ore reserves, and to some extent identified mineralization and other resources beyond proven and probable reserves, future production and capital costs and estimated metals prices (considering current and historical prices, forward pricing curves and related factors) over the estimated remaining mine life. It is reasonably possible that changes could occur in the near term that could adversely affect our estimate of future cash flows to be generated from our operating properties. If undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of a property, an impairment loss is recognized.
	J. Proven and Probable Ore Reserves — At least annually, management reviews the reserves used to estimate the quantities and grades of ore at our mines which we believe can be recovered and sold economically. Management’s calculations of proven and probable ore reserves are based on financial, engineering and geological estimates, including future metals prices and operating costs. From time to time, management obtains external audits of reserves. A partial third-party audit of 2012 reserves at Greens Creek and a third-party audit of 2013 reserves at Lucky Friday were concluded during 2013. A third party review of 2013 reserves at Casa Berardi was performed during 2013.
	Reserve estimates will change as existing reserves are depleted through production and as production costs and/or metals prices change. A significant drop in metals prices may reduce reserves by making some portion of such ore uneconomic to develop and produce. Changes in reserves may also reflect that actual grades of ore processed may be different from stated reserve grades because of variation in grades in areas mined, mining dilution and other factors. Our reserve estimates may change based on actual production experience. It is reasonably possible that certain of our estimates of proven and probable ore reserves will change in the near term, which could result in a change to estimated future cash flows, associated carrying values of the asset and amortization rates in future reporting periods, among other things.
	Declines in the market prices of metals, increased production or capital costs, reduction in the grade or tonnage of the deposit or an increase in the dilution of the ore or reduced recovery rates may render ore reserves uneconomic to exploit. If our realized price for the metals we produce were to decline substantially below the levels set for calculation of reserves for an extended period, there could be material delays in the development of new projects, net losses, reduced cash flow, restatements or reductions in reserves and asset write-downs in the applicable accounting periods. Reserves should not be interpreted as assurances of mine life or of the profitability of current or future operations. No assurance can be given that the estimate of the amount of metal or the indicated level of recovery of these metals will be realized.
	K. Pension Plans and Other Post-retirement Benefits — We maintain defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all U.S. employees and provide certain post-retirement benefits for qualifying retired employees. Canadian employees participate in Canada's public retirement income system, and are not eligible to participate in the defined benefit pension plans that we maintain for U.S. employees. Pension benefits under the plans we maintain generally depend on length and level of service and age upon retirement. Substantially all benefits are paid through pension trusts. We contributed approximately $0.3 million per year related to our unfunded supplemental executive retirement plan in years 2014, 2013 and 2012, and expect to contribute $0.4 million related to this plan in 2015. We made cash contributions of approximately $1.0 million and $1.1 million to our defined benefit pension plans in 2013 and 2012, respectively. In 2014, we contributed our Senior Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $6.5 million to one of our defined benefit pension plans. In January 2015, we contributed approximately $4.9 million in shares of our common stock to our defined benefit plans, with no additional contributions anticipated in 2015.
	Regulations regarding employers’ accounting for defined benefit pension and other post-retirement plans, among other things, require us to:
		•	Recognize the funded status of our defined benefit plans in our consolidated financial statements; and
		•	Recognize as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) the actuarial gains and losses and prior service costs and credits that arise during the period but are not immediately recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost.
	We also maintain two defined contribution (401(k)) plans as described in Note 8.
	L. Income and Production Taxes — We provide for federal, state and foreign income taxes currently payable, as well as those deferred due to timing differences between reporting income and expenses for financial statement purposes versus tax purposes. Federal, state and foreign tax benefits are recorded as a reduction of income taxes, when applicable. We record deferred tax liabilities and assets for expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of those assets and liabilities, as well as operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the differences are expected to reverse.
	We evaluate uncertain tax positions in a two-step process, whereby (i) it is determined whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained based on the technical merits of the position and (ii) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority would be recognized.
	We classify mine license taxes incurred in the states of Alaska and Idaho as other direct production costs reported in our gross profits. Resource taxes incurred in Quebec, Canada are classified as income taxes.
	For additional information, see Note 5 — Income Taxes.
	M. Reclamation and Remediation Costs (Asset Retirement Obligations)  — At our operating properties, we record a liability for the present value of our estimated environmental remediation costs, and the related asset created with it, in the period in which the liability is incurred. The liability is accreted and the asset is depreciated over the life of the related assets. Adjustments for changes resulting from the passage of time and changes to either the timing or amount of the original present value estimate underlying the obligation are made in the period incurred.
	At our non-operating properties, we accrue costs associated with environmental remediation obligations when it is probable that such costs will be incurred and they are reasonably estimable. Accruals for estimated losses from environmental remediation obligations have historically been recognized no later than completion of the remedial feasibility study for such facility and are charged to current earnings under provision for closed operations and environmental matters. Costs of future expenditures for environmental remediation are not discounted to their present value unless subject to a contractually obligated fixed payment schedule. Such costs are based on management’s current estimate of amounts to be incurred when the remediation work is performed, within current laws and regulations.
	Future closure, reclamation and environmental-related expenditures are difficult to estimate in many circumstances, due to the early stage nature of investigations, uncertainties associated with defining the nature and extent of environmental contamination, the application of laws and regulations by regulatory authorities, and changes in reclamation or remediation technology. We periodically review accrued liabilities for such reclamation and remediation costs as evidence becomes available indicating that our liabilities have potentially changed. Changes in estimates at our non-operating properties are reflected in current period net income (loss).
	Accruals for closure costs, reclamation, and environmental matters for operating and non-operating properties totaled $57.3 million at December 31, 2014. It is reasonably possible the ultimate cost of reclamation and remediation could change in the future, and that changes to these estimates could have a material effect on future operating results as new information becomes known.
	N. Revenue Recognition and Trade Accounts Receivable — Sales of all metals products sold directly to customers, including by-product metals, are recorded as revenues and accounts receivable when title and risk of loss transfer to the customer (generally at the time of shipment) at estimated forward prices for the anticipated month of settlement. Due to the time elapsed from shipment to the customer and the final settlement with the customer, we must estimate the prices at which sales of our metals will be settled. Previously recorded sales and accounts receivable are adjusted to estimated settlement metals prices until final settlement by the customer.
	Sales and accounts receivable for concentrate shipments are recorded net of charges by the customers for treatment, refining, smelting losses, and other charges negotiated by us with the customers. Charges are estimated by us upon shipment of concentrates based on contractual terms, and actual charges do not vary materially from our estimates. Costs charged by customers include fixed treatment and refining costs per ton of concentrate, and also include price escalators which allow the customers to participate in the increase of lead and zinc prices above a negotiated baseline.
	Changes in metals prices between shipment and final settlement will result in adjustments to revenues and accounts receivable related to sales of concentrate previously recorded upon shipment. Our concentrate sales and accounts receivable are based on provisional sales prices containing an embedded derivative that is required to be separated from the host contract for accounting purposes. The host contract is the receivable from the sale of the concentrates at the forward price at the time of the sale. The embedded derivative, which does not qualify for hedge accounting, is adjusted to market through earnings each period prior to final settlement.
	At December 31, 2014, metals contained in concentrates and exposed to future price changes totaled 1.7 million ounces of silver, 6,702 ounces of gold, 10,394 tons of zinc, and 4,542 tons of lead.  However, as discussed in P. Risk Management Contracts below, we seek to mitigate the risk of negative price adjustments by using financially settled forward contracts for some of our sales.
	Sales of metals in products tolled by refiners and sold directly by us, rather than sold to smelters, are recorded at contractual amounts when title and risk of loss transfer to the buyer.
	Changes in the market price of metals significantly affect our revenues, profitability, and cash flow. Metals prices can and often do fluctuate widely and are affected by numerous factors beyond our control, such as political and economic conditions, demand, forward selling by producers, aggregation by metals speculators and others, expectations for inflation, central bank sales, custom smelter activities, the relative exchange rate of the U.S. dollar, investor sentiment, and global mine production levels. The aggregate effect of these factors is impossible to predict. Because our revenue is derived from the sale of silver, gold, lead, and zinc, our earnings are directly related to the prices of these metals.
	O. Foreign Currency — The functional currency for our operations located in the U.S., Mexico and Canada was the U.S. dollar for all periods presented. Accordingly, for the Casa Berardi unit in Canada and San Sebastian project in Mexico, we have translated our monetary assets and liabilities at the period-end exchange rate, and non-monetary assets and liabilities at historical rates, with income and expenses translated at the average exchange rate for the current period. All translation gains and losses have been included in the current period net income (loss).
	For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, we recognized total net foreign exchange gains of $11.5 million and $3.0 million, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2012, we recognized total net foreign exchange losses of $0.1 million.
	P. Risk Management Contracts — We use derivative financial instruments as part of an overall risk-management strategy that is used as a means of managing exposure to base metals prices. We do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for speculative trading purposes. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, none of these contracts qualified for hedge accounting and all unrealized gains and losses are therefore reported in earnings.
	We measure derivative contracts as assets or liabilities based on their fair value. Amounts recognized for the fair value of derivative asset and liability positions with the same counterparty and which would be settled on a net basis are offset against each other on our consolidated balance sheets. Gains or losses resulting from changes in the fair value of derivatives in each period are recorded either in current earnings or other comprehensive income (“OCI”), depending on the use of the derivative, whether it qualifies for hedge accounting and whether that hedge is effective. Amounts deferred in OCI are reclassified to sales of products (for metals price-related contracts) or interest expense (for interest rate-related contracts, which we have used in the past) when the hedged transaction has occurred. Ineffective portions of any change in fair value of a derivative are recorded in current period other operating income (expense).
	We utilize two financially-settled forward contract programs to manage the exposure to changes in prices of (i) silver, gold, zinc, and lead contained in our concentrate shipments between the time of sale and final settlement and (ii) zinc and lead contained in our forecasted future concentrate shipments.  The contracts under these programs do not qualify for hedge accounting, and are marked-to-market through earnings each period.  See Note 10 for additional information on base metal derivative contracts, including open positions as of December 31, 2014.
	Q. Stock Based Compensation — The fair values of equity instruments granted to employees and having vesting periods are expensed over the vesting periods on a straight-line basis. The fair values of instruments having no vesting period are expensed when granted.   We recognized stock-based compensation expense of approximately $5.0 million, $4.5 million, and $3.1 million, respectively, during 2014, 2013 and 2012, which was recorded to general and administrative expenses, exploration and cost of sales and other direct production costs.   As of December 31, 2014, the majority of the instruments outstanding were fully vested.
	For additional information on our employee stock option and restricted stock unit compensation, see Note 9.
	R.  Legal Costs – Legal costs incurred in connection with a potential loss contingency are recorded to expense as incurred.
	S. Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Common Share — We calculate basic earnings per share on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated using weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus the effect of potential dilutive common shares during the period using the treasury stock and if-converted methods.
	Potential dilutive common shares include outstanding stock options, unvested restricted stock awards, stock units, warrants and convertible preferred stock for periods in which we have reported net income. For periods in which we reported net losses, potential dilutive common shares are excluded, as their conversion and exercise would be anti-dilutive. See Note 13 for additional information.
	T. Comprehensive Income (Loss) — In addition to net income (loss), comprehensive income (loss) includes certain changes in equity during a period, such as adjustments to minimum pension liabilities, adjustments to recognize the over-funded or underfunded status of our defined benefit pension plans, and cumulative unrecognized changes in the fair value of available for sale investments, net of tax, if applicable.
	U.  Fair Value Measurements — We disclose the following information for each class of assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value:
		1	the fair value measurement;
		2	the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements in their entirety fall, segregating fair value measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1), significant other observable inputs (Level 2), and significant unobservable inputs (Level 3);
	3	for fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances, separately presenting changes during the period attributable to the following:
	a.	total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), segregating those gains or losses included in earnings, and a description of where those gains or losses included in earnings  are reported in the statement of operations;
	b.	the amount of these gains or losses attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to those assets or liabilities still held at the reporting period date and a description of where those unrealized gains or losses are reported;
	c.	purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (net); and
	d.	transfers into and/or out of Level 3.
	4	the amount of the total gains or losses for the period included in earnings  that are attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to those assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date and a description of where those unrealized gains or losses are reported in the statement of operations; and
	5	in annual periods only, the valuation technique(s) used to measure fair value and a discussion of changes in valuation techniques, if any, during the period.
V. New Accounting Pronouncements — In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, which requires entities to present unrecognized tax benefits as a decrease in a net operating loss, similar tax loss, or tax credit carryforward if certain criteria are met. The FASB's intent was to eliminate the diversity in practice of the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits but does not alter the way in which entities assess deferred tax assets for realizability. ASU No. 2013-11 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013. Adoption of this guidance has not had a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09 Revenue Recognition, replacing guidance currently codified in Subtopic 605-10 Revenue Recognition-Overall with various SEC Staff Accounting Bulletins providing interpretive guidance. The guidance establishes a new five step principle-based framework in an effort to significantly enhance comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions, and capital markets. ASU No. 2014-09 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We are in the process of evaluating this guidance and our method of adoption.

Note_2_Cash_Investments_and_Re

Note 2 - Cash, Investments, and Restricted Cash	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash Restricted Cash And Investments [Abstract]
Cash Restricted Cash And Investments [Text Block]	Note 2. Cash, Investments, and Restricted Cash
	Cash
	Our cash is maintained in various financial institutions, with a large majority of our cash balances at December 31, 2014 invested in either U.S. government paper (treasury or agency) or U.S. government or treasury money market funds which are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) or the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation ("CDIC").  A small portion of our cash balances are held in bank accounts insured by the FDIC for up to $250,000 per institution and by the CDIC for up to CAD$100,000 per institution.
	Investments
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the fair value of our non-current investments was $4.9 million and $7.0 million, respectively. Marketable equity securities are carried at fair market value, as they are classified as “available-for-sale.”  The basis of our non-current investments, representing equity securities, was approximately $7.3 million and $9.8 million, respectively, at December 31, 2014 and 2013.  During the third quarter of 2014 and fourth quarter of 2013, we recognized $2.4 million and $3.0 million losses, respectively, in current earnings on impairments of equity shares, as we determined the impairments to be other-than-temporary. In 2014, we acquired common stock in other mining companies for a total cost of $0.6 million.
	At December 31, 2014, total unrealized loss positions of $2.0 million, net of unrealized gains of $21 thousand, for our non-current investments were included in accumulated other comprehensive loss.
	Our non-current investments balance as of December 31, 2014 includes our ownership of approximately 29% of the outstanding common shares of Typhoon Exploration Inc. ("Typhoon"), having a cost basis of $0.7 million and fair value of $0.5 million, and our ownership of approximately 19% of Brixton Metals Corporation ("Brixton"), having a cost basis of $0.5 million and a fair value of $0.3 million. We elected to apply the fair value option accounting method to the Typhoon and Brixton investments upon those investments meeting the criteria for equity method accounting. We evaluate the accounting treatment of our individual investments based on whether we believe our ownership percentage and other factors indicate that we have the ability to exercise significant influence in the financial and/or operational decisions of the investee. As of December 31, 2014, we have determined that no other investments held by us meet the criteria for equity method accounting.
	Restricted Cash and Investments
	Various laws and permits require that financial assurances be in place for certain environmental and reclamation obligations and other potential liabilities. Restricted investments primarily represent investments in money market funds, certificates of deposit, and guaranteed investment certificates (Canadian deposits). These investments (which included current and non-current balances) are restricted primarily for reclamation funding or surety bonds and were $0.9 million at December 31, 2014, and $5.2 million at December 31, 2013. The decrease in restricted cash was attributed to a modification of Casa Berardi's reclamation funding, which substituted a letter of credit for previously held cash collateral.
	In June of 2014, we successfully modified the type of financial guarantee for reclamation work required by the Quebec Mining Act from restricted cash deposits to a letter of credit. This allowed the release of formerly restricted cash totaling $7.5 million.

Note_3_Properties_Plants_Equip

Note 3 - Properties, Plants, Equipment and Mineral Interests, and Lease Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 3: Properties, Plants, Equipment and Mineral Interests, and Lease Commitments
	Properties, Plants, Equipment and Mineral Interests
	Our major components of properties, plants, equipment, and mineral interests are (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Mining properties, including asset retirement obligations	$	336,962	$	312,692
	Development costs		250,340		204,598
	Plants and equipment		698,100		626,818
	Land		15,799		15,799
	Mineral interests		929,844		946,144
	Construction in progress		224,216		200,921
			2,455,261		2,306,972
	Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization		623,697		515,371
	Net carrying value	$	1,831,564	$	1,791,601
	During 2014, we incurred total capital expenditures, excluding non-cash items for additions acquired under capital leases and adjustments for asset retirement obligations, capitalized interest, and deferred taxes, of approximately $122.5 million. The additions included $49.4 million at the Lucky Friday unit, $26.2 million at the Greens Creek unit, and $46.6 million at the Casa Berardi unit.
	On June 1, 2013, we completed the acquisition of Aurizon Mines Ltd. ("Aurizon") for CAD$740.8 million ($714.5 million). See Note 15 for more information.
	Properties, plants, equipment, and mineral interests includes the portion of interest costs incurred on our debt capitalized as a part of the cost of constructing certain qualifying assets. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, capitalized interest totaled $11.8 million and $6.5 million, respectively.
	Capital Leases
	We periodically enter into lease agreements primarily for equipment at our Greens Creek, Lucky Friday and Casa Berardi units which we have determined to be capital leases.  As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we have recorded $50.7 million and $41.2 million, respectively, for the gross amount of assets acquired under the capital leases and $8.6 million and $10.1 million, respectively, in accumulated depreciation, classified as plants and equipment in Properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests.  See Note 6 for information on future obligations related to our capital leases.
	Operating Leases
	We enter into operating leases during the normal course of business. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we incurred expenses of $3.5 million, $3.1 million and $3.1 million, respectively, for these leases. At December 31, 2014, future obligations under our non-cancelable operating leases were as follows (in thousands):
	Year ending December 31,
	2015	$	3,456
	2016		3,364
	2017		2,962
	2018		966
	2019		968
	Thereafter		2,081
	Total	$	13,797

Note_4_Environmental_and_Recla

Note 4 - Environmental and Reclamation Activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Environmental And Reclamation Activities [Abstract]
Environmental And Reclamation Activities [Text Block]	Note 4: Environmental and Reclamation Activities
	The liabilities accrued for our reclamation and closure costs at December 31, 2014 and 2013, were as follows (in thousands):
		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
	The activity in our accrued reclamation and closure cost liability for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, was as follows (in thousands):
	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
	On September 8, 2011, a Consent Decree (the “Consent Decree”) settling environmental litigation and related claims involving Hecla Limited pertaining to historic releases of mining wastes in the Coeur d'Alene Basin was approved and entered by the U.S. District Court in Idaho. The Consent Decree resolved all existing claims of the Plaintiffs against Hecla Limited and its affiliates under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (“CERCLA”) (and certain other statutes) for past response costs, future environmental remediation costs, and natural resource damages related to historic releases of mining wastes in the Coeur d'Alene River Basin. The Consent Decree also resolved all remaining obligations of Hecla Limited under the 1994 Consent Decree relating to the “Box,” a rectangular 21-square-mile site located near Kellogg, Idaho within the Bunker Hill Superfund site. The Consent Decree contains comprehensive terms of settlement, including financial terms which required that Hecla Limited pay, in the aggregate, $264.4 million to the Plaintiffs over approximately three years following the settlement. Payments of approximately $168 million, $25 million, and $15 million (and related interest) were made in October 2011, 2012, and 2013, respectively, pursuant to the terms of the Consent Decree. In addition, a payment of approximately $14.1 million in proceeds from warrants exercised during the second quarter of 2014 was made in July 2014. Finally, a payment of approximately $41.3 million, consisting primarily of proceeds from the exercise of the remaining outstanding warrants, was made in August 2014, which satisfied Hecla Limited's remaining payment obligations under the Consent Decree.
	Asset Retirement Obligations
	Below is a reconciliation as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands) of the asset retirement obligations ("ARO") relating to our operating properties, which are included in our total accrued reclamation and closure costs of $57.3 million and $105.2 million, respectively, discussed above. The estimated reclamation and abandonment costs were discounted using credit adjusted, risk-free interest rates ranging from 6% to 8% from the time we incurred the obligation to the time we expect to pay the retirement obligation.
		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
	In the fourth quarter of 2012, we updated our ARO at Greens Creek to reflect a preliminary revised reclamation and closure plan having estimated undiscounted costs of approximately $73.9 million, an increase from the $53.4 million in the previous plan. In late 2013, a Record of Decision was completed for proposed expansion of tailings capacity. In addition, in early 2014 we were engaged in negotiations with the U.S. Forest Service and state agencies on their proposed revisions to our previously-submitted reclamation and closure plan. In 2014, we updated our ARO at Greens Creek to reflect a revised reclamation and closure plan having estimated undiscounted costs of approximately $96.7 million, an increase from the $73.9 million in the previous plan, which was primarily the result of a new requirement to include perpetual water treatment in the closure plan. This resulted in an increase to the ARO asset and liability of $2.2 million after discounting the estimated costs to present value. As part of the revised closure plan, we increased our reclamation bonding from $30 million to approximately $68.9 million in 2014.

Note_5_Income_Taxes

Note 5 - Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 5: Income Taxes
	Major components of our income tax benefit (provision) for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Domestic	$	7,761		$	2,963		$	(7,086	)
	Foreign		(619	)		(175	)		(459	)
	Total current income tax benefit (provision)		7,142			2,788			(7,545	)
	Deferred:
	Domestic		(1,572	)		247			(1,334	)
	Foreign		(330	)		6,760			—
	Total deferred income tax benefit (provision)		(1,902	)		7,007			(1,334	)
	Total income tax benefit (provision)	$	5,240		$	9,795		$	(8,879	)
	Domestic and foreign components of income (loss) before income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Domestic	$	(1,505	)	$	(1,681	)	$	37,025
	Foreign		14,089			(33,244	)		(13,192	)
	Total	$	12,584		$	(34,925	)	$	23,833
	The annual tax benefit (provision) is different from the amount that would be provided by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to our pretax income (loss). The reasons for the difference are (in thousands):
		2014						2013					2012
	Computed “statutory” benefit (provision)	$	(4,405	)		35	%	$	12,224		35	%	$	(8,342	)	35	%
	Percentage depletion		6,034			(48	)		3,946		11			5,575		(24	)
	Change in valuation allowance other than utilization		(6,314	)		50			(3,870	)	(11	)		(3,837	)	16
	State taxes, net of federal taxes		1,671			(13	)		720		2			(1,110	)	5
	Transaction costs		—			—			(1,743	)	(5	)		—		—
	Foreign currency translation of monetary assets		16,368			(130	)		3,445		10			—		—
	Rate differential on foreign earnings		(5,938	)		47			(4,255	)	(12	)		(780	)	3
	Compensation		(1,308	)		10			(326	)	(1	)		(444	)	2
	Other		(868	)		7			(346	)	(1	)		59		—
		$	5,240			(42	)%	$	9,795		28	%	$	(8,879	)	37	%
	We evaluated the positive and negative evidence available to determine the amount of valuation allowance required on our deferred tax assets.  At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the balances of our valuation allowances were $32 million and $27 million, respectively, primarily for foreign net operating loss carryforwards. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered recoverable, however, could be reduced in the near term if estimates of future taxable income are reduced.
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the net deferred tax liability was $42 million and $51 million, respectively. The individual components of our net deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected in the table below (in thousands).
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accrued reclamation costs	$	20,573		$	39,262
	Deferred exploration		32,225			35,267
	Foreign net operating losses		25,790			27,923
	Domestic net operating losses		73,018			54,181
	AMT credit carryforwards		14,698			22,155
	Pension and benefit obligation		16,876			10,354
	Foreign exchange gain		16,555			2,488
	Miscellaneous		29,976			28,589
	Total deferred tax assets		229,711			220,219
	Valuation allowance		(32,094	)		(27,155	)
	Total deferred tax assets		197,617			193,064
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Miscellaneous		(7,620	)		(5,966	)
	Properties, plants and equipment		(232,397	)		(238,497	)
	Total deferred tax liabilities		(240,017	)		(244,463	)
	Net deferred tax asset (liability)	$	(42,400	)	$	(51,399	)
	We plan to permanently reinvest earnings from foreign subsidiaries with the exception of Hecla Quebec Inc., our wholly-owned subsidiary which owns our Casa Berardi mine and other interests in Quebec, Canada. For the years 2014, 2013 and 2012, we had no unremitted foreign earnings. Foreign net operating losses carried forward are shown above as a deferred tax asset, with a partial valuation allowance as discussed below.
	We recorded a valuation allowance to reflect the estimated amount of deferred tax assets, which may not be realized principally due to the expiration of foreign net operating losses and foreign tax credit carryforwards. The changes in the valuation allowance for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, are as follows (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of year	$	(27,155	)	$	(23,030	)	$	(22,895	)
	Increase related to non-utilization of net operating loss carryforwards and non-recognition of deferred tax assets due to uncertainty of recovery		(6,314	)		(3,870	)		(3,837	)
	Decrease related to utilization and expiration of deferred tax assets, other		1,375			(255	)		3,702
	Balance at end of year	$	(32,094	)	$	(27,155	)	$	(23,030	)
	As of December 31, 2014, for U.S. income tax purposes, we have federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of $218 million and $87 million, respectively.  These net operating loss carryforwards have a 20 year expiration period, the earliest of which could expire in 2020.  We have foreign and provincial net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $87 million and $12 million, respectively, which expire between 2015 and 2034. We have approximately $15 million in alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards which do not expire and are eligible to reduce future U.S. tax liabilities.  Our utilization of U.S. net operating loss carryforwards may be subject to annual limitations if there is a change in control as defined under Internal Revenue Code Section 382.
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013 we had $20 million of federal net operating loss carryovers relating to excess tax benefits from the exercise of employee stock options and the vesting of restricted stock awards. These amounts are not reflected in our deferred tax asset for net operating loss carryovers. We recognize the excess tax benefits from the exercise of employee stock options and the vesting of restricted stock awards in the period in which these tax benefits reduce income taxes payable, after net operating loss carryforwards are fully utilized.
	We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, various state and foreign jurisdictions.  We are no longer subject to income tax examinations by U.S. federal and state tax authorities for years prior to 2000, or examinations by foreign tax authorities for years prior to 2008.  We currently have no tax years under examination.
	We had no unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2014 or 2013.  Due to the net operating loss carryover provision, coupled with the lack of any unrecognized tax benefits, we have not provided for any interest or penalties associated with any uncertain tax positions.  If interest and penalties were to be assessed, our policy is to charge interest to interest expense, and penalties to other operating expense.  It is not anticipated that there will be any significant changes to unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12 months.

Note_6_Senior_Notes_Credit_Fac

Note 6 - Senior Notes, Credit Facilities, and Capital Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 6: Senior Notes, Credit Facilities and Capital Leases
	Senior Notes
	On April 12, 2013, we completed an offering of $500 million in aggregate principal amount of our Senior Notes due May 1, 2021 in a private placement conducted pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and in 2014, an additional $6.5 million aggregate principal amount of the Notes were issued to our pension plan as described below (collectively, the “Notes”). The Notes are governed by the Indenture, dated as of April 12, 2013, as amended (the “Indenture”), among Hecla Mining Company ("Hecla") and certain of our subsidiaries and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee. The net proceeds from the initial offering of the Notes ($490 million) were used to partially fund the acquisition of Aurizon and for general corporate purposes, including expenses related to the Aurizon acquisition.
	In connection with the sale of the Notes, we entered into a Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 12, 2013, pursuant to which Hecla and the Guarantors agreed to exchange the Notes for a new issue of debt securities registered under the Securities Act, with terms substantially identical to those of the Notes (except with respect to certain transfer restrictions and certain obligations to pay special interest as described in the Notes). The exchange offer was completed in January 2014 with 99.99% of the then outstanding Notes tendered for exchange.
	The Notes are recorded net of a 2% initial purchaser discount totaling $10 million at the time of the April 2013 issuance and having an unamortized balance of $8.0 million as of December 31, 2014. The Notes bear interest at a rate of 6.875% per year from the date of original issuance or from the most recent payment date on which interest has been paid or provided for.  Interest on the Notes is payable on May 1 and November 1 of each year, commencing November 1, 2013. During 2014 and 2013, interest expense related to the Notes and amortization of the initial purchaser discount and fees related to the issuance of the Notes, net of $11.8 million and $6.5 million, respectively, in capitalized interest, totaled $24.6 million and $19.1 million, respectively.
	The Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by certain of our subsidiaries (the "Guarantors").   The Notes and the guarantees are, respectively, Hecla's and the Guarantors' general senior unsecured obligations and are subordinated to all of Hecla's and the Guarantors' existing and future secured debt to the extent of the assets securing that secured debt.  In addition, the Notes are effectively subordinated to all of the liabilities of Hecla's subsidiaries that are not guaranteeing the Notes, to the extent of the assets of those subsidiaries.
	The Notes will be redeemable in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time on or after May 1, 2016, on the redemption dates and at the redemption prices specified in the Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption.  Prior to May 1, 2016, we may redeem some or all of the Notes at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date, plus a “make whole” premium.  We may redeem up to 35% of the Notes before May 1, 2016 with the net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings.
	Upon the occurrence of a change of control (as defined in the Indenture), each holder of Notes will have the right to require us to purchase all or a portion of such holder's Notes pursuant to a change of control offer (as defined in the Indenture), at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase, subject to the rights of holders of the Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date.
	On April 14, 2014, we entered into a contribution agreement with the Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan Trust pursuant to which we agreed to contribute Notes to the trust over the course of 2014 in order to satisfy the funding requirement for one of our defined benefit pension plans for 2014. On the same day we filed a registration statement with the SEC for resale of the Notes that we agreed to contribute to the trust. In 2014, we contributed Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $6.5 million to the trust in satisfaction of our funding obligation for 2014. The contribution agreement has been amended to provide that no further contributions are required, as the funding obligation has been satisfied.
	Credit Facilities
	In February 2014, we entered into a $100 million senior secured revolving credit facility ,which was amended in November 2014 to extend the maturity date to November 18, 2018. The credit facility is collateralized by the shares of common stock held in our material domestic subsidiaries and by our joint venture interests in the Greens Creek mine, all of our rights and interests in the joint venture agreement, and all of our rights and interests in the assets of the joint venture.  This credit facility replaced our previous $100 million credit facility which had the same terms of collateral as described above. Below is information on the interest rates, standby fee, and financial covenant terms under our current credit facility:
	Interest rates:
	Spread over the London Interbank Offer Rate		2.25 - 3.25%
	Spread over alternative base rate		1.25 - 2.25%
	Standby fee per annum on undrawn amounts		0.50%
	Covenant financial ratios:
	Senior leverage ratio (debt secured by liens/EBITDA)		not more than 2.50:	1
	Leverage ratio (total debt less unencumbered cash/EBITDA)		not more than 4.00:	1
	Interest coverage ratio (EBITDA/interest expense)		not more than 3.00:	1
	We were in compliance with all covenants under the credit agreement and no amounts were outstanding as of December 31, 2014.  We have not drawn funds on the current revolving credit facility as of the filing date of this report.
	Capital Leases
	We have entered into various lease agreements primarily for equipment at our Greens Creek, Lucky Friday and Casa Berardi units, which we have determined to be capital leases.  At December 31, 2014, the total liability associated with the capital leases, including certain purchase option and provincial tax amounts, was $23.1 million, with $9.5 million of the liability classified as current and $13.7 million classified as non-current. At December 31, 2013, the total liability balance associated with capital leases was $22.8 million, with $8.5 million of the liability classified as current and $14.3 million classified as non-current. The total obligation for future minimum lease payments was $23.8 million at December 31, 2014, with $1.1 million attributed to interest.
	At December 31, 2014, the annual maturities of capital lease commitments, including interest, were (in thousands):
	Twelve-month period ending December 31,
	2015	$	10,266
	2016		7,622
	2017		4,115
	2018		1,782
	Total		23,785
	Less: imputed interest		(1,128	)
	Net capital lease obligation	$	22,657

Note_7_Commitments_Contingenci

Note 7 - Commitments, Contingencies and Obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 7: Commitments, Contingencies, and Obligations
	General
	We follow the FASB Accounting Standards Codification guidance in determining our accruals and disclosures with respect to loss contingencies, and evaluate such accruals and contingencies for each reporting period. Accordingly, estimated losses from loss contingencies are accrued by a charge to income when information available prior to issuance of the financial statements indicates that it is probable that a liability could be incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Legal expenses associated with the contingency are expensed as incurred. If a loss contingency is not probable or reasonably estimable, disclosure of the loss contingency is made in the financial statements when it is at least reasonably possible that a material loss could be incurred.
	Rio Grande Silver Guaranty
	Our wholly-owned subsidiary, Rio Grande Silver Inc. (“Rio”), is party to a joint venture with Emerald Mining & Leasing, LLC (“EML”) and certain other parties with respect to a land package in the Creede Mining District of Colorado that is adjacent to other land held by Rio. Rio holds a 70% interest in the joint venture. In connection with the joint venture, we are required to guarantee certain environmental remediation-related obligations of EML to a third party up to a maximum liability to us of $2.5 million. As of December 31, 2014, we have not been required to make any payments pursuant to the guaranty. We may be required to make payments in the future, limited to the $2.5 million maximum liability, should EML fail to meet its obligations to the third party. However, to the extent that any payments are made by us under the guaranty, EML, in addition to other parties, have jointly and severally agreed to reimburse and indemnify us for any such payments. We have not recorded a liability relating to the guaranty as of December 31, 2014.
	Lucky Friday Water Permit Matters
	Over the last several years, the Lucky Friday unit has experienced several regulatory issues relating to its water discharge permits and water management more generally.
		•	In late 2008 and early 2009, Hecla Limited experienced a number of alleged permit exceedances for water discharges at the Lucky Friday unit. These alleged violations resulted in Hecla Limited entering into a Consent Agreement and Final Order (“CAFO”) and a Compliance Order with the EPA in April 2009, which included an extended compliance timeline. In connection with the CAFO, Hecla Limited paid the maximum administrative penalty to the EPA of $177,500 to settle any liability for such alleged exceedances.
		•	In 2009, additional alleged permit exceedances for water discharges at the Lucky Friday unit occurred. In 2010, alleged unpermitted discharges of pollutants occurred at the Lucky Friday unit. These alleged permit exceedances and certain alleged unpermitted discharges were the subject of a December 2010 notice of violation (“2010 NOV”) from the EPA informing Hecla Limited that the EPA was prepared to seek civil penalties for these alleged violations. Hecla Limited disputes many of EPA's assertions, but commenced negotiations with the EPA in 2010 in an attempt to resolve the matter. There has not yet been any resolution of the 2010 NOV.
		•	In 2012, the Lucky Friday unit had two weekly water samples, one of which exceeded the permit concentration limit for lead (but not the associated load limit), and one of which exceeded the permit limits for zinc. Also, in late 2012, heavy rains resulted in alleged impacted storm water being discharged to a nearby river. After these incidents, in February 2013, the EPA issued a notice of violation and request for information to Hecla Limited alleging that the storm water incidents were each a violation of Hecla Limited's storm water permit. In March 2014, the Lucky Friday unit had a weekly water sample which exceeded the maximum daily permitted concentration limit for zinc (but not the associated load limit).
	The EPA referred the two alleged 2012 permit exceedances, along with the alleged violations in the 2010 NOV and some additional alleged unpermitted discharges from 2010 that were not included in the 2010 NOV, to the U.S. Department of Justice to possibly file a civil complaint by the United States against Hecla Limited. In addition, it is possible that the United States may include other alleged unpermitted discharges (including the 2012 storm water incidents) or permit violations in any complaint. There is the potential for larger civil penalties in the context of a United States complaint than in an administrative action by the EPA such as the 2009 CAFO.
	In December 2013, the EPA issued to Hecla Limited a notice of violation (“2013 NOV”) alleging certain storm water reporting violations under Lucky Friday’s Clean Water Act Multi-Sector General Stormwater Permit for Industrial Activities. The 2013 NOV also contained a request for information under Section 308 of the Clean Water Act directing Hecla Limited to undertake a comprehensive groundwater investigation of Lucky Friday’s tailings pond no. 3 to evaluate whether the pond is causing the discharge of pollutants via seepage to groundwater that is discharging to surface water. We cannot ascertain what impacts, if any, the 2013 NOV and request for information will have on the matters that were already pending with the United States, including the 2010 NOV.
	Hecla Limited strives to maintain its water discharges at the Lucky Friday unit in full compliance with its permits and applicable laws; however, we cannot provide assurances that in the future it will be able to fully comply with the permit limits and other regulatory requirements regarding water management.
	We believe that it is reasonably possible that Hecla Limited faces some liability for the above water issues; however, we cannot with reasonable certainty estimate the amount or range of any such liability because, among other reasons, we have not completed the investigation called for by the request for information contained in the 2013 NPOV, and thus we do not know what the impact of the investigation will be.
	Johnny M Mine Area near San Mateo, McKinley County, New Mexico
	In May 2011, the EPA made a formal request to Hecla Mining Company for information regarding the Johnny M Mine Area near San Mateo, McKinley County, New Mexico, and asserted that Hecla Mining Company may be responsible under CERCLA for environmental remediation and past costs the EPA has incurred at the site. Mining at the Johnny M was conducted for a limited period of time by a predecessor of our subsidiary, Hecla Limited. In August 2012, Hecla Limited and the EPA entered into a Settlement Agreement and Administrative Order on Consent for Removal Action (“Consent Decree”), pursuant to which Hecla Limited agreed to pay (i) $1.1 million to the EPA for its past response costs at the site and (ii) any future response costs at the site, in exchange for a covenant not to sue by the EPA. Hecla Limited paid the $1.1 million to the EPA for its past response costs in the fourth quarter of 2012 and in December 2014, submitted to EPA the Engineering Estimate and Cost Analysis (“EE/CA”) for the site. The EE/CA evaluates three alternative response actions: 1) no action, 2) off-site disposal, and 3) on-site disposal. The range in estimated costs of these alternatives is $0 to $221 million, and in the EE/CA, Hecla Limited recommends that EPA approve on-site disposal, which is currently estimated to cost $5.6 million, on the basis that such alternative is the most appropriate response action under CERCLA. There is no guarantee EPA will select this alternative. The EPA must review and approve the EECA, including the response action alternatives, after which the approved response action will be implemented by Hecla Limited. Based on the foregoing, we believe it is probable that Hecla Limited will incur a liability for remediation at the site, and our best estimate of that liability as of the date of this report is $5.6 million. There can be no assurance that Hecla Limited’s liability will not be more than $5.6 million, or that its ultimate liability will not have a material adverse effect on Hecla Limited’s or our results from operations or financial position.
	Carpenter Snow Creek Site, Cascade County, Montana
	In July 2010, the EPA made a formal request to Hecla Mining Company for information regarding the Carpenter Snow Creek Superfund Site located in Cascade County, Montana. The Carpenter Snow Creek Site is located in a historic mining district, and in the early 1980s Hecla Limited leased 6 mining claims and performed limited exploration activities at the site. Hecla Limited terminated the mining lease in 1988.
	In June 2011, the EPA informed Hecla Limited that it believes Hecla Limited, among several other viable companies, may be liable for cleanup of the site or for costs incurred by the EPA in cleaning up the site. The EPA stated in the June 2011 letter that it has incurred approximately $4.5 million in response costs and estimated that total remediation costs may exceed $100 million. Hecla Limited cannot with reasonable certainty estimate the amount or range of liability, if any, relating to this matter because of, among other reasons, the lack of information concerning the site.
	South Dakota and Colorado Superfund Sites Related to CoCa Mines, Inc.
	In 1991, Hecla Limited acquired all of the outstanding common stock of CoCa Mines, Inc. (“CoCa”). CoCa is alleged to have current or prior ownership interests, and engaged in exploration activities, at each of Gilt Edge Mine in South Dakota and in the area adjacent to the Nelson Tunnel property in Creede, Colorado.
	Gilt Edge Mine Superfund Site
	In August 2008, the EPA made a formal request to CoCa for information regarding the Gilt Edge Mine Site located in Lawrence County, South Dakota, and asserted that CoCa may be liable for environmental cleanup at the site. The Gilt Edge Mine Site was explored and/or mined beginning in the 1870s. Beginning in the mid-1970s, CoCa held property interests at the site (primarily in the form of mining claims), and was party to an agreement with another mining company (the “operator”) that conducted a limited program of exploration work at the site. The two companies assigned the right to mine in 1983 to a third mining company, and by 1986 CoCa had divested itself of any property interests at the site.
	In July 2010, the United States informed CoCa that it intended to pursue CoCa and other potentially responsible parties (“PRPs”) on a strict, joint and several basis under CERCLA for liability for past and future response costs incurred at Gilt Edge. Currently, the United States alleges that CoCa is liable based on its historical relationship to the site, and that CoCa has succeeded to the liabilities of one or more predecessor entities that may have held certain property interests at the site. Most of the other viable PRPs have settled with the United States. The operator of the exploration effort to which CoCa was a party to settled for $26 million, while the third mining company referred to above settled for $4.2 million.
	The United States alleges that estimated total costs associated with the site may exceed $225 million, including both past and future response costs. We believe that it is reasonably possible that CoCa faces some liability under CERCLA based on its historical ownership interests at the site; however, we cannot with reasonable certainty estimate the amount or range of any such liability. Furthermore, in the event CoCa incurs a liability at this site, it has limited assets with which to satisfy any claim. Because of this, we believe that it is possible that the United States will seek to recover some of the alleged $225 million in costs associated with the site from Hecla Limited, as the sole stockholder of CoCa. However, we believe Hecla Limited has strong defenses and would vigorously defend against any such claim. For example, Hecla Limited did not acquire CoCa until 1991, well after CoCa discontinued its involvement with the Gilt Edge site. In addition, CoCa is and always has been a separate corporate entity from Hecla Limited. Therefore, we believe that Hecla Limited is not liable for any claims at the Gilt Edge site.
	Settlement negotiations with the United States commenced in 2010 and are ongoing. Because of the unpredictability of settlement negotiations or the outcome of any trial, as well as the nature of CERCLA as a strict, joint and several liability statute, we cannot with reasonable certainty estimate the amount or range of liability faced by CoCa or Hecla Limited. Furthermore, there can be no assurance settlement negotiations will be successful, or that Hecla Limited will not incur a material liability with respect to this site.
	Nelson Tunnel/Commodore Waste Rock Pile Superfund Site
	In August 2009, the EPA made a formal request to CoCa for information regarding the Nelson Tunnel/Commodore Waste Rock Pile Superfund Site in Creede, Colorado. CoCa was involved in exploration and mining activities in Creede during the 1970s and the 1980s. In October 2013, the EPA made a formal claim against CoCa for past response costs under CERCLA as an owner/operator of the site, and against Hecla Limited as a corporate successor to CoCa. The EPA is seeking a total of approximately $5 million for past response costs, plus an undetermined amount of interest from CoCa, Hecla Limited, and other PRPs. The EPA stated that it is continuing its remedial investigation/feasibility study at the site, and once that is complete, it will begin remedial design and remedial action for the site. Presumably, the EPA will also seek reimbursement of at least some of those costs from viable PRPs. In April 2014, CoCa received notice from another PRP alleging that CoCa is required to indemnify it in connection with any liability it may have with respect to the Nelson/Commodore site. We believe that it is reasonably possible that CoCa faces some liability under CERCLA based on its historical ownership interests at the site. However, in the event CoCa incurs a liability for this site, it has limited assets with which to satisfy any claim. Because of this, we believe that it is possible that the United States will seek to recover some of the costs associated with the site from Hecla Limited, as the sole stockholder of CoCa.  However, we believe Hecla Limited would have strong defenses to such a claim and would vigorously defend against any such claim. For example, Hecla Limited did not acquire CoCa until 1991, well after CoCa discontinued its historical activities in the vicinity of the site.  In addition, CoCa is and always has been a separate corporate entity from Hecla Limited.  Therefore, we believe that Hecla Limited is not liable for any claims at this site.
	In sum, despite the potential for liability of CoCa or Hecla Limited at the site, we cannot with reasonable certainty estimate the amount or range of that liability because, among other things, there is little information known on EPA’s remediation plans for the site, as well as the unpredictability of settlement negotiations or the outcome of any trial. Thus, there can be no assurance that Hecla Limited will not incur a material liability with respect to this site.
	Senior Notes
	On April 12, 2013, we completed an offering of $500 million aggregate principal amount of 6.875% Senior Notes ("Notes") due 2021. The net proceeds from the offering of the Notes were used to partially fund the acquisition of Aurizon Mines Ltd. ("Aurizon") and for general corporate purposes, including expenses related to the Aurizon acquisition. In 2014, we completed additional issuances of our Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $6.5 million, which were contributed to our pension plan to satisfy the funding requirement for 2014. Interest on the Notes is payable on May 1 and November 1 of each year, commencing November 1, 2013. See Note 6 for more information.
	Other Commitments
	Our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2014 included approximately $3.2 million for various non-capital costs. In addition, our open purchase orders at December 31, 2014 included approximately $1.4 million, $2.4 million, and $0.7 million, respectively, for various capital items at the Greens Creek, Lucky Friday, and Casa Berardi units, and approximately $0.8 million, $1.1 million, and $0.4 million, respectively, for various non-capital costs at such units. We also have total commitments of approximately $23.8 million relating to scheduled payments on capital leases, including interest, primarily for equipment at our Greens Creek and Lucky Friday units (see Note 6 for more information).
	As part of our ongoing business and operations, we are required to provide surety bonds and bank letters of credit for various purposes, including financial support for environmental reclamation obligations and workers compensation programs. As of December 31, 2014, we had surety bonds totaling $68.9 million in place as financial support for future reclamation and closure of the Greens Creek mine. In addition, we had letters of credit for approximately $8.4 million outstanding as of December 31, 2014 for environmental reclamation and workers' compensation insurance bonding. The obligations associated with these instruments are generally related to performance requirements that we address through ongoing operations. As the requirements are met, the beneficiary of the associated instruments cancels or returns the instrument to the issuing entity. Certain of these instruments are associated with operating sites with long-lived assets and will remain outstanding until closure of the sites. We believe we are in compliance with all applicable bonding and will be able to satisfy future bonding requirements as they arise.
	Other Contingencies
	In March 2012, Hecla Limited received notice of a complaint filed against it by the United Steel Workers, Local 5114, with the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission for compensation for bargaining unit workers at the Lucky Friday mine idled as a result of the temporary suspension of production at the mine. The complaint alleged the bargaining unit workers were entitled to compensation under Section 111 of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 the "Mine Act") from November 16, 2011 - the date an order was issued by the Mine Safety Health Administration (“MSHA”) to Hecla Limited - until June 12, 2013 - the date the order was terminated. On February 4, 2015, the judge hearing the case issued an Order finding the applicable period of time compensation under Section 111 of the Mine Act to be approximately 8 days and the compensation owed to the employees to be approximately $13,000, plus interest. The Union has the right to appeal the Order within 30 days.
	On April 12, 2013, the family of Larry Marek, an employee of Hecla Limited who was fatally injured in an April 2011 accident, filed a lawsuit against us and certain of our officers and employees seeking damages for, among other claims, wrongful death and infliction of emotional distress. No dollar amount of damages is specified in the complaint, which was filed in state court in Idaho (Kootenai County District Court). We cannot reasonably predict the outcome of this matter, however, we believe the case is without merit and are vigorously defending this lawsuit.
	On December 11, 2013, four employees of Hecla Limited who were injured in a December 2011 rock burst filed a lawsuit against us and certain of our employees seeking damages for, among other claims, intentional and willful injury and infliction of emotional distress. The plaintiffs seek damages in excess of $1,000,000, as claimed in the complaint, which was filed in state court in Idaho (Kootenai County District Court). We cannot reasonably predict the outcome of this matter, however, we believe the case is without merit and intend to vigorously defend this lawsuit.
	We also have certain other contingencies resulting from litigation, claims, EPA investigations, and other commitments and are subject to a variety of environmental and safety laws and regulations incident to the ordinary course of business. We currently expect that the resolution of such contingencies will not materially affect our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, in the future, there may be changes to these contingencies, and additional contingencies may occur as well, any of which might result in an accrual or a change in the estimated accruals recorded by us, and there can be no assurance that their ultimate disposition will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Note_8_Employee_Benefit_Plans

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 8: Employee Benefit Plans
	Pensions and Other Post-retirement Plans
	We sponsor defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all U.S. employees. The following tables provide a reconciliation of the changes in the plans’ benefit obligations and fair value of assets over the two-year period ended December 31, 2014, and the funded status as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
			Pension Benefits
			2014			2013
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	101,155		$	99,367
	Service cost			4,312			4,025
	Interest cost			4,859			3,889
	Amendments			—			(4,208	)
	Actuarial loss			12,575			2,428
	Benefits paid			(4,617	)		(4,346	)
	Benefit obligation at end of year			118,284			101,155
	Change in fair value of plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year			69,051			68,515
	Actual return on plan assets			3,402			3,479
	Employer contributions			6,715			1,403
	Benefits paid			(4,617	)		(4,346	)
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year			74,551			69,051
	Funded status at end of year		$	(43,733	)	$	(32,104	)
	The following table provides the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
			Pension Benefits
			2014			2013
	Current liabilities:
	Accrued benefit liability		$	(385	)	$	(342	)
	Other non- current liabilities:
	Accrued benefit liability			(43,348	)		(31,763	)
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss			41,041			29,768
	Net amount recognized		$	(2,692	)	$	(2,337	)
	The benefit obligation and prepaid benefit costs were calculated by applying the following weighted average assumptions:
			Pension Benefits
			2014			2013
	Discount rate: net periodic pension cost			4.81	%		4	%
	Discount rate: projected benefit obligation			4.17	%		4.81	%
	Expected rate of return on plan assets			7.2	%		7.2	%
	Rate of compensation increase: net periodic pension cost			4	%		4	%
	Rate of compensation increase: projected benefit obligation			2	%		4	%
	The above assumptions were calculated based on information as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the measurement dates for the plans. The discount rate is based on the yield curve for investment-grade corporate bonds as published by the U.S. Treasury Department. The expected rate of return on plan assets is based upon consideration of the plan’s current asset mix, historical long-term return rates and the plan’s historical performance. Our current expected rate on plan assets of 7.2% is based on historical returns over the past five years.
	Net periodic pension cost for the plans consisted of the following in 2014, 2013, and 2012 (in thousands):
			Pension Benefits
			2014			2013			2012
	Service cost		$	4,312		$	4,025		$	3,974
	Interest cost			4,859			3,889			4,068
	Expected return on plan assets			(4,996	)		(4,741	)		(4,581	)
	Amortization of prior service cost (benefit)			(337	)		66			401
	Amortization of net gain from earlier periods			3,275			3,152			2,826
	Net periodic pension cost		$	7,113		$	6,391		$	6,688
	The allocations of investments at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the measurement dates of the plan, by asset category in the Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan and the Lucky Friday Pension Plan are as follows:
			Hecla						Lucky Friday
			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Cash			3	%		1	%		1	%		1	%
	Large cap U.S. equities			11	%		9	%		11	%		9	%
	Small cap U.S. equities			6	%		6	%		6	%		6	%
	Non-U.S. equities			8	%		9	%		10	%		9	%
	Fixed income			34	%		32	%		34	%		32	%
	Real estate			15	%		20	%		16	%		20	%
	Absolute return hedge funds			14	%		15	%		15	%		15	%
	Real return			9	%		8	%		7	%		8	%
	Total			100	%		100	%		100	%		100	%
	The "Real return" asset category in the table above includes our common stock in the amounts of $1.4 million and $1.6 million at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. These investments represent approximately 2% of the total combined assets of the plans at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	Each plan's statement of investment policy delineates the responsibilities of the board, the retirement/pension committee, the investment manager(s), and investment adviser/consultant, and provides guidelines on investment management. Investment objectives are established for each of the asset categories included in the pension plans with comparisons of performance against appropriate benchmarks. Each plan's policy calls for investments to be supervised by qualified investment managers. The investment managers are monitored on an ongoing basis by our outside consultant, with formal reporting to us and the consultant performed each quarter. The policy sets forth the following allocation of assets:
			Target			Minimum			Maximum
	Large cap U.S. equities			10	%		7	%		13	%
	Small cap U.S. equities			5	%		4	%		6	%
Non-U.S. equities			10	%		8	%		12	%
Fixed income			35	%		29	%		43	%
Real estate			15	%		12	%		18	%
Absolute return hedge funds			15	%		12	%		18	%
Real return			10	%		8	%		12	%
Each plan's statement of investment policy and objectives aspires to achieve the assumed long term rate of return on plan assets established by the plan’s actuary plus one percent.
Accounting guidance has established a hierarchy of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The three levels included in the hierarchy are:
Level 1: quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2: significant other observable inputs
Level 3: significant unobservable inputs
The fair values by asset category in each plan, along with their hierarchy levels, are as follows as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
		Hecla												Lucky Friday
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Interest-bearing cash		$	1,798		$	—		$	—		$	1,798		$	136	$	—	$	—	$	136
Common stock			1,105			—			—			1,105			281		—		—		281
Real estate			—			—			8,889			8,889			—		—		2,458		2,458
Common collective funds			—			12,280			8,454			20,734			—		3,040		2,306		5,346
Mutual funds			26,392			—			—			26,392			7,412		—		—		7,412
Total fair value		$	29,295		$	12,280		$	17,343		$	58,918		$	7,829	$	3,040	$	4,764	$	15,633
The following is a roll-forward of assets in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy (in thousands):
		Hecla			Lucky Friday
Beginning balance at January 1, 2014		$	18,767		$	5,039
Net unrealized gains on assets held at the reporting date			1,457			375
Purchases			424			121
Sales		$	(3,305	)	$	(771	)
Ending balance at December 31, 2014		$	17,343		$	4,764
Of the $22.1 million in plan assets classified as level 3, $11.3 million was invested in real estate, and the remaining $10.8 million was invested in collective investment funds.
The fair values by asset category in each plan, along with their hierarchy levels, were as follows as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
		Hecla												Lucky Friday
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Interest-bearing cash		$	596		$	—		$	—		$	596		$	393	$	—	$	—	$	393
Common stock			1,220			—			—			1,220			311		—		—		311
Real estate			—			—			10,797			10,797			—		—		2,865		2,865
Common collective funds			—			9,654			7,970			17,624			—		2,982		2,174		5,156
Mutual funds			23,252			—			—			23,252			6,837		—		—		6,837
Total fair value		$	25,068		$	9,654		$	18,767		$	53,489		$	7,541	$	2,982	$	5,039	$	15,562
The following is a roll-forward of assets in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy (in thousands):
		Hecla			Lucky Friday
Beginning balance at December 31, 2012		$	16,862		$	4,491
Net unrealized gains on assets held at the reporting date			1,486			399
Purchases			419			149
Ending balance at December 31, 2013		$	18,767		$	5,039
Of the $23.8 million in plan assets classified as Level 3, $13.7 million was invested in real estate, while $10.1 million was invested in collective investment funds.
Generally, investments are valued based on information provided by fund managers to our trustee as reviewed by management and its investment advisers. Mutual funds and equities are valued based on available exchange data. Commingled equity funds consist of publicly-traded investments. Fair value for real estate and private equity partnerships is primarily based on valuation methodologies that include third-party appraisals, comparable transactions, and discounted cash flow valuation models.
Future benefit payments, which reflect expected future service as appropriate, are estimates of what will be paid in the following years (in thousands):
Year Ending December 31,		Pension
		Plans
2015		$	5,249
2016			5,462
2017			5,724
2018			6,186
2019			6,569
Years 2020-2024			39,915
In January 2015, we contributed approximately $4.9 million in shares of our common stock to our defined benefit plans, with no additional contributions anticipated in 2015. We expect to contribute approximately $0.4 million to our unfunded supplemental executive retirement plan during 2015.
The following table describes plans for which accumulated benefit obligations ("ABO") were in excess of plan assets, and for which plan assets exceeded ABO (in thousands).
		31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
		ABO Exceeds Plan Assets			Plan Assets Exceed ABO			ABO Exceeds Plan Assets			Plan Assets Exceed ABO
Projected benefit obligation		$	118,284		$	—		$	101,155		$	—
Accumulated benefit obligation			112,727			—			97,937			—
Fair value of plan assets			74,551			—			69,051			—
For the pension plans and other benefit plans, the following amounts are included in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net" on our balance sheet as of December 31, 2014, that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost (in thousands):
		Pension
		Benefits
Unamortized net (gain)/loss		$	42,959
Unamortized prior service benefit			(1,917	)
The amounts in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net" expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost during 2015 are (in thousands):
		Pension
		Benefits
Amortization of net loss		$	3,459
Amortization of prior service benefit			(352	)
We do not expect to have any of the plans’ assets returned during 2015.
Effective July 1, 2013, we amended the Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan (the "Hecla plan") to change the pension benefit formula and other plan provisions. The amendment resulted in the following changes to the Hecla plan:
	•	The definition of pensionable compensation was changed to exclude one-half of any performance-based or annual incentive bonus, fringe benefits, reimbursements or other expense allowances, moving expenses, health and welfare benefits, stock awards, income realized from stock options or restricted stock, income from certain property arrangements, long term incentive awards, premium pay rates for overtime, contributions to or distributions from a non-qualified deferred compensation plan, and shift or location differentials. Under the terms of the amended Hecla plan, pensionable compensation includes an employee's base salary and other payments of compensation for services performed during the course of employment, elective deferrals not includable in the gross income of the employee under the Internal Revenue Service Code Sections 125, 132(f)(4), 402(e)(3), 402(h), 403(b) and 457, one-half of any performance-based or annual incentive bonus, one-half of any cash safety incentive award, paid time off other than for disability leave, and compensation for overtime at the employee's regular hourly rate of pay for each hour worked.
	•	For new employees hired after June 30, 2013, pension benefits will be calculated based on the highest average of any five consecutive years (60 months) of pensionable compensation during the final ten years of service instead of three consecutive years during the final ten years of service for employees hired before July 1, 2013.
	•	Prior to July 1, 2013, we credited each participant's account annually with an amount equal to 6.0% of pensionable compensation, plus an additional 5.7% of the participant's pensionable compensation in excess of the Social Security taxable wage base ("the cash balance pay credit"). Beginning July 1, 2013, the cash balance pay credit will consist of the 6.0% of pensionable compensation without the 5.7% additional credit.
	•	Access to cash balance accounts following a termination of employment prior to early or normal retirement age has been limited. Prior to the amendment, a cash balance participant could elect to receive a distribution of the vested portion of his or her account at any age following a termination of employment. This change applies only to amounts credited to a cash balance account after June 30, 2013.
	•	For new employees hired after June 30, 2013, the cash balance pay credit will be earned based on years of plan participation: 3% for 1 through 5 years; 4.5% for 6 through 10 years; 6% after 10 years.
Canadian employees participate in Canada's public retirement income system, and are not eligible to participate in the defined benefit pension plans that we maintain for U.S. employees. Canada's public retirement income system includes the following components: (i) the Canada (or Quebec) Pension Plan, which is a contributory, earnings-related social insurance program, and (ii) the Old Age Security program.     In addition, the Registered Retirement Savings Plan is a tax-deferred individual savings plan available to Canadian employees.
Capital Accumulation Plans
Our employees’ Capital Accumulation (401(k)) Plan ("Hecla 401(k) Plan") is available to all U.S. salaried and certain hourly employees and applies immediately upon employment. Employees may contribute from 1% to 50% of their annual compensation to the plan (subject to statutory limits). We make a matching contribution of 100% of an employee’s contribution up to 6% of the employee’s earnings. Our matching contributions were approximately $3.2 million in 2014, $3.0 million in 2013, and $2.5 million in 2012.
Effective January 1, 2014, the Hecla 401(k) Plan was restated to allow for payment of matching contributions to be made in Hecla common stock on a quarterly basis. Prior to 2014, contributions were made in cash on a payroll-to-payroll basis.
We also maintain an employees’ 401(k) plan, which is available to all hourly employees at the Lucky Friday unit after completion of six months of service. Employees may contribute from 2% to 50% of their compensation to the plan (subject to statutory limits). The matching contribution is 55% of an employee’s contribution up to, but not exceeding, 5% of the employee’s earnings.  Our contributions were approximately $292,000 in 2014, $293,000 in 2013, and $407,000 in 2012.

Note_9_Shareholders_Equity

Note 9 - Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 9: Stockholders’ Equity
	Common Stock
	We are authorized to issue 500,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.25 par value per share, of which 369,528,345 shares of common stock were issued as of December 31, 2014. All of our currently outstanding shares of common stock are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “HL”.
	Subject to the rights of the holders of any outstanding shares of preferred stock, each share of common stock is entitled to: (i) one vote on all matters presented to the stockholders, with no cumulative voting rights; (ii) receive such dividends as may be declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally available therefor; and (iii) in the event of our liquidation or dissolution, share ratably in any distribution of our assets.
	Dividends
	In September 2011 and February 2012, our Board of Directors adopted a common stock dividend policy that has two components: (1) a dividend that links the amount of dividends on our common stock to our average quarterly realized silver price in the preceding quarter, and (2) a minimum annual dividend of $0.01 per share of common stock, in each case, payable quarterly, when declared. For illustrative purposes only, the table below summarizes potential per share dividend amounts at different quarterly average realized price levels according to the first component of the policy:
		Quarterly average realized				Quarterly dividend			Annual dividend
		silver price per ounce				per share			per share
		$	30			$	0.01		$	0.04
		$	35			$	0.02		$	0.08
		$	40			$	0.03		$	0.12
		$	45			$	0.04		$	0.16
		$	50			$	0.05		$	0.2
		$	55			$	0.06		$	0.24
		$	60			$	0.07		$	0.28
	The following table summarizes the common stock dividends declared by our Board of Directors:
			(A)				(B)			(C)		(A+B+C)
	Declaration date		Silver-price-				Minimum			Special		Total		Total dividend		Month of
			linked				annual			dividend		dividend		amount		payment
			component				component			per share		per share		(in millions)
			per share				per share
	8-Nov-11		$	0.02			$	—		$	—	$	0.02	$	5.6	Dec-11
	17-Feb-12		$	0.01			$	0.0025		$	—	$	0.0125	$	3.6	Mar-12
	8-May-12		$	0.02			$	0.0025		$	—	$	0.0225	$	6.4	Jun-12
	7-Aug-12		$	—			$	0.0025		$	—	$	0.0025	$	0.7	Sep-12
	2-Nov-12		$	0.02			$	0.0025		$	—	$	0.0225	$	6.4	Dec-12
	25-Feb-13		$	—			$	0.0025		$	0.01	$	0.0125	$	3.6	Mar-13
	10-May-13		$	—			$	0.0025		$	—	$	0.0025	$	0.7	Jun-13
	8-Aug-13		$	—			$	0.0025		$	—	$	0.0025	$	0.9	Aug-13
	5-Nov-13		$	—			$	0.0025		$	—	$	0.0025	$	0.9	Dec-13
	21-Feb-14		$	—			$	0.0025		$	—	$	0.0025	$	0.9	Mar-14
	5-May-14		$	—			$	0.0025		$	—	$	0.0025	$	0.9	Jun-14
	31-Jul-14		$	—			$	0.0025		$	—	$	0.0025	$	0.9	Sep-14
	5-Nov-14		$	—			$	0.0025		$	—	$	0.0025	$	0.9	Dec-14
	17-Feb-15		$	—			$	0.0025		$	—	$	0.0025	$	0.9	Mar-15
	Because the average realized silver prices for the second and fourth quarters of 2012, along with all periods in 2013 and 2014, were below the minimum threshold of $30, according to the policy no silver-price-linked component was declared or paid. However, on February 25, 2013, our Board of Directors declared a special common stock dividend of $0.01 per share, in addition to the minimum dividend of $0.0025 per share, for an aggregate dividend of $3.6 million paid in March 2013. Prior to 2011, no dividends had been declared on our common stock since 1990. The declaration and payment of common stock dividends is at the sole discretion of our Board of Directors.
	Common Stock Repurchase Program
	On May 8, 2012, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program.  Under the program, we are authorized to repurchase up to 20 million shares of our outstanding common stock from time to time in open market or privately negotiated transactions, depending on prevailing market conditions and other factors.    The repurchase program may be modified, suspended or discontinued by us at any time. As of December 31, 2014, 934,100 shares have been repurchased under the program, at an average price of $3.99 per share, leaving 19.1 million shares that may yet be purchased under the program. The closing price of our common stock at February 16, 2015, was $3.42 per share.
	Status of Warrants
	At December 31, 2013, there were 22,307,623 common stock purchase warrants outstanding, all of which were exercised during 2014 for total proceeds of approximately $54.4 million. As of December 31, 2014, there were no stock purchase warrants outstanding. Under the financial terms of the 2011 Consent Decree settling the Coeur d'Alene Basin environmental (CERCLA) litigation, the proceeds from the exercise of our outstanding warrants were paid to the United States and the Coeur d'Alene Indian Tribe.
	Preferred Stock
	Our certificate of incorporation authorizes us to issue 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.25 per share. The preferred stock is issuable in series with such voting rights, if any, designations, powers, preferences and other rights and such qualifications, limitations and restrictions as may be determined by our Board of Directors. The Board may fix the number of shares constituting each series and increase or decrease the number of shares of any series. As of December 31, 2014, 157,816 shares of Series B preferred stock were outstanding. Our Series B preferred stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “HL PB.”
	Ranking
	The Series B preferred stock ranks senior to our common stock and any shares of Series A junior participating preferred stock (none of which have ever been issued) with respect to payment of dividends, and amounts due upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up.
	While any shares of Series B preferred stock are outstanding, we may not authorize the creation or issue of any class or series of stock that ranks senior to the Series B preferred stock as to dividends or amounts due upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up without the consent of the holders of 66 2/3% of the outstanding shares of Series B preferred stock and any other series of preferred stock ranking on a parity with respect to the Series B preferred stock as to dividends and amounts due upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, voting as a single class without regard to series.
	Dividends
	Series B preferred stockholders are entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors out of our assets legally available therefor, cumulative cash dividends at the rate per annum of $3.50 per share of Series B preferred stock. Dividends on the Series B preferred stock are payable quarterly in arrears on October 1, January 1, April 1 and July 1 of each year (and, in the case of any undeclared and unpaid dividends, at such additional times and for such interim periods, if any, as determined by the Board of Directors), at such annual rate. Dividends are cumulative from the date of the original issuance of the Series B preferred stock, whether or not in any dividend period or periods we have assets legally available for the payment of such dividends. Accumulations of dividends on shares of Series B preferred stock do not bear interest.
	All quarterly dividends on our Series B preferred stock for 2012, 2013 and 2014 were declared and paid in cash.
	Redemption
	The Series B preferred stock is redeemable at our option, in whole or in part, at $50 per share, plus all dividends undeclared and unpaid on the Series B preferred stock up to the date fixed for redemption.
	Liquidation Preference
	The Series B preferred stockholders are entitled to receive, in the event that we are liquidated, dissolved or wound up, whether voluntary or involuntary, $50 per share of Series B preferred stock plus an amount per share equal to all dividends undeclared and unpaid thereon to the date of final distribution to such holders (the “Liquidation Preference”), and no more. Until the Series B preferred stockholders have been paid the Liquidation Preference in full, no payment will be made to any holder of Junior Stock upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up. The term “junior stock” means our common stock and any other class of our capital stock issued and outstanding that ranks junior as to the payment of dividends or amounts payable upon liquidation, dissolution and winding up to the Series B preferred stock. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, our Series B preferred stock had a Liquidation Preference of $7.9 million.
	Voting Rights
	Except in certain circumstances and as otherwise from time to time required by applicable law, the Series B preferred stockholders have no voting rights and their consent is not required for taking any corporate action. When and if the Series B preferred stockholders are entitled to vote, each holder will be entitled to one vote per share.
	Conversion
	Each share of Series B preferred stock is convertible, in whole or in part at the option of the holders thereof, into shares of common stock at a conversion price of $15.55 per share of common stock (equivalent to a conversion rate of 3.2154 shares of common stock for each share of Series B preferred stock). The right to convert shares of Series B preferred stock called for redemption will terminate at the close of business on the day preceding a redemption date (unless we default in payment of the redemption price).
	Stock Award Plans
	We use stock-based compensation plans to aid us in attracting, retaining and motivating our employees, as well as to provide us with the ability to provide incentives more directly linked to increases in stockholder value. These plans provide for the grant of options to purchase shares of our common stock and the issuance of restricted stock units.
	Stock-based compensation expense amounts recognized for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were approximately $5.0 million, $4.5 million, and $3.1 million, respectively.  Over the next twelve months, we expect to recognize approximately $2.8 million in additional compensation expense as the remaining options and restricted stock units vest.
	Stock Incentive Plans
	During the second quarter of 2010, our stockholders voted to approve the adoption of our 2010 Stock Incentive Plan and to reserve up to 20,000,000 shares of common stock for issuance under the plan.  The Board of Directors committee that administers the 2010 plan has broad authority to fix the terms and conditions of individual agreements with participants, including the duration of the award and any vesting requirements. As of December 31, 2014, there were 15,414,727 shares available for future grant under the 2010 plan.
	Directors’ Stock Plan
	In 1995, we adopted the Hecla Mining Company Stock Plan for non-employee Directors (the “Directors’ Stock Plan”), which may be terminated by our Board of Directors at any time. Each non-employee director is to be credited on May 30 of each year with that number of shares determined by dividing $24,000 by the average closing price for our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange for the prior calendar year. All credited shares are held in trust for the benefit of each director until delivered to the director. Delivery of the shares from the trust occurs upon the earliest of: (1) death or disability; (2) retirement; (3) a cessation of the director’s service for any other reason; or (4) a change in control. The shares of our common stock credited to non-employee directors pursuant to the Directors’ Stock Plan may not be sold until at least six months following the date they are delivered. A maximum of one million shares of common stock may be granted pursuant to the Directors’ Stock Plan. During 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, 39,468, 28,050, and 18,492 shares were credited to the non-employee directors. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, $109,000, $111,000, and $80,000, respectively, was charged to general and administrative expense associated with the Directors’ Stock Plan. At December 31, 2014, there were 555,167 shares available for grant in the future under the plan.
	In addition to the foregoing, in May of each year, each non-employee director is also granted additional common stock under our 2010 Stock Incentive Plan. For 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, 110,910, 94,200, and 59,484 shares were credited to the non-employee directors, and $366,000, $276,000, and $275,000 respectively, was charged to operations associated with the 2010 Stock Incentive Plan.
Status of Stock Options
No stock options have been granted since 2010. The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2014 before applicable income taxes was zero, based on our closing stock price of $2.79 per common share at December 31, 2014. All options outstanding were fully vested at December 31, 2014.
Transactions concerning stock options pursuant to our stock option plans are summarized as follows:
		Shares Subject to Options				Weighted Average
						Exercise Price
Outstanding, December 31, 2013			612,745			$	4.29
Expired			(353,403	)		$	3.42
Outstanding, December 31, 2014			259,342			$	5.47
All of the outstanding options above were exercisable at December 31, 2014. The weighted average remaining contractual term of options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2014 was less than one year. There were no options exercised during 2014, 2013 or 2012.
Restricted Stock Units
Unvested restricted stock units granted by the board of directors to employees are summarized as follows:
		Shares				Weighted Average
						Grant Date Fair
						Value per Share
Unvested, January 1, 2014			2,085,301			$	3.56
Granted			1,457,267			$	3.3
Canceled			(72,031	)		$	3.1
Distributed			(1,234,962	)		$	3.74
Unvested, December 31, 2014			2,235,575			$	3.31
The 2,235,575 unvested units at December 31, 2014 will vest as follows:
1,012,100	in June 2015
777,878	in June 2016
26,000	in August 2016
419,597	in June 2017
Unvested units may be forfeited by participants through termination of employment in advance of vesting. We have recognized approximately $3.3 million in compensation expense since grant date, and will record an additional $4.1 million in compensation expense over the remaining vesting period related to these units.
In connection with the vesting of restricted stock units, employees have in the past, at their election and when permitted by us, chosen to satisfy their tax withholding obligations through net share settlement, pursuant to which the Company withholds the number of shares necessary to satisfy such withholding obligations.  Pursuant to such net settlements, in 2014 we repurchased 695,961 shares for $2.3 million, or approximately $3.27 per share.

Note_10_Derivative_Instruments

Note 10 - Derivative Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 10: Derivative Instruments
	At times, we may use commodity forward sales commitments, commodity swap contracts and commodity put and call option contracts to manage our exposure to fluctuation in the prices of certain metals which we produce. Contract positions are designed to ensure that we will receive a defined minimum price for certain quantities of our production, thereby partially offsetting our exposure to fluctuations in the market. These instruments do, however, expose us to (i) credit risk in the event of non-performance by counterparties for contracts in which the contract price exceeds the spot price of a commodity and (ii) price risk to the extent that the spot price exceeds the contract price for quantities of our production contained under contract positions.
	We are currently using financially-settled forward contracts to manage the exposure to changes in prices of silver, gold, zinc and lead contained in our concentrate shipments between the time of shipment and final settlement. In addition, we use financially-settled forward contracts to manage the exposure to changes in prices of zinc and lead (but not silver and gold) contained in our forecasted future concentrate shipments.  These contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting and are marked-to-market through earnings each period.  At December 31, 2014, we recorded the following balances related to these contracts:
		•	a current asset of $5.3 million which is included in other current assets and is net of $1.9 million in contracts in a fair value current liability position; and
		•	a non-current asset of $6.0 million which is included in other non-current assets and is net of $1.8 million in contracts in a fair value non-current liability position;
	We recognized a $1.5 million net gain during 2014 on the contracts utilized to manage exposure to prices of metals in our concentrate shipments, which is included in sales of products.  The net gain recognized on the contracts offsets losses related to price adjustments on our provisional concentrate sales due to changes to silver, gold, lead and zinc prices between the time of sale and final settlement.
	We recognized a $9.1 million net gain during 2014 on the contracts utilized to manage exposure to prices for forecasted future concentrate shipments, which includes $3.6 million in gains realized on settled contracts. The net gain on these contracts is included as a separate line item under other income (expense), as they relate to forecasted future shipments, as opposed to sales that have already taken place but are subject to final pricing as discussed in the preceding paragraph.  The net gain for 2014 is the result of decreasing zinc and lead prices during the fourth quarter. This program is designed to mitigate the impact of potential future declines in lead and zinc prices from the price levels established in the contracts (see average price information below).
	The following tables summarize the quantities of metals committed under forward sales contracts at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	31-Dec-14		Ounces/pounds under contract (in 000's)								Average price per ounce/pound
			Silver		Gold		Zinc		Lead		Silver		Gold		Zinc		Lead
			(ounces)		(ounces)		(pounds)		(pounds)		(ounces)		(ounces)		(pounds)		(pounds)
	Contracts on provisional sales
	2015 settlements			1,607		6		19,456		8,378	$	16.06	$	1,195	$	1.01	$	0.87
	Contracts on forecasted sales
	2015 settlements			—		—		46,738		29,652	N/A		N/A		$	0.96	$	1.07
	2016 settlements			—		—		44,699		34,337	N/A		N/A		$	0.99	$	1.03
	2017 settlements			—		—		1,984		—	N/A		N/A		$	1.04	N/A
	31-Dec-13		Ounces/pounds under contract (in 000's)								Average price per ounce/pound
			Silver		Gold		Zinc		Lead		Silver		Gold		Zinc		Lead
			(ounces)		(ounces)		(pounds)		(pounds)		(ounces)		(ounces)		(pounds)		(pounds)
	Contracts on provisional sales
	2014 settlements			673		3		11,188		3,472		19.5		1,205	$	0.89	$	1
	Contracts on forecasted sales
	2014 settlements			—		—		31,967		34,282	N/A		N/A		$	1	$	1.04
	2015 settlements			—		—		39,683		36,982	N/A		N/A		$	0.96	$	1.07
	2016 settlements			—		—		3,803		30,589	N/A		N/A		$	0.93	$	1.03
	Production at the Lucky Friday mine was temporarily suspended in 2012, so we liquidated forward contracts related to forecasted Lucky Friday base metal sales for total net proceeds of $3.1 million.
	Our concentrate sales are based on a provisional sales price containing an embedded derivative that is required to be separated from the host contract for accounting purposes. The host contract is the receivable from the sale of the concentrates at the forward price at the time of the sale. The embedded derivative, which does not qualify for hedge accounting, is adjusted to market through earnings each period prior to final settlement.

Note_11_Business_Segments_and_

Note 11 - Business Segments and Significant Customers	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 11: Business Segments and Significant Customers
	We discover, acquire, develop, produce, and market concentrates and doré containing silver, gold, lead and zinc.  Our products consist of both metal concentrates, which we sell to custom smelters and brokers, and unrefined bullion bars (doré), which may be sold as doré or further refined before sale to precious metals traders.  We are currently organized and managed in three segments, which represent our operating units: the Greens Creek unit, the Lucky Friday unit and the Casa Berardi unit. As further discussed in Note 15, we completed the acquisition of Aurizon on June 1, 2013, giving us 100% ownership of the Casa Berardi mine in Quebec, Canada. As a result, we added a new reporting segment in 2013 for the Casa Berardi unit.
	General corporate activities not associated with operating units and their various exploration activities, as well as discontinued operations and idle properties, are presented as “other.”  Interest expense, interest income and income taxes are considered general corporate items, and are not allocated to our segments.
	Sales of metal concentrates and metal products are made principally to custom smelters, brokers and metals traders. The percentage of sales contributed by each segment is reflected in the following table:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Greens Creek		49	%		68.8	%		100	%
	Lucky Friday		17.9	%		11.6	%		—	%
	Casa Berardi		33.1	%		19.6	%		—	%
			100	%		100	%		100	%
	The tables below present information about reportable segments as of and for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands).
		2014			2013			2012
	Net sales to unaffiliated customers:
	Greens Creek	$	245,175		$	263,263		$	320,895
	Lucky Friday		89,757			44,204			248
	Casa Berardi		165,849			75,122			—
		$	500,781		$	382,589		$	321,143
	Income (loss) from operations:
	Greens Creek	$	39,758		$	62,178		$	138,245
	Lucky Friday		21,502			(3,563	)		(25,179	)
	Casa Berardi		11,828			(15,708	)		—
	Other		(51,460	)		(75,301	)		(75,200	)
		$	21,628		$	(32,394	)	$	37,866
	Capital additions (including non-cash additions):
	Greens Creek	$	31,476		$	57,119		$	62,184
	Lucky Friday		52,193			55,902			55,998
	Casa Berardi		48,615			41,425			—
	Other		18,801			8,162			11,760
		$	151,085		$	162,608		$	129,942
	Depreciation, depletion and amortization:
	Greens Creek	$	63,505		$	55,265		$	43,522
	Lucky Friday		9,431			7,833			—
	Casa Berardi		38,198			18,030			—
		$	111,134		$	81,128		$	43,522
	Other significant non-cash items:
	Greens Creek	$	2,807		$	1,961		$	4,037
	Lucky Friday		72			96			92
	Casa Berardi		847			474			—
	Other		506			1,512			33,922
		$	4,232		$	4,043		$	38,051
	Identifiable assets:
	Greens Creek	$	704,121		$	744,027		$	741,666
	Lucky Friday		356,482			313,793			226,196
	Casa Berardi		800,961			821,058			—
	Other		400,500			353,241			410,428
		$	2,262,064		$	2,232,119		$	1,378,290
	The Lucky Friday segment had nominal sales during 2012 due to the halt of production most of the year. At the end of 2011, MSHA began a special impact inspection at the Lucky Friday mine which resulted in an order to remove built-up cementitious material from the Silver Shaft. In response, we submitted a plan to MSHA and received approval to remove the material, and this work commenced in the first quarter of 2012. The Silver Shaft work was completed in early 2013, and limited production at the Lucky Friday began in February. We experienced a ramp-up in mine output during the year, as additional production areas of the mine came on line, until we reached full production levels in September 2013. The smelter contracts related to treatment of Lucky Friday concentrates were suspended during the care-and-maintenance period based on force majeure. Once the Silver Shaft work was completed down to the 4900 foot level, we commenced work on a haulage way bypassing an area at the 5900 level impacted by a rock burst in December 2011, and the bypass was completed in early 2013.
	The following is sales information by geographic area based on the location of smelters and brokers (for concentrate shipments) and the location of parent companies (for doré sales to metals traders) for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	United States	$	22,200		$	22,361		$	25,438
	Canada		295,027			170,632			34,441
	Japan		58,466			50,039			70,371
	Korea		70,548			86,035			120,106
	China		53,067			50,479			72,133
	Total, excluding gains/losses on forward contracts	$	499,308		$	379,546		$	322,489
	Sales of products for 2014 also include a net gain of $1.5 million on financially-settled forward contracts for silver, gold, lead and zinc contained in our concentrate sales.  2013 sales included a net gain of $3.0 million and 2012 sales included a net loss of $1.3 million on the contracts for lead and zinc. See Note 10 for more information.
	The following are our long-lived assets by geographic area as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	United States	$	1,081,699		$	1,053,374
	Canada		749,810			738,172
	Mexico		55			55
		$	1,831,564		$	1,791,601
	Sales from continuing operations to significant metals customers as a percentage of total sales were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Year Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Teck Metals Ltd.		25.8	%		25	%		10.7	%
Korea Zinc		14.1	%		22.5	%		37.2	%
Trafigura AG		7	%		8.8	%		22.4	%
MS Zinc		5.9	%		7.5	%		12.3	%
CIBC		17	%		10.9	%		—	%
Mitsui		15.8	%		8.4	%		—	%

Note_12_Fair_Value_Measurement

Note 12 - Fair Value Measurement	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	Note 12: Fair Value Measurement
	The table below sets forth our assets and liabilities (in thousands) that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis and the fair value calculation input hierarchy level that we have determined applies to each asset and liability category.  See Note 8 for information on the fair values of our defined benefit pension plan assets.
		Balance at		Balance at		Input
		December 31,		December 31,		Hierarchy
		2014		2013		Level
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Money market funds and other bank deposits	$	209,665	$	212,175	Level 1
	Available for sale securities:
	Equity securities – mining industry		4,920		7,019	Level 1
	Trade accounts receivable:
	Receivables from provisional concentrate sales		17,696		17,672	Level 2
	Derivative contracts:
	Base metal forward contracts		11,347		4,461	Level 2
	Restricted cash balances:
	Certificates of deposit and other bank deposits		883		5,217	Level 1
	Total assets	$	244,511	$	246,544
	Cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of money market funds and are valued at cost, which approximates fair value.
	Current and non-current restricted cash balances consist primarily of certificates of deposit and U.S. Treasury securities and are valued at cost, which approximates fair value.
	Our current and non-current investments consist of marketable equity securities which are valued using quoted market prices for each security multiplied by the number shares held by us.
	Trade accounts receivable consist of amounts due to us for shipments of concentrates and doré sold to customers.  Revenues and the corresponding accounts receivable for sales of metals products are recorded when title and risk of loss transfer to the customer (generally at the time of shipment).  Sales of concentrates are recorded using estimated forward prices for the anticipated month of settlement applied to our estimate of payable metal quantities contained in each shipment.  Sales are recorded net of estimated treatment and refining charges, which are also impacted by changes in metals prices and quantities of contained metals.  We must estimate the prices at which sales of our concentrates will be settled due to the time elapsed between shipment and final settlement with the customer.  Receivables for previously recorded concentrate sales are adjusted to reflect estimated settlement metals prices at the end of each period until final settlement by the customer.  We obtain the forward metals prices used each period from a pricing service.  Changes in metals prices between shipment and final settlement will result in changes to revenues previously recorded upon shipment.  The embedded derivative contained in our concentrate sales is adjusted to fair market value through earnings each period prior to final settlement.
	During the second quarter of 2010, we began utilizing financially-settled forward contracts to manage the exposure to changes in prices of zinc and lead contained in our concentrate shipments that have not reached final settlement.  We also began utilizing financially-settled forward contracts in the second quarter of 2010 to manage the exposure to changes in prices of zinc and lead contained in our forecasted future concentrate shipments. In the third quarter of 2013 we began to utilize financially-settled forward contracts to manage the exposure of changes in prices of silver and gold, as well as lead and zinc in our concentrate shipments (see Note 10 for more information). These contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting, and are marked-to-market through earnings each period.  The fair value of each contract represents the difference between the forward metal price for the contract settlement period as of the measurement date and the contract settlement metal price, multiplied by the quantity of metal involved in the contract.
	Our Senior Notes, which were recorded at their carrying value of $498.5 million, net of unamortized initial purchaser discount at December 31, 2014, had a fair value of $450.2 million at December 31, 2014. Third-party quotes, which we consider to be Level 2 inputs, are utilized to estimate fair values of the Senior Notes. See Note 6 for more information.

Note_13_Income_Loss_Per_Common

Note 13 - Income (Loss) Per Common Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	Note 13: Income (Loss) per Common Share
	We are authorized to issue 500,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.25 par value per share. At December 31, 2014, there were 369,528,345 shares of our common stock issued and 2,151,482 shares issued and held in treasury, for a net of 367,376,863 shares outstanding.
	We calculate basic earnings per share using, as the denominator, the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share uses, as its denominator, the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus the effect of potential dilutive common shares during the period using the treasury stock method for options, warrants, and restricted stock units, and if-converted method for convertible preferred shares.
	Potential dilutive common shares include outstanding stock options, restricted stock awards, stock units, warrants and convertible preferred stock for periods in which we have reported net income. For periods in which we reported net losses, potential dilutive common shares are excluded, as their conversion and exercise would not reduce earnings per share. Under the if-converted method, preferred shares would not dilute earnings per share in any of the periods presented.
	A total of 157,816 shares of preferred stock were outstanding at December 31, 2014.
	The following table represents net income per common share – basic and diluted (in thousands, except earnings per share):
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Numerator
	Net income (loss)	$	17,824		$	(25,130	)	$	14,954
	Preferred stock dividends		(552	)		(552	)		(552	)
	Net income (loss) applicable to common shares	$	17,272		$	(25,682	)	$	14,402
	Denominator
	Basic weighted average common shares		353,442			318,679			285,375
	Dilutive stock options, restricted stock, and warrants		3,993			—			12,191
	Diluted weighted average common shares		357,435			318,679			297,566
	Basic earnings (loss) per common share	$	0.05		$	(0.08	)	$	0.05
	Diluted earnings (loss) per common share	$	0.05		$	(0.08	)	$	0.05
	For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2012, we excluded options whose exercise prices exceeded the average prices of our stock during the periods, as their exercise would not have reduced earnings per share. The following options were excluded:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013
	Stock options		259,342			570,005
	For the year ended December 31, 2013, all outstanding options, restricted share units, and warrants were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share, as our reported net losses for that period would cause their conversion and exercise to have no effect on the calculation of earnings (loss) per share.

Note_14_Other_Comprehensive_In

Note 14 - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]	Note 14: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	The following table lists the beginning balance, yearly activity and ending balance of each component of "Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net" (in thousands):
		Unrealized			Adjustments			Total
		Gains			For Pension Plans			Accumulated
		(Losses)						Other
		On Securities						Comprehensive
								Loss, Net
	Balance January 1, 2012	$	835		$	(24,333	)	$	(23,498	)
	2012 change		1,224			(1,644	)		(420	)
	Balance December 31, 2012		2,059			(25,977	)		(23,918	)
	2013 change		(4,611	)		2,230			(2,381	)
	Balance December 31, 2013		(2,552	)		(23,747	)		(26,299	)
	2014 change		1,143			(6,875	)		(5,732	)
	Balance December 31, 2014	$	(1,409	)	$	(30,622	)	$	(32,031	)
	The $1.1 million change and negative $4.6 million change in unrealized gains (losses) on securities in 2014 and 2013, respectively, are net of $2.4 million and $3.0 million for the reclassification to current earnings of impairments of equity securities, as we deemed the impairments to be other-than-temporary. The amounts above are net of the income tax effect of such balances and activity as summarized in the following table (in thousands):
		Income Tax Effect of:
		Unrealized			Adjustments			Total
		Gains			For Pension Plans			Accumulated
		(Losses)						Other
		On Securities						Comprehensive
								Loss, Net
	Balance January 1, 2012	$	457		$	6,146		$	6,603
	2012 change		145			1,130			1,275
	Balance December 31, 2012		602			7,276			7,878
	2013 change		17			(1,512	)		(1,495	)
	Balance December 31, 2013		619			5,764			6,383
	2014 change		6			4,653			4,659
	Balance December 31, 2014	$	625		$	10,417		$	11,042
	See Note 2 for more information on our marketable securities and Note 8 for more information on our employee benefit plans.

Note_15_Acquisitions

Note 15 - Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 15:  Acquisitions
	Acquisition of Aurizon Mines Ltd.
	On June 1, 2013, we acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Aurizon for consideration valued at US$4.32 (CAD$4.47) per share (the "Acquisition"). Under the terms of the Acquisition, each holder of Aurizon common shares (a “Shareholder”) had the option of electing to receive either CAD$4.75 in cash (the “Cash Alternative”) or 0.9953 of a Hecla share (the “Share Alternative”) per Aurizon share, subject in each case to proration. Each Shareholder received CAD$3.11 (US$3.00) in cash and 0.3442 of a Hecla share for each Aurizon share, with limited exceptions in which certain stockholders received 100% of their consideration in Hecla shares. Aurizon had 164,838,377 issued and outstanding common shares prior to consummation of the Acquisition. An additional 747,132 Aurizon common shares were issued immediately prior to consummation of the Acquisition related to the conversion of in-the-money Aurizon stock options, resulting in a total of 165,585,509 issued and outstanding Aurizon common shares at the time of consummation of the Acquisition. Consideration transferred to consummate the Acquisition was comprised of cash paid by us of CAD$514.5 million (US$496.2 million) and issuance of 56,997,790 shares of Hecla common stock valued at CAD$226.3 (US$218.3 million) for total consideration of CAD$740.8 million (US$714.5 million) based on the US$ to CAD$ exchange rate of 0.9645 at the time of consummation. The value of Hecla stock issued as consideration was based upon the closing price at the time of consummation of CAD$3.97 (US$3.83) per share.
	The cash portion of the Acquisition was primarily funded by the issuance of Senior Notes in April 2013 for net proceeds of $490 million. See Note 6 for more information.
	On August 23, 2013, Aurizon transferred its jurisdiction of incorporation by continuing from British Columbia to the Canadian federal jurisdiction. Aurizon is now governed by the Canadian Business Corporations Act. Concurrently with the continuation, Aurizon changed its name to Hecla Quebec Inc.
	The following summarizes the allocation of purchase price to the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of acquisition (in thousands):
	Consideration:
	Cash payments	$	496,211
	Hecla stock issued (56,997,790 shares at $3.83 per share)		218,302
	Total consideration	$	714,513
	Fair value of net assets acquired:
	Assets:
	Cash	$	177,587
	Accounts receivable		14,307
	Inventory - bullion and stockpiled ore		8,090
	Inventory - supplies		5,704
	Other current assets		7,036
	Properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests, net		715,391
	Non-current restricted cash and investments		4,471
	Other non-current assets		795
	Total assets		933,381
	Liabilities:
	Accounts payable		22,227
	Accrued payroll and related benefits		7,613
	Accrued taxes		509
	Non-current deferred tax liability		177,016
	Non-current reclamation		11,113
	Other non-current liabilities		390
	Total liabilities		218,868
	Net assets	$	714,513
	The $715.4 million fair value for "Properties, plants, equipment, and mineral interests, net" is comprised of $11.1 million for the asset retirement obligation asset, $127.8 million for plant and equipment, and $576.5 million for development, value beyond proven and probable reserves, and other mineral interests.
	The unaudited pro forma financial information below represents the combined results of our operations as if the Acquisition had occurred at the beginning of the periods presented. The unaudited pro forma financial information is presented for informational purposes only and is not indicative of the results of operations that would have occurred if the acquisition had taken place at the beginning of the periods presented, nor is it indicative of future operating results.
		Twelve Months Ended
		December 31,
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2013			2012
	Sales of products	$	458,755		$	544,770
	Net income (loss)		(9,539	)		28,194
	Income (loss) applicable to common stockholders		(10,091	)		27,642
	Basic and diluted income (loss) per common share		(0.03	)		0.08
	The pro forma financial information includes adjustments to reflect the depreciation and amortization of assets acquired, an estimate of interest expense related to the Senior Notes that would have been incurred, and the issuance of Hecla stock as consideration in the acquisition.

Note_16_Guarantor_Subsidiaries

Note 16 - Guarantor Subsidiaries	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Abstract]
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Text Block]	Note 16:  Guarantor Subsidiaries
	Presented below are Hecla’s condensed consolidating financial statements as required by Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, resulting from the guarantees by certain of Hecla's subsidiaries (the "Guarantors") of the Notes (see Note 6 for more information). The Guarantors consist of the following of Hecla's 100%-owned subsidiaries: Hecla Limited; Silver Hunter Mining Company; Rio Grande Silver, Inc.; RHL Holdings, Inc.; Hecla MC Subsidiary, LLC; Hecla Silver Valley, Inc.; Burke Trading, Inc.; Hecla Alaska LLC; Hecla Greens Creek Mining Company; Hecla Admiralty Company; and Hecla Juneau Mining Company. We completed the initial offering of the Notes on April 12, 2013, and a related exchange offer for virtually identical notes registered with the SEC on January 3, 2014.
	The condensed consolidating financial statements below have been prepared from our financial information on the same basis of accounting as the consolidated financial statements. Investments in the subsidiaries are accounted for under the equity method. Accordingly, the entries necessary to consolidate Hecla, the Guarantors, and Non-Guarantors are reflected in the intercompany eliminations column. In the course of preparing consolidated financial statements, we eliminate the effects of various transactions conducted between Hecla's subsidiaries. While valid at an individual subsidiary level, such activities are eliminated in consolidation because, when taken as a whole, they do not represent business activity with third-party customers, vendors, and other parties. Examples of such eliminations include the following:
		•	Investments in subsidiaries. The acquisition of a company results in an investment on the records of the parent company and a contribution of capital on the records of the subsidiary. Such investments and capital contributions are eliminated in consolidation.
		•	Capital contributions. Certain of Hecla's subsidiaries do not generate cash flow, and their cash requirements are routinely met with inter-company advances from their parent companies. On an annual basis, the boards of directors of such parent companies declare contributions of capital to their subsidiary companies, which increase the parents' investment and the subsidiaries' additional paid-in capital. In consolidation, investments in subsidiaries and related additional paid-in capital are eliminated.
		•	Dividends. Certain of Hecla's subsidiaries which generate cash flow routinely provide cash to their parent companies through inter-company transfers. On an annual basis, the boards of directors of such subsidiary companies declare dividends to their parent companies, which reduces the subsidiaries' retained earnings and increases the parents' dividend income. In consolidation, such activity is eliminated.
		•	Debt. Inter-company debt agreements have been established between certain of Hecla's subsidiaries and their parents. The related debt liability and receivable balances, accrued interest expense and income activity, and payments of principal and accrued interest amounts by the subsidiary companies to their parents are eliminated in consolidation.
		•	Deferred taxes. Our ability to realize deferred tax assets and liabilities is considered on a consolidated basis for subsidiaries within the United States, with all subsidiaries' estimated future taxable income contributing to the ability to realize all such assets and liabilities. However, when Hecla's subsidiaries are viewed independently, we use the separate return method to assess the realizability of each subsidiary's deferred tax assets and whether a valuation allowance is required against such deferred tax assets. In some instances, a parent company or subsidiary may possess deferred tax assets whose realization depends on the future taxable incomes of other subsidiaries on a consolidated-return basis, but would not be considered realizable if such parent or subsidiary filed on a separate stand-alone basis. In such a situation, a valuation allowance is assessed on that subsidiary's deferred tax assets, with the resulting adjustment reported in the eliminations column of the guarantor and parent's financial statements, as is the case in the financial statements set forth below. The separate return method can result in significant eliminations of deferred tax assets and liabilities and related income tax provisions and benefits. Non-current deferred tax asset balances are included in other non-current assets on the condensed consolidating balance sheets and make up a large portion of that item, particularly for the guarantor balances.
	Separate financial statements of the Guarantors are not presented because the guarantees by the Guarantors are joint and several and full and unconditional, except for certain customary release provisions, including: (1) the sale or disposal of all or substantially all of the assets of the Guarantor; (2) the sale or other disposition of the capital stock of the Guarantor; (3) the Guarantor is designated as an unrestricted entity in accordance with the applicable provisions of the indenture; (4) Hecla ceases to be a borrower as defined in the indenture; and (5) upon legal or covenant defeasance or satisfaction and discharge of the indenture.
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
			As of December 31, 2014
			Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
			(in thousands)
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	146,885		$	33,824		$	28,956		$	—		$	209,665
	Other current assets			7,115			48,981			23,165			27,433			106,694
	Properties, plants, and equipment - net			1,572			1,079,658			750,334			—			1,831,564
	Intercompany receivable (payable)			470,306			(123,671	)		(392,880	)		46,245			—
	Investments in subsidiaries			1,317,969			—			—			(1,317,969	)		—
	Other non-current assets			8,644			189,014			4,620			(88,137	)		114,141
	Total assets		$	1,952,491		$	1,227,806		$	414,195		$	(1,332,428	)	$	2,262,064
	Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
	Current liabilities		$	14,143		$	54,918		$	21,996		$	(72	)	$	90,985
	Long-term debt			498,479			10,597			3,053			—			512,129
	Non-current portion of accrued reclamation			—			43,314			12,305			—			55,619
	Non-current deferred tax liability			—			14,387			153,300			(14,387	)		153,300
	Other non-current liabilities			42,895			11,126			(964	)		—			53,057
	Stockholders' equity			1,396,974			1,093,464			224,505			(1,317,969	)		1,396,974
	Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		$	1,952,491		$	1,227,806		$	414,195		$	(1,332,428	)	$	2,262,064
			As of December 31, 2013
			Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
			(in thousands)
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	126,271		$	40,009		$	45,895		$	—		$	212,175
	Other current assets			4,795			75,083			33,129			18,453			131,460
	Properties, plants, and equipment - net			803			1,052,102			738,696			—			1,791,601
	Intercompany receivable (payable)			528,290			(112,815	)		(464,634	)		49,159			—
	Investments in subsidiaries			1,195,076			—			—			(1,195,076	)		—
	Other non-current assets			5,249			164,563			11,115			(84,044	)		96,883
	Total assets		$	1,860,484		$	1,218,942		$	364,201		$	(1,211,508	)	$	2,232,119
	Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
	Current liabilities		$	10,058		$	117,421		$	24,000		$	—		$	151,479
	Long-term debt			490,726			14,292			40			—			505,058
	Non-current portion of accrued reclamation			—			38,426			8,340			—			46,766
	Non-current deferred tax liability			—			16,430			164,861			(16,430	)		164,861
	Other non-current liabilities			33,281			4,043			212			—			37,536
	Stockholders' equity			1,326,419			1,028,330			166,748			(1,195,078	)		1,326,419
	Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		$	1,860,484		$	1,218,942		$	364,201		$	(1,211,508	)	$	2,232,119
	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
			Year Ended December 31, 2014
			Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
			(in thousands)
	Revenues		$	1,473		$	333,460		$	165,848		$	—		$	500,781
	Cost of sales			—			(194,600	)		(109,846	)		—			(304,446	)
	Depreciation, depletion, amortization			—			(72,937	)		(38,197	)		—			(111,134	)
	General and administrative			(17,667	)		(12,694	)		(1,177	)		—			(31,538	)
	Exploration and pre-development			(252	)		(7,088	)		(12,327	)		—			(19,667	)
	Gain on derivative contracts			9,134			—			—			—			9,134
	Aurizon acquisition costs			—			—			—			—			—
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries			72,407			—			—			(72,407	)		—
	Other (expense) income			(47,271	)		29,753			3,267			(16,295	)		(30,546	)
	Income (loss) before income taxes			17,824			75,894			7,568			(88,702	)		12,584
	(Provision) benefit from income taxes			—			(10,565	)		(490	)		16,295			5,240
	Net income (loss)			17,824			65,329			7,078			(72,407	)		17,824
Preferred stock dividends			(552	)		—			—			—			(552	)
Income (loss) applicable to common stockholders			17,272			65,329			7,078			(72,407	)		17,272
Net income (loss)			17,824			65,329			7,078			(72,407	)		17,824
Changes in comprehensive income (loss)			(5,732	)		(1,329	)		1,152			177			(5,732	)
Comprehensive income (loss)		$	12,092		$	64,000		$	8,230		$	(72,230	)	$	12,092
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
		(in thousands)
Revenues		$	3,044		$	304,423		$	75,122		$	—		$	382,589
Cost of sales			—			(179,491	)		(55,825	)		—			(235,316	)
Depreciation, depletion, amortization			—			(63,097	)		(18,030	)		—			(81,127	)
General and administrative			(14,441	)		(13,174	)		(1,310	)		—			(28,925	)
Exploration and pre-development			(576	)		(24,990	)		(12,084	)		—			(37,650	)
Loss on derivative contracts			17,979			—			—			—			17,979
Closed operations			(14,444	)		—			(11,953	)		—			(26,397	)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries			(15,807	)		—			—			15,807			—
Other (expense) income			(885	)		1,345			(9,616	)		(16,922	)		(26,078	)
Income (loss) before income taxes			(25,130	)		25,016			(33,696	)		(1,115	)		(34,925	)
(Provision) benefit from income taxes			—			(14,171	)		7,044			16,922			9,795
Net income (loss)			(25,130	)		10,845			(26,652	)		15,807			(25,130	)
Preferred stock dividends			(552	)		—			—			—			(552	)
Income (loss) applicable to common stockholders			(25,682	)		10,845			(26,652	)		15,807			(25,682	)
Net income (loss)			(25,130	)		10,845			(26,652	)		15,807			(25,130	)
Changes in comprehensive income (loss)			(2,381	)		(7	)		(4,587	)		4,594			(2,381	)
Comprehensive income (loss)		$	(27,511	)	$	10,838		$	(31,239	)	$	20,401		$	(27,511	)
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
		(in thousands)
Revenues		$	(1,346	)	$	322,489		$	—		$	—		$	321,143
Cost of sales			—			(134,105	)		—			—			(134,105	)
Depreciation, depletion, amortization			—			(43,522	)		—			—			(43,522	)
General and administrative			(11,519	)		(9,519	)		(215	)		—			(21,253	)
Exploration and pre-development			(1,262	)		(38,700	)		(9,776	)		—			(49,738	)
Gain on derivative contracts			(10,457	)		—			—			—			(10,457	)
Closed operations			—			(2,259	)		(2,393	)		—			(4,652	)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries			21,246			—			—			(21,246	)		—
Other (expense) income			18,292			(27,747	)		(3,207	)		(20,921	)		(33,583	)
Income (loss) before income taxes			14,954			66,637			(15,591	)		(42,167	)		23,833
(Provision) benefit from income taxes			—			(29,802	)		—			20,923			(8,879	)
Net income (loss)			14,954			36,835			(15,591	)		(21,244	)		14,954
Preferred stock dividends			(552	)		—			—			—			(552	)
Income (loss) applicable to common stockholders			14,402			36,835			(15,591	)		(21,244	)		14,402
Net income (loss)			14,954			36,835			(15,591	)		(21,244	)		14,954
Changes in comprehensive income (loss)			(420	)		(911	)		1,438			(527	)		(420	)
Comprehensive income (loss)		$	14,534		$	35,924		$	(14,153	)	$	(21,771	)	$	14,534
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
		Year Ended December 31, 2014
		Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
		(in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities		$	38,270		$	61,900		$	58,277		$	(75,323	)	$	83,124
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to properties, plants, and equipment			(1,336	)		(68,859	)		(52,342	)		—			(122,537	)
Other investing activities, net			—			417			3,765						4,182
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends paid to stockholders			(4,099	)		—			—			—			(4,099	)
Payments on debt			—			(9,137	)		—			—			(9,137	)
Other financing activity			(12,221	)		9,494			(22,856	)		75,323			49,740
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash			—			—			(3,783	)					(3,783	)
Changes in cash and cash equivalents			20,614			(6,185	)		(16,939	)		—			(2,510	)
Beginning cash and cash equivalents			126,271			40,009			45,895						212,175
Ending cash and cash equivalents		$	146,885		$	33,824		$	28,956		$	—		$	209,665
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
		(in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities		$	(9,958	)	$	17,940		$	(20,129	)	$	38,791		$	26,644
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to properties, plants, and equipment			(1,535	)		(107,893	)		(41,308	)		—			(150,736	)
Acquisition of Aurizon Mines Ltd.			(498,705	)		—			177,588			—			(321,117	)
Other investing activities, net			—			(11	)		(3,633	)		—			(3,644	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends paid to stockholders			(6,543	)		—			—			—			(6,543	)
Borrowings on debt			490,000			—			—			—			490,000
Payments on debt			—			(7,039	)		—			—			(7,039	)
Other financing activity			20,746			79,937			(63,361	)		(38,791	)		(1,469	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash			—			—			(4,905	)		—			(4,905	)
Changes in cash and cash equivalents			(5,995	)		(17,066	)		44,252			—			21,191
Beginning cash and cash equivalents			132,266			57,075			1,643			—			190,984
Ending cash and cash equivalents		$	126,271		$	40,009		$	45,895		$	—		$	212,175
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
		(in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities		$	49,295		$	42,957		$	(14,296	)	$	(8,940	)	$	69,016
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to properties, plants, and equipment			(618	)		(107,425	)		(5,053	)		—			(113,096	)
Other investing activities			(48,815	)		891			(5,835	)		48,817			(4,942	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends paid to stockholders			(17,673	)		—			—			—			(17,673	)
Payments on debt			—			(5,878	)		(12	)		—			(5,890	)
Other financing activity			52,227			(41,903	)		26,659			(39,877	)		(2,894	)
Changes in cash and cash equivalents			34,416			(111,358	)		1,463			—			(75,479	)
Beginning cash and cash equivalents			97,850			168,433			180			—			266,463
Ending cash and cash equivalents		$	132,266		$	57,075		$	1,643		$	—		$	190,984

Accounting_Policies_by_Policy_

Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	A. Principles of Consolidation — Our Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and include our accounts and our wholly-owned subsidiaries’ accounts. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	B.  Assumptions and Use of Estimates — Preparing financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and related disclosure of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses at the date of the consolidated financial statements and reporting periods. We consider our most critical accounting estimates to be future metals prices; obligations for environmental, reclamation and closure matters; mineral reserves; and valuation of business combinations. Other significant areas requiring the use of management assumptions and estimates relate to reserves for contingencies and litigation; asset impairments, including long-lived assets and investments; valuation of deferred tax assets; and post-employment, post-retirement and other employee benefit assets and liabilities. We have based our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable. Accordingly, actual results may differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	C.  Cash and Cash Equivalents — Cash and cash equivalents consist of all cash balances and highly liquid investments with a remaining maturity of three months or less when purchased and are carried at fair value. Cash and cash equivalents are invested in money market funds, certificates of deposit, U.S. government and federal agency securities, municipal securities and corporate bonds.
Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	D.  Investments and Securities Held for Sale — We determine the appropriate classification of our investments at the time of purchase and re-evaluate such determinations at each reporting date. Short-term investments include certificates of deposit and held-to-maturity securities, based on our intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. Marketable equity securities are categorized as available for sale and carried at fair market value.
	Realized gains and losses on the sale of securities are recognized on a specific identification basis. Unrealized gains and losses are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), unless an other than temporary impairment in value has occurred or we have elected the fair value option accounting method when available for certain investments; in either of those cases, the unrealized gain or loss would be charged to current period net income (loss).  The fair value option allows for the fair value measurement of specified assets or liabilities on a case-by-case basis, with unrealized gains and losses recorded to current period net income (loss). Unrealized gains and losses originally included in accumulated other comprehensive income are reclassified to current period net income (loss) when the sale of securities, determination of an other than temporary impairment, or election of the fair value option accounting method occurs.
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]	E.  Inventories — Inventories are stated at the lower of average costs incurred or estimated net realizable value. Major types of inventories include materials and supplies and metals product inventory, which is determined by the stage at which the ore is in the production process (stockpiled ore and finished goods). Inventories are valued at the lower of full cost of production or net realizable value based on current metals prices.
	Stockpiled ore inventory represents ore that has been mined, hauled to the surface, and is available for further processing. Stockpiles are measured by estimating the number of tons added and removed from the stockpile, the amount of contained metal ounces or pounds (based on assay data) and the estimated metallurgical recovery rates (based on the expected processing method). Costs are allocated to a stockpile based on relative values of material stockpiled and processed using current mining costs incurred up to the point of stockpiling the ore, including applicable overhead, depreciation, depletion and amortization relating to mining operations, and removed at each stockpile’s average cost per recoverable unit.
	Finished goods inventory includes doré and concentrates at our operations, doré in transit to refiners or at refiners waiting to be processed, and bullion in our accounts at refineries.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	F. Restricted Cash — Restricted cash and investments primarily represent investments in money market funds, certificates of deposit, guaranteed investment certificates (Canadian deposits), and bonds of U.S. government agencies and are restricted primarily for reclamation funding or surety bonds. Restricted cash balances are carried at fair value.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	G. Properties, Plants and Equipment – Costs are capitalized when it has been determined an ore body can be economically developed.  The development stage begins at new projects when our management and/or Board of Directors makes the decision to bring a mine into commercial production, and ends when the production stage, or exploitation of reserves, begins.  Expenditures incurred during the development and production stages for new assets, new facilities, alterations to existing facilities that extend the useful lives of those facilities and major mine development expenditures are capitalized, including primary development costs such as costs of building access ways, shaft sinking, lateral development, drift development, ramps and infrastructure developments. Costs to improve, alter, or rehabilitate primary development assets which appreciably extend the life, increase capacity, or improve the efficiency or safety of such assets are also capitalized.
	Costs for exploration, pre-development, secondary development at operating mines, and maintenance and repairs on capitalized property, plant and equipment are charged to operations as incurred.  Exploration costs include those relating to activities carried out (a) in search of previously unidentified mineral deposits, (b) at undeveloped concessions, or (c) at operating mines already containing proven and probable reserves, where a determination remains pending as to whether new target deposits outside of the existing reserve areas can be economically developed.  Pre-development activities involve costs incurred in the exploration stage that may ultimately benefit production, such as underground ramp development, which are expensed due to the lack of evidence of economic development, which is necessary to demonstrate future recoverability of these expenses. At an underground mine, secondary development costs are incurred for preparation of an ore body for production in a specific ore block, stope or work area, providing a relatively short-lived benefit only to the mine area they relate to, and not to the ore body as a whole.
	Drilling and related costs are either classified as exploration or secondary development, as defined above, and charged to operations as incurred, or capitalized, based on the following criteria:
		•	whether the costs are incurred to further define mineralization at and adjacent to existing reserve areas or intended to assist with mine planning within a reserve area;
		•	whether the drilling costs relate to an ore body that has been determined to be commercially mineable, and a decision has been made to put the ore body into commercial production; and
		•	whether, at the time that the cost is incurred, the expenditure: (a) embodies a probable future benefit that involves a capacity, singly or in combination, with other assets to contribute directly or indirectly to future net cash inflows, (b) we can obtain the benefit and control others’ access to it, and (c) the transaction or event giving rise to our right to or control of the benefit has already occurred.
	If all of these criteria are met, drilling and related costs are capitalized.  Drilling costs not meeting all of these criteria are expensed as incurred.  The following factors are considered in determining whether or not the criteria listed above have been met, and capitalization of drilling costs is appropriate:
		•	completion of a favorable economic study and mine plan for the ore body targeted;
		•	authorization of development of the ore body by management and/or the Board of Directors; and
		•	all permitting and/or contractual requirements necessary for us to have the right to or control of the future benefit from the targeted ore body have been met.
	Drilling and related costs of approximately $5.3 million, $8.0 million, and $5.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, met our criteria for capitalization listed above at our properties that are in the production stage.
	When assets are retired or sold, the costs and related allowances for depreciation and amortization are eliminated from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in current period net income (loss).  Idle facilities placed on standby are carried at the lower of net carrying value or estimated net realizable value.  The net carrying values of idle facilities on standby are written-down to salvage value upon reaching the end of the economic life.  Therefore, with the exception of depreciation recorded on mobile equipment used in ongoing exploration and reclamation efforts at such properties, we do not record depreciation on idle facilities when they are not in operation.
	Included in property, plant and equipment on our consolidated financial statements are mineral interests, which are tangible assets that include acquired undeveloped mineral interests and royalty interests.  Undeveloped mineral interests include: (i) mineralized material and other resources which are measured, indicated or inferred with insufficient drill spacing or quality to qualify as proven and probable reserves; and (ii) inferred material not immediately adjacent to existing proven and probable reserves but accessible within the immediate mine infrastructure.  Residual values for undeveloped mineral interests represents the expected fair value of the interests at the time we plan to convert, develop, further explore or dispose of the interests and are evaluated at least annually.
	We capitalize portions of interest costs incurred on our debt as a part of the cost of constructing or acquiring certain qualifying assets. The amount of interest capitalized represents the portion of interest cost incurred during the construction or acquisition periods that theoretically could have been avoided if expenditures for the qualifying assets had not been made, limited to the total interest cost actually incurred during the period. Qualifying assets include discrete projects constructed by us or by a third party for our use which required a period of time to prepare the assets for their intended use. Interest capitalization takes place when capital expenditures for qualifying assets have been incurred, activities to prepare the qualifying asset for its intended use are underway, and interest cost is being incurred.
Regulatory Depreciation and Amortization, Policy [Policy Text Block]	H. Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization — Capitalized costs are depreciated or depleted using the straight-line method or unit-of-production method at rates sufficient to depreciate such costs over the shorter of estimated productive lives of such facilities or the useful life of the individual assets. Productive lives range from 1 to 28 years, but do not exceed the useful life of the individual asset. Determination of expected useful lives for amortization calculations are made on a property-by-property or asset-by-asset basis at least annually. Our estimates for reserves, mineralized material, and other resources are a key component in determining our units of production depreciation rates. Our estimates of proven and probable ore reserves, mineralized material, and other resources may change, possibly in the near term, resulting in changes to depreciation, depletion and amortization rates in future reporting periods.
	Undeveloped mineral interests and value beyond proven and probable reserves are not amortized until such time as there are proven and probable reserves or the related mineralized material is converted to proven and probable reserves.  At that time, the basis of the mineral interest is amortized on a units-of-production basis.  Pursuant to our policy on impairment of long-lived assets (discussed further below), if it is determined that an undeveloped mineral interest cannot be economically converted to proven and probable reserves, the basis of the mineral interest is reduced to its net realizable value and an impairment loss is recorded to expense in the period in which it is determined to be impaired.
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Including Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	I.  Impairment of Long-lived Assets — Management reviews and evaluates the net carrying value of all facilities, including idle facilities, for impairment upon the occurrence of other events or changes in circumstances that indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. We estimate the net realizable value of each property based on the estimated undiscounted future cash flows that will be generated from operations at each property, the estimated salvage value of the surface plant and equipment, and the value associated with property interests.
	Although management has made a reasonable estimate of factors based on current conditions and information, assumptions underlying future cash flows are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Estimates of undiscounted future cash flows are dependent upon estimates of metals to be recovered from proven and probable ore reserves, and to some extent identified mineralization and other resources beyond proven and probable reserves, future production and capital costs and estimated metals prices (considering current and historical prices, forward pricing curves and related factors) over the estimated remaining mine life. It is reasonably possible that changes could occur in the near term that could adversely affect our estimate of future cash flows to be generated from our operating properties. If undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of a property, an impairment loss is recognized.
Proven and Probable Ore Reserves [Policy Text Block]	J. Proven and Probable Ore Reserves — At least annually, management reviews the reserves used to estimate the quantities and grades of ore at our mines which we believe can be recovered and sold economically. Management’s calculations of proven and probable ore reserves are based on financial, engineering and geological estimates, including future metals prices and operating costs. From time to time, management obtains external audits of reserves. A partial third-party audit of 2012 reserves at Greens Creek and a third-party audit of 2013 reserves at Lucky Friday were concluded during 2013. A third party review of 2013 reserves at Casa Berardi was performed during 2013.
	Reserve estimates will change as existing reserves are depleted through production and as production costs and/or metals prices change. A significant drop in metals prices may reduce reserves by making some portion of such ore uneconomic to develop and produce. Changes in reserves may also reflect that actual grades of ore processed may be different from stated reserve grades because of variation in grades in areas mined, mining dilution and other factors. Our reserve estimates may change based on actual production experience. It is reasonably possible that certain of our estimates of proven and probable ore reserves will change in the near term, which could result in a change to estimated future cash flows, associated carrying values of the asset and amortization rates in future reporting periods, among other things.
	Declines in the market prices of metals, increased production or capital costs, reduction in the grade or tonnage of the deposit or an increase in the dilution of the ore or reduced recovery rates may render ore reserves uneconomic to exploit. If our realized price for the metals we produce were to decline substantially below the levels set for calculation of reserves for an extended period, there could be material delays in the development of new projects, net losses, reduced cash flow, restatements or reductions in reserves and asset write-downs in the applicable accounting periods. Reserves should not be interpreted as assurances of mine life or of the profitability of current or future operations. No assurance can be given that the estimate of the amount of metal or the indicated level of recovery of these metals will be realized.
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block]	K. Pension Plans and Other Post-retirement Benefits — We maintain defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all U.S. employees and provide certain post-retirement benefits for qualifying retired employees. Canadian employees participate in Canada's public retirement income system, and are not eligible to participate in the defined benefit pension plans that we maintain for U.S. employees. Pension benefits under the plans we maintain generally depend on length and level of service and age upon retirement. Substantially all benefits are paid through pension trusts. We contributed approximately $0.3 million per year related to our unfunded supplemental executive retirement plan in years 2014, 2013 and 2012, and expect to contribute $0.4 million related to this plan in 2015. We made cash contributions of approximately $1.0 million and $1.1 million to our defined benefit pension plans in 2013 and 2012, respectively. In 2014, we contributed our Senior Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $6.5 million to one of our defined benefit pension plans. In January 2015, we contributed approximately $4.9 million in shares of our common stock to our defined benefit plans, with no additional contributions anticipated in 2015.
	Regulations regarding employers’ accounting for defined benefit pension and other post-retirement plans, among other things, require us to:
		•	Recognize the funded status of our defined benefit plans in our consolidated financial statements; and
		•	Recognize as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) the actuarial gains and losses and prior service costs and credits that arise during the period but are not immediately recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost.
	We also maintain two defined contribution (401(k)) plans as described in Note 8.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	L. Income and Production Taxes — We provide for federal, state and foreign income taxes currently payable, as well as those deferred due to timing differences between reporting income and expenses for financial statement purposes versus tax purposes. Federal, state and foreign tax benefits are recorded as a reduction of income taxes, when applicable. We record deferred tax liabilities and assets for expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of those assets and liabilities, as well as operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the differences are expected to reverse.
	We evaluate uncertain tax positions in a two-step process, whereby (i) it is determined whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained based on the technical merits of the position and (ii) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority would be recognized.
	We classify mine license taxes incurred in the states of Alaska and Idaho as other direct production costs reported in our gross profits. Resource taxes incurred in Quebec, Canada are classified as income taxes.
	For additional information, see Note 5 — Income Taxes.
Reclamation and Remediation Cost [Policy Text Block]	M. Reclamation and Remediation Costs (Asset Retirement Obligations)  — At our operating properties, we record a liability for the present value of our estimated environmental remediation costs, and the related asset created with it, in the period in which the liability is incurred. The liability is accreted and the asset is depreciated over the life of the related assets. Adjustments for changes resulting from the passage of time and changes to either the timing or amount of the original present value estimate underlying the obligation are made in the period incurred.
	At our non-operating properties, we accrue costs associated with environmental remediation obligations when it is probable that such costs will be incurred and they are reasonably estimable. Accruals for estimated losses from environmental remediation obligations have historically been recognized no later than completion of the remedial feasibility study for such facility and are charged to current earnings under provision for closed operations and environmental matters. Costs of future expenditures for environmental remediation are not discounted to their present value unless subject to a contractually obligated fixed payment schedule. Such costs are based on management’s current estimate of amounts to be incurred when the remediation work is performed, within current laws and regulations.
	Future closure, reclamation and environmental-related expenditures are difficult to estimate in many circumstances, due to the early stage nature of investigations, uncertainties associated with defining the nature and extent of environmental contamination, the application of laws and regulations by regulatory authorities, and changes in reclamation or remediation technology. We periodically review accrued liabilities for such reclamation and remediation costs as evidence becomes available indicating that our liabilities have potentially changed. Changes in estimates at our non-operating properties are reflected in current period net income (loss).
	Accruals for closure costs, reclamation, and environmental matters for operating and non-operating properties totaled $57.3 million at December 31, 2014. It is reasonably possible the ultimate cost of reclamation and remediation could change in the future, and that changes to these estimates could have a material effect on future operating results as new information becomes known.
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	N. Revenue Recognition and Trade Accounts Receivable — Sales of all metals products sold directly to customers, including by-product metals, are recorded as revenues and accounts receivable when title and risk of loss transfer to the customer (generally at the time of shipment) at estimated forward prices for the anticipated month of settlement. Due to the time elapsed from shipment to the customer and the final settlement with the customer, we must estimate the prices at which sales of our metals will be settled. Previously recorded sales and accounts receivable are adjusted to estimated settlement metals prices until final settlement by the customer.
	Sales and accounts receivable for concentrate shipments are recorded net of charges by the customers for treatment, refining, smelting losses, and other charges negotiated by us with the customers. Charges are estimated by us upon shipment of concentrates based on contractual terms, and actual charges do not vary materially from our estimates. Costs charged by customers include fixed treatment and refining costs per ton of concentrate, and also include price escalators which allow the customers to participate in the increase of lead and zinc prices above a negotiated baseline.
	Changes in metals prices between shipment and final settlement will result in adjustments to revenues and accounts receivable related to sales of concentrate previously recorded upon shipment. Our concentrate sales and accounts receivable are based on provisional sales prices containing an embedded derivative that is required to be separated from the host contract for accounting purposes. The host contract is the receivable from the sale of the concentrates at the forward price at the time of the sale. The embedded derivative, which does not qualify for hedge accounting, is adjusted to market through earnings each period prior to final settlement.
	At December 31, 2014, metals contained in concentrates and exposed to future price changes totaled 1.7 million ounces of silver, 6,702 ounces of gold, 10,394 tons of zinc, and 4,542 tons of lead.  However, as discussed in P. Risk Management Contracts below, we seek to mitigate the risk of negative price adjustments by using financially settled forward contracts for some of our sales.
	Sales of metals in products tolled by refiners and sold directly by us, rather than sold to smelters, are recorded at contractual amounts when title and risk of loss transfer to the buyer.
	Changes in the market price of metals significantly affect our revenues, profitability, and cash flow. Metals prices can and often do fluctuate widely and are affected by numerous factors beyond our control, such as political and economic conditions, demand, forward selling by producers, aggregation by metals speculators and others, expectations for inflation, central bank sales, custom smelter activities, the relative exchange rate of the U.S. dollar, investor sentiment, and global mine production levels. The aggregate effect of these factors is impossible to predict. Because our revenue is derived from the sale of silver, gold, lead, and zinc, our earnings are directly related to the prices of these metals.
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]	O. Foreign Currency — The functional currency for our operations located in the U.S., Mexico and Canada was the U.S. dollar for all periods presented. Accordingly, for the Casa Berardi unit in Canada and San Sebastian project in Mexico, we have translated our monetary assets and liabilities at the period-end exchange rate, and non-monetary assets and liabilities at historical rates, with income and expenses translated at the average exchange rate for the current period. All translation gains and losses have been included in the current period net income (loss).
	For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, we recognized total net foreign exchange gains of $11.5 million and $3.0 million, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2012, we recognized total net foreign exchange losses of $0.1 million.
Risk Management Contracts [Policy Text Block]	P. Risk Management Contracts — We use derivative financial instruments as part of an overall risk-management strategy that is used as a means of managing exposure to base metals prices. We do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for speculative trading purposes. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, none of these contracts qualified for hedge accounting and all unrealized gains and losses are therefore reported in earnings.
	We measure derivative contracts as assets or liabilities based on their fair value. Amounts recognized for the fair value of derivative asset and liability positions with the same counterparty and which would be settled on a net basis are offset against each other on our consolidated balance sheets. Gains or losses resulting from changes in the fair value of derivatives in each period are recorded either in current earnings or other comprehensive income (“OCI”), depending on the use of the derivative, whether it qualifies for hedge accounting and whether that hedge is effective. Amounts deferred in OCI are reclassified to sales of products (for metals price-related contracts) or interest expense (for interest rate-related contracts, which we have used in the past) when the hedged transaction has occurred. Ineffective portions of any change in fair value of a derivative are recorded in current period other operating income (expense).
	We utilize two financially-settled forward contract programs to manage the exposure to changes in prices of (i) silver, gold, zinc, and lead contained in our concentrate shipments between the time of sale and final settlement and (ii) zinc and lead contained in our forecasted future concentrate shipments.  The contracts under these programs do not qualify for hedge accounting, and are marked-to-market through earnings each period.  See Note 10 for additional information on base metal derivative contracts, including open positions as of December 31, 2014.
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	Q. Stock Based Compensation — The fair values of equity instruments granted to employees and having vesting periods are expensed over the vesting periods on a straight-line basis. The fair values of instruments having no vesting period are expensed when granted.   We recognized stock-based compensation expense of approximately $5.0 million, $4.5 million, and $3.1 million, respectively, during 2014, 2013 and 2012, which was recorded to general and administrative expenses, exploration and cost of sales and other direct production costs.   As of December 31, 2014, the majority of the instruments outstanding were fully vested.
	For additional information on our employee stock option and restricted stock unit compensation, see Note 9.
Legal Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	R.  Legal Costs – Legal costs incurred in connection with a potential loss contingency are recorded to expense as incurred.
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	S. Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Common Share — We calculate basic earnings per share on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated using weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus the effect of potential dilutive common shares during the period using the treasury stock and if-converted methods.
	Potential dilutive common shares include outstanding stock options, unvested restricted stock awards, stock units, warrants and convertible preferred stock for periods in which we have reported net income. For periods in which we reported net losses, potential dilutive common shares are excluded, as their conversion and exercise would be anti-dilutive. See Note 13 for additional information.
Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block]	T. Comprehensive Income (Loss) — In addition to net income (loss), comprehensive income (loss) includes certain changes in equity during a period, such as adjustments to minimum pension liabilities, adjustments to recognize the over-funded or underfunded status of our defined benefit pension plans, and cumulative unrecognized changes in the fair value of available for sale investments, net of tax, if applicable.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	U.  Fair Value Measurements — We disclose the following information for each class of assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value:
		1	the fair value measurement;
		2	the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements in their entirety fall, segregating fair value measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1), significant other observable inputs (Level 2), and significant unobservable inputs (Level 3);
		3	for fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances, separately presenting changes during the period attributable to the following:
		a.	total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), segregating those gains or losses included in earnings, and a description of where those gains or losses included in earnings  are reported in the statement of operations;
		b.	the amount of these gains or losses attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to those assets or liabilities still held at the reporting period date and a description of where those unrealized gains or losses are reported;
		c.	purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (net); and
		d.	transfers into and/or out of Level 3.
		4	the amount of the total gains or losses for the period included in earnings  that are attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to those assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date and a description of where those unrealized gains or losses are reported in the statement of operations; and
		5	in annual periods only, the valuation technique(s) used to measure fair value and a discussion of changes in valuation techniques, if any, during the period.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	V. New Accounting Pronouncements — In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, which requires entities to present unrecognized tax benefits as a decrease in a net operating loss, similar tax loss, or tax credit carryforward if certain criteria are met. The FASB's intent was to eliminate the diversity in practice of the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits but does not alter the way in which entities assess deferred tax assets for realizability. ASU No. 2013-11 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013. Adoption of this guidance has not had a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09 Revenue Recognition, replacing guidance currently codified in Subtopic 605-10 Revenue Recognition-Overall with various SEC Staff Accounting Bulletins providing interpretive guidance. The guidance establishes a new five step principle-based framework in an effort to significantly enhance comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions, and capital markets. ASU No. 2014-09 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We are in the process of evaluating this guidance and our method of adoption.

Note_3_Properties_Plants_Equip1

Note 3 - Properties, Plants, Equipment and Mineral Interests, and Lease Commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Mining properties, including asset retirement obligations	$	336,962	$	312,692
	Development costs		250,340		204,598
	Plants and equipment		698,100		626,818
	Land		15,799		15,799
	Mineral interests		929,844		946,144
	Construction in progress		224,216		200,921
			2,455,261		2,306,972
	Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization		623,697		515,371
	Net carrying value	$	1,831,564	$	1,791,601
Operating Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Table Text Block]	Year ending December 31,
	2015	$	3,456
	2016		3,364
	2017		2,962
	2018		966
	2019		968
	Thereafter		2,081
	Total	$	13,797

Note_4_Environmental_and_Recla1

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

Note_5_Income_Taxes_Tables

Note 5 - Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]		2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Domestic	$	7,761		$	2,963		$	(7,086	)
	Foreign		(619	)		(175	)		(459	)
	Total current income tax benefit (provision)		7,142			2,788			(7,545	)
	Deferred:
	Domestic		(1,572	)		247			(1,334	)
	Foreign		(330	)		6,760			—
	Total deferred income tax benefit (provision)		(1,902	)		7,007			(1,334	)
	Total income tax benefit (provision)	$	5,240		$	9,795		$	(8,879	)
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]		2014			2013			2012
	Domestic	$	(1,505	)	$	(1,681	)	$	37,025
	Foreign		14,089			(33,244	)		(13,192	)
	Total	$	12,584		$	(34,925	)	$	23,833
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]		2014						2013					2012
	Computed “statutory” benefit (provision)	$	(4,405	)		35	%	$	12,224		35	%	$	(8,342	)	35	%
	Percentage depletion		6,034			(48	)		3,946		11			5,575		(24	)
	Change in valuation allowance other than utilization		(6,314	)		50			(3,870	)	(11	)		(3,837	)	16
	State taxes, net of federal taxes		1,671			(13	)		720		2			(1,110	)	5
	Transaction costs		—			—			(1,743	)	(5	)		—		—
	Foreign currency translation of monetary assets		16,368			(130	)		3,445		10			—		—
	Rate differential on foreign earnings		(5,938	)		47			(4,255	)	(12	)		(780	)	3
	Compensation		(1,308	)		10			(326	)	(1	)		(444	)	2
	Other		(868	)		7			(346	)	(1	)		59		—
		$	5,240			(42	)%	$	9,795		28	%	$	(8,879	)	37	%
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accrued reclamation costs	$	20,573		$	39,262
	Deferred exploration		32,225			35,267
	Foreign net operating losses		25,790			27,923
	Domestic net operating losses		73,018			54,181
	AMT credit carryforwards		14,698			22,155
	Pension and benefit obligation		16,876			10,354
	Foreign exchange gain		16,555			2,488
	Miscellaneous		29,976			28,589
	Total deferred tax assets		229,711			220,219
	Valuation allowance		(32,094	)		(27,155	)
	Total deferred tax assets		197,617			193,064
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Miscellaneous		(7,620	)		(5,966	)
	Properties, plants and equipment		(232,397	)		(238,497	)
	Total deferred tax liabilities		(240,017	)		(244,463	)
	Net deferred tax asset (liability)	$	(42,400	)	$	(51,399	)
Summary of Positions for which Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Table Text Block]		2014			2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of year	$	(27,155	)	$	(23,030	)	$	(22,895	)
	Increase related to non-utilization of net operating loss carryforwards and non-recognition of deferred tax assets due to uncertainty of recovery		(6,314	)		(3,870	)		(3,837	)
	Decrease related to utilization and expiration of deferred tax assets, other		1,375			(255	)		3,702
	Balance at end of year	$	(32,094	)	$	(27,155	)	$	(23,030	)

Note_6_Senior_Notes_Credit_Fac1

Note 6 - Senior Notes, Credit Facilities, and Capital Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Table Text Block]
	Interest rates:
	Spread over the London Interbank Offer Rate		2.25 - 3.25%
	Spread over alternative base rate		1.25 - 2.25%
	Standby fee per annum on undrawn amounts		0.50%
	Covenant financial ratios:
	Senior leverage ratio (debt secured by liens/EBITDA)		not more than 2.50:	1
	Leverage ratio (total debt less unencumbered cash/EBITDA)		not more than 4.00:	1
	Interest coverage ratio (EBITDA/interest expense)		not more than 3.00:	1
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases [Table Text Block]	Twelve-month period ending December 31,
	2015	$	10,266
	2016		7,622
	2017		4,115
	2018		1,782
	Total		23,785
	Less: imputed interest		(1,128	)
	Net capital lease obligation	$	22,657

Note_8_Employee_Benefit_Plans_

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block]		Pension Benefits
		2014			2013
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	101,155		$	99,367
	Service cost		4,312			4,025
	Interest cost		4,859			3,889
	Amendments		—			(4,208	)
	Actuarial loss		12,575			2,428
	Benefits paid		(4,617	)		(4,346	)
	Benefit obligation at end of year		118,284			101,155
	Change in fair value of plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		69,051			68,515
	Actual return on plan assets		3,402			3,479
	Employer contributions		6,715			1,403
	Benefits paid		(4,617	)		(4,346	)
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year		74,551			69,051
	Funded status at end of year	$	(43,733	)	$	(32,104	)
Pension Benefits Recognized Balance Sheet Location [Table Text Block]		Pension Benefits
		2014			2013
	Current liabilities:
	Accrued benefit liability	$	(385	)	$	(342	)
	Other non- current liabilities:
	Accrued benefit liability		(43,348	)		(31,763	)
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss		41,041			29,768
	Net amount recognized	$	(2,692	)	$	(2,337	)
Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block]		Pension Benefits
		2014			2013
	Discount rate: net periodic pension cost		4.81	%		4	%
	Discount rate: projected benefit obligation		4.17	%		4.81	%
	Expected rate of return on plan assets		7.2	%		7.2	%
	Rate of compensation increase: net periodic pension cost		4	%		4	%
	Rate of compensation increase: projected benefit obligation		2	%		4	%
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]		Pension Benefits
		2014			2013			2012
	Service cost	$	4,312		$	4,025		$	3,974
	Interest cost		4,859			3,889			4,068
	Expected return on plan assets		(4,996	)		(4,741	)		(4,581	)
	Amortization of prior service cost (benefit)		(337	)		66			401
	Amortization of net gain from earlier periods		3,275			3,152			2,826
	Net periodic pension cost	$	7,113		$	6,391		$	6,688
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]		Hecla						Lucky Friday
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Cash		3	%		1	%		1	%		1	%
	Large cap U.S. equities		11	%		9	%		11	%		9	%
	Small cap U.S. equities		6	%		6	%		6	%		6	%
	Non-U.S. equities		8	%		9	%		10	%		9	%
	Fixed income		34	%		32	%		34	%		32	%
	Real estate		15	%		20	%		16	%		20	%
	Absolute return hedge funds		14	%		15	%		15	%		15	%
	Real return		9	%		8	%		7	%		8	%
	Total		100	%		100	%		100	%		100	%
Investment Policy Allocation [Table Text Block]		Target			Minimum			Maximum
	Large cap U.S. equities		10	%		7	%		13	%
	Small cap U.S. equities		5	%		4	%		6	%
	Non-U.S. equities		10	%		8	%		12	%
	Fixed income		35	%		29	%		43	%
	Real estate		15	%		12	%		18	%
	Absolute return hedge funds		15	%		12	%		18	%
	Real return		10	%		8	%		12	%
Fair Value of Plan Assets by Category [Table Text Block]		Hecla												Lucky Friday
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Interest-bearing cash	$	1,798		$	—		$	—		$	1,798		$	136	$	—	$	—	$	136
	Common stock		1,105			—			—			1,105			281		—		—		281
	Real estate		—			—			8,889			8,889			—		—		2,458		2,458
	Common collective funds		—			12,280			8,454			20,734			—		3,040		2,306		5,346
	Mutual funds		26,392			—			—			26,392			7,412		—		—		7,412
	Total fair value	$	29,295		$	12,280		$	17,343		$	58,918		$	7,829	$	3,040	$	4,764	$	15,633
		Hecla												Lucky Friday
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Interest-bearing cash	$	596		$	—		$	—		$	596		$	393	$	—	$	—	$	393
	Common stock		1,220			—			—			1,220			311		—		—		311
	Real estate		—			—			10,797			10,797			—		—		2,865		2,865
	Common collective funds		—			9,654			7,970			17,624			—		2,982		2,174		5,156
	Mutual funds		23,252			—			—			23,252			6,837		—		—		6,837
	Total fair value	$	25,068		$	9,654		$	18,767		$	53,489		$	7,541	$	2,982	$	5,039	$	15,562
Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]		Hecla			Lucky Friday
	Beginning balance at January 1, 2014	$	18,767		$	5,039
	Net unrealized gains on assets held at the reporting date		1,457			375
	Purchases		424			121
	Sales	$	(3,305	)	$	(771	)
	Ending balance at December 31, 2014	$	17,343		$	4,764
		Hecla			Lucky Friday
	Beginning balance at December 31, 2012	$	16,862		$	4,491
	Net unrealized gains on assets held at the reporting date		1,486			399
	Purchases		419			149
	Ending balance at December 31, 2013	$	18,767		$	5,039
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block]	Year Ending December 31,	Pension
		Plans
	2015	$	5,249
	2016		5,462
	2017		5,724
	2018		6,186
	2019		6,569
	Years 2020-2024		39,915
Schedule of Net Funded Status [Table Text Block]		31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
		ABO Exceeds Plan Assets			Plan Assets Exceed ABO			ABO Exceeds Plan Assets			Plan Assets Exceed ABO
	Projected benefit obligation	$	118,284		$	—		$	101,155		$	—
	Accumulated benefit obligation		112,727			—			97,937			—
	Fair value of plan assets		74,551			—			69,051			—
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]		Pension
		Benefits
	Unamortized net (gain)/loss	$	42,959
	Unamortized prior service benefit		(1,917	)
Schedule of Amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to be Recognized over Next Fiscal Year [Table Text Block]		Pension
		Benefits
	Amortization of net loss	$	3,459
	Amortization of prior service benefit		(352	)

Note_9_Shareholders_Equity_Tab

Note 9 - Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Schedule of Potential Per Share Dividend Amounts Quarterly Price Levels [Table Text Block]		Quarterly average realized				Quarterly dividend			Annual dividend
		silver price per ounce				per share			per share
		$	30			$	0.01		$	0.04
		$	35			$	0.02		$	0.08
		$	40			$	0.03		$	0.12
		$	45			$	0.04		$	0.16
		$	50			$	0.05		$	0.2
		$	55			$	0.06		$	0.24
		$	60			$	0.07		$	0.28
Schedule of Dividends Payable [Table Text Block]			(A)				(B)			(C)		(A+B+C)
	Declaration date		Silver-price-				Minimum			Special		Total		Total dividend		Month of
			linked				annual			dividend		dividend		amount		payment
			component				component			per share		per share		(in millions)
			per share				per share
	8-Nov-11		$	0.02			$	—		$	—	$	0.02	$	5.6	Dec-11
	17-Feb-12		$	0.01			$	0.0025		$	—	$	0.0125	$	3.6	Mar-12
	8-May-12		$	0.02			$	0.0025		$	—	$	0.0225	$	6.4	Jun-12
	7-Aug-12		$	—			$	0.0025		$	—	$	0.0025	$	0.7	Sep-12
	2-Nov-12		$	0.02			$	0.0025		$	—	$	0.0225	$	6.4	Dec-12
	25-Feb-13		$	—			$	0.0025		$	0.01	$	0.0125	$	3.6	Mar-13
	10-May-13		$	—			$	0.0025		$	—	$	0.0025	$	0.7	Jun-13
	8-Aug-13		$	—			$	0.0025		$	—	$	0.0025	$	0.9	Aug-13
	5-Nov-13		$	—			$	0.0025		$	—	$	0.0025	$	0.9	Dec-13
	21-Feb-14		$	—			$	0.0025		$	—	$	0.0025	$	0.9	Mar-14
	5-May-14		$	—			$	0.0025		$	—	$	0.0025	$	0.9	Jun-14
	31-Jul-14		$	—			$	0.0025		$	—	$	0.0025	$	0.9	Sep-14
	5-Nov-14		$	—			$	0.0025		$	—	$	0.0025	$	0.9	Dec-14
	17-Feb-15		$	—			$	0.0025		$	—	$	0.0025	$	0.9	Mar-15
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]			Shares Subject to Options				Weighted Average
							Exercise Price
	Outstanding, December 31, 2013			612,745			$	4.29
	Expired			(353,403	)		$	3.42
	Outstanding, December 31, 2014			259,342			$	5.47
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]			Shares				Weighted Average
							Grant Date Fair
							Value per Share
	Unvested, January 1, 2014			2,085,301			$	3.56
	Granted			1,457,267			$	3.3
	Canceled			(72,031	)		$	3.1
	Distributed			(1,234,962	)		$	3.74
	Unvested, December 31, 2014			2,235,575			$	3.31

Note_10_Derivative_Instruments1

Note 10 - Derivative Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block]	31-Dec-14	Ounces/pounds under contract (in 000's)								Average price per ounce/pound
		Silver		Gold		Zinc		Lead		Silver		Gold		Zinc		Lead
		(ounces)		(ounces)		(pounds)		(pounds)		(ounces)		(ounces)		(pounds)		(pounds)
	Contracts on provisional sales
	2015 settlements		1,607		6		19,456		8,378	$	16.06	$	1,195	$	1.01	$	0.87
	Contracts on forecasted sales
	2015 settlements		—		—		46,738		29,652	N/A		N/A		$	0.96	$	1.07
	2016 settlements		—		—		44,699		34,337	N/A		N/A		$	0.99	$	1.03
	2017 settlements		—		—		1,984		—	N/A		N/A		$	1.04	N/A
	31-Dec-13	Ounces/pounds under contract (in 000's)								Average price per ounce/pound
		Silver		Gold		Zinc		Lead		Silver		Gold		Zinc		Lead
		(ounces)		(ounces)		(pounds)		(pounds)		(ounces)		(ounces)		(pounds)		(pounds)
	Contracts on provisional sales
	2014 settlements		673		3		11,188		3,472		19.5		1,205	$	0.89	$	1
	Contracts on forecasted sales
	2014 settlements		—		—		31,967		34,282	N/A		N/A		$	1	$	1.04
	2015 settlements		—		—		39,683		36,982	N/A		N/A		$	0.96	$	1.07
	2016 settlements		—		—		3,803		30,589	N/A		N/A		$	0.93	$	1.03

Note_11_Business_Segments_and_1

Note 11 - Business Segments and Significant Customers (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedules of Concentration of Risk, by Risk Factor [Table Text Block]		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Greens Creek		49	%		68.8	%		100	%
	Lucky Friday		17.9	%		11.6	%		—	%
	Casa Berardi		33.1	%		19.6	%		—	%
			100	%		100	%		100	%
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]		2014			2013			2012
	Net sales to unaffiliated customers:
	Greens Creek	$	245,175		$	263,263		$	320,895
	Lucky Friday		89,757			44,204			248
	Casa Berardi		165,849			75,122			—
		$	500,781		$	382,589		$	321,143
	Income (loss) from operations:
	Greens Creek	$	39,758		$	62,178		$	138,245
	Lucky Friday		21,502			(3,563	)		(25,179	)
	Casa Berardi		11,828			(15,708	)		—
	Other		(51,460	)		(75,301	)		(75,200	)
		$	21,628		$	(32,394	)	$	37,866
	Capital additions (including non-cash additions):
	Greens Creek	$	31,476		$	57,119		$	62,184
	Lucky Friday		52,193			55,902			55,998
	Casa Berardi		48,615			41,425			—
	Other		18,801			8,162			11,760
		$	151,085		$	162,608		$	129,942
	Depreciation, depletion and amortization:
	Greens Creek	$	63,505		$	55,265		$	43,522
	Lucky Friday		9,431			7,833			—
	Casa Berardi		38,198			18,030			—
		$	111,134		$	81,128		$	43,522
	Other significant non-cash items:
	Greens Creek	$	2,807		$	1,961		$	4,037
	Lucky Friday		72			96			92
	Casa Berardi		847			474			—
	Other		506			1,512			33,922
		$	4,232		$	4,043		$	38,051
	Identifiable assets:
	Greens Creek	$	704,121		$	744,027		$	741,666
	Lucky Friday		356,482			313,793			226,196
	Casa Berardi		800,961			821,058			—
	Other		400,500			353,241			410,428
		$	2,262,064		$	2,232,119		$	1,378,290
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Table Text Block]		2014			2013			2012
	United States	$	22,200		$	22,361		$	25,438
	Canada		295,027			170,632			34,441
	Japan		58,466			50,039			70,371
	Korea		70,548			86,035			120,106
	China		53,067			50,479			72,133
	Total, excluding gains/losses on forward contracts	$	499,308		$	379,546		$	322,489
Schedule of Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets in Individual Foreign Countries by Country [Table Text Block]		2014			2013
	United States	$	1,081,699		$	1,053,374
	Canada		749,810			738,172
	Mexico		55			55
		$	1,831,564		$	1,791,601
Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block]		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Teck Metals Ltd.		25.8	%		25	%		10.7	%
	Korea Zinc		14.1	%		22.5	%		37.2	%
	Trafigura AG		7	%		8.8	%		22.4	%
	MS Zinc		5.9	%		7.5	%		12.3	%
	CIBC		17	%		10.9	%		—	%
	Mitsui		15.8	%		8.4	%		—	%

Note_12_Fair_Value_Measurement1

Note 12 - Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]		Balance at		Balance at		Input
		December 31,		December 31,		Hierarchy
		2014		2013		Level
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Money market funds and other bank deposits	$	209,665	$	212,175	Level 1
	Available for sale securities:
	Equity securities – mining industry		4,920		7,019	Level 1
	Trade accounts receivable:
	Receivables from provisional concentrate sales		17,696		17,672	Level 2
	Derivative contracts:
	Base metal forward contracts		11,347		4,461	Level 2
	Restricted cash balances:
	Certificates of deposit and other bank deposits		883		5,217	Level 1
	Total assets	$	244,511	$	246,544

Note_13_Income_Loss_Per_Common1

Note 13 - Income (Loss) Per Common Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Numerator
	Net income (loss)	$	17,824		$	(25,130	)	$	14,954
	Preferred stock dividends		(552	)		(552	)		(552	)
	Net income (loss) applicable to common shares	$	17,272		$	(25,682	)	$	14,402
	Denominator
	Basic weighted average common shares		353,442			318,679			285,375
	Dilutive stock options, restricted stock, and warrants		3,993			—			12,191
	Diluted weighted average common shares		357,435			318,679			297,566
	Basic earnings (loss) per common share	$	0.05		$	(0.08	)	$	0.05
	Diluted earnings (loss) per common share	$	0.05		$	(0.08	)	$	0.05
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013
	Stock options		259,342			570,005

Note_14_Other_Comprehensive_In1

Note 14 - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]		Unrealized			Adjustments			Total
		Gains			For Pension Plans			Accumulated
		(Losses)						Other
		On Securities						Comprehensive
								Loss, Net
	Balance January 1, 2012	$	835		$	(24,333	)	$	(23,498	)
	2012 change		1,224			(1,644	)		(420	)
	Balance December 31, 2012		2,059			(25,977	)		(23,918	)
	2013 change		(4,611	)		2,230			(2,381	)
	Balance December 31, 2013		(2,552	)		(23,747	)		(26,299	)
	2014 change		1,143			(6,875	)		(5,732	)
	Balance December 31, 2014	$	(1,409	)	$	(30,622	)	$	(32,031	)
Comprehensive Income Loss Income Tax Effect [Table Text Block]		Income Tax Effect of:
		Unrealized			Adjustments			Total
		Gains			For Pension Plans			Accumulated
		(Losses)						Other
		On Securities						Comprehensive
								Loss, Net
	Balance January 1, 2012	$	457		$	6,146		$	6,603
	2012 change		145			1,130			1,275
	Balance December 31, 2012		602			7,276			7,878
	2013 change		17			(1,512	)		(1,495	)
	Balance December 31, 2013		619			5,764			6,383
	2014 change		6			4,653			4,659
	Balance December 31, 2014	$	625		$	10,417		$	11,042

Note_15_Acquisitions_Tables

Note 15 - Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	Consideration:
	Cash payments	$	496,211
	Hecla stock issued (56,997,790 shares at $3.83 per share)		218,302
	Total consideration	$	714,513
	Fair value of net assets acquired:
	Assets:
	Cash	$	177,587
	Accounts receivable		14,307
	Inventory - bullion and stockpiled ore		8,090
	Inventory - supplies		5,704
	Other current assets		7,036
	Properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests, net		715,391
	Non-current restricted cash and investments		4,471
	Other non-current assets		795
	Total assets		933,381
	Liabilities:
	Accounts payable		22,227
	Accrued payroll and related benefits		7,613
	Accrued taxes		509
	Non-current deferred tax liability		177,016
	Non-current reclamation		11,113
	Other non-current liabilities		390
	Total liabilities		218,868
	Net assets	$	714,513
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]		Twelve Months Ended
		December 31,
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2013			2012
	Sales of products	$	458,755		$	544,770
	Net income (loss)		(9,539	)		28,194
	Income (loss) applicable to common stockholders		(10,091	)		27,642
	Basic and diluted income (loss) per common share		(0.03	)		0.08

Note_16_Guarantor_Subsidiaries1

Note 16 - Guarantor Subsidiaries (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Abstract]
Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]		As of December 31, 2014
		Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
		(in thousands)
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	146,885		$	33,824		$	28,956		$	—		$	209,665
	Other current assets		7,115			48,981			23,165			27,433			106,694
	Properties, plants, and equipment - net		1,572			1,079,658			750,334			—			1,831,564
	Intercompany receivable (payable)		470,306			(123,671	)		(392,880	)		46,245			—
	Investments in subsidiaries		1,317,969			—			—			(1,317,969	)		—
	Other non-current assets		8,644			189,014			4,620			(88,137	)		114,141
	Total assets	$	1,952,491		$	1,227,806		$	414,195		$	(1,332,428	)	$	2,262,064
	Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
	Current liabilities	$	14,143		$	54,918		$	21,996		$	(72	)	$	90,985
	Long-term debt		498,479			10,597			3,053			—			512,129
	Non-current portion of accrued reclamation		—			43,314			12,305			—			55,619
	Non-current deferred tax liability		—			14,387			153,300			(14,387	)		153,300
	Other non-current liabilities		42,895			11,126			(964	)		—			53,057
	Stockholders' equity		1,396,974			1,093,464			224,505			(1,317,969	)		1,396,974
	Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	1,952,491		$	1,227,806		$	414,195		$	(1,332,428	)	$	2,262,064
		As of December 31, 2013
		Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
		(in thousands)
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	126,271		$	40,009		$	45,895		$	—		$	212,175
	Other current assets		4,795			75,083			33,129			18,453			131,460
	Properties, plants, and equipment - net		803			1,052,102			738,696			—			1,791,601
	Intercompany receivable (payable)		528,290			(112,815	)		(464,634	)		49,159			—
	Investments in subsidiaries		1,195,076			—			—			(1,195,076	)		—
	Other non-current assets		5,249			164,563			11,115			(84,044	)		96,883
	Total assets	$	1,860,484		$	1,218,942		$	364,201		$	(1,211,508	)	$	2,232,119
	Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
	Current liabilities	$	10,058		$	117,421		$	24,000		$	—		$	151,479
	Long-term debt		490,726			14,292			40			—			505,058
	Non-current portion of accrued reclamation		—			38,426			8,340			—			46,766
	Non-current deferred tax liability		—			16,430			164,861			(16,430	)		164,861
	Other non-current liabilities		33,281			4,043			212			—			37,536
	Stockholders' equity		1,326,419			1,028,330			166,748			(1,195,078	)		1,326,419
	Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	1,860,484		$	1,218,942		$	364,201		$	(1,211,508	)	$	2,232,119
Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block]		Year Ended December 31, 2014
		Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
		(in thousands)
	Revenues	$	1,473		$	333,460		$	165,848		$	—		$	500,781
	Cost of sales		—			(194,600	)		(109,846	)		—			(304,446	)
	Depreciation, depletion, amortization		—			(72,937	)		(38,197	)		—			(111,134	)
	General and administrative		(17,667	)		(12,694	)		(1,177	)		—			(31,538	)
	Exploration and pre-development		(252	)		(7,088	)		(12,327	)		—			(19,667	)
	Gain on derivative contracts		9,134			—			—			—			9,134
	Aurizon acquisition costs		—			—			—			—			—
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries		72,407			—			—			(72,407	)		—
	Other (expense) income		(47,271	)		29,753			3,267			(16,295	)		(30,546	)
	Income (loss) before income taxes		17,824			75,894			7,568			(88,702	)		12,584
	(Provision) benefit from income taxes		—			(10,565	)		(490	)		16,295			5,240
	Net income (loss)		17,824			65,329			7,078			(72,407	)		17,824
	Preferred stock dividends		(552	)		—			—			—			(552	)
	Income (loss) applicable to common stockholders		17,272			65,329			7,078			(72,407	)		17,272
	Net income (loss)		17,824			65,329			7,078			(72,407	)		17,824
	Changes in comprehensive income (loss)		(5,732	)		(1,329	)		1,152			177			(5,732	)
	Comprehensive income (loss)	$	12,092		$	64,000		$	8,230		$	(72,230	)	$	12,092
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
		(in thousands)
	Revenues	$	3,044		$	304,423		$	75,122		$	—		$	382,589
	Cost of sales		—			(179,491	)		(55,825	)		—			(235,316	)
	Depreciation, depletion, amortization		—			(63,097	)		(18,030	)		—			(81,127	)
	General and administrative		(14,441	)		(13,174	)		(1,310	)		—			(28,925	)
	Exploration and pre-development		(576	)		(24,990	)		(12,084	)		—			(37,650	)
	Loss on derivative contracts		17,979			—			—			—			17,979
	Closed operations		(14,444	)		—			(11,953	)		—			(26,397	)
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries		(15,807	)		—			—			15,807			—
	Other (expense) income		(885	)		1,345			(9,616	)		(16,922	)		(26,078	)
	Income (loss) before income taxes		(25,130	)		25,016			(33,696	)		(1,115	)		(34,925	)
	(Provision) benefit from income taxes		—			(14,171	)		7,044			16,922			9,795
	Net income (loss)		(25,130	)		10,845			(26,652	)		15,807			(25,130	)
	Preferred stock dividends		(552	)		—			—			—			(552	)
	Income (loss) applicable to common stockholders		(25,682	)		10,845			(26,652	)		15,807			(25,682	)
	Net income (loss)		(25,130	)		10,845			(26,652	)		15,807			(25,130	)
	Changes in comprehensive income (loss)		(2,381	)		(7	)		(4,587	)		4,594			(2,381	)
	Comprehensive income (loss)	$	(27,511	)	$	10,838		$	(31,239	)	$	20,401		$	(27,511	)
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
		(in thousands)
	Revenues	$	(1,346	)	$	322,489		$	—		$	—		$	321,143
	Cost of sales		—			(134,105	)		—			—			(134,105	)
	Depreciation, depletion, amortization		—			(43,522	)		—			—			(43,522	)
	General and administrative		(11,519	)		(9,519	)		(215	)		—			(21,253	)
	Exploration and pre-development		(1,262	)		(38,700	)		(9,776	)		—			(49,738	)
	Gain on derivative contracts		(10,457	)		—			—			—			(10,457	)
	Closed operations		—			(2,259	)		(2,393	)		—			(4,652	)
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries		21,246			—			—			(21,246	)		—
	Other (expense) income		18,292			(27,747	)		(3,207	)		(20,921	)		(33,583	)
	Income (loss) before income taxes		14,954			66,637			(15,591	)		(42,167	)		23,833
	(Provision) benefit from income taxes		—			(29,802	)		—			20,923			(8,879	)
	Net income (loss)		14,954			36,835			(15,591	)		(21,244	)		14,954
	Preferred stock dividends		(552	)		—			—			—			(552	)
	Income (loss) applicable to common stockholders		14,402			36,835			(15,591	)		(21,244	)		14,402
	Net income (loss)		14,954			36,835			(15,591	)		(21,244	)		14,954
	Changes in comprehensive income (loss)		(420	)		(911	)		1,438			(527	)		(420	)
	Comprehensive income (loss)	$	14,534		$	35,924		$	(14,153	)	$	(21,771	)	$	14,534
Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block]		Year Ended December 31, 2014
		Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
		(in thousands)
	Cash flows from operating activities	$	38,270		$	61,900		$	58,277		$	(75,323	)	$	83,124
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Additions to properties, plants, and equipment		(1,336	)		(68,859	)		(52,342	)		—			(122,537	)
	Other investing activities, net		—			417			3,765						4,182
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Dividends paid to stockholders		(4,099	)		—			—			—			(4,099	)
	Payments on debt		—			(9,137	)		—			—			(9,137	)
	Other financing activity		(12,221	)		9,494			(22,856	)		75,323			49,740
	Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		—			—			(3,783	)					(3,783	)
	Changes in cash and cash equivalents		20,614			(6,185	)		(16,939	)		—			(2,510	)
	Beginning cash and cash equivalents		126,271			40,009			45,895						212,175
	Ending cash and cash equivalents	$	146,885		$	33,824		$	28,956		$	—		$	209,665
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
		(in thousands)
	Cash flows from operating activities	$	(9,958	)	$	17,940		$	(20,129	)	$	38,791		$	26,644
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Additions to properties, plants, and equipment		(1,535	)		(107,893	)		(41,308	)		—			(150,736	)
	Acquisition of Aurizon Mines Ltd.		(498,705	)		—			177,588			—			(321,117	)
	Other investing activities, net		—			(11	)		(3,633	)		—			(3,644	)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Dividends paid to stockholders		(6,543	)		—			—			—			(6,543	)
	Borrowings on debt		490,000			—			—			—			490,000
	Payments on debt		—			(7,039	)		—			—			(7,039	)
	Other financing activity		20,746			79,937			(63,361	)		(38,791	)		(1,469	)
	Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		—			—			(4,905	)		—			(4,905	)
	Changes in cash and cash equivalents		(5,995	)		(17,066	)		44,252			—			21,191
	Beginning cash and cash equivalents		132,266			57,075			1,643			—			190,984
	Ending cash and cash equivalents	$	126,271		$	40,009		$	45,895		$	—		$	212,175
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
		(in thousands)
	Cash flows from operating activities	$	49,295		$	42,957		$	(14,296	)	$	(8,940	)	$	69,016
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Additions to properties, plants, and equipment		(618	)		(107,425	)		(5,053	)		—			(113,096	)
	Other investing activities		(48,815	)		891			(5,835	)		48,817			(4,942	)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Dividends paid to stockholders		(17,673	)		—			—			—			(17,673	)
	Payments on debt		—			(5,878	)		(12	)		—			(5,890	)
	Other financing activity		52,227			(41,903	)		26,659			(39,877	)		(2,894	)
	Changes in cash and cash equivalents		34,416			(111,358	)		1,463			—			(75,479	)
	Beginning cash and cash equivalents		97,850			168,433			180			—			266,463
	Ending cash and cash equivalents	$	132,266		$	57,075		$	1,643		$	—		$	190,984

Note_1_Summary_of_Significant_1

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended				1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Capitalized Drilling Costs	$5,300,000	$8,000,000	$5,000,000
Pension Contributions	6,500,000
Number of Defined Contribution Plans Maintained	2
Environmental Exit Costs, Costs Accrued to Date	57,300,000
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain, before Tax	11,500,000	3,000,000
Foreign Currency Transaction Loss, before Tax			100,000
Share-based Compensation	4,965,000	4,461,000	3,101,000
Unfunded Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Pension Contributions				400,000
Unfunded Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Pension Contributions	300,000	300,000	300,000
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Pension Contributions		1,000,000	1,100,000
Silver [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Metals Contained in Concentrates	1,700,000
Gold [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Metals Contained in Concentrates	6,702
Zinc [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Metals Contained in Concentrates	10,394
Lead [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Metals Contained in Concentrates	4,542
Subsequent Event [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Pension Contributions					4,900,000
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Pension Contributions				0
Minimum [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	28 years
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Pension Contributions	$6,500,000

Note_2_Cash_Investments_and_Re1

Note 2 - Cash, Investments, and Restricted Cash (Details)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	CAD	USD ($)	Typhoon Exploration Inc. [Member]	Brixton Metals Corporation [Member]	Non-Current Investments Held Having Net Loss Position [Member]	Non-Current Investments Held Having Net Gain Position [Member]
									USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)
Note 2 - Cash, Investments, and Restricted Cash (Details) [Line Items]
Cash, FDIC Insured Amount				$250,000
Cash CDIC Insured Amount (in Dollars)							100,000
Long-term Investments			7,019,000	4,920,000	7,019,000
Tax Basis of Investments, Cost for Income Tax Purposes			9,800,000	7,300,000	9,800,000
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments		2,400,000	3,000,000
Payments to Acquire Investments				580,000	6,001,000	5,823,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax			-2,552,000	-1,409,000	-2,552,000	2,059,000		835,000			-2,000,000	21,000
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage									29.00%	19.00%
Equity Method Investments									700,000	500,000
Investment Owned, at Fair Value									500,000	300,000
Restricted Investments			5,200,000	900,000	5,200,000
Adjustment to Restricted Cash	($7,500,000)

Note_3_Properties_Plants_Equip2

Note 3 - Properties, Plants, Equipment and Mineral Interests, and Lease Commitments (Details)	0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 02, 2013	Jun. 02, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
	USD ($)	CAD	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	Lucky Friday [Member]	Greens Creek [Member]	Casa Berardi [Member]	Aurizon Mines Ltd [Member]	Aurizon Mines Ltd [Member]
						USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	CAD
Note 3 - Properties, Plants, Equipment and Mineral Interests, and Lease Commitments (Details) [Line Items]
Total Capital Expenditures			$122,500,000			$49,400,000	$26,200,000	$46,600,000
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred	714,500,000	740,800,000	714,513,000						714,500,000	740,800,000
Accumulated Capitalized Interest Costs			11,800,000	6,500,000
Capital Leased Assets, Gross			50,700,000	41,200,000
Capital Leases, Lessee Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Accumulated Depreciation			8,600,000	10,100,000
Operating Leases, Rent Expense			$3,500,000	$3,100,000	$3,100,000

Note_3_Properties_Plants_Equip3

Note 3 - Properties, Plants, Equipment and Mineral Interests, and Lease Commitments (Details) - Major Components of Property, Plants, Equipment and Mineral Interests (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plants, equipment, and minerals	$2,455,261	$2,306,972
Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization	623,697	515,371
Net carrying value	1,831,564	1,791,601
Mining Properties Including Asset Retirement Obligations [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plants, equipment, and minerals	336,962	312,692
Mine Development [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plants, equipment, and minerals	250,340	204,598
Plant and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plants, equipment, and minerals	698,100	626,818
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plants, equipment, and minerals	15,799	15,799
Mineral Interests [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plants, equipment, and minerals	929,844	946,144
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plants, equipment, and minerals	$224,216	$200,921

Note_3_Properties_Plants_Equip4

Note 3 - Properties, Plants, Equipment and Mineral Interests, and Lease Commitments (Details) - Future Obligations Under Non-cancelable Operating Leases (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Future Obligations Under Non-cancelable Operating Leases [Abstract]
2015	$3,456
2016	3,364
2017	2,962
2018	966
2019	968
Thereafter	2,081
Total	$13,797

Note_4_Environmental_and_Recla2

Note 4 - Environmental and Reclamation Activities (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2014	Jul. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Note 4 - Environmental and Reclamation Activities (Details) [Line Items]
Other Accrued Liabilities				$264,400,000
Payments for Legal Settlements	15,000,000	25,000,000	168,000,000
Payment of Proceeds from Warrants Exercised						41,300,000	14,100,000
Accrued Reclamation and Closure Costs				57,250,000	105,191,000			113,215,000	153,811,000
Liabilities Subject to Compromise, Provision for Expected and Allowed Claims				96,700,000	73,900,000			73,900,000	53,400,000
Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Reclamation				2,200,000
Surety Bonds				$68,900,000	$30,000,000
Minimum [Member]
Note 4 - Environmental and Reclamation Activities (Details) [Line Items]
Risk-free Interest Rate				6.00%
Maximum [Member]
Note 4 - Environmental and Reclamation Activities (Details) [Line Items]
Risk-free Interest Rate				8.00%

Note_4_Environmental_and_Recla3

Note 4 - Environmental and Reclamation Activities (Details) - Liabilities Accrued for Reclamation and Closure Costs (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Operating properties:
Accrued reclamation and closure costs	$57,250	$105,191	$113,215	$153,811
Reclamation and closure costs, current	-1,631	-58,425
Reclamation and closure costs, long-term	55,619	46,766
Greens Creek [Member] | Operating Properties [Member]
Operating properties:
Accrued reclamation and closure costs	39,237	34,530
Lucky Friday [Member] | Operating Properties [Member]
Operating properties:
Accrued reclamation and closure costs	1,069	919
Casa Berardi [Member] | Operating Properties [Member]
Operating properties:
Accrued reclamation and closure costs	6,233	7,795
Coeur d'Alene Basin [Member] | Non-operating Properties [Member]
Operating properties:
Accrued reclamation and closure costs		55,499
Johnny M [Member] | Non-operating Properties [Member]
Operating properties:
Accrued reclamation and closure costs	5,830	303
Republic [Member] | Non-operating Properties [Member]
Operating properties:
Accrued reclamation and closure costs	1,389	3,023
All Other Sites [Member] | Non-operating Properties [Member]
Operating properties:
Accrued reclamation and closure costs	$3,492	$3,122

Note_4_Environmental_and_Recla4

Note 4 - Environmental and Reclamation Activities (Details) - Accrued Reclamation and Closure Cost Liability Activity (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accrued Reclamation and Closure Cost Liability Activity [Abstract]
Balance	$105,191	$113,215	$153,811
Accruals for estimated costs	9,952	2,250	4,325
Liability addition due to acquisition of the Casa Berardi unit		7,998
Revision of estimated cash flows due to changes in reclamation plans	675		-3,738
Payment of reclamation obligations	-58,568	-18,272	-41,183
Balance	$57,250	$105,191	$113,215

Note_4_Environmental_and_Recla5

Note 4 - Environmental and Reclamation Activities (Details) - Reconciliation of Asset Retirement Obligations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reconciliation of Asset Retirement Obligations [Abstract]
Balance	$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	$46,539	$43,244

Note_5_Income_Taxes_Details

Note 5 - Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Note 5 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	$32,094,000	$27,155,000	$23,030,000	$22,895,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	42,000,000	51,000,000
Foreign Earnings Repatriated	0	0	0
Operating Loss Carryforwards Expiration Period	20 years
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Alternative Minimum Tax	14,698,000	22,155,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Compensation	20,000,000	20,000,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	0	0
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Note 5 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	218,000,000
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Note 5 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	87,000,000
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Note 5 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	87,000,000
Provincial [Member]
Note 5 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$12,000,000

Note_5_Income_Taxes_Details_Ma

Note 5 - Income Taxes (Details) - Major Components of Income Tax Provision (Benefit) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Major Components of Income Tax Provision (Benefit) [Abstract]
Domestic	$7,761	$2,963	($7,086)
Foreign	-619	-175	-459
Total current income tax benefit (provision)	7,142	2,788	-7,545
Domestic	-1,572	247	-1,334
Foreign	-330	6,760
Total deferred income tax benefit (provision)	-1,902	7,007	-1,334
Total income tax benefit (provision)	$5,240	$9,795	($8,879)

Note_5_Income_Taxes_Details_Do

Note 5 - Income Taxes (Details) - Domestic and Foreign Components of Income (Loss) from Operations Before Income Taxes (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Note 5 - Income Taxes (Details) - Domestic and Foreign Components of Income (Loss) from Operations Before Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$12,584	($34,925)	$23,833
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Note 5 - Income Taxes (Details) - Domestic and Foreign Components of Income (Loss) from Operations Before Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations	-1,505	-1,681	37,025
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Note 5 - Income Taxes (Details) - Domestic and Foreign Components of Income (Loss) from Operations Before Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$14,089	($33,244)	($13,192)

Note_5_Income_Taxes_Details_Re

Note 5 - Income Taxes (Details) - Reconciliation of Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate to Annual Tax Provision (Benefit) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reconciliation of Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate to Annual Tax Provision (Benefit) [Abstract]
Computed “statutory” benefit (provision)	($4,405)	$12,224	($8,342)
Computed “statutory” benefit (provision)	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Percentage depletion	6,034	3,946	5,575
Percentage depletion	-48.00%	11.00%	-24.00%
Change in valuation allowance other than utilization	-6,314	-3,870	-3,837
Change in valuation allowance other than utilization	50.00%	-11.00%	16.00%
State taxes, net of federal taxes	1,671	720	-1,110
State taxes, net of federal taxes	-13.00%	2.00%	5.00%
Transaction costs		-1,743
Transaction costs		-5.00%
Foreign currency translation of monetary assets	16,368	3,445
Foreign currency translation of monetary assets	-130.00%	10.00%
Rate differential on foreign earnings	-5,938	-4,255	-780
Rate differential on foreign earnings	47.00%	-12.00%	3.00%
Compensation	-1,308	-326	-444
Compensation	10.00%	-1.00%	2.00%
Other	-868	-346	59
Other	7.00%	-1.00%
	$5,240	$9,795	($8,879)
	-42.00%	28.00%	37.00%

Note_5_Income_Taxes_Details_Co

Note 5 - Income Taxes (Details) - Components of the Net Deferred Tax Asset (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued reclamation costs	$20,573	$39,262
Deferred exploration	32,225	35,267
Foreign net operating losses	25,790	27,923
Domestic net operating losses	73,018	54,181
AMT credit carryforwards	14,698	22,155
Pension and benefit obligation	16,876	10,354
Foreign exchange gain	16,555	2,488
Miscellaneous	29,976	28,589
Total deferred tax assets	229,711	220,219
Valuation allowance	-32,094	-27,155	-23,030	-22,895
Total deferred tax assets	197,617	193,064
Deferred tax liabilities:
Miscellaneous	-7,620	-5,966
Properties, plants and equipment	-232,397	-238,497
Total deferred tax liabilities	-240,017	-244,463
Net deferred tax asset (liability)	($42,400)	($51,399)

Note_5_Income_Taxes_Details_Ch

Note 5 - Income Taxes (Details) - Changes in the Valuation Allowance (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year				($22,895)
Balance at end of year	-32,094	-27,155	-23,030	-22,895
Increase Due to Uncertainty of Recovery [Member]
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items]
Valuation allowance deferred tax asset	-6,314	-3,870	-3,837
Decrease Related to Utilization and Expiration [Member]
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items]
Valuation allowance deferred tax asset	$1,375	($255)	$3,702

Note_6_Senior_Notes_Credit_Fac2

Note 6 - Senior Notes, Credit Facilities, and Capital Leases (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2014	Apr. 12, 2013
Note 6 - Senior Notes, Credit Facilities, and Capital Leases (Details) [Line Items]
Pension Contributions	$6,500,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-term Debt	490,000,000
Underwriting Discount on Senior Notes				2.00%
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			100,000,000
Capital Leases Including Purchase Option	23,100,000
Capital Lease Obligations, Current	9,491,000	8,471,000
Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent	13,650,000	14,332,000
Capital Lease Obligations	22,657,000	22,800,000
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	23,785,000
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included in Payments	1,128,000
Senior Notes [Member]
Note 6 - Senior Notes, Credit Facilities, and Capital Leases (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount						500,000,000
Pension Contributions	6,500,000
Percentage Of Notes Tendered For Exchange					99.99%
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount	8,000,000			10,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage						6.88%
Interest Costs Capitalized	11,800,000	6,500,000
Interest Expense, Debt	$24,600,000	$19,100,000
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed	100.00%
Percentage of Notes Redeemable	35.00%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage	101.00%

Note_6_Senior_Notes_Credit_Fac3

Note 6 - Senior Notes, Credit Facilities, and Capital Leases (Details) - Credit Facilities (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Covenant financial ratios:
Senior leverage ratio (debt secured by liens/EBITDA)	1
Leverage ratio (total debt less unencumbered cash/EBITDA)	1
Interest coverage ratio (EBITDA/interest expense) (in Dollars)	1
New Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Interest rates:
Basis spread	2.25%
New Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Interest rates:
Basis spread	3.25%
New Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Interest rates:
Basis spread	1.25%
New Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Interest rates:
Basis spread	2.25%
New Facility [Member]
Interest rates:
Standby fee per annum on undrawn amounts	0.50%
Covenant financial ratios:
Senior leverage ratio (debt secured by liens/EBITDA)	2.5
Leverage ratio (total debt less unencumbered cash/EBITDA)	4
Interest coverage ratio (EBITDA/interest expense) (in Dollars)	3

Note_6_Senior_Notes_Credit_Fac4

Note 6 - Senior Notes, Credit Facilities, and Capital Leases (Details) - Annual Maturities of Capital Lease Commitments, Including Interest (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Annual Maturities of Capital Lease Commitments, Including Interest [Abstract]
2015	$10,266
2016	7,622
2017	4,115
2018	1,782
Total	23,785
Less: imputed interest	-1,128
Net capital lease obligation	$22,657	$22,800

Note_7_Commitments_Contingenci1

Note 7 - Commitments, Contingencies and Obligations (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

4 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Feb. 04, 2015

Dec. 11, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 12, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Jun. 30, 2011

Jul. 30, 2010

Apr. 30, 2009

Note 7 - Commitments, Contingencies and Obligations (Details) [Line Items]

Maximum Environmental Remediation Obligation

$2,500,000

Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss

1,000,000

177,500

Litigation Settlement, Amount

-13,000

Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value

5,000,000

Contractual Obligations

3,200,000

3,200,000

Commitments For Capital Lease Payments

23,800,000

23,800,000

Surety Bonds

68,900,000

30,000,000

Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount

8,400,000

8,400,000

Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs

4

Rio Grande Silver Inc And Emerald Mining And Leasing LLC [Member] | Joint Venture [Member]

Note 7 - Commitments, Contingencies and Obligations (Details) [Line Items]

Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage

70.00%

70.00%

Greens Creek [Member]

Note 7 - Commitments, Contingencies and Obligations (Details) [Line Items]

Open Purchase Orders

1,400,000

1,400,000

Noncapital Costs

800,000

Lucky Friday [Member]

Note 7 - Commitments, Contingencies and Obligations (Details) [Line Items]

Open Purchase Orders

2,400,000

2,400,000

Noncapital Costs

1,100,000

Casa Berardi [Member]

Note 7 - Commitments, Contingencies and Obligations (Details) [Line Items]

Open Purchase Orders

700,000

700,000

Noncapital Costs

400,000

Senior Notes [Member]

Note 7 - Commitments, Contingencies and Obligations (Details) [Line Items]

Proceeds from Issuance of Debt

500,000,000

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

6.88%

Debt Instrument, Increase (Decrease), Net

6,500,000

Johnny M Mine Area near San Mateo, New Mexico [Member] | Minimum [Member]

Note 7 - Commitments, Contingencies and Obligations (Details) [Line Items]

Estimated Response Costs

0

Johnny M Mine Area near San Mateo, New Mexico [Member] | Maximum [Member]

Note 7 - Commitments, Contingencies and Obligations (Details) [Line Items]

Estimated Response Costs

221,000,000

Johnny M Mine Area near San Mateo, New Mexico [Member]

Note 7 - Commitments, Contingencies and Obligations (Details) [Line Items]

Payment Of Response Costs

1,100,000

1,100,000

1,100,000

Estimated Response Costs

5,600,000

Liability for Remediation

5,600,000

Carpenter Snow Creek Superfund Site, Cascade County, Montana [Member]

Note 7 - Commitments, Contingencies and Obligations (Details) [Line Items]

Estimated Response Costs

4,500,000

Estimated Future Response Cost

100,000,000

Gilt Edge Mine Superfund Site [Member] | Costs Incurred By The EPA [Member]

Note 7 - Commitments, Contingencies and Obligations (Details) [Line Items]

Incurred Response Costs

225,000,000

Gilt Edge Mine Superfund Site [Member] | Third Party Operator of Mine [Member]

Note 7 - Commitments, Contingencies and Obligations (Details) [Line Items]

Litigation Settlement, Amount

26,000,000

Gilt Edge Mine Superfund Site [Member] | Third Mining Company [Member]

Note 7 - Commitments, Contingencies and Obligations (Details) [Line Items]

Litigation Settlement, Amount

4,200,000

Gilt Edge Mine Superfund Site [Member]

Note 7 - Commitments, Contingencies and Obligations (Details) [Line Items]

Alleged Potential Response Costs

$225,000,000

Note_8_Employee_Benefit_Plans_1

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2015
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets		7.20%	7.20%
Long-term Investments (in Dollars)		$4,920,000	$7,019,000
Defined Benefit Plan Assumed Long Term Rate Basis Spread		1.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets (in Dollars)		74,551,000	69,051,000	68,515,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer (in Dollars)	4,900,000	6,715,000	1,403,000
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match		55.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay		5.00%
Defined Benefit Plan Months of Services Required for Eligibility		6 months
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount (in Dollars)		292,000	293,000	407,000
Common Stock [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Long-term Investments (in Dollars)		1,400,000	1,600,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations		2.00%	2.00%
Real Estate [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets (in Dollars)		11,300,000	13,700,000
Collective Investment Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets (in Dollars)		10,800,000	10,100,000
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Unfunded Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year (in Dollars)					400,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets (in Dollars)		22,100,000	23,800,000
Minimum [Member] | Capital Accumulation 401(k) Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent		1.00%
Minimum [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent		2.00%
Maximum [Member] | Capital Accumulation 401(k) Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent		50.00%
Maximum [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent		50.00%
Years 1 Through 5 [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Cash Balance Pay Credit Percentage		3.00%
Years 6 Through 10 [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Cash Balance Pay Credit Percentage		4.50%
After 10 Years [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Cash Balance Pay Credit Percentage		6.00%
Pension Compensation [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent		6.00%
Pension Compensation in Excess of Social Security Wages [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent		5.70%
Capital Accumulation 401(k) Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer (in Dollars)		$3,200,000	$3,000,000	$2,500,000
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match		100.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay		6.00%

Note_8_Employee_Benefit_Plans_2

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Change in Benefit Obligation (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Change in Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$118,284	$101,155	$99,367
Service cost		4,312	4,025	3,974
Interest cost		4,859	3,889	4,068
Amendments			-4,208
Actuarial loss		12,575	2,428
Benefits paid		-4,617	-4,346
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		74,551	69,051	68,515
Funded status at end of year		-43,733	-32,104
Benefit obligation at end of year		118,284	101,155	99,367
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	74,551	69,051	68,515
Actual return on plan assets		3,402	3,479
Employer contributions	$4,900	$6,715	$1,403

Note_8_Employee_Benefit_Plans_3

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Accrued benefit liability	($385)	($342)
Accrued benefit liability	-43,348	-31,763
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	41,041	29,768
Net amount recognized	($2,692)	($2,337)

Note_8_Employee_Benefit_Plans_4

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Benefit Obligation and Prepaid Benefit Costs Assumptions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Benefit Obligation and Prepaid Benefit Costs Assumptions [Abstract]
Discount rate: net periodic pension cost	4.81%	4.00%
Discount rate: projected benefit obligation	4.17%	4.81%
Expected rate of return on plan assets	7.20%	7.20%
Rate of compensation increase: net periodic pension cost	4.00%	4.00%
Rate of compensation increase: projected benefit obligation	2.00%	4.00%

Note_8_Employee_Benefit_Plans_5

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Net Periodic Pension Cost (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net Periodic Pension Cost [Abstract]
Service cost	$4,312	$4,025	$3,974
Interest cost	4,859	3,889	4,068
Expected return on plan assets	-4,996	-4,741	-4,581
Amortization of prior service cost (benefit)	-337	66	401
Amortization of net gain from earlier periods	3,275	3,152	2,826
Net periodic pension cost	$7,113	$6,391	$6,688

Note_8_Employee_Benefit_Plans_6

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Allocations of Investments and Measurement Dates by Asset Category	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash [Member] | Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Allocations of Investments and Measurement Dates by Asset Category [Line Items]
Asset categories	3.00%	1.00%
Cash [Member] | Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Allocations of Investments and Measurement Dates by Asset Category [Line Items]
Asset categories	1.00%	1.00%
Large Cap U.S. Equity [Member] | Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Allocations of Investments and Measurement Dates by Asset Category [Line Items]
Asset categories	11.00%	9.00%
Large Cap U.S. Equity [Member] | Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Allocations of Investments and Measurement Dates by Asset Category [Line Items]
Asset categories	11.00%	9.00%
Small Cap U.S. Equity [Member] | Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Allocations of Investments and Measurement Dates by Asset Category [Line Items]
Asset categories	6.00%	6.00%
Small Cap U.S. Equity [Member] | Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Allocations of Investments and Measurement Dates by Asset Category [Line Items]
Asset categories	6.00%	6.00%
Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] | Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Allocations of Investments and Measurement Dates by Asset Category [Line Items]
Asset categories	8.00%	9.00%
Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] | Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Allocations of Investments and Measurement Dates by Asset Category [Line Items]
Asset categories	10.00%	9.00%
Fixed Income Funds [Member] | Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Allocations of Investments and Measurement Dates by Asset Category [Line Items]
Asset categories	34.00%	32.00%
Fixed Income Funds [Member] | Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Allocations of Investments and Measurement Dates by Asset Category [Line Items]
Asset categories	34.00%	32.00%
Real Estate [Member] | Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Allocations of Investments and Measurement Dates by Asset Category [Line Items]
Asset categories	15.00%	20.00%
Real Estate [Member] | Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Allocations of Investments and Measurement Dates by Asset Category [Line Items]
Asset categories	16.00%	20.00%
Hedge Funds [Member] | Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Allocations of Investments and Measurement Dates by Asset Category [Line Items]
Asset categories	14.00%	15.00%
Hedge Funds [Member] | Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Allocations of Investments and Measurement Dates by Asset Category [Line Items]
Asset categories	15.00%	15.00%
Real Return [Member] | Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Allocations of Investments and Measurement Dates by Asset Category [Line Items]
Asset categories	9.00%	8.00%
Real Return [Member] | Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Allocations of Investments and Measurement Dates by Asset Category [Line Items]
Asset categories	7.00%	8.00%
Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Allocations of Investments and Measurement Dates by Asset Category [Line Items]
Asset categories	100.00%	100.00%
Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Allocations of Investments and Measurement Dates by Asset Category [Line Items]
Asset categories	100.00%	100.00%

Note_8_Employee_Benefit_Plans_7

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Investment Policy Allocation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Large Cap U.S. Equity [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Investment Policy Allocation [Line Items]
Asset categories	10.00%
Allocation minimum percentage	7.00%
Allocation maximum percentage	13.00%
Small Cap U.S. Equity [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Investment Policy Allocation [Line Items]
Asset categories	5.00%
Allocation minimum percentage	4.00%
Allocation maximum percentage	6.00%
Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Investment Policy Allocation [Line Items]
Asset categories	10.00%
Allocation minimum percentage	8.00%
Allocation maximum percentage	12.00%
Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Investment Policy Allocation [Line Items]
Asset categories	35.00%
Allocation minimum percentage	29.00%
Allocation maximum percentage	43.00%
Real Estate [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Investment Policy Allocation [Line Items]
Asset categories	15.00%
Allocation minimum percentage	12.00%
Allocation maximum percentage	18.00%
Hedge Funds [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Investment Policy Allocation [Line Items]
Asset categories	15.00%
Allocation minimum percentage	12.00%
Allocation maximum percentage	18.00%
Real Return [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Investment Policy Allocation [Line Items]
Asset categories	10.00%
Allocation minimum percentage	8.00%
Allocation maximum percentage	12.00%

Note_8_Employee_Benefit_Plans_8

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Fair Value by Asset Category (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Interest-bearing Deposits [Member] | Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Fair Value by Asset Category [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	$1,798	$596
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Interest-bearing Deposits [Member] | Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Fair Value by Asset Category [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	136	393
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Common Stock [Member] | Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Fair Value by Asset Category [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	1,105	1,220
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Common Stock [Member] | Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Fair Value by Asset Category [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	281	311
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Fair Value by Asset Category [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	26,392	23,252
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Fair Value by Asset Category [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	7,412	6,837
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Fair Value by Asset Category [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	29,295	25,068
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Fair Value by Asset Category [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	7,829	7,541
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Common Collective Funds [Member] | Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Fair Value by Asset Category [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	12,280	9,654
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Common Collective Funds [Member] | Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Fair Value by Asset Category [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	3,040	2,982
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Fair Value by Asset Category [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	12,280	9,654
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Fair Value by Asset Category [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	3,040	2,982
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Real Estate Investments [Member] | Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Fair Value by Asset Category [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	8,889	10,797
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Real Estate Investments [Member] | Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Fair Value by Asset Category [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	2,458	2,865
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Common Collective Funds [Member] | Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Fair Value by Asset Category [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	8,454	7,970
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Common Collective Funds [Member] | Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Fair Value by Asset Category [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	2,306	2,174
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Fair Value by Asset Category [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	17,343	18,767
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Fair Value by Asset Category [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	4,764	5,039
Interest-bearing Deposits [Member] | Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Fair Value by Asset Category [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	1,798	596
Interest-bearing Deposits [Member] | Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Fair Value by Asset Category [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	136	393
Common Stock [Member] | Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Fair Value by Asset Category [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	1,105	1,220
Common Stock [Member] | Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Fair Value by Asset Category [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	281	311
Real Estate Investments [Member] | Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Fair Value by Asset Category [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	8,889	10,797
Real Estate Investments [Member] | Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Fair Value by Asset Category [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	2,458	2,865
Common Collective Funds [Member] | Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Fair Value by Asset Category [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	20,734	17,624
Common Collective Funds [Member] | Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Fair Value by Asset Category [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	5,346	5,156
Mutual Funds [Member] | Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Fair Value by Asset Category [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	26,392	23,252
Mutual Funds [Member] | Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Fair Value by Asset Category [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	7,412	6,837
Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Fair Value by Asset Category [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	58,918	53,489
Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Fair Value by Asset Category [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	$15,633	$15,562

Note_8_Employee_Benefit_Plans_9

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Reconciliation of Level 3 Assets (Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Reconciliation of Level 3 Assets [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$18,767	$16,862
Net unrealized gains on assets held at the reporting date	1,457	1,486
Purchases	424	419
Sales	-3,305
Ending balance	17,343	18,767
Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Reconciliation of Level 3 Assets [Line Items]
Beginning balance	5,039	4,491
Net unrealized gains on assets held at the reporting date	375	399
Purchases	121	149
Sales	-771
Ending balance	$4,764	$5,039

Recovered_Sheet1

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Future Benefit Payments (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Future Benefit Payments [Abstract]
2015	$5,249
2016	5,462
2017	5,724
2018	6,186
2019	6,569
Years 2020-2024	$39,915

Recovered_Sheet2

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Accumulated Benefit Obligations (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accumulated Benefit Obligations [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligation	$118,284	$101,155
Accumulated benefit obligation	112,727	97,937
Fair value of plan assets	$74,551	$69,051

Recovered_Sheet3

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Pension and Benefit Plan Amounts Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Pension and Benefit Plan Amounts Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Unamortized net (gain)/loss	$42,959
Unamortized prior service benefit	($1,917)

Recovered_Sheet4

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost to be Recognized Over Next Fiscal Year (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2015
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost to be Recognized Over Next Fiscal Year [Line Items]
Amortization of prior service benefit	($337)	$66	$401
Amounts Expected to be Recognized in 2015 [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost to be Recognized Over Next Fiscal Year [Line Items]
Amortization of net loss				3,459
Amortization of prior service benefit				($352)

Note_9_Shareholders_Equity_Det

Note 9 - Shareholders' Equity (Details)	1 Months Ended						12 Months Ended			60 Months Ended				12 Months Ended		12 Months Ended				1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2013	Feb. 25, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Jun. 02, 2013	Jun. 02, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 25, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	8-May-12
					USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	CAD	Series B Preferred Stock [Member]	Series B Preferred Stock [Member]	Stock Compensation Plan [Member]	Stock Compensation Plan [Member]	Stock Compensation Plan [Member]	Satisfy Withholding Obligations [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Expense Recognized Over Remaining Vesting Period [Member]	Non-employee Directors [Member]	Non-employee Directors [Member]	Non-employee Directors [Member]	Two Thousand Ten Stock Incentive Plan [Member]	Two Thousand Ten Stock Incentive Plan [Member]	Two Thousand Ten Stock Incentive Plan [Member]	Directors Stock Plan [Member]	Directors Stock Plan [Member]	Directors Stock Plan [Member]	Common Stock Repurchase Program [Member]	Common Stock Repurchase Program [Member]
														USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	Two Thousand Ten Stock Incentive Plan [Member]	Two Thousand Ten Stock Incentive Plan [Member]	Two Thousand Ten Stock Incentive Plan [Member]	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)
Note 9 - Shareholders' Equity (Details) [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares Authorized							500,000,000	500,000,000		500,000,000
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share (in Dollars per share)							$0.25	$0.25		$0.25
Common Stock, Shares, Issued							369,528,345			369,528,345
Common Stock, Voting Rights							one
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared (in Dollars per share)						$0.01														$0.00	$0.01
Average Realized Silver Price (in Dollars)																					$30
Dividends, Common Stock (in Dollars)					3,600,000		-3,546,000	-6,062,000	-17,121,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount (in Dollars)																																	20,000,000
Cumulative Stock Repurchased																																934,100
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share (in Dollars per share)																			$3.27													$3.99
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount (in Dollars)																																19,100,000
Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding								22,307,623
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights (in Dollars per share)							$54,400,000			$54,400,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized							5,000,000	5,000,000		5,000,000
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share (in Dollars per share)							$0.25	$0.25		$0.25
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding							157,816	157,816		157,816				157,816
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Per-Dollar-Amount (in Dollars per share)														$3.50
Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share (in Dollars per share)														$50
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share (in Dollars per share)														$50
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference, Value (in Dollars)							7,891,000	7,891,000		7,891,000				7,900,000	7,900,000
Preferred Stock, Voting Rights														one
Preferred Stock Conversion Price (in Dollars per share)														$15.55
Preferred Stock Conversion Rate														3.22%
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense (in Dollars)							4,100,000									5,000,000	4,500,000	3,100,000				3,300,000				366,000	276,000	275,000	109,000	111,000	80,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized (in Dollars)											2,800,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized																										20,000,000			1,000,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant							555,167			555,167																15,414,727
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Method of Measuring Cost of Award Participant Numerator (in Dollars)																													24,000
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Gross																							110,910	94,200	59,484				39,468	28,050	18,492
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross										0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)							0			0
Share Price (in Dollars per share)							$2.79			$2.79		$3.83	3.97
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term							1 year
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period							0	0	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number							2,235,575	2,085,301		2,235,575
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	419,597	26,000	777,878	1,012,100			-1,234,962
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares																			695,961
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value (in Dollars)							($1,501,000)	($286,000)											$2,300,000

Note_9_Shareholders_Equity_Det1

Note 9 - Shareholders' Equity (Details) - Common Stock Dividend Policy (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
$30 [Member]
Note 9 - Shareholders' Equity (Details) - Common Stock Dividend Policy [Line Items]
Quarterly average realized silver price per ounce (in Dollars per Ounce)	30
Quarterly dividend per share	$0.01
Annual dividend per share	$0.04
$35 [Member]
Note 9 - Shareholders' Equity (Details) - Common Stock Dividend Policy [Line Items]
Quarterly average realized silver price per ounce (in Dollars per Ounce)	35
Quarterly dividend per share	$0.02
Annual dividend per share	$0.08
$40 [Member]
Note 9 - Shareholders' Equity (Details) - Common Stock Dividend Policy [Line Items]
Quarterly average realized silver price per ounce (in Dollars per Ounce)	40
Quarterly dividend per share	$0.03
Annual dividend per share	$0.12
$45 [Member]
Note 9 - Shareholders' Equity (Details) - Common Stock Dividend Policy [Line Items]
Quarterly average realized silver price per ounce (in Dollars per Ounce)	45
Quarterly dividend per share	$0.04
Annual dividend per share	$0.16
$50 [Member]
Note 9 - Shareholders' Equity (Details) - Common Stock Dividend Policy [Line Items]
Quarterly average realized silver price per ounce (in Dollars per Ounce)	50
Quarterly dividend per share	$0.05
Annual dividend per share	$0.20
$55 [Member]
Note 9 - Shareholders' Equity (Details) - Common Stock Dividend Policy [Line Items]
Quarterly average realized silver price per ounce (in Dollars per Ounce)	55
Quarterly dividend per share	$0.06
Annual dividend per share	$0.24
$60 [Member]
Note 9 - Shareholders' Equity (Details) - Common Stock Dividend Policy [Line Items]
Quarterly average realized silver price per ounce (in Dollars per Ounce)	60
Quarterly dividend per share	$0.07
Annual dividend per share	$0.28

Note_9_Shareholders_Equity_Det2

Note 9 - Shareholders' Equity (Details) - Common Stock Dividends Declared by Our Board of Directors (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Declared November 8, 2011 [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Silver-price-linked component per share	$0.02
Total dividend per share	$0.02
Total dividend amount (in Dollars)	$5.60
Declared February 17, 2012 [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Silver-price-linked component per share	$0.01
Minimum annual component per share	$0.00
Total dividend per share	$0.01
Total dividend amount (in Dollars)	3.6
Declared May 8, 2012 [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Silver-price-linked component per share	$0.02
Minimum annual component per share	$0.00
Total dividend per share	$0.02
Total dividend amount (in Dollars)	6.4
Declared August 7, 2012 [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Minimum annual component per share	$0.00
Total dividend per share	$0.00
Total dividend amount (in Dollars)	0.7
Declared November 2, 2012 [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Silver-price-linked component per share	$0.02
Minimum annual component per share	$0.00
Total dividend per share	$0.02
Total dividend amount (in Dollars)	6.4
Declared February 25, 2013 [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Minimum annual component per share	$0.00
Special dividend per share	$0.01
Total dividend per share	$0.01
Total dividend amount (in Dollars)	3.6
Declared May 10, 2013 [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Minimum annual component per share	$0.00
Total dividend per share	$0.00
Total dividend amount (in Dollars)	0.7
Declared August 8, 2013 [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Minimum annual component per share	$0.00
Total dividend per share	$0.00
Total dividend amount (in Dollars)	0.9
Declared November 5, 2013 [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Minimum annual component per share	$0.00
Total dividend per share	$0.00
Total dividend amount (in Dollars)	0.9
Declared February 21, 2014 [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Minimum annual component per share	$0.00
Total dividend per share	$0.00
Total dividend amount (in Dollars)	0.9
Declared May 5, 2014 [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Minimum annual component per share	$0.00
Total dividend per share	$0.00
Total dividend amount (in Dollars)	0.9
Declared July 31, 2014 [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Minimum annual component per share	$0.00
Total dividend per share	$0.00
Total dividend amount (in Dollars)	0.9
Declared November 5, 2014 [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Minimum annual component per share	$0.00
Total dividend per share	$0.00
Total dividend amount (in Dollars)	0.9
Declared February 17, 2015 [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Minimum annual component per share	$0.00
Total dividend per share	$0.00
Total dividend amount (in Dollars)	$0.90

Note_9_Shareholders_Equity_Det3

Note 9 - Shareholders' Equity (Details) - Stock Options (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock Options [Abstract]
Outstanding, December	259,342	612,745
Outstanding, December	$5.47	$4.29
Expired	-353,403
Expired	$3.42

Note_9_Shareholders_Equity_Det4

Note 9 - Shareholders' Equity (Details) - Unvested Restricted Stock (USD $)	1 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Unvested Restricted Stock [Abstract]
Shares					2,085,301
Weighted average grant date fair value per share					$3.56
Granted					1,457,267
Granted					$3.30
Canceled					-72,031
Canceled					$3.10
Distributed	419,597	26,000	777,878	1,012,100	-1,234,962
Distributed					$3.74
Shares					2,235,575
Weighted average grant date fair value per share					$3.31

Note_10_Derivative_Instruments2

Note 10 - Derivative Instruments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Note 10 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain on Derivative	$1.50	$3
Unsettled Sales and Forecasted Future Concentrate Contracts [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]
Note 10 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Current	5.3
Derivative Liability, Current	1.9
Unsettled Sales and Forecasted Future Concentrate Contracts [Member] | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Note 10 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Noncurrent	6
Derivative Liability, Noncurrent	1.8
Unsettled Concentrate Sales Contracts [Member]
Note 10 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain on Derivative	1.5
Forecasted Future Concentrate Contracts [Member] | Losses Realized On Settled Contracts [Member]
Note 10 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain on Derivative	3.6
Forecasted Future Concentrate Contracts [Member]
Note 10 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain on Derivative	9.1
Lucky Friday [Member]
Note 10 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Payments for (Proceeds from) Derivative Instrument, Financing Activities			$3.10

Note_10_Derivative_Instruments3

Note 10 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Summary of Forward Sales Contracts (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Silver [Member] | 2015 Settlements [Member]
Contracts on forecasted sales
Average Price Per Pound
Average Price Per Ounce
Silver [Member] | 2016 Settlements [Member]
Contracts on forecasted sales
Average Price Per Pound
Average Price Per Ounce
Silver [Member] | 2017 Settlements [Member]
Contracts on forecasted sales
Average Price Per Pound
Average Price Per Ounce
Silver [Member] | 2014 Settlements [Member]
Contracts on provisional sales
Ounces under contract (in Ounces)		673
Average price per ounce		19.5
Average price per pound		19.5
Contracts on forecasted sales
Average Price Per Pound
Average Price Per Ounce
Silver [Member]
Contracts on provisional sales
Ounces under contract (in Ounces)	1,607
Average price per ounce	16.06
Average price per pound	16.06
Gold [Member] | 2015 Settlements [Member]
Contracts on forecasted sales
Average Price Per Pound
Average Price Per Ounce
Gold [Member] | 2016 Settlements [Member]
Contracts on forecasted sales
Average Price Per Pound
Average Price Per Ounce
Gold [Member] | 2017 Settlements [Member]
Contracts on forecasted sales
Average Price Per Pound
Average Price Per Ounce
Gold [Member] | 2014 Settlements [Member]
Contracts on provisional sales
Ounces under contract (in Ounces)		3
Average price per ounce		1,205
Average price per pound		1,205
Contracts on forecasted sales
Average Price Per Pound
Average Price Per Ounce
Gold [Member]
Contracts on provisional sales
Ounces under contract (in Ounces)	6
Average price per ounce	1,195
Average price per pound	1,195
Zinc [Member] | 2015 Settlements [Member]
Contracts on forecasted sales
Pounds Under Contract (in Pounds)	46,738,000	39,683,000
Average Price Per Pound	0.96	0.96
Average Price Per Ounce	0.96	0.96
Zinc [Member] | 2016 Settlements [Member]
Contracts on forecasted sales
Pounds Under Contract (in Pounds)	44,699,000	3,803,000
Average Price Per Pound	0.99	0.93
Average Price Per Ounce	0.99	0.93
Zinc [Member] | 2017 Settlements [Member]
Contracts on forecasted sales
Pounds Under Contract (in Pounds)	1,984,000
Average Price Per Pound	1.04
Average Price Per Ounce	1.04
Zinc [Member] | 2014 Settlements [Member]
Contracts on provisional sales
Pounds under contract (in Pounds)		11,188,000
Average price per ounce		0.89
Average price per pound		0.89
Contracts on forecasted sales
Pounds Under Contract (in Pounds)		31,967,000
Average Price Per Pound		1
Average Price Per Ounce		1
Zinc [Member]
Contracts on provisional sales
Pounds under contract (in Pounds)	19,456,000
Average price per ounce	1.01
Average price per pound	1.01
Lead [Member] | 2015 Settlements [Member]
Contracts on forecasted sales
Pounds Under Contract (in Pounds)	29,652,000	36,982,000
Average Price Per Pound	1.07	1.07
Average Price Per Ounce	1.07	1.07
Lead [Member] | 2016 Settlements [Member]
Contracts on forecasted sales
Pounds Under Contract (in Pounds)	34,337,000	30,589,000
Average Price Per Pound	1.03	1.03
Average Price Per Ounce	1.03	1.03
Lead [Member] | 2017 Settlements [Member]
Contracts on forecasted sales
Average Price Per Pound
Average Price Per Ounce
Lead [Member] | 2014 Settlements [Member]
Contracts on provisional sales
Pounds under contract (in Pounds)		3,472,000
Average price per ounce		1
Average price per pound		1
Contracts on forecasted sales
Pounds Under Contract (in Pounds)		34,282,000
Average Price Per Pound		1.04
Average Price Per Ounce		1.04
Lead [Member]
Contracts on provisional sales
Pounds under contract (in Pounds)	8,378,000
Average price per ounce	0.87
Average price per pound	$0.87

Note_11_Business_Segments_and_2

Note 11 - Business Segments and Significant Customers (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 02, 2013
Note 11 - Business Segments and Significant Customers (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Reportable Segments	3
Derivative, Gain on Derivative	$1.50	$3
Derivative, Loss on Derivative			$1.30
Casa Berardi [Member]
Note 11 - Business Segments and Significant Customers (Details) [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired				100.00%

Note_11_Business_Segments_and_3

Note 11 - Business Segments and Significant Customers (Details) - Sales by Segments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Percentage of sales	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Greens Creek [Member] | Sales Revenue, Segment [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Percentage of sales	49.00%	68.80%	100.00%
Lucky Friday [Member] | Sales Revenue, Segment [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Percentage of sales	17.90%	11.60%
Casa Berardi [Member] | Sales Revenue, Segment [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Percentage of sales	33.10%	19.60%

Note_11_Business_Segments_and_4

Note 11 - Business Segments and Significant Customers (Details) - Information about Reportable Segments (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	$500,781	$382,589	$321,143
Income (loss) from operations	21,628	-32,394	37,866
Capital additions	151,085	162,608	129,942
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	112,173	82,366	50,113
Other significant non-cash items	4,232	4,043	38,051
Identifiable assets	2,262,064	2,232,119	1,378,290
Greens Creek [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	245,175	263,263	320,895
Income (loss) from operations	39,758	62,178	138,245
Capital additions	31,476	57,119	62,184
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	63,505	55,265	43,522
Other significant non-cash items	2,807	1,961	4,037
Identifiable assets	704,121	744,027	741,666
Lucky Friday [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	89,757	44,204	248
Income (loss) from operations	21,502	-3,563	-25,179
Capital additions	52,193	55,902	55,998
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	9,431	7,833
Other significant non-cash items	72	96	92
Identifiable assets	356,482	313,793	226,196
Casa Berardi [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	165,849	75,122
Income (loss) from operations	11,828	-15,708
Capital additions	48,615	41,425
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	38,198	18,030
Other significant non-cash items	847	474
Identifiable assets	800,961	821,058
Other Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (loss) from operations	-51,460	-75,301	-75,200
Capital additions	18,801	8,162	11,760
Other significant non-cash items	506	1,512	33,922
Identifiable assets	400,500	353,241	410,428
Segment Depreciation Depletion and Amortization [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	$111,134	$81,128	$43,522

Note_11_Business_Segments_and_5

Note 11 - Business Segments and Significant Customers (Details) - Sales by Geographic Area (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Note 11 - Business Segments and Significant Customers (Details) - Sales by Geographic Area [Line Items]
Sales by geographical area	$499,308	$379,546	$322,489
UNITED STATES
Note 11 - Business Segments and Significant Customers (Details) - Sales by Geographic Area [Line Items]
Sales by geographical area	22,200	22,361	25,438
CANADA
Note 11 - Business Segments and Significant Customers (Details) - Sales by Geographic Area [Line Items]
Sales by geographical area	295,027	170,632	34,441
JAPAN
Note 11 - Business Segments and Significant Customers (Details) - Sales by Geographic Area [Line Items]
Sales by geographical area	58,466	50,039	70,371
KOREA, REPUBLIC OF
Note 11 - Business Segments and Significant Customers (Details) - Sales by Geographic Area [Line Items]
Sales by geographical area	70,548	86,035	120,106
CHINA
Note 11 - Business Segments and Significant Customers (Details) - Sales by Geographic Area [Line Items]
Sales by geographical area	$53,067	$50,479	$72,133

Note_11_Business_Segments_and_6

Note 11 - Business Segments and Significant Customers (Details) - Long-lived Assets by Geographic Area (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Note 11 - Business Segments and Significant Customers (Details) - Long-lived Assets by Geographic Area [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$1,831,564	$1,791,601
UNITED STATES
Note 11 - Business Segments and Significant Customers (Details) - Long-lived Assets by Geographic Area [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	1,081,699	1,053,374
CANADA
Note 11 - Business Segments and Significant Customers (Details) - Long-lived Assets by Geographic Area [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	749,810	738,172
MEXICO
Note 11 - Business Segments and Significant Customers (Details) - Long-lived Assets by Geographic Area [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$55	$55

Note_11_Business_Segments_and_7

Note 11 - Business Segments and Significant Customers (Details) - Sales from Continuing Operations to Significant Metals Customers as a Percentage of Total Sales	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Significant metal customers	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Teck Metals Ltd. [Member] | Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Significant metal customers	25.80%	25.00%	10.70%
Korea Zinc [Member] | Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Significant metal customers	14.10%	22.50%	37.20%
Trafigura AG [Member] | Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Significant metal customers	7.00%	8.80%	22.40%
MS Zinc [Member] | Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Significant metal customers	5.90%	7.50%	12.30%
CIBC [Member] | Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Significant metal customers	17.00%	10.90%
Mitsui [Member] | Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Significant metal customers	15.80%	8.40%

Note_12_Fair_Value_Measurement2

Note 12 - Fair Value Measurement (Details) (Senior Notes [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Note 12 - Fair Value Measurement (Details) [Line Items]
Notes Payable	$450.20
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Note 12 - Fair Value Measurement (Details) [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	$498.50

Note_12_Fair_Value_Measurement3

Note 12 - Fair Value Measurement (Details) - Assets and Liabilities Accounted for at Fair Value (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Trade accounts receivable:
Receivables from provisional concentrate sales	$6,792	$4,689
Restricted cash balances:
Total assets	244,511	246,544
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents:
Money market funds and other bank deposits	209,665	212,175
Available for sale securities:
Equity securities – mining industry	4,920	7,019
Restricted cash balances:
Certificates of deposit and other bank deposits	883	5,217
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Trade accounts receivable:
Receivables from provisional concentrate sales	17,696	17,672
Derivative contracts:
Base metal forward contracts	$11,347	$4,461

Note_13_Income_Loss_Per_Common2

Note 13 - Income (Loss) Per Common Share (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Note 13 - Income (Loss) Per Common Share (Details) [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share (in Dollars per share)	$0.25	$0.25
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	369,528,345
Treasury Stock, Shares	2,151,482	921,721
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	367,376,863	342,663,381
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	157,816	157,816
Gross of Treasury Stock [Member]
Note 13 - Income (Loss) Per Common Share (Details) [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	369,528,345

Note_13_Income_Loss_Per_Common3

Note 13 - Income (Loss) Per Common Share (Details) - Weighted Average Common Shares (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Numerator
Net income (loss)	$17,824	($25,130)	$14,954
Preferred stock dividends	-552	-552	-552
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares	$17,272	($25,682)	$14,402
Denominator
Basic weighted average common shares (in Shares)	353,442	318,679	285,375
Dilutive stock options, restricted stock, and warrants (in Shares)	3,993		12,191
Diluted weighted average common shares (in Shares)	357,435	318,679	297,566
Basic earnings (loss) per common share (in Dollars per share)	$0.05	($0.08)	$0.05
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share (in Dollars per share)	$0.05	($0.08)	$0.05

Note_13_Income_Loss_Per_Common4

Note 13 - Income (Loss) Per Common Share (Details) - Options Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share (Employee Stock Option [Member])	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Stock options	259,342	570,005

Note_14_Other_Comprehensive_In2

Note 14 - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Note 14 - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) [Line Items]
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments	($3,224,000)	($2,639,000)	($1,171,000)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Write-down of Securities, before Tax	2,400,000	3,000,000
Equity Securities [Member]
Note 14 - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) [Line Items]
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments	$1,100,000	($4,600,000)

Note_14_Other_Comprehensive_In3

Note 14 - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components [Abstract]
Balance	($2,552)	$2,059	$835
Balance	-23,747	-25,977	-24,333
Balance	-26,299	-23,918	-23,498
Change	1,143	-4,611	1,224
Change	-6,875	2,230	-1,644
Change	-5,732	-2,381	-420
Balance	-1,409	-2,552	2,059
Balance	-30,622	-23,747	-25,977
Balance	($32,031)	($26,299)	($23,918)

Note_14_Other_Comprehensive_In4

Note 14 - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components Income Tax Effect (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components Income Tax Effect [Abstract]
Balance	$619	$602	$457
Balance	5,764	7,276	6,146
Balance	6,383	7,878	6,603
Change	6	17	145
Change	4,653	-1,512	1,130
Change	4,659	-1,495	1,275
Balance	625	619	602
Balance	10,417	5,764	7,276
Balance	$11,042	$6,383	$7,878

Note_15_Acquisitions_Details

Note 15 - Acquisitions (Details)	0 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended				0 Months Ended
	Jun. 02, 2013	Jun. 02, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 02, 2013	Jun. 02, 2013	Jun. 02, 2013
	USD ($)	CAD	USD ($)	USD ($)	Asset Retirement Obligation [Member]	Plant and Equipment [Member]	Development and Other Mineral Interests [Member]	In the Money Stock Options [Member]	Aurizon Mines Ltd [Member]	Aurizon Mines Ltd [Member]
					USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)		USD ($)	CAD
Note 15 - Acquisitions (Details) [Line Items]
Business Acquisition Per Share Consideration				$3.83					$4.32	4.47
Business Acquisition, Share Price (in Dollars per share)										4.75
Business Acquisition Per Share Issued (in Shares)									0.9953	0.9953
Potential Business Acquisition Per Share Price (in Dollars per share)										3.11
Business Acquisition Cost Sensitivity to Change in Share Price (in Dollars per share)	$3
Potential Business Acquitision Shares Issued (in Shares)	0.3442	0.3442
Business Acquisition Shares Outstanding of Entity Acquired (in Shares)	164,838,377	164,838,377
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares (in Shares)	56,997,790	56,997,790						747,132
Business Acquisition Shares Issued and Outstanding of Acquired Entity (in Shares)	165,585,509	165,585,509
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross	$496,200,000	514,500,000		$496,211,000
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable	218,300,000	226.3		218,302,000
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred	714,500,000	740,800,000		714,513,000
Exchange Rate	0.9645	0.9645
Share Price	$3.83	3.97		$2.79
Proceeds from Notes Payable			490,000,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment				$715,391,000	$11,100,000	$127,800,000	$576,500,000

Note_15_Acquisitions_Details_P

Note 15 - Acquisitions (Details) - Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation	0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 02, 2013	Jun. 02, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
	USD ($)	CAD	USD ($)	Bullion and Stockpiled Ore [Member]	Supplies [Member]	Accrued Payroll and Related Benefits [Member]	Accrued Taxes [Member]	Non-current Deferred Tax Liability [Member]	Non-current Reclamation [Member]	Other Non-current Liabilities [Member]
				USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)
Consideration:
Cash payments	$496,200,000	514,500,000	$496,211,000
Hecla stock issued (56,997,790 shares at $3.83 per share)	218,300,000	226.3	218,302,000
Total consideration	714,500,000	740,800,000	714,513,000
Assets:
Cash			177,587,000
Accounts receivable			14,307,000
Inventory				8,090,000	5,704,000
Other current assets			7,036,000
Properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests, net			715,391,000
Non-current restricted cash and investments			4,471,000
Other non-current assets			795,000
Total assets			933,381,000
Liabilities:
Accounts payable			22,227,000
Other current liabilities						7,613,000	509,000
Other non-current liabilities								177,016,000	11,113,000	390,000
Total liabilities										218,868,000
Net assets			$714,513,000

Note_15_Acquisitions_Details_P1

Note 15 - Acquisitions (Details) - Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation (Parentheticals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Note 15 - Acquisitions (Details) - Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation (Parentheticals) [Line Items]
Hecla stock, shares	56,997,790
Hecla stock, per share	$3.83

Note_15_Acquisitions_Details_U

Note 15 - Acquisitions (Details) - Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information [Abstract]
Sales of products	$458,755	$544,770
Net income (loss)	-9,539	28,194
Income (loss) applicable to common stockholders	($10,091)	$27,642
Basic and diluted income (loss) per common share (in Dollars per share)	($0.03)	$0.08

Note_16_Guarantor_Subsidiaries2

Note 16 - Guarantor Subsidiaries (Details) - Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$209,665	$212,175	$190,984	$266,463
Other current assets	12,312	8,324
Properties, plants, and equipment - net	1,831,564	1,791,601
Other non-current assets	9,415	5,867
Total assets	2,262,064	2,232,119	1,378,290
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities	90,985	151,479
Long-term debt	498,479	490,726
Non-current deferred tax liability	153,300	164,861
Other non-current liabilities	53,057	37,536
Stockholders' equity	1,396,974	1,326,419	1,137,951	1,140,113
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	2,262,064	2,232,119
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Assets
Other current assets	27,433	18,453
Intercompany receivable (payable)	46,245	49,159
Investments in subsidiaries	-1,317,969	-1,195,076
Other non-current assets	-88,137	-84,044
Total assets	-1,332,428	-1,211,508
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities	-72
Non-current deferred tax liability	-14,387	-16,430
Stockholders' equity	-1,317,969	-1,195,078
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	-1,332,428	-1,211,508
Consolidated [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	209,665	212,175	190,984	266,463
Other current assets	106,694	131,460
Properties, plants, and equipment - net	1,831,564	1,791,601
Other non-current assets	114,141	96,883
Total assets	2,262,064	2,232,119
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities	90,985	151,479
Long-term debt	512,129	505,058
Non-current portion of accrued reclamation	55,619	46,766
Non-current deferred tax liability	153,300	164,861
Other non-current liabilities	53,057	37,536
Stockholders' equity	1,396,974	1,326,419
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	2,262,064	2,232,119
Parent Company [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	146,885	126,271	132,266	97,850
Other current assets	7,115	4,795
Properties, plants, and equipment - net	1,572	803
Intercompany receivable (payable)	470,306	528,290
Investments in subsidiaries	1,317,969	1,195,076
Other non-current assets	8,644	5,249
Total assets	1,952,491	1,860,484
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities	14,143	10,058
Long-term debt	498,479	490,726
Other non-current liabilities	42,895	33,281
Stockholders' equity	1,396,974	1,326,419
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	1,952,491	1,860,484
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	33,824	40,009	57,075	168,433
Other current assets	48,981	75,083
Properties, plants, and equipment - net	1,079,658	1,052,102
Intercompany receivable (payable)	-123,671	-112,815
Other non-current assets	189,014	164,563
Total assets	1,227,806	1,218,942
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities	54,918	117,421
Long-term debt	10,597	14,292
Non-current portion of accrued reclamation	43,314	38,426
Non-current deferred tax liability	14,387	16,430
Other non-current liabilities	11,126	4,043
Stockholders' equity	1,093,464	1,028,330
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	1,227,806	1,218,942
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	28,956	45,895	1,643	180
Other current assets	23,165	33,129
Properties, plants, and equipment - net	750,334	738,696
Intercompany receivable (payable)	-392,880	-464,634
Other non-current assets	4,620	11,115
Total assets	414,195	364,201
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities	21,996	24,000
Long-term debt	3,053	40
Non-current portion of accrued reclamation	12,305	8,340
Non-current deferred tax liability	153,300	164,861
Other non-current liabilities	-964	212
Stockholders' equity	224,505	166,748
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$414,195	$364,201

Note_16_Guarantor_Subsidiaries3

Note 16 - Guarantor Subsidiaries (Details) - Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues	$500,781	$382,589	$321,143
Cost of sales	-304,446	-235,316	-134,105
Depreciation, depletion, amortization	-111,134	-81,127	-43,522
General and administrative	-31,538	-28,925	-21,253
Gain/(loss) on derivative contracts	9,134	17,979	-10,457
Income (loss) before income taxes	12,584	-34,925	23,833
(Provision) benefit from income taxes	5,240	9,795	-8,879
Net income (loss)	17,824	-25,130	14,954
Comprehensive income (loss)	12,092	-27,511	14,534
Preferred stock dividends	-552	-552	-552
Income (loss) applicable to common stockholders	17,272	-25,682	14,402
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries	-72,407	15,807	-21,246
Other (expense) income	-16,295	-16,922	-20,921
Income (loss) before income taxes	-88,702	-1,115	-42,167
(Provision) benefit from income taxes	16,295	16,922	20,923
Net income (loss)	-72,407	15,807	-21,244
Changes in comprehensive income (loss)	177	4,594	-527
Comprehensive income (loss)	-72,230	20,401	-21,771
Income (loss) applicable to common stockholders	-72,407	15,807	-21,244
Consolidated [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues	500,781	382,589	321,143
Cost of sales	-304,446	-235,316	-134,105
Depreciation, depletion, amortization	-111,134	-81,127	-43,522
General and administrative	-31,538	-28,925	-21,253
Exploration and pre-development	-19,667	-37,650	-49,738
Gain/(loss) on derivative contracts	9,134	17,979	-10,457
Closed operations		-26,397	-4,652
Other (expense) income	-30,546	-26,078	-33,583
Income (loss) before income taxes	12,584	-34,925	23,833
(Provision) benefit from income taxes	5,240	9,795	-8,879
Net income (loss)	17,824	-25,130	14,954
Changes in comprehensive income (loss)	-5,732	-2,381	-420
Comprehensive income (loss)	12,092	-27,511	14,534
Preferred stock dividends	-552	-552	-552
Income (loss) applicable to common stockholders	17,272	-25,682	14,402
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues	1,473	3,044	-1,346
General and administrative	-17,667	-14,441	-11,519
Exploration and pre-development	-252	-576	-1,262
Gain/(loss) on derivative contracts	9,134	17,979	-10,457
Closed operations		-14,444
Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries	72,407	-15,807	21,246
Other (expense) income	-47,271	-885	18,292
Income (loss) before income taxes	17,824	-25,130	14,954
Net income (loss)	17,824	-25,130	14,954
Changes in comprehensive income (loss)	-5,732	-2,381	-420
Comprehensive income (loss)	12,092	-27,511	14,534
Preferred stock dividends	-552	-552	-552
Income (loss) applicable to common stockholders	17,272	-25,682	14,402
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues	333,460	304,423	322,489
Cost of sales	-194,600	-179,491	-134,105
Depreciation, depletion, amortization	-72,937	-63,097	-43,522
General and administrative	-12,694	-13,174	-9,519
Exploration and pre-development	-7,088	-24,990	-38,700
Closed operations			-2,259
Other (expense) income	29,753	1,345	-27,747
Income (loss) before income taxes	75,894	25,016	66,637
(Provision) benefit from income taxes	-10,565	-14,171	-29,802
Net income (loss)	65,329	10,845	36,835
Changes in comprehensive income (loss)	-1,329	-7	-911
Comprehensive income (loss)	64,000	10,838	35,924
Income (loss) applicable to common stockholders	65,329	10,845	36,835
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues	165,848	75,122
Cost of sales	-109,846	-55,825
Depreciation, depletion, amortization	-38,197	-18,030
General and administrative	-1,177	-1,310	-215
Exploration and pre-development	-12,327	-12,084	-9,776
Closed operations		-11,953	-2,393
Other (expense) income	3,267	-9,616	-3,207
Income (loss) before income taxes	7,568	-33,696	-15,591
(Provision) benefit from income taxes	-490	7,044
Net income (loss)	7,078	-26,652	-15,591
Changes in comprehensive income (loss)	1,152	-4,587	1,438
Comprehensive income (loss)	8,230	-31,239	-14,153
Income (loss) applicable to common stockholders	$7,078	($26,652)	($15,591)

Note_16_Guarantor_Subsidiaries4

Note 16 - Guarantor Subsidiaries (Details) - Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows from operating activities	$83,124	$26,644	$69,016
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to properties, plants, and equipment	-122,537	-150,736	-113,096
Acquisition of Aurizon Mines Ltd.		-321,117
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings on debt		490,000
Effect of exchange rates on cash	-3,783	-4,905
Changes in cash and cash equivalents	-2,510	21,191	-75,479
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	212,175	190,984	266,463
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	209,665	212,175	190,984
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows from operating activities	-75,323	38,791	-8,940
Cash flows from investing activities:
Other investing activities			48,817
Cash flows from financing activities:
Other financing activity	75,323	-38,791	-39,877
Consolidated [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows from operating activities	83,124	26,644	69,016
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to properties, plants, and equipment	-122,537	-150,736	-113,096
Acquisition of Aurizon Mines Ltd.		-321,117
Other investing activities	4,182	-3,644	-4,942
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends paid to stockholders	-4,099	-6,543	-17,673
Borrowings on debt		490,000
Payments on debt	-9,137	-7,039	-5,890
Other financing activity	49,740	-1,469	-2,894
Effect of exchange rates on cash	-3,783	-4,905
Changes in cash and cash equivalents	-2,510	21,191	-75,479
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	212,175	190,984	266,463
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	209,665	212,175	190,984
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows from operating activities	38,270	-9,958	49,295
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to properties, plants, and equipment	-1,336	-1,535	-618
Acquisition of Aurizon Mines Ltd.		-498,705
Other investing activities			-48,815
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends paid to stockholders	-4,099	-6,543	-17,673
Borrowings on debt		490,000
Other financing activity	-12,221	20,746	52,227
Changes in cash and cash equivalents	20,614	-5,995	34,416
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	126,271	132,266	97,850
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	146,885	126,271	132,266
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows from operating activities	61,900	17,940	42,957
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to properties, plants, and equipment	-68,859	-107,893	-107,425
Other investing activities	417	-11	891
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on debt	-9,137	-7,039	-5,878
Other financing activity	9,494	79,937	-41,903
Changes in cash and cash equivalents	-6,185	-17,066	-111,358
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	40,009	57,075	168,433
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	33,824	40,009	57,075
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows from operating activities	58,277	-20,129	-14,296
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to properties, plants, and equipment	-52,342	-41,308	-5,053
Acquisition of Aurizon Mines Ltd.		177,588
Other investing activities	3,765	-3,633	-5,835
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on debt			-12
Other financing activity	-22,856	-63,361	26,659
Effect of exchange rates on cash	-3,783	-4,905
Changes in cash and cash equivalents	-16,939	44,252	1,463
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	45,895	1,643	180
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$28,956	$45,895	$1,643