Hecla Mining (HL) 10-Q 8 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	5-May-15
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	HECLA MINING CO/DE/
Document Type	10-Q
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		370,348,437
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-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$196,231	$209,665
Accounts receivable:
Trade	27,280	17,696
Taxes	10,303	10,392
Other, net	5,215	6,792
Inventories:
Concentrates, doré, and stockpiled ore	22,921	25,999
Materials and supplies	20,974	21,474
Current deferred income taxes	10,064	12,029
Other current assets	15,337	12,312
Total current assets	308,325	316,359
Non-current investments	4,334	4,920
Non-current restricted cash and investments	883	883
Properties, plant, equipment and mineral interests, net	1,837,173	1,831,564
Non-current deferred income taxes	98,544	98,923
Other non-current assets and deferred charges	10,692	9,415
Total assets	2,259,951	2,262,064
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	39,712	41,869
Accrued payroll and related benefits	18,320	27,956
Accrued taxes	3,891	4,241
Current portion of capital leases	10,289	9,491
Current portion of accrued reclamation and closure costs	1,631	1,631
Other current liabilities	14,695	5,797
Total current liabilities	88,538	90,985
Capital leases	11,590	13,650
Accrued reclamation and closure costs	55,781	55,619
Long-term Debt	498,791	498,479
Non-current deferred tax liability	138,422	153,300
Other non-current liabilities	47,504	53,057
Total liabilities	840,626	865,090
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 2, 4, 7, 9, and 11)
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, 500,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding 2015 — 369,992,839 shares and 2014 — 367,376,863 shares	93,106	92,382
Capital surplus	1,495,893	1,486,750
Accumulated deficit	-129,817	-141,306
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-30,095	-32,031
Less treasury stock, at cost; 2015 - 2,433,518 and 2014 - 2,151,482	-9,801	-8,860
Total stockholders’ equity	1,419,325	1,396,974
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$2,259,951	$2,262,064

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
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	369,992,839	367,376,863
Common stock, shares issued	369,992,839	367,376,863
Treasury stock, shares	2,433,518	2,151,482

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Sales of products	$119,092	$125,787
Cost of sales and other direct production costs	73,965	77,741
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	25,254	25,803
	99,219	103,544
Gross profit	19,873	22,243
Other operating expenses:
General and administrative	8,720	7,941
Exploration	4,615	4,150
Pre-development	521	419
Other operating expense	628	718
Provision for closed operations and environmental matters	467	1,104
	14,951	14,332
Income from operations	4,922	7,911
Other income (expense):
Unrealized (loss) gain on investments	-2,843	688
Gain on derivative contracts	5,792	9,452
Net foreign exchange gain	12,274	4,134
Interest and other income	38	79
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	-6,192	-6,840
	9,069	7,513
Income before income taxes	13,991	15,424
Income tax provision	-1,439	-3,783
Net income	12,552	11,641
Reclassification of impairment of investments included in net income	2,827
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investments	-891	1,350
Preferred stock dividends	-138	-138
Income applicable to common stockholders	12,414	11,503
Net income	12,552	11,641
Reclassification of impairment of investments included in net income	2,827
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investments	-891	1,350
Comprehensive income	$14,488	$12,991
Basic income per common share after preferred dividends (in Dollars per share)	$0.03	$0.03
Diluted income per common share after preferred dividends (in Dollars per share)	$0.03	$0.03
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic (in Shares)	368,789	342,666
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted (in Shares)	369,691	350,018

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Operating activities:
Net income	$12,552	$11,641
Non-cash elements included in net income:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	25,523	26,054
Unrealized loss (gain) on investments	2,843	-688
Loss on disposition of properties, plants, equipment, and mineral interests	74	275
Provision for reclamation and closure costs	778	933
Stock compensation	1,060	1,065
Deferred income taxes	555	-2,851
Amortization of loan origination fees	454	519
Gain on derivative contracts	-2,970	-8,847
Foreign exchange gain	-11,490	-4,688
Other non-cash gains, net	24	692
Change in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	-8,210	1,387
Inventories	3,949	4,669
Other current and non-current assets	-1,638	923
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	4,037	-5,416
Accrued payroll and related benefits	-5,116	2,721
Accrued taxes	-263	4,756
Accrued reclamation and closure costs and other non-current liabilities	-743	-2,762
Cash provided by operating activities	21,419	30,383
Investing activities:
Additions to properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests	-26,958	-26,867
Proceeds from disposition of properties, plants and equipment	25
Purchases of investments	-947
Changes in restricted cash and investment balances		-2,485
Net cash used in investing activities	-27,880	-29,352
Financing activities:
Acquisition of treasury shares	-941
Dividends paid to common stockholders	-924	-857
Dividends paid to preferred stockholders	-138	-138
Debt origination fees	-63	-468
Repayments of capital leases	-2,347	-2,403
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities	-4,413	-3,866
Effect of exchange rates on cash	-2,560	-1,698
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-13,434	-4,533
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	209,665	212,175
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	196,231	207,642
Significant non-cash investing and financing activities:
Addition of capital lease obligations	1,599	2,194
Increase to asset retirement obligations		8,210
Payment of accrued compensation in restricted stock units	$3,016	$4,600

Note_1_Basis_of_Preparation_of

Note 1 - Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	Note 1.    Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements
	In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring items, necessary to present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Hecla Mining Company and its consolidated subsidiaries (“we” or “our” or “us”).  These unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and related footnotes as set forth in our annual report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, as it may be amended from time to time.
	The results of operations for the periods presented may not be indicative of those which may be expected for a full year.  The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in audited financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations, although we believe that the disclosures are adequate for the information not to be misleading.
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period and the disclosures of contingent liabilities.  Accordingly, ultimate results could differ materially from those estimates.

Note_2_Investments_and_Restric

Note 2 - Investments and Restricted Cash	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Cash Restricted Cash And Investments [Abstract]
Cash Restricted Cash And Investments [Text Block]	Note 2.    Investments and Restricted Cash
	Investments
	At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the fair value of our non-current investments was $4.3 million and $4.9 million, respectively.  Our non-current investments consist of marketable equity securities, which are carried at fair value as they are classified as “available-for-sale.” The cost basis of our non-current investments was approximately $4.9 million and $7.3 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. During the first quarter of 2015, we recognized a $2.8 million impairment charge against current earnings, as we determined the impairment to be other-than-temporary. We also acquired equity in other mining companies for a total cost of $0.9 million during the first quarter of 2015.
	At March 31, 2015, a net unrealized loss position of $0.6 million for our non-current investments was included in accumulated other comprehensive loss on our condensed consolidated balance sheet.
	Restricted Cash and Investments
	Various laws, permits, and covenants require that funds be in place for certain environmental and reclamation obligations and other potential liabilities.  These restricted investments are used primarily for reclamation funding or for funding surety bonds, and were $0.9 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Restricted investments primarily represent investments in money market funds and certificates of deposit.

Note_3_Income_Taxes

Note 3 - Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 3.   Income Taxes
	Major components of our income tax provision for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Current:
	Domestic	$	97		$	6,499
	Foreign		708			156
	Total current income tax provision		805			6,655
	Deferred:
	Domestic		2,422			(3,130	)
	Foreign		(1,788	)		258
	Total deferred income tax provision		634			(2,872	)
	Total income tax provision	$	1,439		$	3,783
	As of March 31, 2015, we have a net deferred tax asset in the U.S. of $108.6 million and a net deferred tax liability in Canada of $138.4 million for a consolidated worldwide net deferred tax liability of $29.8 million. Our ability to utilize our deferred tax assets depends on future taxable income generated from operations. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, there were no circumstances that caused us to change our assessment of the ability to generate sufficient future taxable income to realize the currently recognized U.S. deferred tax assets.  At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the balances of the valuation allowances on our deferred tax assets were $36 million and $32 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.
	The current income tax provisions for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 vary from the amounts that would have resulted from applying the statutory income tax rate to pre-tax income primarily due to the effects of percentage depletion for all periods presented and the impact of taxation in foreign jurisdictions.

Note_4_Commitments_Contingenci

Note 4 - Commitments, Contingencies and Obligations	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 4.    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 March 31, 2015, 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 March 31, 2015.
	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 two 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 assurance 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 NOV, 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 Evaluation 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 EE/CA, 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 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.
	Settlement negotiations with the United States commenced in 2014 and are ongoing. We cannot with reasonable certainty estimate the amount or range of any liability CoCa or Hecla Limited may have 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 9 for more information.
	Other Commitments
	Our contractual obligations as of March 31, 2015 included approximately $4.0 million for various non-capital costs. In addition, our open purchase orders at March 31, 2015 included approximately $0.5 million, $2.2 million, and $0.8 million, respectively, for various capital items at the Greens Creek, Lucky Friday, and Casa Berardi units, and approximately $8.8 million, $1.3 million and $0.3 million, for various non-capital costs at the Greens Creek, Lucky Friday and Casa Berardi units. We also have total commitments of approximately $22.7 million relating to scheduled payments on capital leases, including interest, primarily for equipment at our Greens Creek, Lucky Friday and Casa Berardi units (see Note 9 for more information).
	See Note 13 for a discussion of our commitment, upon satisfaction of certain conditions, to close the proposed acquisition of Revett Mining Company and issue shares of our common stock as consideration.
	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 March 31, 2015, 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 $7.9 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 ("FMSHRC") 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 for 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. On March 4, 2015, the Union filed an appeal for discretionary review with the FMSHRC. On March 12, 2015, the FMSHRC issued a notice granting discretionary review. We believe the claim is without merit, and that all wages due under Section 111, which was an immaterial amount, have already been paid. Therefore, we have not recorded a liability relating to the claim as of March 31, 2015. The value of the union's claim is estimated to be in the range of $0 to $10 million.
	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 April 21, 2015, the judge hearing the case granted Hecla’s motion for summary judgment and dismissed the case. The plaintiffs have an opportunity to appeal the decision. As of the date of this report, no such appeal has been filed. On April 29, 2015, the plaintiffs filed a motion with the court seeking to reconsider the summary judgment decision in light of a recent decision by the FMSHRC upholding two orders and one citation issued to Hecla Limited that relate to the same April 2011 accident.
	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_5_Earnings_Per_Common_Sha

Note 5 - Earnings Per Common Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	Note 5.    Earnings Per Common Share
	We are authorized to issue 500,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.25 par value per share. At March 31, 2015, there were 372,426,357 shares of our common stock issued and 2,433,518 shares issued and held in treasury, for a net of 369,992,839 shares outstanding.
	The following table reconciles weighted average common shares used in the computations of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (thousands, except per-share amounts):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Numerator
	Net income	$	12,552		$	11,641
	Preferred stock dividends		(138	)		(138	)
	Net income applicable to common shares for basic and diluted earnings per share	$	12,414		$	11,503
	Denominator
	Basic weighted average common shares		368,789			342,666
	Dilutive stock options and restricted stock		902			7,352
	Diluted weighted average common shares		369,691			350,018
	Basic earnings per common share
	Net income applicable to common shares	$	0.03		$	0.03
	Diluted earnings per common share
	Net income applicable to common shares	$	0.03		$	0.03
	Diluted income per share for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 excludes the potential effects of outstanding shares of our convertible preferred stock, as their conversion and exercise would have no effect on the calculation of dilutive shares.
	Options to purchase 244,342 shares of our common stock were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015.  For the three-month period ended March 31, 2014, options to purchase 612,745 shares of our common stock were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share.  In each case, the exercise price of the options not included in the computations of diluted earnings per share exceeded the average price of our stock during those periods and therefore would not affect the calculation of earnings per share.

Note_6_Business_Segments

Note 6 - Business Segments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 6.    Business Segments
	We are currently organized and managed in three reporting segments: the Greens Creek unit, the Lucky Friday unit and 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.
	The following tables present information about reportable segments for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Net sales to unaffiliated customers:
	Greens Creek	$	67,355		$	63,596
	Lucky Friday		19,891			20,096
	Casa Berardi		31,846			42,095
		$	119,092		$	125,787
	Income (loss) from operations:
	Greens Creek	$	14,693		$	11,046
	Lucky Friday		3,546			4,700
	Casa Berardi		(765	)		3,441
	Other		(12,552	)		(11,276	)
		$	4,922		$	7,911
	The following table presents identifiable assets by reportable segment as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
		31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	Identifiable assets:
	Greens Creek	$	704,348		$	704,121
	Lucky Friday		369,503			356,482
	Casa Berardi		789,989			800,961
	Other		396,111			400,500
		$	2,259,951		$	2,262,064

Note_7_Employee_Benefit_Plans

Note 7 - Employee Benefit Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 7.   Employee Benefit Plans
	We sponsor defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all U.S. employees.  Net periodic pension cost for the plans consisted of the following for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Service cost	$	1,054		$	1,020
	Interest cost		1,206			1,186
	Expected return on plan assets		(1,345	)		(1,249	)
	Amortization of prior service benefit		(84	)		(84	)
	Amortization of net loss		1,065			756
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	1,896		$	1,629
	In January 2015, we contributed approximately $5.0 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.

Note_8_Shareholders_Equity

Note 8 - Shareholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 8.    Stockholders’ Equity
	Share-based Compensation Plans
	We periodically grant restricted stock unit awards and/or shares of common stock to our employees and directors. Grants to individual executives upon hiring or retention vest over a defined service period, with cost amortized over that period. We measure compensation cost for restricted stock units and stock grants at the closing price of our stock at the time of grant. Restricted stock unit grants vest after a specified period with compensation cost amortized over that period. Although we have no current plans to issue stock options, we have in the past and may do so in the future.
	On March 5, 2015, the Board of Directors granted 911,148 shares of common stock to employees for payment of annual and long-term incentive compensation for the period ended December 31, 2014. The shares were distributed in March 2015, and the $3.0 million in expense related to the stock awards has been recognized as of March 31, 2015.
	Stock-based compensation expense recorded in the first three months of both 2015 and 2014 totaled $1.1 million and was related to amortization of restricted stock unit grants to employees in prior periods.
	In connection with the vesting of restricted stock units or other issuances of common stock to employees as compensation, 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 the first quarter of 2015 we repurchased 284,243 shares for approximately $941,000, or approximately $3.31 per share.
	Common Stock 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 and if declared by the Board. 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 silver price	Quarterly dividend	Annualized dividend
	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	$0.20
	$55	$0.06	$0.24
	$60	$0.07	$0.28
	On May 6, 2015, our Board of Directors declared a dividend on common stock, pursuant to the minimum annual dividend component of the policy described above, of $0.0025 per share, for a total dividend of $0.9 million payable in June 2015. Because the average realized silver price for the first quarter of 2015 was $17.18 per ounce, below the minimum threshold of $30 according to the policy, no silver-price-linked component was declared or paid. 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. Whether or not to engage in repurchases from time to time may depend on a variety of factors, including not only price and cash resources, but customary black-out restrictions, whether we have any material inside information, limitations on share repurchases or cash usage that may be imposed by our credit agreement or in connection with issuances of securities, alternative uses for cash, applicable law, and other investment opportunities from time to time. As of March 31, 2015, 934,100 shares have been purchased in prior periods 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 May 5, 2015, was $3.01 per share.

Note_9_Senior_Notes_Credit_Fac

Note 9 - Senior Notes, Credit Facilities and Capital Leases	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 9.    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, and in 2014, an additional $6.5 million aggregate principal amount of the Notes was issued to our pension plan in order to satisfy the funding requirement for 2014 (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.
	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 $7.7 million as of March 31, 2015. 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 the first quarter of 2015 and 2014, interest expense related to the Notes and amortization of the initial purchaser discount and fees related to the issuance of the Notes, net of $3.3 million and $2.7 million, respectively, in capitalized interest, totaled $5.7 million and $6.3 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.
	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	2.5	:1
	Leverage ratio (total debt less unencumbered cash/EBITDA)			not more than	4	:1
	Interest coverage ratio (EBITDA/interest expense)			not more than	3	:1
	We were in compliance with all covenants under the credit agreement and no amounts were outstanding as of March 31, 2015.  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 March 31, 2015, the total liability balance associated with capital leases, including certain purchase option amounts, was $21.9 million, with $10.3 million of the liability classified as current and the remaining $11.6 million classified as non-current. At December 31, 2014, the total liability balance associated with capital leases was $23.1 million, with $9.5 million of the liability classified as current and $13.7 million classified as non-current. The total obligation for future minimum lease payments was $22.7 million at March 31, 2015, with $1.0 million attributed to interest.
	At March 31, 2015, the annual maturities of capital lease commitments, including interest, are (in thousands):
		Twelve-month period ending March 31,
		2016		$	10,195
		2017			6,997
		2018			3,821
		2019			1,700
		Total			22,713
		Less: imputed interest			(1,046	)
		Net capital lease obligation		$	21,667

Note_10_Developments_in_Accoun

Note 10 - Developments in Accounting Pronouncements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block]	Note 10.    Developments in Accounting Pronouncements
	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.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03 Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. The update requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability instead of being presented as an asset. Debt disclosures will include the face amount of the debt liability and the effective interest rate. The update requires retrospective application and represents a change in accounting principle. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. ASU No. 2015-03 is not expected to have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Note_11_Derivative_Instruments

Note 11 - Derivative Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 11.    Derivative Instruments
	At times, we 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 covered 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 March 31, 2015, we recorded the following balances related to these contracts:
		•	a current asset of $6.8 million which is included in other current assets and is net of $0.9 million in contracts in a fair value current liability position; and
		•	a non-current asset of $7.5 million which is included in other non-current assets and is net of $0.2 million in contracts in a fair value current liability position.
	We recognized a $0.3 million net gain during the first three months of 2015 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 $5.8 million net gain during the first three months of 2015 on the contracts utilized to manage exposure to prices for forecasted future concentrate shipments, which includes $1.9 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 during the first three months of 2015 is the result of decreasing zinc and lead prices. 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
	31-Mar-15		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			1,587		6		25,849		8,874	$	16.71	$	1,194	$	0.94	$	0.81
	Contracts on forecasted sales
	2015 settlements			—		—		27,999		22,487		N/A		N/A	$	0.95	$	1.1
	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-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
	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 marked-to-market through earnings each period prior to final settlement.

Note_12_Fair_Value_Measurement

Note 12 - Fair Value Measurement	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	Note 12.    Fair Value Measurement
	The table below sets forth our assets and liabilities 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 (in thousands).
	Description	Balance at		Balance at		Input
		31-Mar-15		31-Dec-14		Hierarchy Level
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Money market funds and other bank deposits	$	196,231	$	209,665	Level 1
	Available for sale securities:
	Equity securities – mining industry		4,334		4,920	Level 1
	Trade accounts receivable:
	Receivables from provisional concentrate sales		27,280		17,696	Level 2
	Restricted cash balances:
	Certificates of deposit and other bank deposits		883		883	Level 1
	Derivative contracts:
	Metal forward contracts		14,317		11,347	Level 2
	Total assets	$	243,045	$	244,511
	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.
	Trade accounts receivable include amounts due to us for shipments of concentrates and doré sold to customers.  Revenues and the corresponding accounts receivable for sales of concentrates and doré are recorded when title and risk of loss transfer to the customer (generally at the time of loading on truck or ship).  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 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 forward 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 result in changes to revenues previously recorded upon shipment.  The embedded derivative contained in our concentrate sales is marked-to-market through earnings each period prior to final settlement.
	We utilize financially-settled forward contracts to manage the exposure to changes in prices of silver, gold, zinc and lead contained in our concentrate shipments that have not reached final settlement.  We also utilize financially-settled forward contracts to manage the exposure to changes in prices of zinc and lead contained in our forecasted future concentrate shipments. See Note 11 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 issued in April 2013, which were recorded at their carrying value of $498.8 million, net of unamortized initial purchaser discount at March 31, 2015, had a fair value of $445.3 million at March 31, 2015. Quoted market prices, which we consider to be Level 1 inputs, are utilized to estimate fair values of the Notes. See Note 9 for more information.

Note_13_Proposed_Merger_with_R

Note 13 - Proposed Merger with Revett	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 13.    Proposed Merger with Revett
	On March 26, 2015, we and Revett Mining Company, Inc. (Revett) entered into a merger agreement pursuant to which we would acquire all of the issued and outstanding common stock of Revett. Revett holds 100% ownership of two properties in Northwest Montana: the Troy Mine, which is currently on care-and-maintenance, and the Rock Creek project, a significant undeveloped silver and copper deposit. In the proposed merger, each outstanding common share of Revett would be exchanged for 0.1622 of a share of our common stock, which have an estimated value of $0.52 per Revett common share based on the closing price of Hecla's common stock of $3.23 per share on March 25, 2015, the last full day before the merger agreement was entered into. The actual value of consideration transferred will be based on the market price of Hecla's common stock on the date the merger is consummated. Based on the closing price of Hecla stock of $3.01 per share on May 5, 2015, total consideration would be $18.8 million. A 10% change in the price per share of Hecla stock from its closing price on May 5, 2015 would result in a $1.9 million change in the amount of consideration transferred in the merger. Estimated consideration is based on Revett having 38,548,989 outstanding common shares, excluding 725,000 shares owned by our wholly-owned subsidiary which would be canceled in the merger. All consideration given to Revett stockholders will be in newly issued Hecla stock. The proposed merger is subject to approval by Revett's stockholders. No assurance can be given as to whether the merger will be approved and consummated.
	In April 2015, we entered into a term loan and security agreement with Revett pursuant to which we agreed to provide one or more secured loans to Revett in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1.5 million. The loans bear interest at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR plus 5% and will be due and payable on July 1, 2015. The loans are secured by certain real estate holdings of Revett's subsidiary, Revett Holdings, Inc., and the equity interests in Revett Holdings, Inc.

Note_14_Guarantor_Subsidiaries

Note 14 - Guarantor Subsidiaries	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Abstract]
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Text Block]	Note 14.   Guarantor Subsidiaries
	Presented below are Hecla’s unaudited interim 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 9 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 unaudited interim condensed consolidating financial statements below have been prepared from our financial information on the same basis of accounting as the unaudited interim 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, either at all or sufficient to meet their capital needs, 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 unaudited interim 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.
	Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
			As of March 31, 2015
			Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
			(in thousands)
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	145,284		$	35,957		$	14,990		$	—		$	196,231
	Other current assets			17,969			52,393			27,769			13,963			112,094
	Properties, plants, and equipment - net			1,838			1,085,971			749,364			—			1,837,173
	Intercompany receivable (payable)			439,735			(125,964	)		(370,025	)		56,254			—
	Investments in subsidiaries			1,365,864			—			—			(1,365,864	)		—
	Other non-current assets			10,102			182,205			4,207			(82,061	)		114,453
	Total assets		$	1,980,792		$	1,230,562		$	426,305		$	(1,377,708	)	$	2,259,951
	Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
	Current liabilities		$	24,709		$	48,654		$	19,983		$	(4,808	)	$	88,538
	Long-term debt			498,791			10,150			1,440			—			510,381
	Non-current portion of accrued reclamation			—			43,886			11,895			—			55,781
	Non-current deferred tax liability			—			7,036			138,422			(7,036	)		138,422
	Other non-current liabilities			37,967			10,386			(849	)		—			47,504
	Stockholders' equity			1,419,325			1,110,450			255,414			(1,365,864	)		1,419,325
	Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		$	1,980,792		$	1,230,562		$	426,305		$	(1,377,708	)	$	2,259,951
			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
	Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
			Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
			Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
			(in thousands)
	Revenues		$	312		$	86,934		$	31,846		$	—		$	119,092
	Cost of sales			—			(51,437	)		(22,528	)		—			(73,965	)
	Depreciation, depletion, amortization			—			(16,611	)		(8,643	)		—			(25,254	)
	General and administrative			(4,442	)		(3,893	)		(385	)		—			(8,720	)
	Exploration and pre-development			(217	)		(1,134	)		(3,785	)		—			(5,136	)
	Gain on derivative contracts			5,792			—			—			—			5,792
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries			40,042			—			—			(40,042	)		—
	Other (expense) income			(28,935	)		3,567			31,006			(3,456	)		2,182
	Income (loss) before income taxes			12,552			17,426			27,511			(43,498	)		13,991
	(Provision) benefit from income taxes			—			(4,946	)		51			3,456			(1,439	)
	Net income (loss)			12,552			12,480			27,562			(40,042	)		12,552
	Preferred stock dividends			(138	)		—			—			—			(138	)
Income (loss) applicable to common stockholders			12,414			12,480			27,562			(40,042	)		12,414
Net income (loss)			12,552			12,480			27,562			(40,042	)		12,552
Changes in comprehensive income (loss)			1,936			(194	)		2,051			(1,857	)		1,936
Comprehensive income (loss)		$	14,488		$	12,286		$	29,613		$	(41,899	)	$	14,488
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
		Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
		(in thousands)
Revenues		$	(19	)	$	83,710		$	42,096		$	—		$	125,787
Cost of sales			—			(49,933	)		(27,808	)		—			(77,741	)
Depreciation, depletion, amortization			—			(17,221	)		(8,582	)		—			(25,803	)
General and administrative			(4,630	)		(3,008	)		(303	)		—			(7,941	)
Exploration and pre-development			(44	)		(958	)		(3,567	)		—			(4,569	)
Gain on derivative contracts			9,452			—			—			—			9,452
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries			17,703			—			—			(17,703	)		—
Other (expense) income			(10,821	)		408			9,955			(3,303	)		(3,761	)
Income (loss) before income taxes			11,641			12,998			11,791			(21,006	)		15,424
(Provision) benefit from income taxes			—			(2,886	)		(4,200	)		3,303			(3,783	)
Net income (loss)			11,641			10,112			7,591			(17,703	)		11,641
Preferred stock dividends			(138	)		—			—			—			(138	)
Income (loss) applicable to common stockholders			11,503			10,112			7,591			(17,303	)		11,503
Net income (loss)			11,641			10,112			7,591			(17,703	)		11,641
Changes in comprehensive income (loss)			1,350			57			1,316			(1,373	)		1,350
Comprehensive income (loss)		$	12,991		$	10,169		$	8,907		$	(19,076	)	$	12,991
Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
		Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
		(in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities		$	15,726		$	15,823		$	19,902		$	(30,032	)	$	21,419
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to properties, plants, and equipment			(424	)		(18,163	)		(8,371	)					(26,958	)
Other investing activities, net			—			25			(947	)		—			(922	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends paid to stockholders			(1,062	)		—			—			—			(1,062	)
Borrowings on debt			—			—			—			—			—
Payments on debt			—			(1,901	)		(446	)		—			(2,347	)
Other financing activity			(15,841	)		6,349			(21,544	)		30,032			(1,004	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash			—			—			(2,560	)		—			(2,560	)
Changes in cash and cash equivalents			(1,601	)		2,133			(13,966	)		—			(13,434	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period			146,885			33,824			28,956			—			209,665
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$	145,284		$	35,957		$	14,990		$	—		$	196,231
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
		Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
		(in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities		$	31,570		$	23,937		$	(1,509	)	$	(23,615	)	$	30,383
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to properties, plants, and equipment			(383	)		(13,628	)		(12,856	)		—			(26,867	)
Other investing activities, net			(2,570	)		(57	)		(2,428	)		2,570			(2,485	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends paid to stockholders			(995	)		—			—			—			(995	)
Borrowings on debt			(316	)		316			—			—			—
Payments on debt			312			(2,715	)		—			—			(2,403	)
Other financing activity			(16,637	)		(4,463	)		(413	)		21,045			(468	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash			—			—			(1,698	)		—			(1,698	)
Changes in cash and cash equivalents			10,981			3,390			(18,904	)		—			(4,533	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period			126,271			40,009			45,895			—			212,175
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$	137,252		$	43,399		$	26,991		$	—		$	207,642

Note_3_Income_Taxes_Tables

Note 3 - Income Taxes (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Current:
	Domestic	$	97		$	6,499
	Foreign		708			156
	Total current income tax provision		805			6,655
	Deferred:
	Domestic		2,422			(3,130	)
	Foreign		(1,788	)		258
	Total deferred income tax provision		634			(2,872	)
	Total income tax provision	$	1,439		$	3,783

Note_5_Earnings_Per_Common_Sha1

Note 5 - Earnings Per Common Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Numerator
	Net income	$	12,552		$	11,641
	Preferred stock dividends		(138	)		(138	)
	Net income applicable to common shares for basic and diluted earnings per share	$	12,414		$	11,503
	Denominator
	Basic weighted average common shares		368,789			342,666
	Dilutive stock options and restricted stock		902			7,352
	Diluted weighted average common shares		369,691			350,018
	Basic earnings per common share
	Net income applicable to common shares	$	0.03		$	0.03
	Diluted earnings per common share
	Net income applicable to common shares	$	0.03		$	0.03

Note_6_Business_Segments_Table

Note 6 - Business Segments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Net sales to unaffiliated customers:
	Greens Creek	$	67,355		$	63,596
	Lucky Friday		19,891			20,096
	Casa Berardi		31,846			42,095
		$	119,092		$	125,787
	Income (loss) from operations:
	Greens Creek	$	14,693		$	11,046
	Lucky Friday		3,546			4,700
	Casa Berardi		(765	)		3,441
	Other		(12,552	)		(11,276	)
		$	4,922		$	7,911
		31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	Identifiable assets:
	Greens Creek	$	704,348		$	704,121
	Lucky Friday		369,503			356,482
	Casa Berardi		789,989			800,961
	Other		396,111			400,500
		$	2,259,951		$	2,262,064

Note_7_Employee_Benefit_Plans_

Note 7 - Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Service cost	$	1,054		$	1,020
	Interest cost		1,206			1,186
	Expected return on plan assets		(1,345	)		(1,249	)
	Amortization of prior service benefit		(84	)		(84	)
	Amortization of net loss		1,065			756
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	1,896		$	1,629

Note_8_Shareholders_Equity_Tab

Note 8 - Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Schedule of Potential Per Share Dividend Amounts Quarterly Price Levels [Table Text Block]	Quarterly average realized silver price	Quarterly dividend	Annualized dividend
	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	$0.20
	$55	$0.06	$0.24
	$60	$0.07	$0.28

Note_9_Senior_Notes_Credit_Fac1

Note 9 - Senior Notes, Credit Facilities and Capital Leases (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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	2.5	:1
	Leverage ratio (total debt less unencumbered cash/EBITDA)			not more than	4	:1
	Interest coverage ratio (EBITDA/interest expense)			not more than	3	:1
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases [Table Text Block]		Twelve-month period ending March 31,
		2016		$	10,195
		2017			6,997
		2018			3,821
		2019			1,700
		Total			22,713
		Less: imputed interest			(1,046	)
		Net capital lease obligation		$	21,667

Note_11_Derivative_Instruments1

Note 11 - Derivative Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block]	31-Mar-15	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		1,587		6		25,849		8,874	$	16.71	$	1,194	$	0.94	$	0.81
	Contracts on forecasted sales
	2015 settlements		—		—		27,999		22,487		N/A		N/A	$	0.95	$	1.1
	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-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

Note_12_Fair_Value_Measurement1

Note 12 - Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	Description	Balance at		Balance at		Input
		31-Mar-15		31-Dec-14		Hierarchy Level
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Money market funds and other bank deposits	$	196,231	$	209,665	Level 1
	Available for sale securities:
	Equity securities – mining industry		4,334		4,920	Level 1
	Trade accounts receivable:
	Receivables from provisional concentrate sales		27,280		17,696	Level 2
	Restricted cash balances:
	Certificates of deposit and other bank deposits		883		883	Level 1
	Derivative contracts:
	Metal forward contracts		14,317		11,347	Level 2
	Total assets	$	243,045	$	244,511

Note_14_Guarantor_Subsidiaries1

Note 14 - Guarantor Subsidiaries (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Abstract]
Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]		As of March 31, 2015
		Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
		(in thousands)
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	145,284		$	35,957		$	14,990		$	—		$	196,231
	Other current assets		17,969			52,393			27,769			13,963			112,094
	Properties, plants, and equipment - net		1,838			1,085,971			749,364			—			1,837,173
	Intercompany receivable (payable)		439,735			(125,964	)		(370,025	)		56,254			—
	Investments in subsidiaries		1,365,864			—			—			(1,365,864	)		—
	Other non-current assets		10,102			182,205			4,207			(82,061	)		114,453
	Total assets	$	1,980,792		$	1,230,562		$	426,305		$	(1,377,708	)	$	2,259,951
	Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
	Current liabilities	$	24,709		$	48,654		$	19,983		$	(4,808	)	$	88,538
	Long-term debt		498,791			10,150			1,440			—			510,381
	Non-current portion of accrued reclamation		—			43,886			11,895			—			55,781
	Non-current deferred tax liability		—			7,036			138,422			(7,036	)		138,422
	Other non-current liabilities		37,967			10,386			(849	)		—			47,504
	Stockholders' equity		1,419,325			1,110,450			255,414			(1,365,864	)		1,419,325
	Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	1,980,792		$	1,230,562		$	426,305		$	(1,377,708	)	$	2,259,951
		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
Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block]		Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
		Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
		(in thousands)
	Revenues	$	312		$	86,934		$	31,846		$	—		$	119,092
	Cost of sales		—			(51,437	)		(22,528	)		—			(73,965	)
	Depreciation, depletion, amortization		—			(16,611	)		(8,643	)		—			(25,254	)
	General and administrative		(4,442	)		(3,893	)		(385	)		—			(8,720	)
	Exploration and pre-development		(217	)		(1,134	)		(3,785	)		—			(5,136	)
	Gain on derivative contracts		5,792			—			—			—			5,792
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries		40,042			—			—			(40,042	)		—
	Other (expense) income		(28,935	)		3,567			31,006			(3,456	)		2,182
	Income (loss) before income taxes		12,552			17,426			27,511			(43,498	)		13,991
	(Provision) benefit from income taxes		—			(4,946	)		51			3,456			(1,439	)
	Net income (loss)		12,552			12,480			27,562			(40,042	)		12,552
	Preferred stock dividends		(138	)		—			—			—			(138	)
	Income (loss) applicable to common stockholders		12,414			12,480			27,562			(40,042	)		12,414
	Net income (loss)		12,552			12,480			27,562			(40,042	)		12,552
	Changes in comprehensive income (loss)		1,936			(194	)		2,051			(1,857	)		1,936
	Comprehensive income (loss)	$	14,488		$	12,286		$	29,613		$	(41,899	)	$	14,488
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
		Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
		(in thousands)
	Revenues	$	(19	)	$	83,710		$	42,096		$	—		$	125,787
	Cost of sales		—			(49,933	)		(27,808	)		—			(77,741	)
	Depreciation, depletion, amortization		—			(17,221	)		(8,582	)		—			(25,803	)
	General and administrative		(4,630	)		(3,008	)		(303	)		—			(7,941	)
	Exploration and pre-development		(44	)		(958	)		(3,567	)		—			(4,569	)
	Gain on derivative contracts		9,452			—			—			—			9,452
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries		17,703			—			—			(17,703	)		—
	Other (expense) income		(10,821	)		408			9,955			(3,303	)		(3,761	)
	Income (loss) before income taxes		11,641			12,998			11,791			(21,006	)		15,424
	(Provision) benefit from income taxes		—			(2,886	)		(4,200	)		3,303			(3,783	)
	Net income (loss)		11,641			10,112			7,591			(17,703	)		11,641
	Preferred stock dividends		(138	)		—			—			—			(138	)
	Income (loss) applicable to common stockholders		11,503			10,112			7,591			(17,303	)		11,503
	Net income (loss)		11,641			10,112			7,591			(17,703	)		11,641
	Changes in comprehensive income (loss)		1,350			57			1,316			(1,373	)		1,350
	Comprehensive income (loss)	$	12,991		$	10,169		$	8,907		$	(19,076	)	$	12,991
Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block]		Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
		Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
		(in thousands)
	Cash flows from operating activities	$	15,726		$	15,823		$	19,902		$	(30,032	)	$	21,419
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Additions to properties, plants, and equipment		(424	)		(18,163	)		(8,371	)					(26,958	)
	Other investing activities, net		—			25			(947	)		—			(922	)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Dividends paid to stockholders		(1,062	)		—			—			—			(1,062	)
	Borrowings on debt		—			—			—			—			—
	Payments on debt		—			(1,901	)		(446	)		—			(2,347	)
	Other financing activity		(15,841	)		6,349			(21,544	)		30,032			(1,004	)
	Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		—			—			(2,560	)		—			(2,560	)
	Changes in cash and cash equivalents		(1,601	)		2,133			(13,966	)		—			(13,434	)
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		146,885			33,824			28,956			—			209,665
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	145,284		$	35,957		$	14,990		$	—		$	196,231
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
		Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
		(in thousands)
	Cash flows from operating activities	$	31,570		$	23,937		$	(1,509	)	$	(23,615	)	$	30,383
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Additions to properties, plants, and equipment		(383	)		(13,628	)		(12,856	)		—			(26,867	)
	Other investing activities, net		(2,570	)		(57	)		(2,428	)		2,570			(2,485	)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Dividends paid to stockholders		(995	)		—			—			—			(995	)
	Borrowings on debt		(316	)		316			—			—			—
	Payments on debt		312			(2,715	)		—			—			(2,403	)
	Other financing activity		(16,637	)		(4,463	)		(413	)		21,045			(468	)
	Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		—			—			(1,698	)		—			(1,698	)
	Changes in cash and cash equivalents		10,981			3,390			(18,904	)		—			(4,533	)
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		126,271			40,009			45,895			—			212,175
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	137,252		$	43,399		$	26,991		$	—		$	207,642

Note_2_Investments_and_Restric1

Note 2 - Investments and Restricted Cash (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Note 2 - Investments and Restricted Cash (Details) [Line Items]
Long-term Investments	$4,334,000	$4,920,000
Tax Basis of Investments, Cost for Income Tax Purposes	4,900,000	7,300,000
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments	2,800,000
Payments to Acquire Investments	947,000
Restricted Investments	900,000	900,000
Non-Current Investments Held Having Net Loss Position [Member]
Note 2 - Investments and Restricted Cash (Details) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	$600,000

Note_3_Income_Taxes_Details

Note 3 - Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Note 3 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	$29.80
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	36	32
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
Note 3 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Assets, Net	108.6
Canada Revenue Agency [Member]
Note 3 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	$138.40

Note_3_Income_Taxes_Details_Ma

Note 3 - Income Taxes (Details) - Major Components of Income Tax Provision (Benefit) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Current:
Domestic	$97	$6,499
Foreign	708	156
Total current income tax provision	805	6,655
Deferred:
Domestic	2,422	-3,130
Foreign	-1,788	258
Total deferred income tax provision	634	-2,872
Total income tax provision	$1,439	$3,783

Note_4_Commitments_Contingenci1

Note 4 - Commitments, Contingencies and Obligations (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

4 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Dec. 11, 2013

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Jul. 30, 2010

Feb. 04, 2015

Apr. 12, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Jun. 30, 2011

Apr. 30, 2009

Note 4 - 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

Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value

5,000,000

Contractual Obligations

4,000,000

Commitments For Capital Lease Payments

22,700,000

Surety Bonds

68,900,000

Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount

7,900,000

7,900,000

Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs

4

Greens Creek [Member]

Note 4 - Commitments, Contingencies and Obligations (Details) [Line Items]

Open Purchase Orders

500,000

Noncapital Costs

8,800,000

Lucky Friday [Member]

Note 4 - Commitments, Contingencies and Obligations (Details) [Line Items]

Open Purchase Orders

2,200,000

Noncapital Costs

1,300,000

Casa Berardi [Member]

Note 4 - Commitments, Contingencies and Obligations (Details) [Line Items]

Open Purchase Orders

800,000

Noncapital Costs

300,000

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

Note 4 - Commitments, Contingencies and Obligations (Details) [Line Items]

Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage

70.00%

70.00%

Minimum [Member] | United Steel Workers, Local 5114 [Member]

Note 4 - Commitments, Contingencies and Obligations (Details) [Line Items]

Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value

0

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

Note 4 - Commitments, Contingencies and Obligations (Details) [Line Items]

Estimated Response Costs

0

Maximum [Member] | United Steel Workers, Local 5114 [Member]

Note 4 - Commitments, Contingencies and Obligations (Details) [Line Items]

Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value

10,000,000

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

Note 4 - Commitments, Contingencies and Obligations (Details) [Line Items]

Estimated Response Costs

221,000,000

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

Note 4 - Commitments, Contingencies and Obligations (Details) [Line Items]

Incurred Response Costs

225,000,000

United Steel Workers, Local 5114 [Member]

Note 4 - Commitments, Contingencies and Obligations (Details) [Line Items]

Litigation Settlement, Amount

-13,000

Senior Notes [Member]

Note 4 - 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]

Note 4 - Commitments, Contingencies and Obligations (Details) [Line Items]

Payment Of Response Costs

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 4 - 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] | Third Party Operator of Mine [Member]

Note 4 - Commitments, Contingencies and Obligations (Details) [Line Items]

Litigation Settlement, Amount

26,000,000

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

Note 4 - Commitments, Contingencies and Obligations (Details) [Line Items]

Litigation Settlement, Amount

4,200,000

Gilt Edge Mine Superfund Site [Member]

Note 4 - Commitments, Contingencies and Obligations (Details) [Line Items]

Alleged Potential Response Costs

$225,000,000

Note_5_Earnings_Per_Common_Sha2

Note 5 - Earnings Per Common Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Note 5 - Earnings 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	369,992,839		367,376,863
Treasury Stock, Shares	2,433,518		2,151,482
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	369,992,839		367,376,863
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	244,342	612,745
Gross of Treasury Stock [Member]
Note 5 - Earnings Per Common Share (Details) [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	372,426,357

Note_5_Earnings_Per_Common_Sha3

Note 5 - Earnings Per Common Share (Details) - Weighted Average Common Shares (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Numerator
Net income	$12,552	$11,641
Preferred stock dividends	-138	-138
Net income applicable to common shares for basic and diluted earnings per share	$12,414	$11,503
Denominator
Basic weighted average common shares	368,789	342,666
Dilutive stock options and restricted stock	902	7,352
Diluted weighted average common shares	369,691	350,018
Basic earnings per common share
Net income applicable to common shares	$0.03	$0.03
Diluted earnings per common share
Net income applicable to common shares	$0.03	$0.03

Note_6_Business_Segments_Detai

Note 6 - Business Segments (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of Reportable Segments	3

Note_6_Business_Segments_Detai1

Note 6 - Business Segments (Details) - Information about Reportable Segments (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Net sales to unaffiliated customers:
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	$119,092	$125,787
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations	4,922	7,911
Identifiable assets:
Identifiable assets	2,259,951	2,262,064	2,262,064
Greens Creek [Member]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers:
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	67,355	63,596
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations	14,693	11,046
Identifiable assets:
Identifiable assets	704,348	704,121
Lucky Friday [Member]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers:
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	19,891	20,096
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations	3,546	4,700
Identifiable assets:
Identifiable assets	369,503	356,482
Casa Berardi [Member]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers:
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	31,846	42,095
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations	-765	3,441
Identifiable assets:
Identifiable assets	789,989	800,961
Other Segments [Member]
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations	-12,552	-11,276
Identifiable assets:
Identifiable assets	$396,111	$400,500

Note_7_Employee_Benefit_Plans_1

Note 7 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Note 7 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer	$5
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Unfunded Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan [Member]
Note 7 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year		$0.40

Note_7_Employee_Benefit_Plans_2

Note 7 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Net Periodic Pension Cost (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net Periodic Pension Cost [Abstract]
Service cost	$1,054	$1,020
Interest cost	1,206	1,186
Expected return on plan assets	-1,345	-1,249
Amortization of prior service benefit	-84	-84
Amortization of net loss	1,065	756
Net periodic benefit cost	$1,896	$1,629

Note_8_Shareholders_Equity_Det

Note 8 - Shareholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 05, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	6-May-15	Mar. 31, 2014	8-May-12
Note 8 - Shareholders' Equity (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures (in Shares)	911,148
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense			$3,000,000
undefined (in Dollars per Ounce)		17.18
Average Realized Silver Price, Minimum Dividend Threshold (in Dollars per Ounce)		30
Subsequent Event [Member]
Note 8 - Shareholders' Equity (Details) [Line Items]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared (in Dollars per share)				$0.00
Dividends, Common Stock				900,000
Satisfy Withholding Obligations [Member]
Note 8 - Shareholders' Equity (Details) [Line Items]
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares (in Shares)		284,243
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value		941,000
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share (in Dollars per share)		$3.31
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Note 8 - Shareholders' Equity (Details) [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense		1,100,000			1,100,000
Common Stock Repurchase Program [Member]
Note 8 - Shareholders' Equity (Details) [Line Items]
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share (in Dollars per share)		$3.99
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount						$20,000,000
Cumulative Stock Repurchased (in Shares)		934,100
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased (in Shares)		19,100,000
Minimum [Member]
Note 8 - Shareholders' Equity (Details) [Line Items]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared (in Dollars per share)		$0.01

Note_8_Shareholders_Equity_Det1

Note 8 - Shareholders' Equity (Details) - Common Stock Dividend Policy (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
$30 [Member]
Note 8 - 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 8 - 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 8 - 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 8 - 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 8 - 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 8 - 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 8 - 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_Senior_Notes_Credit_Fac2

Note 9 - Senior Notes, Credit Facilities and Capital Leases (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 12, 2013
Note 9 - Senior Notes, Credit Facilities and Capital Leases (Details) [Line Items]
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		21,900,000
Capital Lease Obligations, Current	9,491,000	10,289,000
Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent	13,650,000	11,590,000
Capital Lease Obligations	23,100,000	21,667,000
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due		22,713,000
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included in Payments		1,046,000
Senior Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Notes, Credit Facilities and Capital Leases (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount						500,000,000
Pension Contributions	6,500,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount		7,700,000			10,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage						6.88%
Interest Costs Capitalized		3,300,000	2,700,000
Interest Expense, Debt		$5,700,000	$6,300,000
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_9_Senior_Notes_Credit_Fac3

Note 9 - Senior Notes, Credit Facilities and Capital Leases (Details) - Credit Facilities (New Facility [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Interest rates:
Standby fee per annum on undrawn amounts	0.50%
Minimum [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Interest rates:
Spread	2.25%
Minimum [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Interest rates:
Spread	1.25%
Maximum [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Interest rates:
Spread	3.25%
Maximum [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Interest rates:
Spread	2.25%
Maximum [Member]
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_9_Senior_Notes_Credit_Fac4

Note 9 - Senior Notes, Credit Facilities and Capital Leases (Details) - Annual Maturities of Capital Lease Commitments, Including Interest (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Annual Maturities of Capital Lease Commitments, Including Interest [Abstract]
2016	$10,195
2017	6,997
2018	3,821
2019	1,700
Total	22,713
Less: imputed interest	-1,046
Net capital lease obligation	$21,667	$23,100

Note_11_Derivative_Instruments2

Note 11 - Derivative Instruments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Unsettled Sales and Forecasted Future Concentrate Contracts [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]
Note 11 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Current	$6.80
Derivative Liability, Current	0.9
Unsettled Sales and Forecasted Future Concentrate Contracts [Member] | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Note 11 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Noncurrent	7.5
Derivative Liability, Noncurrent	0.2
Unsettled Concentrate Sales Contracts [Member]
Note 11 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain on Derivative	0.3
Forecasted Future Concentrate Contracts [Member] | Gains Realized on Settled Contracts [Member]
Note 11 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain on Derivative	1.9
Forecasted Future Concentrate Contracts [Member]
Note 11 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain on Derivative	$5.80

Note_11_Derivative_Instruments3

Note 11 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Summary of Forward Sales Contracts (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
	oz	oz
Silver [Member] | 2015 Settlements [Member]
Contracts on provisional sales
Ounces under contract (in Ounces)	1,587	1,607
Average price per ounce	$16.71	$16.06
Average price per pound	16.71	16.06
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
Gold [Member] | 2015 Settlements [Member]
Contracts on provisional sales
Ounces under contract (in Ounces)	6	6
Average price per ounce	1,194	1,195
Average price per pound	1,194	1,195
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
Zinc [Member] | 2015 Settlements [Member]
Contracts on provisional sales
Pounds under contract (in Pounds)	25,849,000	19,456,000
Average price per ounce	0.94	1.01
Average price per pound	0.94	1.01
Contracts on forecasted sales
Pounds Under Contract (in Pounds)	27,999,000	46,738,000
Average Price Per Pound	0.95	0.96
Average Price Per Ounce	0.95	0.96
Zinc [Member] | 2016 Settlements [Member]
Contracts on forecasted sales
Pounds Under Contract (in Pounds)	44,699,000	44,699,000
Average Price Per Pound	0.99	0.99
Average Price Per Ounce	0.99	0.99
Zinc [Member] | 2017 Settlements [Member]
Contracts on forecasted sales
Pounds Under Contract (in Pounds)	1,984,000	1,984,000
Average Price Per Pound	1.04	1.04
Average Price Per Ounce	1.04	1.04
Lead [Member] | 2015 Settlements [Member]
Contracts on provisional sales
Pounds under contract (in Pounds)	8,874,000	8,378,000
Average price per ounce	0.81	0.87
Average price per pound	0.81	0.87
Contracts on forecasted sales
Pounds Under Contract (in Pounds)	22,487,000	29,652,000
Average Price Per Pound	1.1	1.07
Average Price Per Ounce	1.1	1.07
Lead [Member] | 2016 Settlements [Member]
Contracts on forecasted sales
Pounds Under Contract (in Pounds)	34,337,000	34,337,000
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

Note_12_Fair_Value_Measurement2

Note 12 - Fair Value Measurement (Details) (Senior Notes [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Note 12 - Fair Value Measurement (Details) [Line Items]
Notes Payable	$498.80
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Note 12 - Fair Value Measurement (Details) [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	$445.30

Note_12_Fair_Value_Measurement3

Note 12 - Fair Value Measurement (Details) - Assets and Liabilities Accounted for at Fair Value (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Trade accounts receivable:
Receivables from provisional concentrate sales	$5,215	$6,792
Derivative contracts:
Total assets	243,045	244,511
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents:
Money market funds and other bank deposits	196,231	209,665
Available for sale securities:
Equity securities – mining industry	4,334	4,920
Restricted cash balances:
Certificates of deposit and other bank deposits	883	883
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Trade accounts receivable:
Receivables from provisional concentrate sales	27,280	17,696
Derivative contracts:
Metal forward contracts	$14,317	$11,347

Note_13_Proposed_Merger_with_R1

Note 13 - Proposed Merger with Revett (Details) (Revett Mining Company, Inc. [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	5-May-15	Apr. 30, 2015	Mar. 26, 2015	Mar. 25, 2015
Note 13 - Proposed Merger with Revett (Details) [Line Items]
Business Acquistion, Number of Common Stock Shares Exchanged for Each Share of Acquiree Common Stock			0.1622
Business Acquisition, Estimated Value of Common Stock per Share of Acquiree Common Stock			$0.52
Share Price				$3.23
Business Acquisition, Percent of Change in Share Price Resulting in Change in Amount of Consideration Transferred			1.90%
Business Acquisition, Common Shares Outstanding of Acquiree			38,548,989
Business Acquisition, Shares Owned by Subsidary, Number of Shares Cancelled			725,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Note 13 - Proposed Merger with Revett (Details) [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		5.00%
Subsequent Event [Member]
Note 13 - Proposed Merger with Revett (Details) [Line Items]
Share Price	$3.01
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred	$18.80
Loans Receivable Maximum Amount		1.5

Note_14_Guarantor_Subsidiaries2

Note 14 - Guarantor Subsidiaries (Details) - Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$196,231	$209,665	$207,642	$212,175
Other current assets	15,337	12,312
Properties, plants, and equipment - net	1,837,173	1,831,564
Other non-current assets	10,692	9,415
Total assets	2,259,951	2,262,064	2,262,064
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities	88,538	90,985
Long-term debt	498,791	498,479
Non-current deferred tax liability	138,422	153,300
Other non-current liabilities	47,504	53,057
Stockholders' equity	1,419,325	1,396,974
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	2,259,951	2,262,064
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Assets
Other current assets	13,963	27,433
Intercompany receivable (payable)	56,254	46,245
Investments in subsidiaries	-1,365,864	-1,317,969
Other non-current assets	-82,061	-88,137
Total assets	-1,377,708	-1,332,428
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities	-4,808	-72
Non-current deferred tax liability	-7,036	-14,387
Stockholders' equity	-1,365,864	-1,317,969
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	-1,377,708	-1,332,428
Consolidated [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	196,231	209,665	207,642	212,175
Other current assets	112,094	106,694
Properties, plants, and equipment - net	1,837,173	1,831,564
Other non-current assets	114,453	114,141
Total assets	2,259,951	2,262,064
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities	88,538	90,985
Long-term debt	510,381	512,129
Non-current portion of accrued reclamation	55,781	55,619
Non-current deferred tax liability	138,422	153,300
Other non-current liabilities	47,504	53,057
Stockholders' equity	1,419,325	1,396,974
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	2,259,951	2,262,064
Parent Company [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	145,284	146,885	137,252	126,271
Other current assets	17,969	7,115
Properties, plants, and equipment - net	1,838	1,572
Intercompany receivable (payable)	439,735	470,306
Investments in subsidiaries	1,365,864	1,317,969
Other non-current assets	10,102	8,644
Total assets	1,980,792	1,952,491
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities	24,709	14,143
Long-term debt	498,791	498,479
Other non-current liabilities	37,967	42,895
Stockholders' equity	1,419,325	1,396,974
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	1,980,792	1,952,491
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	35,957	33,824	43,399	40,009
Other current assets	52,393	48,981
Properties, plants, and equipment - net	1,085,971	1,079,658
Intercompany receivable (payable)	-125,964	-123,671
Other non-current assets	182,205	189,014
Total assets	1,230,562	1,227,806
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities	48,654	54,918
Long-term debt	10,150	10,597
Non-current portion of accrued reclamation	43,886	43,314
Non-current deferred tax liability	7,036	14,387
Other non-current liabilities	10,386	11,126
Stockholders' equity	1,110,450	1,093,464
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	1,230,562	1,227,806
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	14,990	28,956	26,991	45,895
Other current assets	27,769	23,165
Properties, plants, and equipment - net	749,364	750,334
Intercompany receivable (payable)	-370,025	-392,880
Other non-current assets	4,207	4,620
Total assets	426,305	414,195
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities	19,983	21,996
Long-term debt	1,440	3,053
Non-current portion of accrued reclamation	11,895	12,305
Non-current deferred tax liability	138,422	153,300
Other non-current liabilities	-849	-964
Stockholders' equity	255,414	224,505
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$426,305	$414,195

Note_14_Guarantor_Subsidiaries3

Note 14 - Guarantor Subsidiaries (Details) - Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues	$119,092	$125,787
Cost of sales	-73,965	-77,741
Depreciation, depletion, amortization	-25,254	-25,803
General and administrative	-8,720	-7,941
Gain/(loss) on derivative contracts	5,792	9,452
Income (loss) before income taxes	13,991	15,424
(Provision) benefit from income taxes	-1,439	-3,783
Net income (loss)	12,552	11,641
Comprehensive income (loss)	14,488	12,991
Preferred stock dividends	-138	-138
Income (loss) applicable to common stockholders	12,414	11,503
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries	-40,042	-17,703
Other (expense) income	-3,456	-3,303
Income (loss) before income taxes	-43,498	-21,006
(Provision) benefit from income taxes	3,456	3,303
Net income (loss)	-40,042	-17,703
Changes in comprehensive income (loss)	-1,857	-1,373
Comprehensive income (loss)	-41,899	-19,076
Income (loss) applicable to common stockholders	-40,042	-17,303
Consolidated [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues	119,092	125,787
Cost of sales	-73,965	-77,741
Depreciation, depletion, amortization	-25,254	-25,803
General and administrative	-8,720	-7,941
Exploration and pre-development	-5,136	-4,569
Gain/(loss) on derivative contracts	5,792	9,452
Other (expense) income	2,182	-3,761
Income (loss) before income taxes	13,991	15,424
(Provision) benefit from income taxes	-1,439	-3,783
Net income (loss)	12,552	11,641
Changes in comprehensive income (loss)	1,936	1,350
Comprehensive income (loss)	14,488	12,991
Preferred stock dividends	-138	-138
Income (loss) applicable to common stockholders	12,414	11,503
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues	312	-19
General and administrative	-4,442	-4,630
Exploration and pre-development	-217	-44
Gain/(loss) on derivative contracts	5,792	9,452
Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries	40,042	17,703
Other (expense) income	-28,935	-10,821
Income (loss) before income taxes	12,552	11,641
Net income (loss)	12,552	11,641
Changes in comprehensive income (loss)	1,936	1,350
Comprehensive income (loss)	14,488	12,991
Preferred stock dividends	-138	-138
Income (loss) applicable to common stockholders	12,414	11,503
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues	86,934	83,710
Cost of sales	-51,437	-49,933
Depreciation, depletion, amortization	-16,611	-17,221
General and administrative	-3,893	-3,008
Exploration and pre-development	-1,134	-958
Other (expense) income	3,567	408
Income (loss) before income taxes	17,426	12,998
(Provision) benefit from income taxes	-4,946	-2,886
Net income (loss)	12,480	10,112
Changes in comprehensive income (loss)	-194	57
Comprehensive income (loss)	12,286	10,169
Income (loss) applicable to common stockholders	12,480	10,112
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues	31,846	42,096
Cost of sales	-22,528	-27,808
Depreciation, depletion, amortization	-8,643	-8,582
General and administrative	-385	-303
Exploration and pre-development	-3,785	-3,567
Other (expense) income	31,006	9,955
Income (loss) before income taxes	27,511	11,791
(Provision) benefit from income taxes	51	-4,200
Net income (loss)	27,562	7,591
Changes in comprehensive income (loss)	2,051	1,316
Comprehensive income (loss)	29,613	8,907
Income (loss) applicable to common stockholders	$27,562	$7,591

Note_14_Guarantor_Subsidiaries4

Note 14 - Guarantor Subsidiaries (Details) - Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows from operating activities	$21,419	$30,383
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to properties, plants, and equipment	-26,958	-26,867
Cash flows from financing activities:
Effect of exchange rates on cash	-2,560	-1,698
Changes in cash and cash equivalents	-13,434	-4,533
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	209,665	212,175
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	196,231	207,642
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows from operating activities	-30,032	-23,615
Cash flows from investing activities:
Other investing activities		2,570
Cash flows from financing activities:
Other financing activity	30,032	21,045
Consolidated [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows from operating activities	21,419	30,383
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to properties, plants, and equipment	-26,958	-26,867
Other investing activities	-922	-2,485
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends paid to stockholders	-1,062	-995
Payments on debt	-2,347	-2,403
Other financing activity	-1,004	-468
Effect of exchange rates on cash	-2,560	-1,698
Changes in cash and cash equivalents	-13,434	-4,533
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	209,665	212,175
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	196,231	207,642
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows from operating activities	15,726	31,570
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to properties, plants, and equipment	-424	-383
Other investing activities		-2,570
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends paid to stockholders	-1,062	-995
Borrowings on debt		-316
Payments on debt		312
Other financing activity	-15,841	-16,637
Changes in cash and cash equivalents	-1,601	10,981
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	146,885	126,271
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	145,284	137,252
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows from operating activities	15,823	23,937
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to properties, plants, and equipment	-18,163	-13,628
Other investing activities	25	-57
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings on debt		316
Payments on debt	-1,901	-2,715
Other financing activity	6,349	-4,463
Changes in cash and cash equivalents	2,133	3,390
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	33,824	40,009
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	35,957	43,399
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows from operating activities	19,902	-1,509
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to properties, plants, and equipment	-8,371	-12,856
Other investing activities	-947	-2,428
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on debt	-446
Other financing activity	-21,544	-413
Effect of exchange rates on cash	-2,560	-1,698
Changes in cash and cash equivalents	-13,966	-18,904
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	28,956	45,895
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$14,990	$26,991