Hecla Mining (HL) 10-K 23 Feb 17 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Feb. 20, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	HECLA MINING CO/DE/
Entity Central Index Key	719,413
Trading Symbol	hl
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)		395,437,026
Entity Public Float			$ 1,942,463,183
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 169,777	$ 155,209
Investments	29,117
Accounts receivable:
Trade	20,082	13,490
Taxes	187	11,458
Other, net	9,780	16,401
Inventories:
Concentrates, doré, stockpiled ore, and metals in transit and in-process	25,944	22,441
Materials and supplies	24,079	23,101
Current deferred income taxes	12,293	17,980
Other current assets	12,125	9,453
Total current assets	303,384	269,533
Non-current investments	5,002	1,515
Non-current restricted cash and investments	2,200	999
Properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests, net	2,032,685	1,896,811
Non-current deferred income taxes	23,522	36,589
Reclamation insurance		13,695
Other non-current assets	4,884	2,783
Total assets	2,371,677	2,221,925
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	60,064	51,277
Accrued payroll and related benefits	36,515	27,563
Accrued taxes	9,061	8,915
Current portion of capital leases	5,653	8,735
Current portion of accrued reclamation and closure costs	5,653	20,989
Current portion of debt	470	2,721
Other current liabilities	10,064	6,884
Total current liabilities	127,480	127,084
Long-term capital leases	5,838	8,841
Accrued reclamation and closure costs	79,927	74,549
Long-term debt	500,979	500,199
Non-current deferred tax liability	121,600	119,623
Non-current pension liability	44,491	46,513
Other non-current liabilities	11,518	52,703
Total liabilities	891,833	882,999
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 10)
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred stock, 5,000,000 shares authorized: Series B preferred stock, $0.25 par value, 157,816 shares issued and outstanding, liquidation preference — $7,891	39	39
Common stock, $0.25 par value, authorized 500,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 2016 — 395,286,875 shares and 2015 — 378,112,840 shares	99,806	95,219
Capital surplus	1,597,212	1,519,598
Accumulated deficit	(167,437)	(232,565)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net	(34,602)	(32,631)
Less treasury stock, at cost; 2016 — 3,941,210 and 2015 — 2,764,973 shares issued and held in treasury	(15,174)	(10,734)
Total stockholders’ equity	1,479,844	1,338,926
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 2,371,677	$ 2,221,925

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	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 (in shares)	157,816	157,816
Series B preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	157,816	157,816
Series B preferred stock, liquidation preference	$ 7,891	$ 7,891
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.25	$ 0.25
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	395,286,875	378,112,840
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	395,286,875	378,112,840
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	3,941,210	2,764,973

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Sales of products	$ 645,957	$ 443,567	$ 500,781
Cost of sales and other direct production costs	338,983	293,567	304,446
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	115,468	111,489	111,134
Total cost of sales	454,451	405,056	304,446
Gross profit	191,506	38,511	85,201
Other operating expenses:
General and administrative	45,040	34,201	31,538
Exploration	14,720	17,745	17,698
Pre-development	3,137	4,213	1,969
Research and development	243
Provision for closed operations and environmental matters	5,721	12,220	10,098
Other operating expense	3,153	3,177	2,295
(Gain) loss on disposition of properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests	(147)	404	(25)
Acquisition costs	2,695	2,162
Total other operating expense	74,562	74,122	63,573
Income (loss) from operations	116,944	(35,611)	21,628
Other income (expense):
Gain on derivative contracts	4,423	8,252	9,134
Net (loss) on sale of investments		(44)
Unrealized loss on investments	(177)	(3,333)	(3,224)
Net foreign exchange (loss) gain	(2,926)	24,551	11,535
Interest and other income	507	916	286
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized	(21,796)	(25,389)	(26,775)
Total other (expense) income:	(19,969)	4,953	(9,044)
Income (loss) before income taxes	96,975	(30,658)	12,584
Income tax (provision) benefit	(27,428)	(56,310)	5,240
Net income (loss)	69,547	(86,968)	17,824
Preferred stock dividends	(552)	(552)	(552)
Income (loss) applicable to common stockholders	68,995	(87,520)	17,272
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss)	69,547	(86,968)	17,824
Unrealized gain (loss) and amortization of prior service on pension plans	676	(850)	(6,875)
Change in fair value of derivative contracts designated as hedge transactions	(5,260)
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investments	1,613	(2,743)	(1,282)
Reclassification of impairment of investments included in net income (loss)	1,000	2,993	2,425
Total change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net	(1,971)	(600)	(5,732)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 67,576	$ (87,568)	$ 12,092
Basic income (loss) per common share after preferred dividends (in dollars per share)	$ 0.18	$ (0.23)	$ 0.05
Diluted income (loss) per common share after preferred dividends (in dollars per share)	$ 0.18	$ (0.23)	$ 0.05
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic (in shares)	386,416	373,954	353,442
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted (in shares)	389,322	373,954	357,435

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 69,547	$ (86,968)	$ 17,824
Non-cash elements included in net income (loss):
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	117,413	112,585	112,173
Net loss on sale of investments		44
Unrealized loss on investments	177	3,333	3,224
Adjustment of inventory to market value	811	1,649
(Gain) loss on disposition of properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests	(147)	404	(25)
Provision for reclamation and closure costs	4,813	12,036	10,215
Deferred income taxes	2,112	54,978	1,895
Stock compensation	6,184	5,425	4,965
Acquisition costs	1,048
Amortization of loan origination fees	1,871	1,821	2,183
(Gain) loss on derivative contracts	(5,494)	11,630	(6,886)
Foreign exchange loss (gain)	4,649	(20,081)	(10,482)
Other non-cash items	(174)	(35)	(858)
Change in assets and liabilities, net of business acquired:
Accounts receivable	4,233	(6,834)	3,091
Inventories	(5,697)	(854)	1,119
Other current and non-current assets	14,422	1,195	(580)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(6,539)	(4,211)	(19,697)
Accrued payroll and related benefits	17,705	7,325	16,422
Accrued taxes	263	4,653	(3,612)
Accrued reclamation and closure costs and other non-current liabilities	(1,869)	8,350	(47,847)
Net cash provided by operating activities	225,328	106,445	83,124
Investing activities:
Additions to properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests	(164,788)	(137,443)	(122,537)
Proceeds from sale of investments		14
Proceeds from disposition of properties, plants and equipment	348	579	428
Redemptions of restricted cash and investment balances			4,334
Purchases of investments	(48,943)	(947)	(580)
Maturities of investments	18,649
Purchase of other companies, net of cash acquired	(3,931)	(809)
Net cash used by investing activities	(198,665)	(138,606)	(118,355)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of offering costs	8,121
Proceeds from exercise of warrants			54,418
Dividends paid to common stockholders	(3,867)	(3,739)	(3,547)
Dividend paid to preferred stockholders	(552)	(552)	(552)
Debt issuance and credit facility fees paid	(127)	(127)	(938)
Acquisition of treasury shares	(4,440)	(1,874)	(3,740)
Payments on debt	(2,721)	(870)
Payments on capital leases	(8,435)	(9,981)	(9,137)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(12,021)	(17,143)	36,504
Effect of exchange rates on cash	(74)	(5,152)	(3,783)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	14,568	(54,456)	(2,510)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	155,209	209,665	212,175
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	169,777	155,209	209,665
Cash received (paid) during year for:
Interest, net of amount capitalized	(19,280)	(22,628)	(23,749)
Income tax (payments) receipts	(6,333)	4,186	7,124
Significant non-cash investing and financing activities:
Common stock issued for acquisition of other companies	48,109	19,133
Capital leases acquired	2,297	5,090	9,475
Payment of accrued compensation in restricted stock units	5,511	3,016	4,600
Senior notes contributed to pension plan, par value			$ 6,500

Consolidated Statements of Chan

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Stock Issued to Directors [Member]Common Stock [Member]	Stock Issued to Directors [Member]Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Stock Issued to Directors [Member]	Stock Issued for 401(K) Match [Member]Common Stock [Member]	Stock Issued for 401(K) Match [Member]Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Stock Issued for 401(K) Match [Member]	Series B Preferred Stock [Member]Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Total
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013							$ 39	$ 85,896	$ 1,426,845	$ (154,982)	$ (26,299)	$ (5,080)	$ 1,326,419
Net income										17,824			17,824
Stock issued to directors	$ 37	$ 438	$ 475
Series B Preferred Stock dividends declared										(552)			(552)
Stock issued for 401(k) match				$ 203	$ 2,226	$ 2,429
Restricted stock units granted									9,019				9,019
Restricted stock unit distributions								665	(665)			(2,279)	(2,279)
Warrants exercised								5,577	48,841				54,418
Common stock dividends declared								4	46	(3,596)			(3,546)
Repurchase of common shares												(1,501)	(1,501)
Other comprehensive loss											(5,732)		(5,732)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014							39	92,382	1,486,750	(141,306)	(32,031)	(8,860)	1,396,974
Net income										(86,968)			(86,968)
Stock issued to directors	59	547	606					218	2,808				3,026
Series B Preferred Stock dividends declared										(552)			(552)
Stock issued for 401(k) match				333	3,114	3,447		441	4,569				5,010
Restricted stock units granted									4,819				4,819
Restricted stock unit distributions								224	(224)			(934)	(934)
Common stock dividends declared										(3,739)			(3,739)
Repurchase of common shares												(940)	(940)
Other comprehensive loss											(600)		(600)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015							39	95,219	1,519,598	(232,565)	(32,631)	(10,734)	1,338,926
Common stock issued for purchase of another company								1,562	17,215				18,777
Net income										69,547			69,547
Stock issued to directors	$ 47	$ 756	$ 803					545	5,188			(1,270)	4,463
Series B Preferred Stock dividends declared										(552)			(552)
Stock issued for 401(k) match				$ 282	$ 3,236	$ 3,518		457	7,230				7,687
Restricted stock units granted									5,128				5,128
Restricted stock unit distributions								348	(348)			(2,211)	(2,211)
Common stock dividends declared										(3,867)			(3,867)
Other comprehensive loss											(1,971)		(1,971)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016							$ 39	99,806	1,597,212	$ (167,437)	$ (34,602)	(15,174)	1,479,844
Common stock issued for purchase of another company								2,213	48,998			$ (959)	50,252
Common stock issued for cash, net of offering costs								$ 695	$ 7,426				$ 8,121

Consolidated Statements of Cha7

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Common Stock [Member] | Stock Issued to Directors [Member]
Stock issued to directors, shares (in shares)	189,000	235,000	150,000
Common Stock [Member] | Stock Issued for 401(K) Match [Member]
Stock issued for 401(k) match, shares (in shares)	1,128,000	1,331,000	811,000
Common Stock [Member]
Stock issued to directors, shares (in shares)	2,185,000	871,000
Stock issued for 401(k) match, shares (in shares)	1,827,000	1,764,000
Restricted stock unit distributions, shares (in shares)	1,390,000	896,000	2,674,000
Warrants exercised, shares (in shares)			22,308,000
Common stock issued for purchase of another company, shares (in shares)	8,852,000	6,253,000
Common stock issued for cash, shares (in shares)	2,780,000
Retained Earnings [Member]
Common stock dividends declared, per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Treasury Stock [Member]
Repurchase of common shares, shares (in shares)		284,000	534,000

Note 1 - Summary of Significant

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	Note 1: A. Principles of Consolidation — B. Assumptions and Use of Estimates — may C. Cash and Cash Equivalents — three D. Investments and Securities Held for Sale — Realized gains and losses on the sale of securities are recognized on a specific identification basis. Unrealized gains and losses are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), unless an other than temporary impairment in value has occurred or we have elected the fair value option accounting method when available for certain investments; in either of those cases, the unrealized gain or loss would be charged to current period net income (loss). The fair value option allows for the fair value measurement of specified assets or liabilities on a case-by-case basis. The fair value option may may E. Inventories — Stockpiled ore Finished goods F. Restricted Cash — G. Properties, Plants and Equipment The cost of removing overburden and waste materials to access the ore body at an open-pit mine prior to the production stage are referred to as "pre-stripping costs." Pre-stripping costs are capitalized during the development stage. Where multiple open pits exist at an operation utilizing common facilities, pre-stripping costs are capitalized at each pit. The production stage of a mine commences when salable materials, beyond a de minimis amount, are produced. Stripping costs incurred during the production stage are treated as variable production costs included as a component of inventory, to be recognized in cost of sales and other direct production costs in the same period as the revenue from the sale of inventory. Costs for exploration, pre-development, secondary may secondary Drilling and related costs are either classified as exploration or secondary • whether the costs are incurred to further define mineralization at and adjacent to existing reserve areas or intended to assist with mine planning within a reserve area; • whether the drilling costs relate to an ore body that has been determined to be commercially mineable, and a decision has been made to put the ore body into commercial production; and • whether, at the time that the cost is incurred: (a) the expenditure embodies a probable future benefit that involves a capacity, singly or in combination, with other assets to contribute directly or indirectly to future net cash inflows, (b) we can obtain the benefit and control others’ access to it, and (c) the transaction or event giving rise to our right to or control of the benefit has already occurred. If all of these criteria are met, drilling and related costs are capitalized. Drilling costs not meeting all of these criteria are expensed as incurred. The following factors are considered in determining whether or not the criteria listed above have been met, and capitalization of drilling costs is appropriate: • completion of a favorable economic study and mine plan for the ore body targeted; • authorization of development of the ore body by management and/or the board of directors; and • all permitting and/or contractual requirements necessary for us to have the right to or control of the future benefit from the targeted ore body have been met. Drilling and related costs of approximately $6.8 $6.7 $5.3 December 31, 2016, 2015 2014, When assets are retired or sold, the costs and related allowances for depreciation and amortization are eliminated from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in current period net income (loss). Idle facilities placed on standby are carried at the lower of net carrying value or estimated net realizable value. The net carrying values of idle facilities on standby are written-down to salvage value upon reaching the end of the economic life. Therefore, with the exception of depreciation recorded on mobile equipment used in ongoing exploration and reclamation efforts at such properties, we do not record depreciation on idle facilities when they are not in operation. Included in properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests on our consolidated financial statements are mineral interests, which are tangible assets that include acquired undeveloped mineral interests and royalty interests. Undeveloped mineral interests include: (i) mineralized material and other resources which are measured, indicated or inferred with insufficient drill spacing or quality to qualify as proven and probable reserves; and (ii) inferred material not immediately adjacent to existing proven and probable reserves but accessible within the immediate mine infrastructure. Residual values for undeveloped mineral interests represent the expected fair value of the interests at the time we plan to convert, develop, further explore or dispose of the interests and are evaluated at least annually. We capitalize portions of interest costs incurred on our debt as a part of the cost of constructing or acquiring certain qualifying assets. The amount of interest capitalized represents the portion of interest cost incurred during the construction or acquisition periods that theoretically could have been avoided if expenditures for the qualifying assets had not been made, limited to the total interest cost actually incurred during the period. Qualifying assets include discrete projects constructed by us or by a third H. Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization — 1 22 may Undeveloped mineral interests and value beyond proven and probable reserves are not amortized until such time as there are proven and probable reserves or the related mineralized material is converted to proven and probable reserves. At that time, the basis of the mineral interest is amortized on a units-of-production basis. Pursuant to our policy on impairment of long-lived assets (discussed further below), if it is determined that an undeveloped mineral interest cannot be economically converted to proven and probable reserves, the basis of the mineral interest is reduced to its net realizable value and an impairment loss is recorded to expense in the period in which it is determined to be impaired. I. Impairment of Long-lived Assets — may Although management has made a reasonable estimate of factors based on current conditions and information, assumptions underlying future cash flows are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Estimates of undiscounted future cash flows are dependent upon, among other factors, estimates of: (i) metals to be recovered from proven and probable ore reserves and, to some extent, identified mineralization and other resources beyond proven and probable reserves, (ii) future production and capital costs and (iii) estimated metals prices (considering current and historical prices, forward pricing curves and related factors) over the estimated remaining mine life. It is reasonably possible that changes could occur in the near term that could adversely affect our estimate of future cash flows to be generated from our operating properties. If estimated undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of a property, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between the carrying value and fair value of the property. J. Proven and Probable Ore Reserves — 2016. Reserve estimates will change as existing reserves are depleted through production and as production costs and/or metals prices change. A significant drop in metals prices may may may may Declines in the market prices of metals, increased production or capital costs, reduction in the grade or tonnage of the deposit or an increase in the dilution of the ore or reduced recovery rates may K. Pension Plans and Other Post-retirement Benefits — • recognize the funded status of our defined benefit plans in our consolidated financial statements; and • recognize as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) the actuarial gains and losses and prior service costs and credits that arise during the period but are not immediately recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost. L. Income and Production Taxes — We evaluate uncertain tax positions in a two 50% We classify mine license taxes incurred in the states of Alaska and Idaho as other direct production costs reported in our gross profits. Resource taxes incurred in Quebec, Canada are classified as income taxes. For additional information, see Note 5 M. Reclamation and Remediation Costs (Asset Retirement Obligations) — At our non-operating properties, we accrue costs associated with environmental remediation obligations when it is probable that such costs will be incurred and they are reasonably estimable. Accruals for estimated losses from environmental remediation obligations have historically been recognized no later than completion of the remedial feasibility study for such facility and are charged to current earnings under provision for closed operations and environmental matters. Costs of future expenditures for environmental remediation are not discounted to their present value unless subject to a contractually obligated fixed payment schedule. Such costs are based on management’s current estimate of amounts to be incurred when the remediation work is performed, within current laws and regulations. Future closure, reclamation and environmental-related expenditures are difficult to estimate in many circumstances, due to the early stage nature of investigations, uncertainties associated with defining the nature and extent of environmental contamination, the application of laws and regulations by regulatory authorities, and changes in reclamation or remediation technology. We periodically review accrued liabilities for such reclamation and remediation costs as evidence becomes available indicating that our liabilities have potentially changed. Changes in estimates at our non-operating properties are reflected in current period net income (loss). It is reasonably possible the ultimate cost of reclamation and remediation could change in the future, and that changes to these estimates could have a material effect on future operating results as new information becomes known. N. Revenue Recognition and Trade Accounts Receivable — Sales and accounts receivable for concentrate shipments are recorded net of charges by the customers for treatment, refining, smelting losses, and other charges negotiated by us with the customers. Charges are estimated by us upon shipment of concentrates based on contractual terms, and actual charges typically do not vary materially from our estimates. Costs charged by customers include fixed treatment and refining costs per ton of concentrate, and also include price escalators which allow the customers to participate in the increase of lead and zinc prices above a negotiated baseline. Changes in metals prices between shipment of concentrates and final settlement will result in adjustments to revenues and accounts receivable related to sales of concentrate previously recorded upon shipment. Our concentrate sales and accounts receivable are based on provisional sales prices containing an embedded derivative that is required to be separated from the host contract for accounting purposes. The host contract is the receivable from the sale of the concentrates at the forward price at the time of the sale. The embedded derivative, which does not qualify for hedge accounting, is adjusted to market through earnings each period prior to final settlement. At December 31, 2016, 1.4 4,679 10,166 4,052 P. Risk Management Contracts Sales of metals in products tolled by refiners and sold directly by us, rather than sold to smelters, are recorded at contractual amounts when title and risk of loss transfer to the buyer. Changes in the market price of metals significantly affect our revenues, profitability, and cash flow. Metals prices can and often do fluctuate widely and are affected by numerous factors beyond our control, such as political and economic conditions, demand, forward selling by producers, aggregation by metals speculators and others, expectations for inflation, central bank sales, custom smelter activities, the relative exchange rate of the U.S. dollar, investor sentiment, and global mine production levels. The aggregate effect of these factors is impossible to predict. Because our revenue is derived from the sale of silver, gold, lead, and zinc, our earnings are directly related to the prices of these metals. O. Foreign Currency — P. Risk Management Contracts For the year ended December 31, 2016 $2.9 December 31, 2015 2014, $24.6 $11.5 P. Risk Management Contracts — December 31, 2016, December 31, 2016, See Note 10 December 31, 2016. Q. Stock Based Compensation — For additional information on our employee stock option and restricted stock unit compensation, see Note 9. R. Legal Costs – S. Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Common Share — Potential dilutive common shares include outstanding stock options, unvested restricted stock awards, stock units, warrants and convertible preferred stock for periods in which we have reported net income. For periods in which we reported net losses, potential dilutive common shares are excluded, as their conversion and exercise would be anti-dilutive. See Note 13 T. Comprehensive Income (Loss) — U. Fair Value Measurements — 1. the fair value measurement; 2. the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements in their entirety fall, segregating fair value measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1), 2), 3); 3. for fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), a. total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), segregating those gains or losses included in earnings, and a description of where those gains or losses included in earnings are reported in the statement of operations; b. the amount of these gains or losses attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to those assets or liabilities still held at the reporting period date and a description of where those unrealized gains or losses are reported; c. purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (net); and d. transfers into and/or out of Level 3. 4. the amount of the total gains or losses for the period included in earnings that are attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to those assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date and a description of where those unrealized gains or losses are reported in the statement of operations; and 5. in annual periods only, the valuation technique(s) used to measure fair value and a discussion of changes in valuation techniques, if any, during the period. See Notes 8 12 V. Research and development — December 31, 2016 W. New Accounting Pronouncements — May 2014, 2014 09 605 10 five August 2015, 2015 14 606): 2015 14 2014 09 December 15, 2017. We have performed a preliminary assessment of the impact of implementation of ASU No. 2014 09, Our concentrate sales involve variable consideration, as they are subject to changes in metals prices between the time of shipment and their final settlement. However, we are able to reasonably estimate the transaction price for the concentrate sales at the time of shipment using forward prices for the month of settlement, and we then adjust the values each period until final settlement. Also, it is unlikely a significant reversal of revenue for any one During 2017, 2014 09 In April 2015, 2015 03 835 30): December 15, 2015. 2015 03 In July 2015, 2015 11 330): December 15, 2016. In November 2015, 2015 17 740). 2015 17 December 15, 2016. December 31, 2016 $12.3 2015 17. In January 2016, 2016 01 825 10): December 15, 2017. December 31, 2016, $1.8 In February 2016, 2016 02 842). December 15, 2018, Note 3 December 31, 2016. In March 2016, 2016 09 718): December 15, 2016, In August 2016, 2016 15 230): eight December 15, 2017, In November 2016, 2016 18 230): December 15, 2017, In January 2017, 2017 01 805): December 15, 2017,

Note 2 - Investments

Note 2 - Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Investments and Restricted Cash Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 2. Investments Our current investments, which are classified as "available for sale" and consist of bonds having maturities of greater than 90 365 $29.1 December 31, 2016. 2016, $48.0 $18.6 no December 31, 2015. December 31, 2016 Amortized cost Unrealized loss Fair market value Corporate bonds $ 22,100 $ (46 ) $ 22,054 Municipal bonds 3,727 (1 ) 3,726 Agency bonds 3,339 (2 ) 3,337 Total $ 29,166 $ (49 ) $ 29,117 At December 31, 2016 2015, $5.0 $1.5 $4.1 $4.0 December 31, 2016 2015, 2016 2015, $0.9 2016 2015, $1.0 $2.5

Note 3 - Properties, Plants, Eq

Note 3 - Properties, Plants, Equipment and Mineral Interests, and Lease Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 3: Properties, Plants, Equipment and Mineral Interests Our major components of properties, plants, equipment, and mineral interests are (in thousands): December 31, 2016 2015 Mining properties, including asset retirement obligations $ 403,935 $ 372,935 Development costs 347,356 291,780 Plants and equipment 814,091 738,065 Land 26,229 21,362 Mineral interests 952,382 907,791 Construction in progress 330,785 295,155 2,874,778 2,627,088 Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization 842,093 730,277 Net carrying value $ 2,032,685 $ 1,896,811 During 2016, $164.8 $41.5 $47.0 $70.1 $1.6 Properties, plants, equipment, and mineral interests includes the portion of interest costs incurred on our debt capitalized as a part of the cost of constructing certain qualifying assets. For the years ended December 31, 2016 2015, $16.2 $13.5 Capital Leases We periodically enter into lease agreements, primarily for equipment at our Greens Creek, Lucky Friday and Casa Berardi units, which we have determined to be capital leases. As of December 31, 2016 2015, $42.2 $39.9 $26.0 $24.4 Properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests Note 6 Operating Leases We enter into operating leases during the normal course of business. During the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 2014, $4.8 $3.8 $3.5 December 31, 2016, Year ending December 31, 2017 $ 4,571 2018 2,466 2019 976 2020 993 2021 653 Thereafter 634 Total $ 10,293

Note 4 - Environmental and Recl

Note 4 - Environmental and Reclamation Activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Environmental and Reclamation Activities [Text Block]	Note 4: The liabilities accrued for our reclamation and closure costs at December 31, 2016 and 2015, 2016 2015 Operating properties: Greens Creek $ 39,014 $ 41,338 Lucky Friday 9,194 5,212 Casa Berardi 5,475 5,494 San Sebastian 5,425 1,189 Non-operating properties: Troy mine 16,167 17,295 South Dakota and Colorado Superfund Sites — 16,300 Johnny M 5,830 5,830 Republic 1,500 774 All other sites 2,975 2,106 Total 85,580 95,538 Reclamation and closure costs, current (5,653 ) (20,989 ) Reclamation and closure costs, long-term $ 79,927 $ 74,549 The activity in our accrued reclamation and closure cost liability for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 2014, Balance at January 1, 2014 $ 105,191 Accruals for estimated costs 6,863 Accretion expense 3,089 Revision of estimated cash flows due to changes in reclamation plans 675 Payment of reclamation obligations (58,568 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 57,250 Accruals for estimated costs 15,114 Accretion expense 1,904 Revision of estimated cash flows due to changes in reclamation plans 4,112 Addition due to development and production at our San Sebastian unit 1,189 Liability addition due to acquisition of Revett 17,513 Payment of reclamation obligations (1,544 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 95,538 Accruals for estimated costs 672 Accretion expense 3,191 Revision of estimated cash flows due to changes in reclamation plans 2,759 Liability addition due to acquisition of Mines Management 1,124 Payment of reclamation obligations (17,704 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 85,580 On September 8, 2011, 1980 1994 21 $264.4 three $168 $25 $15 October 2011, 2012, 2013, $14.1 second 2014 July 2014. $41.3 August 2014, In June 2015, 100% Note 15 $17.5 March 29, 2020 $16.8 third 2016, $16.0 On each of June 15, 2016 September 19, 2016, $6 August 2016 $3.9 November 2016 $6.4 second 2015 $9.9 Asset Retirement Obligations Below is a reconciliation as of December 31, 2016 2015 $85.6 $95.5 6% 14.5% 2016 2015 Balance January 1 $ 53,233 $ 46,539 Changes in obligations due to changes in reclamation plans 2,760 4,112 Addition due to development and production at our San Sebastian unit — 1,189 Accretion expense 3,191 1,904 Payment of reclamation obligations (76 ) (511 ) Balance at December 31 $ 59,108 $ 53,233 In the third 2016, $22.6 $3.3 In the third 2016, $4.3 $4.5 In the fourth 2016, $3.7 $5.0 The ARO layers related to the changes described above were discounted using a credit adjusted, risk-free interest rate of 6.5% 2% 3.25%.

Note 5 - Income Taxes

Note 5 - Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 5: Major components of our income tax (provision) benefit for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 Current: Domestic $ (10,702 ) $ 3,892 $ 7,761 Foreign (13,713 ) (5,376 ) (619 ) Total current income tax (provision) benefit (24,415 ) (1,484 ) 7,142 Deferred: Domestic 7,480 (75,456 ) (1,572 ) Foreign (10,493 ) 20,630 (330 ) Total deferred income tax (provision) benefit (3,013 ) (54,826 ) (1,902 ) Total income tax benefit (provision) $ (27,428 ) $ (56,310 ) $ 5,240 Domestic and foreign components of (loss) income before income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 Domestic $ 41,014 $ (65,895 ) $ (1,505 ) Foreign 55,961 35,237 14,089 Total $ 96,975 $ (30,658 ) $ 12,584 The annual tax (provision) benefit is different from the amount that would be provided by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to our pretax (loss) income. The reasons for the difference are (in thousands): 2016 2015 2014 Computed “statutory” benefit (provision) $ (33,941 ) 35 % $ 10,731 35 % $ (4,405 ) 35 % Percentage depletion 8,114 (8 ) 2,432 8 6,034 (48 ) Change in valuation allowance 11,336 (12 ) (84,951 ) (277 ) (6,314 ) 50 State taxes, net of federal taxes (565 ) 1 (3,639 ) (12 ) 1,671 (13 ) Foreign currency remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities (4,598 ) 5 28,184 92 16,368 (130 ) Rate differential on foreign earnings (6,853 ) 7 (4,746 ) (15 ) (5,938 ) 47 Compensation (1,311 ) 1 (815 ) (3 ) (1,308 ) 10 Other 390 (1 ) (3,506 ) (12 ) (868 ) 7 Total $ (27,428 ) 28 % $ (56,310 ) (184 )% $ 5,240 (42 )% We evaluated the positive and negative evidence available to determine the amount of valuation allowance required on our deferred tax assets. At December 31, 2016 2015, $100 $116 At December 31, 2016 2015, $87 $66 December 31, 2016 2015 Deferred tax assets: Accrued reclamation costs $ 30,188 $ 26,473 Deferred exploration 26,785 29,120 Foreign net operating losses 1,058 21,140 Domestic net operating losses 82,359 82,116 AMT credit carryforwards 20,405 11,607 Pension and benefit obligation 18,115 18,916 Foreign exchange loss 34,977 38,779 Foreign tax credit carryforward 7,283 6,692 Miscellaneous 30,166 27,205 Total deferred tax assets 251,336 262,048 Valuation allowance (99,602 ) (115,806 ) Total deferred tax assets 151,734 146,242 Deferred tax liabilities: Miscellaneous (3,046 ) (2,394 ) Properties, plants and equipment (235,700 ) (209,577 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (238,746 ) (211,971 ) Net deferred tax liability $ (87,012 ) $ (65,729 ) We plan to permanently reinvest earnings from foreign subsidiaries, with the exception of Hecla Quebec Inc., our wholly-owned subsidiary which owns our Casa Berardi mine and other interests in Quebec, Canada, and Minera Hecla, our wholly-owned subsidiary which owns our San Sebastian mine and other interests in Durango, Mexico. For the years 2016, 2015 2014, no We recorded a valuation allowance to reflect the estimated amount of deferred tax assets, which may 2015 December 31, 2016, $96 $2 $1 no December 31, 2016, 2015 2014, 2016 2015 2014 Balance at beginning of year $ (115,806 ) $ (32,094 ) $ (27,155 ) Increase related to non-utilization of net operating loss carryforwards and non-recognition of deferred tax assets due to uncertainty of recovery (2,868 ) (92,393 ) (6,314 ) Decrease related to utilization and expiration of deferred tax assets, other 19,072 8,681 1,375 Balance at end of year $ (99,602 ) $ (115,806 ) $ (32,094 ) As of December 31, 2016, $244 $84 20 2020. $4 2017 2036. $20 may 382. At December 31, 2016 2015 $22 $20 We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, various state and foreign jurisdictions. We are no longer subject to income tax examinations by U.S. federal and state tax authorities for years prior to 2000, 2010. We had no December 31, 2016 2015. 12 As discussed in Note 15 September 2016.

Note 6 - Senior Notes, Credit F

Note 6 - Senior Notes, Credit Facilities, and Capital Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 6: Senior Notes On April 12, 2013, $500 May 1, 2021 144A 1933, 2014, $6.5 one April 12, 2013, ($490 The Senior Notes are recorded net of a 2% $10 April 2013 $5.5 December 31, 2016. 6.875% May 1 November 1 November 1, 2013. 2016 2015, $16.2 $13.5 $20.1 $22.7 The Senior Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by certain of our subsidiaries (the "Guarantors"). The Senior 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 Senior Notes are effectively subordinated to all of the liabilities of Hecla's subsidiaries that are not guaranteeing the Senior Notes, to the extent of the assets of those subsidiaries. The Senior Notes became redeemable in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time after May 1, 2016, Upon the occurrence of a change of control (as defined in the Indenture), each holder of Senior Notes will have the right to require us to purchase all or a portion of such holder's Senior Notes pursuant to a change of control offer (as defined in the Indenture), at a purchase price equal to 101% As of December 31, 2016, Twelve-month period ending December 31, 2017 $ 34,822 2018 34,822 2019 34,822 2020 34,822 2021 518,107 Total 657,395 Less: interest (150,895 ) Principal 506,500 Less: unamortized discount (5,521 ) Long-term debt $ 500,979 Credit Facility In May 2016, $100 three $100 Interest rates: Spread over the London Interbank Offer Rate 2.25 - 3.25% Spread over alternative base rate 1.25 - 2.25% Standby fee per annum on undrawn amounts 0.50% Covenant financial ratios: Senior leverage ratio (debt secured by liens/EBITDA) not more than 2.50:1 Leverage ratio (total debt less unencumbered cash/EBITDA) not more than 4.00:1 Interest coverage ratio (EBITDA/interest expense) not more than 3.00:1 (1) 5.00:1 2016, 4.00:1 January 1, 2017. We are also able to obtain letters of credit under the facility, and for any such letters we are required to pay a participation fee of between 2.25% 3.25% 0.20% $2.6 December 31, 2016. We believe we were in compliance with all covenants under the credit agreement and no December 31, 2016. Capital Leases We have entered into various lease agreements, primarily for equipment at our Greens Creek, Lucky Friday and Casa Berardi units, which we have determined to be capital leases. At December 31, 2016, $11.5 $5.7 $5.8 December 31, 2015, $17.6 $8.7 $8.8 $12.0 December 31, 2016, $0.6 At December 31, 2016, Twelve-month period ending December 31, 2017 $ 6,000 2018 4,081 2019 1,671 2020 295 Total 12,047 Less: imputed interest (556 ) Net capital lease obligation $ 11,491

Note 7 - Commitments, Contingen

Note 7 - Commitments, Contingencies and Obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 7: General We follow the FASB ASC 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% third $2.5 December 31, 2016, may $2.5 third December 31, 2016. 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 December 2013, (“2013 NOV”) 2013 NOV 308 3 We completed the investigation mandated by the EPA and submitted a draft report to the agency in December 2015. 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. Johnny M Mine Area near San Mateo, McKinley County, New Mexico In May 2011, may August 2012, $1.1 $1.1 December 2014, three 1) 2) 3) $0 $221 $5.6 June 2015, $5.6 $5.6 In September 2016, may Carpenter Snow Creek Site, Cascade County, Montana In July 2010, 1980s 6 1988. In June 2011, may June 2011 $4.5 may $100 Senior Notes On April 12, 2013, $500 6.875% 2021. 2014, $6.5 one 2014. May 1 November 1 November 1, 2013. Note 6 Other Commitments Our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2016 $0.4 December 31, 2016 $0.7 $2.1 $10.0 $12.0 Note 6 December 31, 2016, $112.7 Other Contingencies On April 12, 2013, April 2011 April 21, 2015, November 18, 2016, On December 11, 2013, four December 2011 August 28, 2015, November 18, 2016, When we acquired Revett Mining Company, Inc. in June 2015 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 may

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 8: Pensions and Other Post-retirement Plans We sponsor defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all U.S. employees. The following tables provide a reconciliation of the changes in the plans’ benefit obligations and fair value of assets over the two December 31, 2016, December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Pension Benefits 2016 2015 Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 120,237 $ 118,284 Service cost 4,309 4,216 Interest cost 5,230 4,823 Actuarial loss (gain) 7,500 (2,617 ) Benefits paid (5,006 ) (4,469 ) Benefit obligation at end of year 132,270 120,237 Change in fair value of plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 73,321 74,551 Actual return (loss) on plan assets 9,950 (2,221 ) Employer contributions 9,092 5,460 Benefits paid (5,006 ) (4,469 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year 87,357 73,321 Underfunded status at end of year $ (44,913 ) $ (46,916 ) The following table provides the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Pension Benefits 2016 2015 Current liabilities: Accrued benefit liability $ (420 ) $ (402 ) Non- current pension liability: Accrued benefit liability (44,491 ) (46,513 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss 40,917 42,103 Net amount recognized $ (3,994 ) $ (4,812 ) The benefit obligation and prepaid benefit costs were calculated by applying the following weighted average assumptions: Pension Benefits 2016 2015 Discount rate: net periodic pension cost 4.45 % 4.17 % Discount rate: projected benefit obligation 4.14 % 4.45 % Expected rate of return on plan assets 6.80 % 7.20 % Rate of compensation increase: net periodic pension cost 2.00 % 2.00 % Rate of compensation increase: projected benefit obligation (1) 0.00%/2.00 % 0.00%/2.00 % (1) 0% 2016 2018 2% The above assumptions were calculated based on information as of December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015, 6.8% five Net periodic pension cost for the plans consisted of the following in 2016, 2015, 2014 Pension Benefits 2016 2015 2014 Service cost $ 4,309 $ 4,216 $ 4,312 Interest cost 5,229 4,823 4,859 Expected return on plan assets (5,299 ) (5,382 ) (4,996 ) Amortization of prior service benefit (337 ) (337 ) (337 ) Amortization of net gain from earlier periods 4,372 4,260 3,275 Net periodic pension cost $ 8,274 $ 7,580 $ 7,113 The allocations of investments at December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015, Hecla Lucky Friday 2016 2015 2016 2015 Cash 3 % 2 % 3 % 4 % Large cap U.S. equities 18 % 10 % 17 % 10 % Small cap U.S. equities 9 % 5 % 9 % 5 % Non-U.S. equities 24 % 9 % 25 % 9 % Fixed income 20 % 34 % 20 % 33 % Real estate 13 % 18 % 13 % 18 % Absolute return hedge funds 6 % 15 % 6 % 14 % Real return — % 1 % — % 1 % Company stock 7 % 6 % 7 % 6 % Total 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % "Company stock" asset category in the table above includes our common stock in the amounts of $6.3 $4.3 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015. Each plan's statement of investment policy delineates the responsibilities of the board, the retirement/pension committee, the investment manager(s), and investment adviser/consultant, and provides guidelines on investment management. Investment objectives are established for each of the asset categories included in the pension plans with comparisons of performance against appropriate benchmarks. Each plan's policy calls for investments to be supervised by qualified investment managers. The investment managers are monitored on an ongoing basis by our outside consultant, with formal reporting to us and the consultant performed each quarter. The policy sets forth the following allocation of assets: As of December 31, 2016 (1) As of December 31, 2015 Target Maximum Target Minimum Maximum Large cap U.S. equities 17 % 20 % 10 % 7 % 13 % Small cap U.S. equities 8 % 10 % 5 % 4 % 6 % Non-U.S. equities 25 % 30 % 10 % 8 % 12 % Fixed income 20 % 25 % 35 % 29 % 43 % Real estate 15 % 18 % 15 % 12 % 18 % Absolute return 5 % 7 % 15 % 12 % 18 % Company stock/Real return 10 % 13 % 10 % 8 % 12 % (1) December 31, 2016 Each plan's statement of investment policy and objectives aspires to achieve the assumed long term rate of return on plan assets established by the plan’s actuary plus one Accounting guidance has established a hierarchy of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The three Level 1: Level 2: Level 3: The fair values by asset category in each plan, along with their hierarchy levels, are as follows as of December 31, 2016 Hecla Lucky Friday Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Interest-bearing cash $ 1,924 $ — $ — $ 1,924 $ 550 $ — $ — $ 550 Common stock 4,973 — — 4,973 1,340 — — 1,340 Real estate — — 8,974 8,974 — — 2,389 2,389 Common collective funds — 12,379 2,108 14,487 — 3,427 550 3,977 Mutual funds 38,326 — — 38,326 10,417 — — 10,417 Total fair value $ 45,223 $ 12,379 $ 11,082 $ 68,684 $ 12,307 $ 3,427 $ 2,939 $ 18,673 The following is a roll-forward of assets in Level 3 Hecla Lucky Friday Real estate Common collective funds Real estate Common collective funds Beginning balance at January 1, 2016 $ 10,326 $ 4,462 $ 2,856 $ 1,309 Net unrealized gains on assets held at the reporting date 283 80 71 20 Purchases 333 — 90 — Sales (1,968 ) (2,434 ) (628 ) (779 ) Ending balance at December 31, 2016 $ 8,974 $ 2,108 $ 2,389 $ 550 Of the $14.0 3, $11.4 $2.6 The fair values by asset category in each plan, along with their hierarchy levels, were as follows as of December 31, 2015 Hecla Lucky Friday Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Interest-bearing cash $ 936 $ — $ — $ 936 $ 76 $ — $ — $ 76 Common stock 3,284 — — 3,284 989 — — 989 Real estate — — 10,326 10,326 — — 2,856 2,856 Common collective funds — 9,862 4,462 14,324 — 2,573 1,309 3,882 Mutual funds 28,803 — — 28,803 7,845 — — 7,845 Total fair value $ 33,023 $ 9,862 $ 14,788 $ 57,673 $ 8,910 $ 2,573 $ 4,165 $ 15,648 The following is a roll-forward of assets in Level 3 Hecla Lucky Friday Real estate Common collective funds Real estate Common collective funds Beginning balance at January 1, 2015 $ 8,889 $ 8,454 $ 2,458 $ 2,306 Net unrealized gains on assets held at the reporting date 1,094 8 303 3 Purchases 343 — 95 — Sales — (4,000 ) — (1,000 ) Ending balance at December 31, 2015 $ 10,326 $ 4,462 $ 2,856 $ 1,309 Of the $19.0 3, $13.2 $5.8 Generally, investments are valued based on information provided by fund managers to each plan's trustee as reviewed by management and its investment advisers. Mutual funds and equities are valued based on available exchange data. Commingled equity funds consist of publicly-traded investments. Fair value for real estate and private equity partnerships is primarily based on valuation methodologies that include third The following are estimates of future benefit payments, which reflect expected future service as appropriate, related to our pension plans (in thousands): Year Ending December 31, Pension Plans 2017 $ 5,775 2018 6,101 2019 6,471 2020 6,849 2021 7,128 Years 2022-2026 38,685 In February 2016, $2.6 $6.1 July 2016, 2016. $4.0 2017. $0.4 2017. The following table indicates whether our pension plans had accumulated benefit obligations ("ABO") in excess of plan assets, or plan assets exceeded ABO, (amounts are in thousands). December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 ABO Exceeds Plan Assets Plan Assets Exceed ABO ABO Exceeds Plan Assets Plan Assets Exceed ABO Projected benefit obligation $ 132,270 $ — $ 120,237 $ — Accumulated benefit obligation 128,102 — 116,289 — Fair value of plan assets 87,357 — 73,321 — For the pension plans, the following amounts are included in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net" on our balance sheet as of December 31, 2016, Pension Benefits Unamortized net (gain)/loss $ 42,161 Unamortized prior service benefit (1,244 ) The amounts in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net" expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost during 2017 Pension Benefits Amortization of net loss $ 4,132 Amortization of prior service benefit (337 ) We do not expect to have any of the pension plans’ assets returned during 2017. Non-U.S. employees are not eligible to participate in the defined benefit pension plans that we maintain for U.S. employees. Canadian employees participate in Canada's public retirement income system, which includes the following components: (i) the Canada (or Quebec) Pension Plan, which is a contributory, earnings-related social insurance program, and (ii) the Old Age Security program. In addition, the Registered Retirement Savings Plan is a tax-deferred individual savings plan available to Canadian employees. Mexican employees participate in Mexico's public retirement income system, which is based on contributions the employee, employer and the government submit to the retirement savings system. The system is administered through savings accounts managed by private fund managers selected by the participant. Capital Accumulation Plans Our Capital Accumulation Plan ("Hecla 401(k) may 1% 50% 100% 6% $3.5 2016, $3.4 2015, $3.2 2014. Effective January 1, 2014, 401(k) 2014, We also maintain a 401(k) six may 2% 50% 55% 5% $442,000 2016, $391,000 2015, $292,000 2014.

Note 9 - Shareholders' Equity

Note 9 - Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 9: Common Stock We are authorized to issue 500,000,000 $0.25 399,228,085 December 31, 2016. Subject to the rights of the holders of any outstanding shares of preferred stock, each share of common stock is entitled to: (i) one may Dividends In September 2011 February 2012, two (1) (2) $0.01 first Quarterly average realized silver price per ounce Quarterly dividend per share Annual dividend 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 The following table summarizes the quarterly common stock dividends declared by our board of directors for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2015 2016: (A) (B) (C) (A+B+C) Declaration date Silver-price-linked component per share Minimum annual component per share Special dividend per share Total dividend per share Total dividend amount (in millions) Month of payment May 5, 2014 $ — $ 0.0025 $ — $ 0.0025 $ 0.9 June 2014 July 31, 2014 $ — $ 0.0025 $ — $ 0.0025 $ 0.9 September 2014 November 5, 2014 $ — $ 0.0025 $ — $ 0.0025 $ 0.9 December 2014 February 17, 2015 $ — $ 0.0025 $ — $ 0.0025 $ 0.9 March 2015 May 6, 2015 $ — $ 0.0025 $ — $ 0.0025 $ 0.9 June 2015 August 6, 2015 $ — $ 0.0025 $ — $ 0.0025 $ 0.9 September 2015 November 3, 2015 $ — $ 0.0025 $ — $ 0.0025 $ 0.9 December 2015 February 20, 2016 $ — $ 0.0025 $ — $ 0.0025 $ 0.9 March 2016 May 4, 2016 $ — $ 0.0025 $ — $ 0.0025 $ 1.0 June 2016 August 3, 2016 $ — $ 0.0025 $ — $ 0.0025 $ 1.0 September 2016 November 4, 2016 $ — $ 0.0025 $ — $ 0.0025 $ 1.0 December 2016 February 21, 2017 $ — $ 0.0025 $ — $ 0.0025 $ 1.0 March 2017 Because the average realized silver prices for all periods in 2014, 2015 2016 $30 2011, 1990. At-The-Market Equity Distribution Agreement Pursuant to an equity distribution agreement dated February 23, 2016, may $75 may 1933, 3, February 23, 2016. December 31, 2016, 2,780,087 $8.1 $166 Common Stock Repurchase Program On May 8, 2012, 20 may December 31, 2016, 934,100 $3.99 19.1 may February 20, 2017, $6.58 Status of Warrants As of December 31, 2015, 2,249,550 0.1622 $6.17 March 2016, December 31, 2016. Preferred Stock Our certificate of incorporation authorizes us to issue 5,000,000 $0.25 may may December 31, 2016, 157,816 Ranking The Series B preferred stock ranks senior to our common stock and any shares of Series A junior participating preferred stock (none of which have ever been issued) with respect to payment of dividends, and amounts due upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up. While any shares of Series B preferred stock are outstanding, we may 66 2/3% Dividends Series B preferred stockholders are entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the board of directors out of our assets legally available therefor, cumulative cash dividends at the rate per annum of $3.50 October 1, January 1, April 1 July 1 All quarterly dividends on our Series B preferred stock for 2014, 2015 2016 Redemption The Series B preferred stock is redeemable at our option, in whole or in part, at $50 Liquidation Preference The Series B preferred stockholders are entitled to receive, in the event that we are liquidated, dissolved or wound up, whether voluntary or involuntary, $50 December 31, 2016 2015, $7.9 Voting Rights Except in certain circumstances and as otherwise from time to time required by applicable law, the Series B preferred stockholders have no voting rights and their consent is not required for taking any corporate action. When and if the Series B preferred stockholders are entitled to vote, each holder will be entitled to one Conversion Each share of Series B preferred stock is convertible, in whole or in part at the option of the holders thereof, into shares of common stock at a conversion price of $15.55 3.2154 Stock Award Plans We use stock-based compensation plans to aid us in attracting, retaining and motivating our employees, as well as to provide us with the ability to provide incentives more directly linked to increases in stockholder value. These plans provide for the grant of options to purchase shares of our common stock, the issuance of restricted stock units, and other equity-based awards. Stock-based compensation expense amounts recognized for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 2014 $6.2 $5.4 $5.0 twelve $3.2 Stock Incentive Plan During the second 2010, 2010 20,000,000 2010 December 31, 2016, 8,302,326 2010 Directors’ Stock Plan In 1995, may May 30 $24,000 (1) (2) (3) (4) may six one may 2016, 2015, 2014, 68,462, 48,244, 39,468 2016, 2015 2014, $271,000, $150,000, $109,000, December 31, 2016, 438,459 In addition to the foregoing, in May 2010 2016, 2015, 2014, 120,911, 186,888, 110,910 $532,000, $456,000, $366,000 2010 Restricted Stock Units Unvested restricted stock units granted by the board of directors to employees are summarized as follows: Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share Unvested, January 1, 2016 3,375,798 $ 2.73 Granted (unvested) 1,138,669 $ 4.40 Canceled (205,032 ) $ 2.70 Distributed (vested) (1,573,871 ) $ 2.82 Unvested, December 31, 2016 2,735,564 $ 3.41 The 2,735,564 December 31, 2016 790,253 in June 2017 650,137 in July 2017 379,743 in June 2018 579,437 in July 2018 335,994 in June 2019 Unvested units may 2014), $4.8 $3.6 2016, $4.5 December 31, 2016 June 2019. In connection with the vesting of restricted stock units and other stock grants, 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 we withhold the number of shares necessary to satisfy such withholding obligations. Pursuant to such net settlements, in 2016 1,010,509 $3.5 $3.44 2015, 613,698 $1.9 $3.05

Note 10 - Derivative Instrument

Note 10 - Derivative Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 10: Foreign Currency Our wholly-owned subsidiaries owning the Casa Berardi and San Sebastian mines are USD-functional entities which routinely incur expenses denominated in CAD and MXN, and such expenses expose us to exchange rate fluctuations between the USD and CAD and MXN. In April 2016, October 2016, December 31, 2016, 130 CAD$290.1 US$222.9 24 MXN$202.5 US$10.3 21% 75% 2017 2020 1.2787 1.3380. 75% 2017 18.9975 21.000. 75% five As of December 31, 2016, • a non-current asset of $27 • a current liability of $2.8 • a non-current liability of $2.4 Net unrealized losses of approximately $5.2 December 31, 2016, $3.0 December 31, 2016 twelve $2 December 31, 2016. Metals Prices At times, we may 75% five 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 currently 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 are not designated as hedges and are marked-to-market through earnings each period. At December 31, 2016, $2.8 $0.7 $2.5 December 31, 2016 We recognized a $14.2 2016 We recognized a $4.4 2016 2016 The following tables summarize the quantities of metals committed under forward sales contracts at December 31, 2016 2015: December 31, 2016 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 2017 settlements 1,295 4 19,070 7,441 $ 16.29 $ 1,172 $ 1.18 $ 0.97 Contracts on forecasted sales 2017 settlements — — 35,384 17,637 N/A N/A $ 1.19 $ 1.03 2018 settlements — — 13,779 5,732 N/A N/A $ 1.21 $ 1.05 December 31, 2015 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 2016 settlements 1,368 5 23,755 8,433 14.12 1,076 $ 0.71 $ 0.77 Our concentrate sales are based on a provisional sales price containing an embedded derivative that is required to be separated from the host contract for accounting purposes. The host contract is the receivable from the sale of the concentrates at the forward price at the time of the sale. The embedded derivative, which does not qualify for hedge accounting, is adjusted to market through earnings each period prior to final settlement. Credit-risk-related Contingent Features We have agreements with certain counterparties that contain a provision whereby we could be declared in default on our derivative obligations if repayment of the underlying indebtedness is accelerated by the lender due to our default on the indebtedness. As of December 31, 2016, $6.4 December 31, 2016. December 31, 2016, $6.4

Note 11 - Business Segments and

Note 11 - Business Segments and Significant Customers	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 11: We discover, acquire, develop, produce, and market concentrates and doré containing silver, gold, lead and zinc. Our products consist of both metal concentrates, which we sell to custom smelters and brokers, and unrefined bullion bars (doré), which may four fourth 2015 2015. General corporate activities not associated with operating units and their various exploration activities, as well as discontinued operations and idle properties, are presented as “other.” Interest expense, interest income and income taxes are considered general corporate items, and are not allocated to our segments. Sales of metal concentrates and metal products are made principally to custom smelters, brokers and metals traders. The percentage of sales contributed by each segment is reflected in the following table: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Greens Creek 40.3 % 51.4 % 49.0 % Lucky Friday 14.7 % 14.9 % 17.9 % Casa Berardi 27.4 % 33.7 % 33.1 % San Sebastian 17.6 % — % — % 100 % 100 % 100 % The tables below present information about reportable segments as of and for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 Net sales to unaffiliated customers: Greens Creek $ 260,446 $ 227,833 $ 245,175 Lucky Friday 94,479 66,302 89,757 Casa Berardi 177,143 149,432 165,849 San Sebastian 113,889 — — $ 645,957 $ 443,567 $ 500,781 Income (loss) from operations: Greens Creek $ 65,125 $ 26,536 $ 39,758 Lucky Friday 18,175 868 21,501 Casa Berardi 16,336 (1,557 ) 11,828 San Sebastian 77,221 (9,269 ) (5,780 ) Other (59,913 ) (52,189 ) (45,679 ) $ 116,944 $ (35,611 ) $ 21,628 Capital additions (including non-cash additions): Greens Creek $ 42,013 $ 45,962 $ 31,476 Lucky Friday 44,839 60,020 52,193 Casa Berardi 67,577 35,302 48,615 San Sebastian 6,026 4,623 — Other 21,344 14,809 18,801 $ 181,799 $ 160,716 $ 151,085 Depreciation, depletion and amortization: Greens Creek $ 52,564 $ 56,553 $ 63,505 Lucky Friday 11,810 11,262 9,431 Casa Berardi 47,312 43,674 38,198 San Sebastian 3,782 — — $ 115,468 $ 111,489 $ 111,134 Other significant non-cash items: Greens Creek $ 2,736 $ 2,886 $ 2,807 Lucky Friday 720 72 72 Casa Berardi 1,259 2,229 847 San Sebastian — 13 — Other 11,135 66,004 506 $ 15,850 $ 71,204 $ 4,232 Identifiable assets: Greens Creek $ 681,303 $ 698,265 $ 704,121 Lucky Friday 442,829 393,338 356,482 Casa Berardi 806,044 779,423 800,961 San Sebastian 33,608 22,238 1,529 Other 407,893 328,661 398,971 $ 2,371,677 $ 2,221,925 $ 2,262,064 The following is sales information by geographic area based on the location of smelters and brokers (for concentrate shipments) and the location of parent companies (for doré sales to metals traders) for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 United States $ 22,499 $ 17,862 $ 22,200 Canada 437,621 275,771 295,027 Japan 44,158 38,835 58,466 Korea 116,687 66,293 70,548 China 35,220 38,611 53,067 Other 4,008 — — Total, excluding gains/losses on forward contracts $ 660,193 $ 437,372 $ 499,308 Sales of products for 2016 $14.2 2015 $6.2 2014 $1.5 Note 10 The following are our long-lived assets by geographic area as of December 31, 2016 2015 2016 2015 United States $ 1,261,488 $ 1,150,521 Canada 764,489 741,612 Mexico 6,708 4,678 $ 2,032,685 $ 1,896,811 Sales from continuing operations to significant metals customers as a percentage of total sales were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 2014: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Teck Metals Ltd. 21.2 % 22.5 % 25.8 % Korea Zinc 16.9 % 16.0 % 14.1 % Scotia 24.5 % 5.6 % - % CIBC 19.0 % 17.6 % 17.0 % Mitsui 4.4 % 10.2 % 15.8 % The sales and income (loss) from operations amounts reported above include results from our Lucky Friday segment. The Lucky Friday mine is our only operation where some of our employees are subject to a collective bargaining agreement, and the most recent agreement expired on April 30, 2016. February 19, 2017,

Note 12 - Fair Value Measuremen

Note 12 - Fair Value Measurement	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	Note 12: The table below sets forth our assets and liabilities (in thousands) that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis and the fair value calculation input hierarchy level that we have determined applies to each asset and liability category. See Note 8 Balance at December 31, 2016 Balance at December 31, 2015 Input Hierarchy Level Assets: Cash and cash equivalents: Money market funds and other bank deposits $ 169,777 $ 155,209 Level 1 Available for sale securities: Debt securities – municipal and corporate bonds 29,117 — Level 2 Equity securities – mining industry 5,002 1,515 Level 1 Trade accounts receivable: Receivables from provisional concentrate sales 20,082 13,490 Level 2 Derivative contracts: Metal forward contracts 5,403 — Level 2 Foreign exchange contracts 27 — Level 2 Restricted cash balances: Certificates of deposit and other bank deposits 2,200 999 Level 1 Total assets $ 231,608 $ 171,213 Liabilities Derivative contracts: Metal forward contracts $ 192 $ — Level 2 Foreign exchange contracts 5,288 — Level 2 Total liabilities $ 5,480 $ — Cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of money market funds and are valued at cost, which approximates fair value, and a small portion consists of municipal bonds having maturities of less than 90 Current available-for-sale securities consist of municipal and corporate bonds having maturities of more than 90 Current and non-current restricted cash balances consist primarily of certificates of deposit, U.S. Treasury securities, and other deposits and are valued at cost, which approximates fair value. Our non-current available for sale securities consist of marketable equity securities of companies in the mining industry which are valued using quoted market prices for each security. Trade accounts receivable include amounts due to us for shipments of concentrates, doré and precipitate sold to customers. Revenues and the corresponding accounts receivable for sales of metals products are recorded when title and risk of loss transfer to the customer (generally at the time of 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 metal prices between shipment and final settlement result in changes to revenues previously recorded upon shipment. The embedded derivative contained in our concentrate sales is adjusted to fair market value through earnings each period prior to final settlement. We use financially-settled forward contracts to manage exposure to changes in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and Canadian dollar and Mexican peso, and the impact on Canadian dollar- and Mexican peso-denominated operating costs incurred at our Casa Berardi and San Sebastian units (see Note 10 We use 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 use 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 10 Our Senior Notes, which were recorded at their carrying value of $501.0 December 31, 2016, $521.4 December 31, 2016. 2 Note 6

Note 13 - Income (Loss) Per Com

Note 13 - Income (Loss) Per Common Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	Note 13: We are authorized to issue 500,000,000 $0.25 December 31, 2016, 399,228,085 3,941,210 395,286,875 We calculate basic earnings per share using, as the denominator, the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share uses, as its denominator, the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus the effect of potential dilutive common shares during the period using the treasury stock method for options, warrants, and restricted stock units, and if-converted method for convertible preferred shares. Potential dilutive common shares include outstanding stock options, restricted stock unit awards, stock units, warrants and convertible preferred stock for periods in which we have reported net income. For periods in which we reported net losses, potential dilutive common shares are excluded, as their conversion and exercise would not reduce earnings per share. Under the if-converted method, preferred shares would not dilute earnings per share in any of the periods presented. A total of 157,816 December 31, 2016, 2015 2014. The following table represents net income per common share – basic and diluted (in thousands, except earnings per share): Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Numerator Net income (loss) $ 69,547 $ (86,968 ) $ 17,824 Preferred stock dividends (552 ) (552 ) (552 ) Net income (loss) applicable to common shares $ 68,995 $ (87,520 ) $ 17,272 Denominator Basic weighted average common shares 386,416 373,954 353,442 Dilutive stock options, restricted stock units, and warrants 2,906 — 3,993 Diluted weighted average common shares 389,322 373,954 357,435 Basic earnings (loss) per common share $ 0.18 $ (0.23 ) $ 0.05 Diluted earnings (loss) per common share $ 0.18 $ (0.23 ) $ 0.05 There were no December 31, 2016 2015. December 31, 2014, 259,342 December 31, 2016 2014, 4,309,440 4,670,170 December 31, 2015,

Note 14 - Accumulated Other Com

Note 14 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]	Note 14: The following table lists the beginning balance, yearly activity and ending balance of each component of "Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net" (in thousands): Unrealized Gains (Losses) On Securities Changes in fair value of derivative contracts designated as hedge transactions Adjustments For Pension Plans Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net Balance January 1, 2014 $ (2,552 ) $ — $ (23,747 ) $ (26,299 ) 2014 change 1,143 — (6,875 ) (5,732 ) Balance December 31, 2014 (1,409 ) — (30,622 ) (32,031 ) 2015 change 250 — (850 ) (600 ) Balance December 31, 2015 (1,159 ) — (31,472 ) (32,631 ) 2016 change 2,613 (5,260 ) 676 (1,971 ) Balance December 31, 2016 $ 1,454 $ (5,260 ) $ (30,796 ) $ (34,602 ) The $2.6 $0.3 $1.1 2016, 2015 2014, $1.0 $3.0 $2.4 Income Tax Effect of: Unrealized Gains (Losses) On Securities Changes in fair value of derivative contracts designated as hedge transactions Adjustments For Pension Plans Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net Balance January 1, 2014 $ 619 $ — $ 5,764 $ 6,383 2014 change 6 — 4,653 4,659 Balance December 31, 2014 625 — 10,417 11,042 2015 change 6 — 213 219 Balance December 31, 2015 631 — 10,630 11,261 2016 change (4 ) — (510 ) (514 ) Balance December 31, 2016 $ 627 $ — $ 10,120 $ 10,747 See Note 2 Note 8 Note 10

Note 15 - Acquisitions

Note 15 - Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 15: Acquisition of Mines Management On September 13, 2016, $52.1 100% 10 June 2015. $4.0 $48.1 0.2218 36,498,625 963,079 8,309,006 $5.79 The following summarizes the preliminary allocation of purchase price to the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of acquisition (in thousands): Consideration: Cash $ 4,025 Hecla stock issued (8,309,006 shares at $5.79 per share) 48,109 Total consideration $ 52,134 Fair value of net assets acquired: Assets: Cash $ 94 Property, plants, equipment and mineral interests 68,038 Restricted cash 1,185 Other assets 329 Total assets 69,646 Liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 2,357 Deferred tax liability 14,031 Non-current reclamation liability 1,124 Total liabilities 17,512 Net assets $ 52,134 The $68.0 $0.8 $0.1 $67.1 The allocation of purchase price above is considered preliminary, as review by management of the valuation methodologies for mineral interests and the related deferred tax liability has not been finalized. In September 2016, 181,048 $1.0 Acquisition costs Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) The unaudited pro forma financial information below represents the combined results of our operations as if the acquisition had occurred at the beginning of the periods presented. The unaudited pro forma financial information is presented for informational purposes only and is not indicative of the results of operations that would have occurred if the acquisition had taken place at the beginning of the periods presented, nor is it indicative of future operating results. Year Ended December 31, (in thousands, except per share amounts) 2016 2015 (unaudited) Sales of products $ 645,957 $ 443,567 Net income (loss) 68,778 (89,806 ) Income (loss) applicable to common shareholders 68,226 (90,357 ) Basic and diluted income (loss) per common share 0.17 (0.24 ) The unaudited pro forma financial information includes adjustments to 1) $4.7 December 31, 2016 2) $32 December 31, 2016. Takeover Bid for Dolly Varden Silver Corporation On June 27, 2016, CAD$0.69 100% 4,478,087 1,351,762 18.5% CAD$13.6 July 2016, Acquisition of Revett Mining Company, Inc. On June 15, 2015, $20.1 100% two $0.9 $19.1 0.1622 38,548,989 725,000 6,252,646 $3.06 The following summarizes the allocation of purchase price to the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of acquisition (in thousands): Consideration: Cash $ 949 Hecla stock issued (6,252,646 shares at $3.06 per share) 19,133 Total consideration $ 20,082 Fair value of net assets acquired: Assets: Cash $ 140 Accounts receivable 137 Inventory - supplies 472 Deferred tax assets 7,193 Property, plants, equipment and mineral interests 17,609 Reclamation insurance 16,800 Other assets 280 Total assets 42,631 Liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 975 Notes payable 4,061 Non-current reclamation liability 17,513 Total liabilities 22,549 Net assets $ 20,082 The $17.6 $4.1 $4.6 $8.9 The $17.5 March 29, 2020 $16.8 $16.8 third 2016, $16.0 $0.7 The unaudited pro forma financial information below represents the combined results of our operations as if the acquisition had occurred at the beginning of the periods presented. The unaudited pro forma financial information is presented for informational purposes only and is not indicative of the results of operations that would have occurred if the acquisition had taken place at the beginning of the periods presented, nor is it indicative of future operating results. Year Ended (in thousands, except per share amounts) 2015 2014 (unaudited) Sales of products $ 445,703 $ 500,787 Net loss (89,118 ) (44,099 ) Loss applicable to common stockholders (89,670 ) (44,651 ) Basic and diluted loss per common share (0.24 ) (0.12 ) The unaudited pro forma financial information includes adjustments to 1) $2.4 December 31, 2015 2) $1.7 December 31, 2015. Revett’s consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2014 $54.7 December 31, 2014,

Note 16 - Guarantor Subsidiarie

Note 16 - Guarantor Subsidiaries	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Text Block]	Note 16: Presented below are Hecla’s condensed consolidating financial statements as required by Rule 3 10 1934, Note 6 100% April 12, 2013, January 3, 2014. The condensed consolidating financial statements below have been prepared from our financial information on the same basis of accounting as the consolidated financial statements set forth elsewhere in this report. Investments in the subsidiaries are accounted for under the equity method. Accordingly, the entries necessary to consolidate Hecla, the Guarantors, and our non-guarantor subsidiaries 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 and its subsidiaries and among the 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 • Investments in subsidiaries • Capital contributions • Debt. • Dividends. • Deferred taxes may 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) (2) (3) (4) (5) Effective December 31, 2015, 100% $240.8 five 29.7331% January 1, 2016. Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets As of December 31, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (in thousands) Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 113,275 $ 24,388 $ 32,114 $ — $ 169,777 Other current assets 33,950 65,369 35,524 (1,236 ) 133,607 Properties, plants, and equipment - net 2,103 1,258,890 771,692 — 2,032,685 Intercompany receivable (payable) 404,121 (222,072 ) (307,018 ) 124,769 — Investments in subsidiaries 1,496,787 — — (1,496,787 ) — Other non-current assets 4,186 186,988 5,350 (160,916 ) 35,608 Total assets $ 2,054,422 $ 1,313,563 $ 537,662 $ (1,533,970 ) $ 2,371,677 Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Current liabilities $ 22,401 $ 86,730 $ 41,348 $ (22,999 ) $ 127,480 Long-term debt 500,979 3,065 2,773 — 506,817 Non-current portion of accrued reclamation — 63,025 16,902 — 79,927 Non-current deferred tax liability — 14,212 121,600 (14,212 ) 121,600 Other non-current liabilities 51,198 5,108 (325 ) 28 56,009 Stockholders' equity 1,479,844 1,141,423 355,364 (1,496,787 ) 1,479,844 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 2,054,422 $ 1,313,563 $ 537,662 $ (1,533,970 ) $ 2,371,677 As of December 31, 2015 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (in thousands) Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 94,167 $ 42,692 $ 18,350 $ — $ 155,209 Other current assets 15,972 58,453 32,273 7,626 114,324 Properties, plants, and equipment - net 2,281 1,147,770 746,760 — 1,896,811 Intercompany receivable (payable) 540,665 (301,291 ) (332,553 ) 93,179 — Investments in subsidiaries 1,252,191 — — (1,252,191 ) — Other non-current assets 2,200 165,080 1,781 (113,480 ) 55,581 Total assets $ 1,907,476 $ 1,112,704 $ 466,611 $ (1,264,866 ) $ 2,221,925 Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Current liabilities $ 21,087 $ 84,559 $ 30,636 $ (9,198 ) $ 127,084 Long-term debt 499,729 6,128 3,183 — 509,040 Non-current portion of accrued reclamation — 45,494 29,055 — 74,549 Non-current deferred tax liability — 3,264 119,836 (3,477 ) 119,623 Other non-current liabilities 47,734 5,834 (865 ) — 52,703 Stockholders' equity 1,338,926 967,425 284,766 (1,252,191 ) 1,338,926 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 1,907,476 $ 1,112,704 $ 466,611 $ (1,264,866 ) $ 2,221,925 Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations Year Ended December 31, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (in thousands) Revenues $ (14,237 ) $ 369,162 $ 291,032 $ — $ 645,957 Cost of sales — (203,133 ) (135,850 ) — (338,983 ) Depreciation, depletion, and amortization — (64,374 ) (51,094 ) — (115,468 ) General and administrative (23,262 ) (20,425 ) (1,353 ) — (45,040 ) Exploration and pre-development (304 ) (6,640 ) (10,913 ) — (17,857 ) Gain on derivative contracts 4,423 — — — 4,423 Acquisition costs (2,607 ) (34 ) (54 ) — (2,695 ) Equity in earnings of subsidiaries 94,878 — — (94,878 ) — Other (expense) income 10,656 11,400 (36,074 ) (19,344 ) (33,362 ) (Loss) income before income taxes 69,547 85,956 55,694 (114,222 ) 96,975 (Provision) benefit from income taxes — (25,334 ) (21,438 ) 19,344 (27,428 ) Net (loss) income 69,547 60,622 34,256 (94,878 ) 69,547 Preferred stock dividends (552 ) — — — (552 ) (Loss) income applicable to common stockholders 68,995 60,622 34,256 (94,878 ) 68,995 Net (loss) income 69,547 60,622 34,256 (94,878 ) 69,547 Changes in comprehensive (loss) income (1,971 ) 8 2,657 (2,665 ) (1,971 ) Comprehensive (loss) income $ 67,576 $ 60,630 $ 36,913 $ (97,543 ) $ 67,576 Year Ended December 31, 2015 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (in thousands) Revenues $ 6,194 $ 287,941 $ 149,432 $ — $ 443,567 Cost of sales — (192,683 ) (100,884 ) — (293,567 ) Depreciation, depletion, and amortization — (67,815 ) (43,674 ) — (111,489 ) General and administrative (17,920 ) (14,508 ) (1,773 ) — (34,201 ) Exploration and pre-development (627 ) (7,177 ) (14,154 ) — (21,958 ) Loss on derivative contracts 8,252 — — — 8,252 Closed operations (517 ) (1,645 ) — — (2,162 ) Equity in earnings of subsidiaries 49,565 — — (49,565 ) — Other (expense) income (131,915 ) 22,537 36,090 54,188 (19,100 ) Income (loss) before income taxes (86,968 ) 26,650 25,037 4,623 (30,658 ) (Provision) benefit from income taxes — (7,251 ) 5,129 (54,188 ) (56,310 ) Net income (loss) (86,968 ) 19,399 30,166 (49,565 ) (86,968 ) Preferred stock dividends (552 ) — — — (552 ) Income (loss) applicable to common stockholders (87,520 ) 19,399 30,166 (49,565 ) (87,520 ) Net income (loss) (86,968 ) 19,399 30,166 (49,565 ) (86,968 ) Changes in comprehensive income (loss) (600 ) (467 ) 259 208 (600 ) Comprehensive income (loss) $ (87,568 ) $ 18,932 $ 30,425 $ (49,357 ) $ (87,568 ) Year Ended December 31, 2014 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (in thousands) Revenues $ 1,473 $ 333,460 $ 165,848 $ — $ 500,781 Cost of sales — (194,600 ) (109,846 ) — (304,446 ) Depreciation, depletion, and amortization — (72,937 ) (38,197 ) — (111,134 ) General and administrative (17,667 ) (12,694 ) (1,177 ) — (31,538 ) Exploration and pre-development (252 ) (7,088 ) (12,327 ) — (19,667 ) Gain on derivative contracts 9,134 — — — 9,134 Closed operations — — — — — Equity in earnings of subsidiaries 72,407 — — (72,407 ) — Other (expense) income (47,271 ) 29,753 3,267 (16,295 ) (30,546 ) (Loss) income before income taxes 17,824 75,894 7,568 (88,702 ) 12,584 (Provision) benefit from income taxes — (10,565 ) (490 ) 16,295 5,240 Net (loss) income 17,824 65,329 7,078 (72,407 ) 17,824 Preferred stock dividends (552 ) — — — (552 ) (Loss) income applicable to common stockholders 17,272 65,329 7,078 (72,407 ) 17,272 Net (loss) income 17,824 65,329 7,078 (72,407 ) 17,824 Changes in comprehensive (loss) income (5,732 ) (1,329 ) 1,152 177 (5,732 ) Comprehensive (loss) income $ 12,092 $ 64,000 $ 8,230 $ (72,230 ) $ 12,092 Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows Year Ended December 31, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (in thousands) Cash flows from operating activities $ 85,665 $ 82,778 $ 76,491 $ (19,606 ) $ 225,328 Cash flows from investing activities: Additions to properties, plants, and equipment (348 ) (93,541 ) (70,899 ) — (164,788 ) Purchase of other companies, net of cash acquired (3,931 ) — — — (3,931 ) Other investing activities, net (29,383 ) (896 ) 333 — (29,946 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Dividends paid to stockholders (4,419 ) — — (4,419 ) Payments on debt — (10,174 ) (982 ) — (11,156 ) Other financing activity (28,476 ) 3,529 8,895 19,606 3,554 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — (74 ) — (74 ) Changes in cash and cash equivalents 19,108 (18,304 ) 13,764 — 14,568 Beginning cash and cash equivalents 94,167 42,692 18,350 — 155,209 Ending cash and cash equivalents $ 113,275 $ 24,388 $ 32,114 $ — $ 169,777 Year Ended December 31, 2015 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (in thousands) Cash flows from operating activities $ (56,036 ) $ 101,254 $ 63,856 $ (2,629 ) $ 106,445 Cash flows from investing activities: — Additions to properties, plants, and equipment (1,355 ) (97,684 ) (38,404 ) — (137,443 ) Other investing activities, net (748 ) 637 (1,052 ) — (1,163 ) Cash flows from financing activities: — Dividends paid to stockholders (4,291 ) — — — (4,291 ) Payments on debt — (12,405 ) 1,554 — (10,851 ) Other financing activity 9,712 17,066 (31,408 ) 2,629 (2,001 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — (5,152 ) — (5,152 ) Changes in cash and cash equivalents (52,718 ) 8,868 (10,606 ) — (54,456 ) Beginning cash and cash equivalents 146,885 33,824 28,956 — 209,665 Ending cash and cash equivalents $ 94,167 $ 42,692 $ 18,350 $ — $ 155,209 Year Ended December 31, 2014 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (in thousands) Cash flows from operating activities $ 38,270 $ 61,900 $ 58,277 $ (75,323 ) $ 83,124 Cash flows from investing activities: — Additions to properties, plants, and equipment (1,336 ) (68,859 ) (52,342 ) — (122,537 ) Other investing activities — 417 3,765 — 4,182 Cash flows from financing activities: — Dividends paid to stockholders (4,099 ) — — — (4,099 ) Payments on debt — (9,137 ) — — (9,137 ) Other financing activity (12,221 ) 9,494 (22,856 ) 75,323 49,740 Effect of exchange rates on cash — — (3,783 ) — (3,783 ) Changes in cash and cash equivalents 20,614 (6,185 ) (16,939 ) — (2,510 ) Beginning cash and cash equivalents 126,271 40,009 45,895 — 212,175 Ending cash and cash equivalents $ 146,885 $ 33,824 $ 28,956 $ — $ 209,665

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	A. Principles of Consolidation —
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	B. Assumptions and Use of Estimates — may
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	C. Cash and Cash Equivalents — three
Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	D. Investments and Securities Held for Sale — Realized gains and losses on the sale of securities are recognized on a specific identification basis. Unrealized gains and losses are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), unless an other than temporary impairment in value has occurred or we have elected the fair value option accounting method when available for certain investments; in either of those cases, the unrealized gain or loss would be charged to current period net income (loss). The fair value option allows for the fair value measurement of specified assets or liabilities on a case-by-case basis. The fair value option may may
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]	E. Inventories — Stockpiled ore Finished goods
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	F. Restricted Cash —
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	G. Properties, Plants and Equipment The cost of removing overburden and waste materials to access the ore body at an open-pit mine prior to the production stage are referred to as "pre-stripping costs." Pre-stripping costs are capitalized during the development stage. Where multiple open pits exist at an operation utilizing common facilities, pre-stripping costs are capitalized at each pit. The production stage of a mine commences when salable materials, beyond a de minimis amount, are produced. Stripping costs incurred during the production stage are treated as variable production costs included as a component of inventory, to be recognized in cost of sales and other direct production costs in the same period as the revenue from the sale of inventory. Costs for exploration, pre-development, secondary may secondary Drilling and related costs are either classified as exploration or secondary • whether the costs are incurred to further define mineralization at and adjacent to existing reserve areas or intended to assist with mine planning within a reserve area; • whether the drilling costs relate to an ore body that has been determined to be commercially mineable, and a decision has been made to put the ore body into commercial production; and • whether, at the time that the cost is incurred: (a) the expenditure embodies a probable future benefit that involves a capacity, singly or in combination, with other assets to contribute directly or indirectly to future net cash inflows, (b) we can obtain the benefit and control others’ access to it, and (c) the transaction or event giving rise to our right to or control of the benefit has already occurred. If all of these criteria are met, drilling and related costs are capitalized. Drilling costs not meeting all of these criteria are expensed as incurred. The following factors are considered in determining whether or not the criteria listed above have been met, and capitalization of drilling costs is appropriate: • completion of a favorable economic study and mine plan for the ore body targeted; • authorization of development of the ore body by management and/or the board of directors; and • all permitting and/or contractual requirements necessary for us to have the right to or control of the future benefit from the targeted ore body have been met. Drilling and related costs of approximately $6.8 $6.7 $5.3 December 31, 2016, 2015 2014, When assets are retired or sold, the costs and related allowances for depreciation and amortization are eliminated from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in current period net income (loss). Idle facilities placed on standby are carried at the lower of net carrying value or estimated net realizable value. The net carrying values of idle facilities on standby are written-down to salvage value upon reaching the end of the economic life. Therefore, with the exception of depreciation recorded on mobile equipment used in ongoing exploration and reclamation efforts at such properties, we do not record depreciation on idle facilities when they are not in operation. Included in properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests on our consolidated financial statements are mineral interests, which are tangible assets that include acquired undeveloped mineral interests and royalty interests. Undeveloped mineral interests include: (i) mineralized material and other resources which are measured, indicated or inferred with insufficient drill spacing or quality to qualify as proven and probable reserves; and (ii) inferred material not immediately adjacent to existing proven and probable reserves but accessible within the immediate mine infrastructure. Residual values for undeveloped mineral interests represent the expected fair value of the interests at the time we plan to convert, develop, further explore or dispose of the interests and are evaluated at least annually. We capitalize portions of interest costs incurred on our debt as a part of the cost of constructing or acquiring certain qualifying assets. The amount of interest capitalized represents the portion of interest cost incurred during the construction or acquisition periods that theoretically could have been avoided if expenditures for the qualifying assets had not been made, limited to the total interest cost actually incurred during the period. Qualifying assets include discrete projects constructed by us or by a third
Regulatory Depreciation and Amortization, Policy [Policy Text Block]	H. Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization — 1 22 may Undeveloped mineral interests and value beyond proven and probable reserves are not amortized until such time as there are proven and probable reserves or the related mineralized material is converted to proven and probable reserves. At that time, the basis of the mineral interest is amortized on a units-of-production basis. Pursuant to our policy on impairment of long-lived assets (discussed further below), if it is determined that an undeveloped mineral interest cannot be economically converted to proven and probable reserves, the basis of the mineral interest is reduced to its net realizable value and an impairment loss is recorded to expense in the period in which it is determined to be impaired.
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Including Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	I. Impairment of Long-lived Assets — may Although management has made a reasonable estimate of factors based on current conditions and information, assumptions underlying future cash flows are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Estimates of undiscounted future cash flows are dependent upon, among other factors, estimates of: (i) metals to be recovered from proven and probable ore reserves and, to some extent, identified mineralization and other resources beyond proven and probable reserves, (ii) future production and capital costs and (iii) estimated metals prices (considering current and historical prices, forward pricing curves and related factors) over the estimated remaining mine life. It is reasonably possible that changes could occur in the near term that could adversely affect our estimate of future cash flows to be generated from our operating properties. If estimated undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of a property, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between the carrying value and fair value of the property.
Proven and Probable Ore Reserves [Policy Text Block]	J. Proven and Probable Ore Reserves — 2016. Reserve estimates will change as existing reserves are depleted through production and as production costs and/or metals prices change. A significant drop in metals prices may may may may Declines in the market prices of metals, increased production or capital costs, reduction in the grade or tonnage of the deposit or an increase in the dilution of the ore or reduced recovery rates may
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block]	K. Pension Plans and Other Post-retirement Benefits — • recognize the funded status of our defined benefit plans in our consolidated financial statements; and • recognize as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) the actuarial gains and losses and prior service costs and credits that arise during the period but are not immediately recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	L. Income and Production Taxes — We evaluate uncertain tax positions in a two 50% We classify mine license taxes incurred in the states of Alaska and Idaho as other direct production costs reported in our gross profits. Resource taxes incurred in Quebec, Canada are classified as income taxes. For additional information, see Note 5
Reclamation and Remediation Cost [Policy Text Block]	M. Reclamation and Remediation Costs (Asset Retirement Obligations) — At our non-operating properties, we accrue costs associated with environmental remediation obligations when it is probable that such costs will be incurred and they are reasonably estimable. Accruals for estimated losses from environmental remediation obligations have historically been recognized no later than completion of the remedial feasibility study for such facility and are charged to current earnings under provision for closed operations and environmental matters. Costs of future expenditures for environmental remediation are not discounted to their present value unless subject to a contractually obligated fixed payment schedule. Such costs are based on management’s current estimate of amounts to be incurred when the remediation work is performed, within current laws and regulations. Future closure, reclamation and environmental-related expenditures are difficult to estimate in many circumstances, due to the early stage nature of investigations, uncertainties associated with defining the nature and extent of environmental contamination, the application of laws and regulations by regulatory authorities, and changes in reclamation or remediation technology. We periodically review accrued liabilities for such reclamation and remediation costs as evidence becomes available indicating that our liabilities have potentially changed. Changes in estimates at our non-operating properties are reflected in current period net income (loss). It is reasonably possible the ultimate cost of reclamation and remediation could change in the future, and that changes to these estimates could have a material effect on future operating results as new information becomes known.
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	N. Revenue Recognition and Trade Accounts Receivable — Sales and accounts receivable for concentrate shipments are recorded net of charges by the customers for treatment, refining, smelting losses, and other charges negotiated by us with the customers. Charges are estimated by us upon shipment of concentrates based on contractual terms, and actual charges typically do not vary materially from our estimates. Costs charged by customers include fixed treatment and refining costs per ton of concentrate, and also include price escalators which allow the customers to participate in the increase of lead and zinc prices above a negotiated baseline. Changes in metals prices between shipment of concentrates and final settlement will result in adjustments to revenues and accounts receivable related to sales of concentrate previously recorded upon shipment. Our concentrate sales and accounts receivable are based on provisional sales prices containing an embedded derivative that is required to be separated from the host contract for accounting purposes. The host contract is the receivable from the sale of the concentrates at the forward price at the time of the sale. The embedded derivative, which does not qualify for hedge accounting, is adjusted to market through earnings each period prior to final settlement. At December 31, 2016, 1.4 4,679 10,166 4,052 P. Risk Management Contracts Sales of metals in products tolled by refiners and sold directly by us, rather than sold to smelters, are recorded at contractual amounts when title and risk of loss transfer to the buyer. Changes in the market price of metals significantly affect our revenues, profitability, and cash flow. Metals prices can and often do fluctuate widely and are affected by numerous factors beyond our control, such as political and economic conditions, demand, forward selling by producers, aggregation by metals speculators and others, expectations for inflation, central bank sales, custom smelter activities, the relative exchange rate of the U.S. dollar, investor sentiment, and global mine production levels. The aggregate effect of these factors is impossible to predict. Because our revenue is derived from the sale of silver, gold, lead, and zinc, our earnings are directly related to the prices of these metals.
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]	O. Foreign Currency — P. Risk Management Contracts For the year ended December 31, 2016 $2.9 December 31, 2015 2014, $24.6 $11.5
Risk Management Contracts [Policy Text Block]	P. Risk Management Contracts — December 31, 2016, December 31, 2016, See Note 10 December 31, 2016.
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	Q. Stock Based Compensation — For additional information on our employee stock option and restricted stock unit compensation, see Note 9.
Legal Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	R. Legal Costs –
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	S. Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Common Share — Potential dilutive common shares include outstanding stock options, unvested restricted stock awards, stock units, warrants and convertible preferred stock for periods in which we have reported net income. For periods in which we reported net losses, potential dilutive common shares are excluded, as their conversion and exercise would be anti-dilutive. See Note 13
Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block]	T. Comprehensive Income (Loss) —
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	U. Fair Value Measurements — 1. the fair value measurement; 2. the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements in their entirety fall, segregating fair value measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1), 2), 3); 3. for fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), a. total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), segregating those gains or losses included in earnings, and a description of where those gains or losses included in earnings are reported in the statement of operations; b. the amount of these gains or losses attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to those assets or liabilities still held at the reporting period date and a description of where those unrealized gains or losses are reported; c. purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (net); and d. transfers into and/or out of Level 3. 4. the amount of the total gains or losses for the period included in earnings that are attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to those assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date and a description of where those unrealized gains or losses are reported in the statement of operations; and 5. in annual periods only, the valuation technique(s) used to measure fair value and a discussion of changes in valuation techniques, if any, during the period. See Notes 8 12
Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block]	V. Research and development — December 31, 2016
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	W. New Accounting Pronouncements — May 2014, 2014 09 605 10 five August 2015, 2015 14 606): 2015 14 2014 09 December 15, 2017. We have performed a preliminary assessment of the impact of implementation of ASU No. 2014 09, Our concentrate sales involve variable consideration, as they are subject to changes in metals prices between the time of shipment and their final settlement. However, we are able to reasonably estimate the transaction price for the concentrate sales at the time of shipment using forward prices for the month of settlement, and we then adjust the values each period until final settlement. Also, it is unlikely a significant reversal of revenue for any one During 2017, 2014 09 In April 2015, 2015 03 835 30): December 15, 2015. 2015 03 In July 2015, 2015 11 330): December 15, 2016. In November 2015, 2015 17 740). 2015 17 December 15, 2016. December 31, 2016 $12.3 2015 17. In January 2016, 2016 01 825 10): December 15, 2017. December 31, 2016, $1.8 In February 2016, 2016 02 842). December 15, 2018, Note 3 December 31, 2016. In March 2016, 2016 09 718): December 15, 2016, In August 2016, 2016 15 230): eight December 15, 2017, In November 2016, 2016 18 230): December 15, 2017, In January 2017, 2017 01 805): December 15, 2017,

Note 2 - Investments (Tables)

Note 2 - Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block]	Amortized cost Unrealized loss Fair market value Corporate bonds $ 22,100 $ (46 ) $ 22,054 Municipal bonds 3,727 (1 ) 3,726 Agency bonds 3,339 (2 ) 3,337 Total $ 29,166 $ (49 ) $ 29,117

Note 3 - Properties, Plants, 26

Note 3 - Properties, Plants, Equipment and Mineral Interests, and Lease Commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2016 2015 Mining properties, including asset retirement obligations $ 403,935 $ 372,935 Development costs 347,356 291,780 Plants and equipment 814,091 738,065 Land 26,229 21,362 Mineral interests 952,382 907,791 Construction in progress 330,785 295,155 2,874,778 2,627,088 Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization 842,093 730,277 Net carrying value $ 2,032,685 $ 1,896,811
Operating Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Table Text Block]	Year ending December 31, 2017 $ 4,571 2018 2,466 2019 976 2020 993 2021 653 Thereafter 634 Total $ 10,293

Note 4 - Environmental and Re27

Note 4 - Environmental and Reclamation Activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]	2016 2015 Operating properties: Greens Creek $ 39,014 $ 41,338 Lucky Friday 9,194 5,212 Casa Berardi 5,475 5,494 San Sebastian 5,425 1,189 Non-operating properties: Troy mine 16,167 17,295 South Dakota and Colorado Superfund Sites — 16,300 Johnny M 5,830 5,830 Republic 1,500 774 All other sites 2,975 2,106 Total 85,580 95,538 Reclamation and closure costs, current (5,653 ) (20,989 ) Reclamation and closure costs, long-term $ 79,927 $ 74,549
Accrued Reclamation and Closure Cost Liability Activity [Table Text Block]	Balance at January 1, 2014 $ 105,191 Accruals for estimated costs 6,863 Accretion expense 3,089 Revision of estimated cash flows due to changes in reclamation plans 675 Payment of reclamation obligations (58,568 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 57,250 Accruals for estimated costs 15,114 Accretion expense 1,904 Revision of estimated cash flows due to changes in reclamation plans 4,112 Addition due to development and production at our San Sebastian unit 1,189 Liability addition due to acquisition of Revett 17,513 Payment of reclamation obligations (1,544 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 95,538 Accruals for estimated costs 672 Accretion expense 3,191 Revision of estimated cash flows due to changes in reclamation plans 2,759 Liability addition due to acquisition of Mines Management 1,124 Payment of reclamation obligations (17,704 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 85,580
Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation [Table Text Block]	2016 2015 Balance January 1 $ 53,233 $ 46,539 Changes in obligations due to changes in reclamation plans 2,760 4,112 Addition due to development and production at our San Sebastian unit — 1,189 Accretion expense 3,191 1,904 Payment of reclamation obligations (76 ) (511 ) Balance at December 31 $ 59,108 $ 53,233

Note 5 - Income Taxes (Tables)

Note 5 - Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	2016 2015 2014 Current: Domestic $ (10,702 ) $ 3,892 $ 7,761 Foreign (13,713 ) (5,376 ) (619 ) Total current income tax (provision) benefit (24,415 ) (1,484 ) 7,142 Deferred: Domestic 7,480 (75,456 ) (1,572 ) Foreign (10,493 ) 20,630 (330 ) Total deferred income tax (provision) benefit (3,013 ) (54,826 ) (1,902 ) Total income tax benefit (provision) $ (27,428 ) $ (56,310 ) $ 5,240
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]	2016 2015 2014 Domestic $ 41,014 $ (65,895 ) $ (1,505 ) Foreign 55,961 35,237 14,089 Total $ 96,975 $ (30,658 ) $ 12,584
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	2016 2015 2014 Computed “statutory” benefit (provision) $ (33,941 ) 35 % $ 10,731 35 % $ (4,405 ) 35 % Percentage depletion 8,114 (8 ) 2,432 8 6,034 (48 ) Change in valuation allowance 11,336 (12 ) (84,951 ) (277 ) (6,314 ) 50 State taxes, net of federal taxes (565 ) 1 (3,639 ) (12 ) 1,671 (13 ) Foreign currency remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities (4,598 ) 5 28,184 92 16,368 (130 ) Rate differential on foreign earnings (6,853 ) 7 (4,746 ) (15 ) (5,938 ) 47 Compensation (1,311 ) 1 (815 ) (3 ) (1,308 ) 10 Other 390 (1 ) (3,506 ) (12 ) (868 ) 7 Total $ (27,428 ) 28 % $ (56,310 ) (184 )% $ 5,240 (42 )%
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2016 2015 Deferred tax assets: Accrued reclamation costs $ 30,188 $ 26,473 Deferred exploration 26,785 29,120 Foreign net operating losses 1,058 21,140 Domestic net operating losses 82,359 82,116 AMT credit carryforwards 20,405 11,607 Pension and benefit obligation 18,115 18,916 Foreign exchange loss 34,977 38,779 Foreign tax credit carryforward 7,283 6,692 Miscellaneous 30,166 27,205 Total deferred tax assets 251,336 262,048 Valuation allowance (99,602 ) (115,806 ) Total deferred tax assets 151,734 146,242 Deferred tax liabilities: Miscellaneous (3,046 ) (2,394 ) Properties, plants and equipment (235,700 ) (209,577 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (238,746 ) (211,971 ) Net deferred tax liability $ (87,012 ) $ (65,729 )
Summary of Positions for which Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Table Text Block]	2016 2015 2014 Balance at beginning of year $ (115,806 ) $ (32,094 ) $ (27,155 ) Increase related to non-utilization of net operating loss carryforwards and non-recognition of deferred tax assets due to uncertainty of recovery (2,868 ) (92,393 ) (6,314 ) Decrease related to utilization and expiration of deferred tax assets, other 19,072 8,681 1,375 Balance at end of year $ (99,602 ) $ (115,806 ) $ (32,094 )

Note 6 - Senior Notes, Credit29

Note 6 - Senior Notes, Credit Facilities, and Capital Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	Twelve-month period ending December 31, 2017 $ 34,822 2018 34,822 2019 34,822 2020 34,822 2021 518,107 Total 657,395 Less: interest (150,895 ) Principal 506,500 Less: unamortized discount (5,521 ) Long-term debt $ 500,979
Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Table Text Block]	Interest rates: Spread over the London Interbank Offer Rate 2.25 - 3.25% Spread over alternative base rate 1.25 - 2.25% Standby fee per annum on undrawn amounts 0.50% Covenant financial ratios: Senior leverage ratio (debt secured by liens/EBITDA) not more than 2.50:1 Leverage ratio (total debt less unencumbered cash/EBITDA) not more than 4.00:1 Interest coverage ratio (EBITDA/interest expense) not more than 3.00:1
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases [Table Text Block]	Twelve-month period ending December 31, 2017 $ 6,000 2018 4,081 2019 1,671 2020 295 Total 12,047 Less: imputed interest (556 ) Net capital lease obligation $ 11,491

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Pla30

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block]	Pension Benefits 2016 2015 Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 120,237 $ 118,284 Service cost 4,309 4,216 Interest cost 5,230 4,823 Actuarial loss (gain) 7,500 (2,617 ) Benefits paid (5,006 ) (4,469 ) Benefit obligation at end of year 132,270 120,237 Change in fair value of plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 73,321 74,551 Actual return (loss) on plan assets 9,950 (2,221 ) Employer contributions 9,092 5,460 Benefits paid (5,006 ) (4,469 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year 87,357 73,321 Underfunded status at end of year $ (44,913 ) $ (46,916 )
Pension Benefits Recognized Balance Sheet Location [Table Text Block]	Pension Benefits 2016 2015 Current liabilities: Accrued benefit liability $ (420 ) $ (402 ) Non- current pension liability: Accrued benefit liability (44,491 ) (46,513 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss 40,917 42,103 Net amount recognized $ (3,994 ) $ (4,812 )
Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block]	Pension Benefits 2016 2015 Discount rate: net periodic pension cost 4.45 % 4.17 % Discount rate: projected benefit obligation 4.14 % 4.45 % Expected rate of return on plan assets 6.80 % 7.20 % Rate of compensation increase: net periodic pension cost 2.00 % 2.00 % Rate of compensation increase: projected benefit obligation (1) 0.00%/2.00 % 0.00%/2.00 %
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	Pension Benefits 2016 2015 2014 Service cost $ 4,309 $ 4,216 $ 4,312 Interest cost 5,229 4,823 4,859 Expected return on plan assets (5,299 ) (5,382 ) (4,996 ) Amortization of prior service benefit (337 ) (337 ) (337 ) Amortization of net gain from earlier periods 4,372 4,260 3,275 Net periodic pension cost $ 8,274 $ 7,580 $ 7,113
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]	Hecla Lucky Friday 2016 2015 2016 2015 Cash 3 % 2 % 3 % 4 % Large cap U.S. equities 18 % 10 % 17 % 10 % Small cap U.S. equities 9 % 5 % 9 % 5 % Non-U.S. equities 24 % 9 % 25 % 9 % Fixed income 20 % 34 % 20 % 33 % Real estate 13 % 18 % 13 % 18 % Absolute return hedge funds 6 % 15 % 6 % 14 % Real return — % 1 % — % 1 % Company stock 7 % 6 % 7 % 6 % Total 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 %
Investment Policy Allocation [Table Text Block]	As of December 31, 2016 (1) As of December 31, 2015 Target Maximum Target Minimum Maximum Large cap U.S. equities 17 % 20 % 10 % 7 % 13 % Small cap U.S. equities 8 % 10 % 5 % 4 % 6 % Non-U.S. equities 25 % 30 % 10 % 8 % 12 % Fixed income 20 % 25 % 35 % 29 % 43 % Real estate 15 % 18 % 15 % 12 % 18 % Absolute return 5 % 7 % 15 % 12 % 18 % Company stock/Real return 10 % 13 % 10 % 8 % 12 %
Fair Value of Plan Assets by Category [Table Text Block]	Hecla Lucky Friday Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Interest-bearing cash $ 1,924 $ — $ — $ 1,924 $ 550 $ — $ — $ 550 Common stock 4,973 — — 4,973 1,340 — — 1,340 Real estate — — 8,974 8,974 — — 2,389 2,389 Common collective funds — 12,379 2,108 14,487 — 3,427 550 3,977 Mutual funds 38,326 — — 38,326 10,417 — — 10,417 Total fair value $ 45,223 $ 12,379 $ 11,082 $ 68,684 $ 12,307 $ 3,427 $ 2,939 $ 18,673 Hecla Lucky Friday Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Interest-bearing cash $ 936 $ — $ — $ 936 $ 76 $ — $ — $ 76 Common stock 3,284 — — 3,284 989 — — 989 Real estate — — 10,326 10,326 — — 2,856 2,856 Common collective funds — 9,862 4,462 14,324 — 2,573 1,309 3,882 Mutual funds 28,803 — — 28,803 7,845 — — 7,845 Total fair value $ 33,023 $ 9,862 $ 14,788 $ 57,673 $ 8,910 $ 2,573 $ 4,165 $ 15,648
Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]	Hecla Lucky Friday Real estate Common collective funds Real estate Common collective funds Beginning balance at January 1, 2016 $ 10,326 $ 4,462 $ 2,856 $ 1,309 Net unrealized gains on assets held at the reporting date 283 80 71 20 Purchases 333 — 90 — Sales (1,968 ) (2,434 ) (628 ) (779 ) Ending balance at December 31, 2016 $ 8,974 $ 2,108 $ 2,389 $ 550 Hecla Lucky Friday Real estate Common collective funds Real estate Common collective funds Beginning balance at January 1, 2015 $ 8,889 $ 8,454 $ 2,458 $ 2,306 Net unrealized gains on assets held at the reporting date 1,094 8 303 3 Purchases 343 — 95 — Sales — (4,000 ) — (1,000 ) Ending balance at December 31, 2015 $ 10,326 $ 4,462 $ 2,856 $ 1,309
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block]	Year Ending December 31, Pension Plans 2017 $ 5,775 2018 6,101 2019 6,471 2020 6,849 2021 7,128 Years 2022-2026 38,685
Schedule of Net Funded Status [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 ABO Exceeds Plan Assets Plan Assets Exceed ABO ABO Exceeds Plan Assets Plan Assets Exceed ABO Projected benefit obligation $ 132,270 $ — $ 120,237 $ — Accumulated benefit obligation 128,102 — 116,289 — Fair value of plan assets 87,357 — 73,321 —
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	Pension Benefits Unamortized net (gain)/loss $ 42,161 Unamortized prior service benefit (1,244 )
Schedule of Amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to be Recognized over Next Fiscal Year [Table Text Block]	Pension Benefits Amortization of net loss $ 4,132 Amortization of prior service benefit (337 )

Note 9 - Shareholders' Equity (

Note 9 - Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Potential Per Share Dividend Amounts Quarterly Price Levels [Table Text Block]	Quarterly average realized silver price per ounce Quarterly dividend per share Annual dividend 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
Schedule of Dividends Payable [Table Text Block]	(A) (B) (C) (A+B+C) Declaration date Silver-price-linked component per share Minimum annual component per share Special dividend per share Total dividend per share Total dividend amount (in millions) Month of payment May 5, 2014 $ — $ 0.0025 $ — $ 0.0025 $ 0.9 June 2014 July 31, 2014 $ — $ 0.0025 $ — $ 0.0025 $ 0.9 September 2014 November 5, 2014 $ — $ 0.0025 $ — $ 0.0025 $ 0.9 December 2014 February 17, 2015 $ — $ 0.0025 $ — $ 0.0025 $ 0.9 March 2015 May 6, 2015 $ — $ 0.0025 $ — $ 0.0025 $ 0.9 June 2015 August 6, 2015 $ — $ 0.0025 $ — $ 0.0025 $ 0.9 September 2015 November 3, 2015 $ — $ 0.0025 $ — $ 0.0025 $ 0.9 December 2015 February 20, 2016 $ — $ 0.0025 $ — $ 0.0025 $ 0.9 March 2016 May 4, 2016 $ — $ 0.0025 $ — $ 0.0025 $ 1.0 June 2016 August 3, 2016 $ — $ 0.0025 $ — $ 0.0025 $ 1.0 September 2016 November 4, 2016 $ — $ 0.0025 $ — $ 0.0025 $ 1.0 December 2016 February 21, 2017 $ — $ 0.0025 $ — $ 0.0025 $ 1.0 March 2017
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]	Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share Unvested, January 1, 2016 3,375,798 $ 2.73 Granted (unvested) 1,138,669 $ 4.40 Canceled (205,032 ) $ 2.70 Distributed (vested) (1,573,871 ) $ 2.82 Unvested, December 31, 2016 2,735,564 $ 3.41
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Unvested Shares Expected to Vest [Table Text Block]	790,253 in June 2017 650,137 in July 2017 379,743 in June 2018 579,437 in July 2018 335,994 in June 2019

Note 10 - Derivative Instrume32

Note 10 - Derivative Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2016 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 2017 settlements 1,295 4 19,070 7,441 $ 16.29 $ 1,172 $ 1.18 $ 0.97 Contracts on forecasted sales 2017 settlements — — 35,384 17,637 N/A N/A $ 1.19 $ 1.03 2018 settlements — — 13,779 5,732 N/A N/A $ 1.21 $ 1.05 December 31, 2015 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 2016 settlements 1,368 5 23,755 8,433 14.12 1,076 $ 0.71 $ 0.77

Note 11 - Business Segments a33

Note 11 - Business Segments and Significant Customers (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedules of Concentration of Risk, by Risk Factor [Table Text Block]	Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Greens Creek 40.3 % 51.4 % 49.0 % Lucky Friday 14.7 % 14.9 % 17.9 % Casa Berardi 27.4 % 33.7 % 33.1 % San Sebastian 17.6 % — % — % 100 % 100 % 100 %
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	2016 2015 2014 Net sales to unaffiliated customers: Greens Creek $ 260,446 $ 227,833 $ 245,175 Lucky Friday 94,479 66,302 89,757 Casa Berardi 177,143 149,432 165,849 San Sebastian 113,889 — — $ 645,957 $ 443,567 $ 500,781 Income (loss) from operations: Greens Creek $ 65,125 $ 26,536 $ 39,758 Lucky Friday 18,175 868 21,501 Casa Berardi 16,336 (1,557 ) 11,828 San Sebastian 77,221 (9,269 ) (5,780 ) Other (59,913 ) (52,189 ) (45,679 ) $ 116,944 $ (35,611 ) $ 21,628 Capital additions (including non-cash additions): Greens Creek $ 42,013 $ 45,962 $ 31,476 Lucky Friday 44,839 60,020 52,193 Casa Berardi 67,577 35,302 48,615 San Sebastian 6,026 4,623 — Other 21,344 14,809 18,801 $ 181,799 $ 160,716 $ 151,085 Depreciation, depletion and amortization: Greens Creek $ 52,564 $ 56,553 $ 63,505 Lucky Friday 11,810 11,262 9,431 Casa Berardi 47,312 43,674 38,198 San Sebastian 3,782 — — $ 115,468 $ 111,489 $ 111,134 Other significant non-cash items: Greens Creek $ 2,736 $ 2,886 $ 2,807 Lucky Friday 720 72 72 Casa Berardi 1,259 2,229 847 San Sebastian — 13 — Other 11,135 66,004 506 $ 15,850 $ 71,204 $ 4,232 Identifiable assets: Greens Creek $ 681,303 $ 698,265 $ 704,121 Lucky Friday 442,829 393,338 356,482 Casa Berardi 806,044 779,423 800,961 San Sebastian 33,608 22,238 1,529 Other 407,893 328,661 398,971 $ 2,371,677 $ 2,221,925 $ 2,262,064
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Table Text Block]	2016 2015 2014 United States $ 22,499 $ 17,862 $ 22,200 Canada 437,621 275,771 295,027 Japan 44,158 38,835 58,466 Korea 116,687 66,293 70,548 China 35,220 38,611 53,067 Other 4,008 — — Total, excluding gains/losses on forward contracts $ 660,193 $ 437,372 $ 499,308
Schedule of Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets in Individual Foreign Countries by Country [Table Text Block]	2016 2015 United States $ 1,261,488 $ 1,150,521 Canada 764,489 741,612 Mexico 6,708 4,678 $ 2,032,685 $ 1,896,811
Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block]	Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Teck Metals Ltd. 21.2 % 22.5 % 25.8 % Korea Zinc 16.9 % 16.0 % 14.1 % Scotia 24.5 % 5.6 % - % CIBC 19.0 % 17.6 % 17.0 % Mitsui 4.4 % 10.2 % 15.8 %

Note 12 - Fair Value Measurem34

Note 12 - Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	Balance at December 31, 2016 Balance at December 31, 2015 Input Hierarchy Level Assets: Cash and cash equivalents: Money market funds and other bank deposits $ 169,777 $ 155,209 Level 1 Available for sale securities: Debt securities – municipal and corporate bonds 29,117 — Level 2 Equity securities – mining industry 5,002 1,515 Level 1 Trade accounts receivable: Receivables from provisional concentrate sales 20,082 13,490 Level 2 Derivative contracts: Metal forward contracts 5,403 — Level 2 Foreign exchange contracts 27 — Level 2 Restricted cash balances: Certificates of deposit and other bank deposits 2,200 999 Level 1 Total assets $ 231,608 $ 171,213 Liabilities Derivative contracts: Metal forward contracts $ 192 $ — Level 2 Foreign exchange contracts 5,288 — Level 2 Total liabilities $ 5,480 $ —

Note 13 - Income (Loss) Per C35

Note 13 - Income (Loss) Per Common Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Numerator Net income (loss) $ 69,547 $ (86,968 ) $ 17,824 Preferred stock dividends (552 ) (552 ) (552 ) Net income (loss) applicable to common shares $ 68,995 $ (87,520 ) $ 17,272 Denominator Basic weighted average common shares 386,416 373,954 353,442 Dilutive stock options, restricted stock units, and warrants 2,906 — 3,993 Diluted weighted average common shares 389,322 373,954 357,435 Basic earnings (loss) per common share $ 0.18 $ (0.23 ) $ 0.05 Diluted earnings (loss) per common share $ 0.18 $ (0.23 ) $ 0.05

Note 14 - Accumulated Other C36

Note 14 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	Unrealized Gains (Losses) On Securities Changes in fair value of derivative contracts designated as hedge transactions Adjustments For Pension Plans Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net Balance January 1, 2014 $ (2,552 ) $ — $ (23,747 ) $ (26,299 ) 2014 change 1,143 — (6,875 ) (5,732 ) Balance December 31, 2014 (1,409 ) — (30,622 ) (32,031 ) 2015 change 250 — (850 ) (600 ) Balance December 31, 2015 (1,159 ) — (31,472 ) (32,631 ) 2016 change 2,613 (5,260 ) 676 (1,971 ) Balance December 31, 2016 $ 1,454 $ (5,260 ) $ (30,796 ) $ (34,602 ) Income Tax Effect of: Unrealized Gains (Losses) On Securities Changes in fair value of derivative contracts designated as hedge transactions Adjustments For Pension Plans Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net Balance January 1, 2014 $ 619 $ — $ 5,764 $ 6,383 2014 change 6 — 4,653 4,659 Balance December 31, 2014 625 — 10,417 11,042 2015 change 6 — 213 219 Balance December 31, 2015 631 — 10,630 11,261 2016 change (4 ) — (510 ) (514 ) Balance December 31, 2016 $ 627 $ — $ 10,120 $ 10,747

Note 15 - Acquisitions (Tables)

Note 15 - Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	Consideration: Cash $ 4,025 Hecla stock issued (8,309,006 shares at $5.79 per share) 48,109 Total consideration $ 52,134 Fair value of net assets acquired: Assets: Cash $ 94 Property, plants, equipment and mineral interests 68,038 Restricted cash 1,185 Other assets 329 Total assets 69,646 Liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 2,357 Deferred tax liability 14,031 Non-current reclamation liability 1,124 Total liabilities 17,512 Net assets $ 52,134 Consideration: Cash $ 949 Hecla stock issued (6,252,646 shares at $3.06 per share) 19,133 Total consideration $ 20,082 Fair value of net assets acquired: Assets: Cash $ 140 Accounts receivable 137 Inventory - supplies 472 Deferred tax assets 7,193 Property, plants, equipment and mineral interests 17,609 Reclamation insurance 16,800 Other assets 280 Total assets 42,631 Liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 975 Notes payable 4,061 Non-current reclamation liability 17,513 Total liabilities 22,549 Net assets $ 20,082
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]	Year Ended December 31, (in thousands, except per share amounts) 2016 2015 (unaudited) Sales of products $ 645,957 $ 443,567 Net income (loss) 68,778 (89,806 ) Income (loss) applicable to common shareholders 68,226 (90,357 ) Basic and diluted income (loss) per common share 0.17 (0.24 ) Year Ended (in thousands, except per share amounts) 2015 2014 (unaudited) Sales of products $ 445,703 $ 500,787 Net loss (89,118 ) (44,099 ) Loss applicable to common stockholders (89,670 ) (44,651 ) Basic and diluted loss per common share (0.24 ) (0.12 )

Note 16 - Guarantor Subsidiar38

Note 16 - Guarantor Subsidiaries (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]	As of December 31, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (in thousands) Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 113,275 $ 24,388 $ 32,114 $ — $ 169,777 Other current assets 33,950 65,369 35,524 (1,236 ) 133,607 Properties, plants, and equipment - net 2,103 1,258,890 771,692 — 2,032,685 Intercompany receivable (payable) 404,121 (222,072 ) (307,018 ) 124,769 — Investments in subsidiaries 1,496,787 — — (1,496,787 ) — Other non-current assets 4,186 186,988 5,350 (160,916 ) 35,608 Total assets $ 2,054,422 $ 1,313,563 $ 537,662 $ (1,533,970 ) $ 2,371,677 Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Current liabilities $ 22,401 $ 86,730 $ 41,348 $ (22,999 ) $ 127,480 Long-term debt 500,979 3,065 2,773 — 506,817 Non-current portion of accrued reclamation — 63,025 16,902 — 79,927 Non-current deferred tax liability — 14,212 121,600 (14,212 ) 121,600 Other non-current liabilities 51,198 5,108 (325 ) 28 56,009 Stockholders' equity 1,479,844 1,141,423 355,364 (1,496,787 ) 1,479,844 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 2,054,422 $ 1,313,563 $ 537,662 $ (1,533,970 ) $ 2,371,677 As of December 31, 2015 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (in thousands) Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 94,167 $ 42,692 $ 18,350 $ — $ 155,209 Other current assets 15,972 58,453 32,273 7,626 114,324 Properties, plants, and equipment - net 2,281 1,147,770 746,760 — 1,896,811 Intercompany receivable (payable) 540,665 (301,291 ) (332,553 ) 93,179 — Investments in subsidiaries 1,252,191 — — (1,252,191 ) — Other non-current assets 2,200 165,080 1,781 (113,480 ) 55,581 Total assets $ 1,907,476 $ 1,112,704 $ 466,611 $ (1,264,866 ) $ 2,221,925 Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Current liabilities $ 21,087 $ 84,559 $ 30,636 $ (9,198 ) $ 127,084 Long-term debt 499,729 6,128 3,183 — 509,040 Non-current portion of accrued reclamation — 45,494 29,055 — 74,549 Non-current deferred tax liability — 3,264 119,836 (3,477 ) 119,623 Other non-current liabilities 47,734 5,834 (865 ) — 52,703 Stockholders' equity 1,338,926 967,425 284,766 (1,252,191 ) 1,338,926 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 1,907,476 $ 1,112,704 $ 466,611 $ (1,264,866 ) $ 2,221,925
Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block]	Year Ended December 31, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (in thousands) Revenues $ (14,237 ) $ 369,162 $ 291,032 $ — $ 645,957 Cost of sales — (203,133 ) (135,850 ) — (338,983 ) Depreciation, depletion, and amortization — (64,374 ) (51,094 ) — (115,468 ) General and administrative (23,262 ) (20,425 ) (1,353 ) — (45,040 ) Exploration and pre-development (304 ) (6,640 ) (10,913 ) — (17,857 ) Gain on derivative contracts 4,423 — — — 4,423 Acquisition costs (2,607 ) (34 ) (54 ) — (2,695 ) Equity in earnings of subsidiaries 94,878 — — (94,878 ) — Other (expense) income 10,656 11,400 (36,074 ) (19,344 ) (33,362 ) (Loss) income before income taxes 69,547 85,956 55,694 (114,222 ) 96,975 (Provision) benefit from income taxes — (25,334 ) (21,438 ) 19,344 (27,428 ) Net (loss) income 69,547 60,622 34,256 (94,878 ) 69,547 Preferred stock dividends (552 ) — — — (552 ) (Loss) income applicable to common stockholders 68,995 60,622 34,256 (94,878 ) 68,995 Net (loss) income 69,547 60,622 34,256 (94,878 ) 69,547 Changes in comprehensive (loss) income (1,971 ) 8 2,657 (2,665 ) (1,971 ) Comprehensive (loss) income $ 67,576 $ 60,630 $ 36,913 $ (97,543 ) $ 67,576 Year Ended December 31, 2015 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (in thousands) Revenues $ 6,194 $ 287,941 $ 149,432 $ — $ 443,567 Cost of sales — (192,683 ) (100,884 ) — (293,567 ) Depreciation, depletion, and amortization — (67,815 ) (43,674 ) — (111,489 ) General and administrative (17,920 ) (14,508 ) (1,773 ) — (34,201 ) Exploration and pre-development (627 ) (7,177 ) (14,154 ) — (21,958 ) Loss on derivative contracts 8,252 — — — 8,252 Closed operations (517 ) (1,645 ) — — (2,162 ) Equity in earnings of subsidiaries 49,565 — — (49,565 ) — Other (expense) income (131,915 ) 22,537 36,090 54,188 (19,100 ) Income (loss) before income taxes (86,968 ) 26,650 25,037 4,623 (30,658 ) (Provision) benefit from income taxes — (7,251 ) 5,129 (54,188 ) (56,310 ) Net income (loss) (86,968 ) 19,399 30,166 (49,565 ) (86,968 ) Preferred stock dividends (552 ) — — — (552 ) Income (loss) applicable to common stockholders (87,520 ) 19,399 30,166 (49,565 ) (87,520 ) Net income (loss) (86,968 ) 19,399 30,166 (49,565 ) (86,968 ) Changes in comprehensive income (loss) (600 ) (467 ) 259 208 (600 ) Comprehensive income (loss) $ (87,568 ) $ 18,932 $ 30,425 $ (49,357 ) $ (87,568 ) Year Ended December 31, 2014 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (in thousands) Revenues $ 1,473 $ 333,460 $ 165,848 $ — $ 500,781 Cost of sales — (194,600 ) (109,846 ) — (304,446 ) Depreciation, depletion, and amortization — (72,937 ) (38,197 ) — (111,134 ) General and administrative (17,667 ) (12,694 ) (1,177 ) — (31,538 ) Exploration and pre-development (252 ) (7,088 ) (12,327 ) — (19,667 ) Gain on derivative contracts 9,134 — — — 9,134 Closed operations — — — — — Equity in earnings of subsidiaries 72,407 — — (72,407 ) — Other (expense) income (47,271 ) 29,753 3,267 (16,295 ) (30,546 ) (Loss) income before income taxes 17,824 75,894 7,568 (88,702 ) 12,584 (Provision) benefit from income taxes — (10,565 ) (490 ) 16,295 5,240 Net (loss) income 17,824 65,329 7,078 (72,407 ) 17,824 Preferred stock dividends (552 ) — — — (552 ) (Loss) income applicable to common stockholders 17,272 65,329 7,078 (72,407 ) 17,272 Net (loss) income 17,824 65,329 7,078 (72,407 ) 17,824 Changes in comprehensive (loss) income (5,732 ) (1,329 ) 1,152 177 (5,732 ) Comprehensive (loss) income $ 12,092 $ 64,000 $ 8,230 $ (72,230 ) $ 12,092
Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block]	Year Ended December 31, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (in thousands) Cash flows from operating activities $ 85,665 $ 82,778 $ 76,491 $ (19,606 ) $ 225,328 Cash flows from investing activities: Additions to properties, plants, and equipment (348 ) (93,541 ) (70,899 ) — (164,788 ) Purchase of other companies, net of cash acquired (3,931 ) — — — (3,931 ) Other investing activities, net (29,383 ) (896 ) 333 — (29,946 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Dividends paid to stockholders (4,419 ) — — (4,419 ) Payments on debt — (10,174 ) (982 ) — (11,156 ) Other financing activity (28,476 ) 3,529 8,895 19,606 3,554 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — (74 ) — (74 ) Changes in cash and cash equivalents 19,108 (18,304 ) 13,764 — 14,568 Beginning cash and cash equivalents 94,167 42,692 18,350 — 155,209 Ending cash and cash equivalents $ 113,275 $ 24,388 $ 32,114 $ — $ 169,777 Year Ended December 31, 2015 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (in thousands) Cash flows from operating activities $ (56,036 ) $ 101,254 $ 63,856 $ (2,629 ) $ 106,445 Cash flows from investing activities: — Additions to properties, plants, and equipment (1,355 ) (97,684 ) (38,404 ) — (137,443 ) Other investing activities, net (748 ) 637 (1,052 ) — (1,163 ) Cash flows from financing activities: — Dividends paid to stockholders (4,291 ) — — — (4,291 ) Payments on debt — (12,405 ) 1,554 — (10,851 ) Other financing activity 9,712 17,066 (31,408 ) 2,629 (2,001 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — (5,152 ) — (5,152 ) Changes in cash and cash equivalents (52,718 ) 8,868 (10,606 ) — (54,456 ) Beginning cash and cash equivalents 146,885 33,824 28,956 — 209,665 Ending cash and cash equivalents $ 94,167 $ 42,692 $ 18,350 $ — $ 155,209 Year Ended December 31, 2014 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (in thousands) Cash flows from operating activities $ 38,270 $ 61,900 $ 58,277 $ (75,323 ) $ 83,124 Cash flows from investing activities: — Additions to properties, plants, and equipment (1,336 ) (68,859 ) (52,342 ) — (122,537 ) Other investing activities — 417 3,765 — 4,182 Cash flows from financing activities: — Dividends paid to stockholders (4,099 ) — — — (4,099 ) Payments on debt — (9,137 ) — — (9,137 ) Other financing activity (12,221 ) 9,494 (22,856 ) 75,323 49,740 Effect of exchange rates on cash — — (3,783 ) — (3,783 ) Changes in cash and cash equivalents 20,614 (6,185 ) (16,939 ) — (2,510 ) Beginning cash and cash equivalents 126,271 40,009 45,895 — 212,175 Ending cash and cash equivalents $ 146,885 $ 33,824 $ 28,956 $ — $ 209,665

Note 1 - Summary of Significa39

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)ozT	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Capitalized Drilling Costs	$ 6,800	$ 6,700	$ 5,300
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Realized	(2,926)	24,551	$ 11,535
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current	12,293	$ 17,980
Equity Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss), before Tax	$ 1,800
Silver [Member]
Metals Contained in Concentrates | oz	1,400,000
Gold [Member]
Metals Contained in Concentrates | oz	4,679
Zinc [Member]
Metals Contained in Concentrates | T	10,166
Lead [Member]
Metals Contained in Concentrates | T	4,052
Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	22 years

Note 2 - Investments (Details T

Note 2 - Investments (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities, Current	$ 29,100	$ 0
Payments to Acquire Investments	48,943	947	$ 580
Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Marketable Securities	18,649
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities, Noncurrent	5,000	1,500
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	4,100	4,000
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Acquired During Period, Cost Basis	900	900
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments	$ 1,000	$ 2,500

Note 2 - Investments - Current

Note 2 - Investments - Current Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Available for sale securities, amortized cost	$ 29,166
Available for sale securities, unrealized loss	(49)
Available for sale securities, fair market value	29,117
Corporate Bond Securities [Member]
Available for sale securities, amortized cost	22,100
Available for sale securities, unrealized loss	(46)
Available for sale securities, fair market value	22,054
Municipal Bonds [Member]
Available for sale securities, amortized cost	3,727
Available for sale securities, unrealized loss	(1)
Available for sale securities, fair market value	3,726
US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member]
Available for sale securities, amortized cost	3,339
Available for sale securities, unrealized loss	(2)
Available for sale securities, fair market value	$ 3,337

Note 3 - Properties, Plants, 42

Note 3 - Properties, Plants, Equipment and Mineral Interests, and Lease Commitments (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Total Capital Expenditures Excluding Capital Leases	$ 164.8
Accumulated Capitalized Interest Costs	16.2	$ 13.5
Capital Leased Assets, Gross	42.2	39.9
Capital Leases, Lessee Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Accumulated Depreciation	26	24.4
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	4.8	$ 3.8	$ 3.5
Lucky Friday [Member]
Total Capital Expenditures Excluding Capital Leases	41.5
Greens Creek [Member]
Total Capital Expenditures Excluding Capital Leases	47
Casa Berardi [Member]
Total Capital Expenditures Excluding Capital Leases	70.1
San Sebastian [Member]
Total Capital Expenditures Excluding Capital Leases	$ 1.6

Note 3 - Properties, Plants, 43

Note 3 - Properties, Plants, Equipment and Mineral Interests, and Lease Commitments - Major Components of Property, Plants, Equipment and Mineral Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 2,874,778	$ 2,627,088
Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization	842,093	730,277
Net carrying value	2,032,685	1,896,811
Mining Properties Including Asset Retirement Obligations [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	403,935	372,935
Mine Development [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	347,356	291,780
Plant and Equipment [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	814,091	738,065
Land [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	26,229	21,362
Mineral Interests [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	952,382	907,791
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 330,785	$ 295,155

Note 3 - Properties, Plants, 44

Note 3 - Properties, Plants, Equipment and Mineral Interests, and Lease Commitments - Future Obligations Under Non-cancelable Operating Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
2,017	$ 4,571
2,018	2,466
2,019	976
2,020	993
2,021	653
Thereafter	634
Total	$ 10,293

Note 4 - Environmental and Re45

Note 4 - Environmental and Reclamation Activities (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 07, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jun. 15, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Jul. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Accrued Liabilities					$ 264,400
Payments for Legal Settlements			$ 15,000	$ 25,000	$ 168,000
Payment of Proceeds from Warrants Exercised													$ 41,300	$ 14,100
Accrued Reclamation and Closure Costs Total						$ 85,580			$ 85,580	$ 95,538		$ 57,250			$ 105,191
Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate									2,760	4,112
Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Incurred										$ 1,189
Minimum [Member]
Risk Free Interest Rate						6.00%			6.00%
Inflation Rate, Asset Retirement Obligation									2.00%
Maximum [Member]
Risk Free Interest Rate						14.50%			14.50%
Inflation Rate, Asset Retirement Obligation									3.25%
Nelson Tunnel/Commodore Site [Member] | United States and Colorado [Member]
Loss Contingency Accrual, Payments		$ 6,000
Gilt Edge Mine Superfund Site [Member] | United States and South Dakota [Member]
Loss Contingency Accrual, Payments	$ 3,900
Gilt Edge Mine Superfund Site [Member] | United States, South Dakota, Insurers and Another Potentially Responsible Party [Member]
Loss Contingency Accrual, Payments	$ 6,400
Gilt Edge Site and Nelson Tunnel/Commodore Site [Member]
Liability for Remediation								$ 9,900
Lucky Friday [Member]
Risk Free Interest Rate						6.50%			6.50%
Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate Before Discounting							$ 22,600
Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate							3,300
San Sebastian [Member]
Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate Before Discounting							4,300
Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Incurred							4,500
Greens Creek [Member]
Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate Before Discounting						$ 3,700
Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate						$ (5,000)
Revett Mining Company, Inc. [Member]
Ownership Percentage											100.00%
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Reclamation Liability								17,500			$ 17,513
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Reclamation Insurance Asset								$ 16,800			$ 16,800
Proceeds from Insurance Settlement, Investing Activities							$ 16,000
Revett Mining Company, Inc. [Member] | Mining Properties and Mineral Rights [Member]
Ownership Percentage								100.00%

Note 4 - Environmental and Re46

Note 4 - Environmental and Reclamation Activities - Liabilities Accrued for Reclamation and Closure Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Operating properties:
Reclamation and closure costs	$ 85,580	$ 95,538	$ 57,250	$ 105,191
Non-operating properties:
Reclamation and closure costs	85,580	95,538	$ 57,250	$ 105,191
Reclamation and closure costs, current	(5,653)	(20,989)
Reclamation and closure costs, long-term	79,927	74,549
Operating Properties [Member] | Greens Creek [Member]
Operating properties:
Reclamation and closure costs	39,014	41,338
Non-operating properties:
Reclamation and closure costs	39,014	41,338
Operating Properties [Member] | Lucky Friday [Member]
Operating properties:
Reclamation and closure costs	9,194	5,212
Non-operating properties:
Reclamation and closure costs	9,194	5,212
Operating Properties [Member] | Casa Berardi [Member]
Operating properties:
Reclamation and closure costs	5,475	5,494
Non-operating properties:
Reclamation and closure costs	5,475	5,494
Operating Properties [Member] | San Sebastian [Member]
Operating properties:
Reclamation and closure costs	5,425	1,189
Non-operating properties:
Reclamation and closure costs	5,425	1,189
Non-Operating Properties [Member] | Troy Mine [Member]
Operating properties:
Reclamation and closure costs	16,167	17,295
Non-operating properties:
Reclamation and closure costs	16,167	17,295
Non-Operating Properties [Member] | South Dakota and Colorado Superfund Sites [Member]
Operating properties:
Reclamation and closure costs		16,300
Non-operating properties:
Reclamation and closure costs		16,300
Non-Operating Properties [Member] | Johnny M Mine Area near San Mateo, New Mexico [Member]
Operating properties:
Reclamation and closure costs	5,830	5,830
Non-operating properties:
Reclamation and closure costs	5,830	5,830
Non-Operating Properties [Member] | Republic [Member]
Operating properties:
Reclamation and closure costs	1,500	774
Non-operating properties:
Reclamation and closure costs	1,500	774
Non-Operating Properties [Member] | All Other Sites [Member]
Operating properties:
Reclamation and closure costs	2,975	2,106
Non-operating properties:
Reclamation and closure costs	$ 2,975	$ 2,106

Note 4 - Environmental and Re47

Note 4 - Environmental and Reclamation Activities - Accrued Reclamation and Closure Cost Liability Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Balance at January 1, 2014	$ 95,538	$ 57,250	$ 105,191
Accruals for estimated costs	672	15,114	6,863
Accretion expense	3,191	1,904	3,089
Revision of estimated cash flows due to changes in reclamation plans	2,759	4,112	675
Payment of reclamation obligations	(17,704)	(1,544)	(58,568)
Balance at December 31, 2014	85,580	95,538	$ 57,250
Addition due to development and production at our San Sebastian unit		1,189
Revett Mining Company, Inc. [Member]
Liability addition due to acquisition of Revett		$ 17,513
Mines Management [Member]
Liability addition due to acquisition of Revett	$ 1,124

Note 4 - Environmental and Re48

Note 4 - Environmental and Reclamation Activities - Reconciliation of Asset Retirement Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Balance January 1	$ 53,233	$ 46,539
Changes in obligations due to changes in reclamation plans	2,760	4,112
Addition due to development and production at our San Sebastian unit		1,189
Accretion expense	3,191	1,904	$ 3,089
Payment of reclamation obligations	(76)	(511)
Balance at December 31	$ 59,108	$ 53,233	$ 46,539

Note 5 - Income Taxes (Details

Note 5 - Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	$ 99,602	$ 115,806	$ 32,094	$ 27,155
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	$ 87,012	65,729
Operating Loss Carryforwards Expiration Period	20 years
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Alternative Minimum Tax	$ 20,405	11,607
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Compensation	22,000	20,000
Foreign Earnings Repatriated	0	0	$ 0
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	0	$ 0
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	96,000
Operating Loss Carryforwards	244,000
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	4,000
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Hecla Canada Limited [Member] | Canada Revenue Agency [Member]
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	2,000
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Minera Hecla S.A. [Member] | Mexican Tax Authority [Member]
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	1,000
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Hecla Quebec. Inc [Member] | Canada Revenue Agency [Member]
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	0
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$ 84,000

Note 5 - Income Taxes - Major C

Note 5 - Income Taxes - Major Components of Income Tax Provision (Benefit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current:
Domestic	$ (10,702)	$ 3,892	$ 7,761
Foreign	(13,713)	(5,376)	(619)
Total current income tax (provision) benefit	(24,415)	(1,484)	7,142
Deferred:
Domestic	7,480	(75,456)	(1,572)
Foreign	(10,493)	20,630	(330)
Total deferred income tax (provision) benefit	(3,013)	(54,826)	(1,902)
Total income tax benefit (provision)	$ (27,428)	$ (56,310)	$ 5,240

Note 5 - Income Taxes - Compone

Note 5 - Income Taxes - Components of Income (Loss) from Operations Before Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income (Loss) from continuing operations	$ 96,975	$ (30,658)	$ 12,584
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Income (Loss) from continuing operations	41,014	(65,895)	(1,505)
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Income (Loss) from continuing operations	$ 55,961	$ 35,237	$ 14,089

Note 5 - Income Taxes - Reconci

Note 5 - Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate to Annual Tax Provision (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Computed “statutory” benefit (provision), Amount	$ (33,941)	$ 10,731	$ (4,405)
Computed “statutory” benefit (provision), Percentage	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Percentage depletion, Amount	$ 8,114	$ 2,432	$ 6,034
Percentage depletion, Percentage	(8.00%)	8.00%	(48.00%)
Change in valuation allowance, Amount	$ 11,336	$ (84,951)	$ (6,314)
Change in valuation allowance, Percentage	(12.00%)	(277.00%)	50.00%
State taxes, net of federal taxes, Amount	$ (565)	$ (3,639)	$ 1,671
State taxes, net of federal taxes, Percentage	1.00%	(12.00%)	(13.00%)
Foreign currency remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities, Amount	$ (4,598)	$ 28,184	$ 16,368
Foreign currency remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities, Percentage	5.00%	92.00%	(130.00%)
Rate differential on foreign earnings, Amount	$ (6,853)	$ (4,746)	$ (5,938)
Rate differential on foreign earnings, Percentage	7.00%	(15.00%)	47.00%
Compensation, Amount	$ (1,311)	$ (815)	$ (1,308)
Compensation, Percentage	1.00%	(3.00%)	10.00%
Other, Amount	$ 390	$ (3,506)	$ (868)
Other, Percentage	(1.00%)	(12.00%)	7.00%
Total income tax benefit (provision)	$ (27,428)	$ (56,310)	$ 5,240
Total	28.00%	(184.00%)	(42.00%)

Note 5 - Income Taxes - Compo53

Note 5 - Income Taxes - Components of the Net Deferred Tax Asset (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued reclamation costs	$ 30,188	$ 26,473
Deferred exploration	26,785	29,120
Foreign net operating losses	1,058	21,140
Domestic net operating losses	82,359	82,116
AMT credit carryforwards	20,405	11,607
Pension and benefit obligation	18,115	18,916
Foreign exchange loss	34,977	38,779
Foreign tax credit carryforward	7,283	6,692
Miscellaneous	30,166	27,205
Total deferred tax assets	251,336	262,048
Valuation allowance	(99,602)	(115,806)	$ (32,094)	$ (27,155)
Total deferred tax assets	151,734	146,242
Deferred tax liabilities:
Miscellaneous	(3,046)	(2,394)
Properties, plants and equipment	(235,700)	(209,577)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(238,746)	(211,971)
Net deferred tax liability	$ (87,012)	$ (65,729)

Note 5 - Income Taxes - Changes

Note 5 - Income Taxes - Changes in the Valuation Allowance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Balance at beginning of year	$ (115,806)	$ (32,094)	$ (27,155)
Balance at end of year	(99,602)	(115,806)	(32,094)
Increase Due to Uncertainty of Recovery [Member]
Valuation allowance, deferred tax asset, increase (decrease)	(2,868)	(92,393)	(6,314)
Decrease Related to Utilization and Expiration [Member]
Valuation allowance, deferred tax asset, increase (decrease)	$ 19,072	$ 8,681	$ 1,375

Note 6 - Senior Notes, Credit55

Note 6 - Senior Notes, Credit Facilities, and Capital Leases (Details Textual) $ in Thousands		Apr. 12, 2013USD ($)	May 31, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017
Underwriting Discount On Senior Notes		2.00%
Leverage Ratio					5
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount					$ 2,600
Capital Lease Obligations					11,491	$ 17,600
Capital Lease Obligations, Current					5,653	8,735
Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent					5,838	8,841
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due					12,047
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included in Payments					$ 556
Maximum [Member]
Leverage Ratio	[1]				4
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Leverage Ratio								4
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			$ 100,000
Debt Instrument, Term			3 years
Long-term Line of Credit					$ 0
Letter of Credit [Member]
Letter of Credit Outstanding, Fronting Fee					0.20%
Letter of Credit [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Letter of Credit, Participation Fee, Percent					2.25%
Letter of Credit [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Letter of Credit, Participation Fee, Percent					3.25%
Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		$ 500,000
Pension Contributions							$ 6,500
Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-term Debt		490,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount		$ 10,000			$ 5,500
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		6.875%
Interest Expense, Debt					16,200	13,500
Interest Costs Capitalized					$ 20,100	$ 22,700
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage				101.00%
[1]	The leverage ratio was amended to be 5.00:1 for 2016, and reverted back to 4.00:1 effective January 1, 2017.

Note 6 - Senior Notes, Credit56

Note 6 - Senior Notes, Credit Facilities and Capital Leases - Annual Future Obligations Related to the Senior Notes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Long-term debt	$ 500,979	$ 500,199
Senior Notes [Member]
2,017	34,822
2,018	34,822
2,019	34,822
2,020	34,822
2,021	518,107
Total	657,395
Less: interest	(150,895)
Principal	506,500
Less: unamortized discount	(5,521)
Long-term debt	$ 500,979

Note 6 - Senior Notes, Credit57

Note 6 - Senior Notes, Credit Facility, and Capital Leases - Credit Facilities (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Leverage ratio (total debt less unencumbered cash/EBITDA)	5
Maximum [Member]
Senior leverage ratio (debt secured by liens/EBITDA)	2.5
Leverage ratio (total debt less unencumbered cash/EBITDA)	4	[1]
Interest coverage ratio (EBITDA/interest expense)	3
New Facility [Member]
Standby fee per annum on undrawn amounts	0.50%
New Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Variable rate	2.25%
New Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Variable rate	3.25%
New Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Variable rate	1.25%
New Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Variable rate	2.25%
[1]	The leverage ratio was amended to be 5.00:1 for 2016, and reverted back to 4.00:1 effective January 1, 2017.

Note 6 - Senior Notes, Credit58

Note 6 - Senior Notes, Credit Facility, and Capital Leases - Annual Maturities of Capital Lease Commitments, Including Interest (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
2,017	$ 6,000
2,018	4,081
2,019	1,671
2,020	295
Total	12,047
Less: imputed interest	(556)
Net capital lease obligation	$ 11,491	$ 17,600

Note 7 - Commitments, Conting59

Note 7 - Commitments, Contingencies and Obligations (Details Textual)	Dec. 11, 2013	Apr. 12, 2013USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2012USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2011USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Contractual Obligations					$ 400,000
Commitments For Capital Lease Payments					12,000,000
Surety Bonds					112,700,000
Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs	4
Lucky Friday [Member]
Open Purchase Orders					700,000
Casa Berardi [Member]
Open Purchase Orders					2,100,000
Greens Creek [Member]
Open Purchase Orders					10,000,000
Senior Notes [Member]
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt		$ 500,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		6.875%
Debt Instrument, Increase (Decrease), Net						$ 6,500,000
Johnny M Mine Area near San Mateo, New Mexico [Member]
Payment Of Response Costs			$ 1,100,000				$ 1,100,000
Estimated Response Costs					5,600,000
Liability for Remediation					5,600,000
Johnny M Mine Area near San Mateo, New Mexico [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Estimated Alternative Response Costs					0
Johnny M Mine Area near San Mateo, New Mexico [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Estimated Alternative Response Costs					$ 221,000,000
Carpenter Snow Creek Superfund Site, Cascade County, Montana [Member]
Estimated Response Costs				$ 4,500,000
Estimated Future Response Cost				$ 100,000,000
Joint Venture [Member] | Rio Grande Silver Inc and Emerald Mining and Leasing LLC [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage					70.00%
Maximum Environmental Remediation Obligation					$ 2,500,000

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Pla60

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details Textual) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase					2.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets				6.80%	7.20%
Long-term Investments				$ 5,002,000	$ 1,515,000
Defined Benefit Plan Assumed Long Term Rate Basis Spread				1.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets				$ 87,357,000	73,321,000		$ 74,551,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer				$ 9,092,000	5,460,000
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match				55.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay				5.00%
Defined Benefit Plan Months of Services Required for Eligibility				180 days
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount				$ 442,000	391,000		292,000
Capital Accumulation 401(K) Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer				$ 3,500,000	3,400,000		$ 3,200,000
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match				100.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay				6.00%
Minimum [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent				2.00%
Minimum [Member] | Capital Accumulation 401(K) Plan [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent				1.00%
Maximum [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent				50.00%
Maximum [Member] | Capital Accumulation 401(K) Plan [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent				50.00%
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer		$ 2,600,000
Pension Plan [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer	$ 6,100,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets				$ 14,000,000	19,000,000
Company Stock [Member]
Long-term Investments				6,300,000	4,300,000
Real Estate [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets				11,400,000	13,200,000
Collective Investment Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets				$ 2,600,000	$ 5,800,000
Assumed for 2016 Through 2018 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase				0.00%	0.00%	[1]
Assumed for after 2018 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase				2.00%	2.00%	[1]
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year			$ 4,000,000
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Unfunded Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year			$ 400,000
[1]	0% was assumed for years 2016 through 2018 and 2% was assumed thereafter.

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Pla61

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans - Change in Benefit Obligation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$ 120,237	$ 118,284
Service cost	4,309	4,216	$ 4,312
Interest cost	5,229	4,823	4,859
Actuarial loss (gain)	7,500	(2,617)
Benefits paid	(5,006)	(4,469)
Benefit obligation at end of year	132,270	120,237	118,284
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	73,321	74,551
Actual return (loss) on plan assets	9,950	(2,221)
Employer contributions	9,092	5,460
Benefits paid	(5,006)	(4,469)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	87,357	73,321	$ 74,551
Underfunded status at end of year	$ (44,913)	$ (46,916)

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Pla62

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans - Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current liabilities:
Accrued benefit liability	$ (420)	$ (402)
Non- current pension liability:
Accrued benefit liability	(44,491)	(46,513)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	40,917	42,103
Net amount recognized	$ (3,994)	$ (4,812)

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Pla63

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans - Benefit Obligation and Prepaid Benefit Costs Assumptions (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Discount rate: net periodic pension cost		4.17%
Discount rate: projected benefit obligation		4.45%
Expected rate of return on plan assets	6.80%	7.20%
Rate of compensation increase		2.00%
Assumed for 2016 Through 2018 [Member]
Rate of compensation increase	0.00%	0.00%	[1]
Assumed for after 2018 [Member]
Rate of compensation increase	2.00%	2.00%	[1]
[1]	0% was assumed for years 2016 through 2018 and 2% was assumed thereafter.

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Pla64

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans - Net Periodic Pension Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Service cost	$ 4,309	$ 4,216	$ 4,312
Interest cost	5,229	4,823	4,859
Expected return on plan assets	(5,299)	(5,382)	(4,996)
Amortization of prior service benefit	(337)	(337)	(337)
Amortization of net gain from earlier periods	4,372	4,260	3,275
Net periodic pension cost	$ 8,274	$ 7,580	$ 7,113

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Pla65

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans - Employee Allocations of Investments and Measurement Dates by Asset Category (Details)	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member]
Allocation of investments	100.00%	100.00%
Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member]
Allocation of investments	100.00%	100.00%
Cash [Member] | Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member]
Allocation of investments	3.00%	2.00%
Cash [Member] | Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member]
Allocation of investments	3.00%	4.00%
Large Cap US Equity [Member] | Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member]
Allocation of investments	18.00%	10.00%
Large Cap US Equity [Member] | Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member]
Allocation of investments	17.00%	10.00%
Small Cap US Equity [Member] | Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member]
Allocation of investments	9.00%	5.00%
Small Cap US Equity [Member] | Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member]
Allocation of investments	9.00%	5.00%
Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] | Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member]
Allocation of investments	24.00%	9.00%
Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] | Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member]
Allocation of investments	25.00%	9.00%
Fixed Income Funds [Member] | Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member]
Allocation of investments	20.00%	34.00%
Fixed Income Funds [Member] | Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member]
Allocation of investments	20.00%	33.00%
Real Estate [Member] | Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member]
Allocation of investments	13.00%	18.00%
Real Estate [Member] | Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member]
Allocation of investments	13.00%	18.00%
Hedge Funds [Member] | Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member]
Allocation of investments	6.00%	15.00%
Hedge Funds [Member] | Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member]
Allocation of investments	6.00%	14.00%
Real Return [Member] | Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member]
Allocation of investments		1.00%
Real Return [Member] | Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member]
Allocation of investments		1.00%
Common Stock [Member] | Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member]
Allocation of investments	7.00%	6.00%
Common Stock [Member] | Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member]
Allocation of investments	7.00%	6.00%

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Pla66

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans - Investment Policy Allocation (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	[1]	Dec. 31, 2015
Large Cap US Equity [Member]
Investment policy allocation, target	17.00%		10.00%
Investment policy allocation, maximum	20.00%		13.00%
Investment policy allocation, minimum			7.00%
Small Cap US Equity [Member]
Investment policy allocation, target	8.00%		5.00%
Investment policy allocation, maximum	10.00%		6.00%
Investment policy allocation, minimum			4.00%
Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member]
Investment policy allocation, target	25.00%		10.00%
Investment policy allocation, maximum	30.00%		12.00%
Investment policy allocation, minimum			8.00%
Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Investment policy allocation, target	20.00%		35.00%
Investment policy allocation, maximum	25.00%		43.00%
Investment policy allocation, minimum			29.00%
Real Estate [Member]
Investment policy allocation, target	15.00%		15.00%
Investment policy allocation, maximum	18.00%		18.00%
Investment policy allocation, minimum			12.00%
Absolute Return [Member]
Investment policy allocation, target	5.00%		15.00%
Investment policy allocation, maximum	7.00%		18.00%
Investment policy allocation, minimum			12.00%
Real Return [Member]
Investment policy allocation, target	10.00%		10.00%
Investment policy allocation, maximum	13.00%		12.00%
Investment policy allocation, minimum			8.00%
[1]	The policy as of December 31, 2016 does not include minimum investment thresholds.

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Pla67

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans - Fair Value by Asset Category (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member]
Total fair value	$ 68,684	$ 57,673
Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Total fair value	45,223	33,023
Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Total fair value	12,379	9,862
Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Total fair value	11,082	14,788
Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member] | Interest-bearing Deposits [Member]
Total fair value	1,924	936
Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member] | Interest-bearing Deposits [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Total fair value	1,924	936
Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member] | Interest-bearing Deposits [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Total fair value
Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member] | Interest-bearing Deposits [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Total fair value
Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Total fair value	4,973	3,284
Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member] | Common Stock [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Total fair value	4,973	3,284
Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member] | Common Stock [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Total fair value
Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member] | Common Stock [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Total fair value
Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member] | Real Estate Investments [Member]
Total fair value	8,974	10,326
Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member] | Real Estate Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Total fair value
Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member] | Real Estate Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Total fair value
Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member] | Real Estate Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Total fair value	8,974	10,326
Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member] | Common Collective Funds [Member]
Total fair value	14,487	14,324
Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member] | Common Collective Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Total fair value
Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member] | Common Collective Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Total fair value	12,379	9,862
Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member] | Common Collective Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Total fair value	2,108	4,462
Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member]
Total fair value	38,326	28,803
Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Total fair value	38,326	28,803
Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Total fair value
Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Total fair value
Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member]
Total fair value	18,673	15,648
Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Total fair value	12,307	8,910
Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Total fair value	3,427	2,573
Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Total fair value	2,939	4,165
Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member] | Interest-bearing Deposits [Member]
Total fair value	550	76
Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member] | Interest-bearing Deposits [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Total fair value	550	76
Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member] | Interest-bearing Deposits [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Total fair value
Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member] | Interest-bearing Deposits [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Total fair value
Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Total fair value	1,340	989
Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member] | Common Stock [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Total fair value	1,340	989
Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member] | Common Stock [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Total fair value
Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member] | Common Stock [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Total fair value
Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member] | Real Estate Investments [Member]
Total fair value	2,389	2,856
Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member] | Real Estate Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Total fair value
Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member] | Real Estate Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Total fair value
Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member] | Real Estate Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Total fair value	2,389	2,856
Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member] | Common Collective Funds [Member]
Total fair value	3,977	3,882
Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member] | Common Collective Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Total fair value
Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member] | Common Collective Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Total fair value	3,427	2,573
Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member] | Common Collective Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Total fair value	550	1,309
Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member]
Total fair value	10,417	7,845
Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Total fair value	10,417	7,845
Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Total fair value
Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Total fair value

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Pla68

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans - Reconciliation of Level 3 Assets (Details) - Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Real Estate [Member] | Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member]
Beginning balance	$ 10,326	$ 8,889
Net unrealized gains on assets held at the reporting date	283	1,094
Purchases	333	343
Sales	(1,968)
Ending balance	8,974	10,326
Real Estate [Member] | Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member]
Beginning balance	2,856	2,458
Net unrealized gains on assets held at the reporting date	71	303
Purchases	90	95
Sales	(628)
Ending balance	2,389	2,856
Common Collective Funds [Member] | Hecla Mining Company Retirement Plan [Member]
Beginning balance	4,462	8,454
Net unrealized gains on assets held at the reporting date	80	8
Purchases
Sales	(2,434)	(4,000)
Ending balance	2,108	4,462
Common Collective Funds [Member] | Lucky Friday Pension Plan [Member]
Beginning balance	1,309	2,306
Net unrealized gains on assets held at the reporting date	20	3
Purchases
Sales	(779)	(1,000)
Ending balance	$ 550	$ 1,309

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Pla69

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans - Future Benefit Payments (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
2,017	$ 5,775
2,018	6,101
2,019	6,471
2,020	6,849
2,021	7,128
Years 2022-2026	$ 38,685

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Pla70

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans - Accumulated Benefit Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Projected benefit obligation	$ 132,270	$ 120,237
Accumulated benefit obligation	128,102	116,289
Fair value of plan assets	$ 87,357	$ 73,321

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Pla71

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans - Pension and Benefit Plan Amounts Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Unamortized net (gain)/loss	$ 42,161
Unamortized prior service benefit	$ (1,244)

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Pla72

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost to be Recognized Over Next Fiscal Year (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Amortization of prior service benefit	$ (337)	$ (337)	$ (337)
Amounts Expected to be Recognized in 2017 [Member]
Amortization of net loss	4,132
Amortization of prior service benefit	$ (337)

Note 9 - Shareholders' Equity73

Note 9 - Shareholders' Equity (Details Textual)	10 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / shares$ / ozshares	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / shares$ / ozshares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / shares$ / itemshares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)$ / itemshares	Feb. 20, 2017$ / shares	Feb. 23, 2016USD ($)	May 08, 2012shares	Jun. 30, 2010shares
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	500,000,000	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share | $ / shares	$ 0.25	$ 0.25	$ 0.25
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	395,286,875	395,286,875	378,112,840
Average Realized Silver Price Minimum Dividend Threshold	30	30	30	30
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues	2,780,087
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues | $	$ 8,100,000	$ 8,121,000
Payments for Brokerage Fees | $	$ 166,000
Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding			2,249,550
Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right			0.1622
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights | $ / shares			$ 6.17
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share | $ / shares	$ 0.25	$ 0.25	$ 0.25
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	157,816	157,816	157,816	157,816
Percent of Shareholders' Consent Needed to Create or Issue Stock Ranking Senior to Series B Preferred Stock | $	$ 66.67	$ 66.67
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference, Value | $	7,891,000	7,891,000	$ 7,891,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized | $	$ 3,200,000	$ 3,200,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	2,735,564	2,735,564	3,375,798
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value | $			$ 940,000	$ 1,501,000
Satisfy Withholding Obligations [Member]
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share | $ / shares		$ 3.44	$ 3.05
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares		1,010,509	613,698
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value | $		$ 3,500,000	$ 1,900,000
2010 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense | $		$ 532,000	$ 456,000	$ 366,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized								20,000,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	8,302,326	8,302,326
2010 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] | Non-Employee Directors [Member]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Gross		120,911	186,888	110,910
Directors Stock Plan [Member]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense | $		$ 271,000	$ 150,000	$ 109,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	438,459	438,459
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Method of Measuring Cost of Award Participant, Numerator | $		$ 24,000
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Gross		68,462	48,244	39,468
Stock Compensation Plan [Member]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense | $		$ 6,200,000	$ 5,400,000	$ 5,000,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense | $		3,600,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Stock Options | $	$ 4,500,000	4,500,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Expense Recognized Over Remaining Vesting Period [Member]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense | $		$ 4,800,000
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Per-Dollar-Amount | $ / shares		$ 3.50
Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share | $ / shares	$ 50	50
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share | $ / shares	$ 50	$ 50
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference, Value | $	$ 7,900,000	$ 7,900,000
Preferred Stock, Voting Rights		1
Preferred Stock Conversion Price | $ / shares	$ 15.55	$ 15.55
Preferred Stock Conversion Rate | $ / shares	$ 3.2154	$ 3.2154
Common Stock Repurchase Program [Member]
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased							20,000,000
Cumulative Stock Repurchased	934,100	934,100
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share | $ / shares		$ 3.99
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased	19,100,000	19,100,000
Common Stock Repurchase Program [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Share Price | $ / shares					$ 6.58
Minimum [Member]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared | $ / shares		$ 0.01
Maximum [Member]
Common Stock, Aggregate Offering Price | $						$ 75,000,000

Note 9 - Stockholders' Equity -

Note 9 - Stockholders' Equity - Common Stock Dividend Policy (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016$ / shares$ / item
Quarterly Average Realized Price, Level 1 [Member]
Quarterly average realized silver price per ounce (in USD per Per Share) | $ / item	30
Quarterly dividend per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01
Annual dividend per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.04
Quarterly Average Realized Price, Level 2 [Member]
Quarterly average realized silver price per ounce (in USD per Per Share) | $ / item	35
Quarterly dividend per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.02
Annual dividend per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.08
Quarterly Average Realized Price, Level 3 [Member]
Quarterly average realized silver price per ounce (in USD per Per Share) | $ / item	40
Quarterly dividend per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.03
Annual dividend per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.12
Quarterly Average Realized Price, Level 4 [Member]
Quarterly average realized silver price per ounce (in USD per Per Share) | $ / item	45
Quarterly dividend per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.04
Annual dividend per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.16
Quarterly Average Realized Price, Level 5 [Member]
Quarterly average realized silver price per ounce (in USD per Per Share) | $ / item	50
Quarterly dividend per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.05
Annual dividend per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.20
Quarterly Average Realized Price, Level 6 [Member]
Quarterly average realized silver price per ounce (in USD per Per Share) | $ / item	55
Quarterly dividend per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.06
Annual dividend per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.24
Quarterly Average Realized Price, Level 7 [Member]
Quarterly average realized silver price per ounce (in USD per Per Share) | $ / item	60
Quarterly dividend per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.07
Annual dividend per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.28

Note 9 - Stockholders' Equity75

Note 9 - Stockholders' Equity - Common Stock Dividends Declared by Our Board of Directors (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / shares
Declared May 5, 2014 [Member]
Silver-price-linked component per share (in dollars per share)
Minimum annual component per share (in dollars per share)	0.0025
Special dividend per share (in dollars per share)
Total dividend per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.0025
Total dividend amount (in Dollars) | $	$ 0.9
Declared July 31, 2014 [Member]
Silver-price-linked component per share (in dollars per share)
Minimum annual component per share (in dollars per share)	0.0025
Special dividend per share (in dollars per share)
Total dividend per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.0025
Total dividend amount (in Dollars) | $	$ 0.9
Declared November 5, 2014 [Member]
Silver-price-linked component per share (in dollars per share)
Minimum annual component per share (in dollars per share)	0.0025
Special dividend per share (in dollars per share)
Total dividend per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.0025
Total dividend amount (in Dollars) | $	$ 0.9
Declared February 17, 2015 [Member]
Silver-price-linked component per share (in dollars per share)
Minimum annual component per share (in dollars per share)	0.0025
Special dividend per share (in dollars per share)
Total dividend per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.0025
Total dividend amount (in Dollars) | $	$ 0.9
Declared May 6, 2015 [Member]
Silver-price-linked component per share (in dollars per share)
Minimum annual component per share (in dollars per share)	0.0025
Special dividend per share (in dollars per share)
Total dividend per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.0025
Total dividend amount (in Dollars) | $	$ 0.9
Declared August 6, 2015 [Member]
Silver-price-linked component per share (in dollars per share)
Minimum annual component per share (in dollars per share)	0.0025
Special dividend per share (in dollars per share)
Total dividend per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.0025
Total dividend amount (in Dollars) | $	$ 0.9
Declared November 3, 2015 [Member]
Silver-price-linked component per share (in dollars per share)
Minimum annual component per share (in dollars per share)	0.0025
Special dividend per share (in dollars per share)
Total dividend per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.0025
Total dividend amount (in Dollars) | $	$ 0.9
Declared February 20, 2016 [Member]
Silver-price-linked component per share (in dollars per share)
Minimum annual component per share (in dollars per share)	0.0025
Special dividend per share (in dollars per share)
Total dividend per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.0025
Total dividend amount (in Dollars) | $	$ 0.9
Declared May 4, 2016 [Member]
Silver-price-linked component per share (in dollars per share)
Minimum annual component per share (in dollars per share)	0.0025
Special dividend per share (in dollars per share)
Total dividend per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.0025
Total dividend amount (in Dollars) | $	$ 1
Declared August 3, 2016 [Member]
Silver-price-linked component per share (in dollars per share)
Minimum annual component per share (in dollars per share)	0.0025
Special dividend per share (in dollars per share)
Total dividend per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.0025
Total dividend amount (in Dollars) | $	$ 1
Declared November 4, 2016 [Member]
Silver-price-linked component per share (in dollars per share)
Minimum annual component per share (in dollars per share)	0.0025
Special dividend per share (in dollars per share)
Total dividend per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.0025
Total dividend amount (in Dollars) | $	$ 1
Declared February 21, 2017 [Member]
Silver-price-linked component per share (in dollars per share)
Minimum annual component per share (in dollars per share)	0.0025
Special dividend per share (in dollars per share)
Total dividend per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.0025
Total dividend amount (in Dollars) | $	$ 1

Note 9 - Stockholders' Equity76

Note 9 - Stockholders' Equity - Unvested Restricted Stock (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016$ / sharesshares
Unvested, January 1, 2016 (in shares) | shares	3,375,798
Unvested, January 1, 2016 (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 2.73
Granted (unvested) (in shares) | shares	1,138,669
Granted (unvested) (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 4.40
Canceled (in shares) | shares	(205,032)
Canceled (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 2.70
Distributed (vested) (in shares) | shares	(1,573,871)
Distributed (vested) (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 2.82
Unvested, December 31, 2016 (in shares) | shares	2,735,564
Unvested, December 31, 2016 (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 3.41

Note 9 - Stockholders' Equity77

Note 9 - Stockholders' Equity - Unvested Units Expected to Vest (Details) - shares	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Units scheduled to vest (in shares)	2,735,564	3,375,798
Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One [Member]
Units scheduled to vest (in shares)	790,253
Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two [Member]
Units scheduled to vest (in shares)	650,137
Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Three [Member]
Units scheduled to vest (in shares)	379,743
Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Four [Member]
Units scheduled to vest (in shares)	579,437
Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Five [Member]
Units scheduled to vest (in shares)	335,994

Note 10 - Derivative Instrume78

Note 10 - Derivative Instruments (Details Textual) $ in Thousands, MXN in Millions, CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016CAD	Dec. 31, 2016MXN
Maximum Allocation of Forecasted CAD-demonimated Operating Costs	75.00%			75.00%	75.00%
Forecasted CAD-denominated Operating Costs to be Hedged, Term	5 years
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax	$ (5,200)
Gain (Loss) on Components Excluded from Assessment of Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Effectiveness	(2)
Derivative, Gain on Derivative	14,200	$ 6,200	$ 1,500
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	6,400
Derivative, Fair Value, Obligations Under the Agreements	6,400
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months	(3,000)
Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Derivative Asset, Noncurrent	2,500
Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivative Liability, Current	700
Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivative Asset, Current	$ 2,800
Casa Berardi [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Derivative, Forward Contracts, Forecasted Cash Operating Costs, Percent	21.00%			21.00%	21.00%
Casa Berardi [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Derivative, Forward Contracts, Forecasted Cash Operating Costs, Percent	75.00%			75.00%	75.00%
San Sebastian [Member]
Derivative, Forward Contracts, Forecasted Cash Operating Costs, Percent	75.00%			75.00%	75.00%
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Derivative Asset, Noncurrent	$ 27
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivative Liability, Current	2,800
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Derivative Liability, Noncurrent	$ 2,400
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Casa Berardi [Member] | Minimum [Member] | United States of America, Dollars
Derivative, Forward Exchange Rate	1.2787			1.2787	1.2787
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Casa Berardi [Member] | Maximum [Member] | United States of America, Dollars
Derivative, Forward Exchange Rate	1.338			1.338	1.338
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | San Sebastian [Member] | Minimum [Member] | United States of America, Dollars
Derivative, Forward Exchange Rate	18.9975			18.9975	18.9975
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | San Sebastian [Member] | Maximum [Member] | United States of America, Dollars
Derivative, Forward Exchange Rate	21			21	21
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Casa Berardi [Member]
Derivative, Number of Instruments Held	130			130	130
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 222,900			CAD 290.1
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | San Sebastian [Member]
Derivative, Number of Instruments Held	24			24	24
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 10,300				MXN 202.5
Unsettled Concentrate Sales Contracts [Member]
Derivative, Loss on Derivative	14,200
Forecasted Future Concentrate Contracts [Member]
Derivative, Gain on Derivative	$ 4,400

Note 10 - Derivative Instrume79

Note 10 - Derivative Instruments - Summary of Forward Sales Contracts (Details) oz in Thousands, lb in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016oz$ / oz	Dec. 31, 2015lboz$ / oz$ / lb
Silver 2017 Settlements for Provisional Sales [Member]
Ounces/pounds under contract (Ounce) | oz	1,295
Average price per ounce/pound (in USD per Ounce) | $ / oz	16.29
Silver 2016 Settlements for Provisional Sales [Member]
Ounces/pounds under contract (Ounce) | oz		1,368
Average price per ounce/pound (in USD per Ounce) | $ / oz		14.12
Gold 2017 Settlements for Provisional Sales [Member]
Ounces/pounds under contract (Ounce) | oz	4
Average price per ounce/pound (in USD per Ounce) | $ / oz	1,172
Gold 2016 Settlements for Provisional Sales [Member]
Ounces/pounds under contract (Ounce) | oz		5
Average price per ounce/pound (in USD per Ounce) | $ / oz		1,076
Zinc 2017 Settlements for Provisional Sales [Member]
Ounces/pounds under contract (Ounce) | oz	19,070
Average price per ounce/pound (in USD per Ounce) | $ / oz	1.18
Zinc 2016 Settlements for Provisional Sales [Member]
Ounces/pounds under contract (Ounce) | lb		23,755
Average price per ounce/pound (in USD per Ounce) | $ / lb		0.71
Lead 2017 Settlements for Provisional Sales [Member]
Ounces/pounds under contract (Ounce) | oz	7,441
Average price per ounce/pound (in USD per Ounce) | $ / oz	0.97
Lead 2016 Settlements for Provisional Sales [Member]
Ounces/pounds under contract (Ounce) | lb		8,433
Average price per ounce/pound (in USD per Ounce) | $ / lb		0.77
Silver 2017 Settlements for Forecasted Sales [Member]
Ounces/pounds under contract (Ounce) | oz
Average price per ounce/pound (in USD per Ounce) | $ / oz
Gold 2017 Settlements for Forecasted Sales [Member]
Ounces/pounds under contract (Ounce) | oz
Average price per ounce/pound (in USD per Ounce) | $ / oz
Zinc 2017 Settlements for Forecasted Sales [Member]
Ounces/pounds under contract (Ounce) | oz	35,384
Average price per ounce/pound (in USD per Ounce) | $ / oz	1.19
Lead 2017 Settlements for Forecasted Sales [Member]
Ounces/pounds under contract (Ounce) | oz	17,637
Average price per ounce/pound (in USD per Ounce) | $ / oz	1.03
Silver 2018 Settlements for Forecasted Sales [Member]
Ounces/pounds under contract (Ounce) | oz
Average price per ounce/pound (in USD per Ounce) | $ / oz
Gold 2018 Settlements for Forecasted Sales [Member]
Ounces/pounds under contract (Ounce) | oz
Average price per ounce/pound (in USD per Ounce) | $ / oz
Zinc 2018 Settlements for Forecasted Sales [Member]
Ounces/pounds under contract (Ounce) | oz	13,779
Average price per ounce/pound (in USD per Ounce) | $ / oz	1.21
Lead 2018 Settlements for Forecasted Sales [Member]
Ounces/pounds under contract (Ounce) | oz	5,732
Average price per ounce/pound (in USD per Ounce) | $ / oz	1.05

Note 11 - Business Segments a80

Note 11 - Business Segments and Significant Customers (Details Textual) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Number of Reportable Segments	4
Derivative, Gain on Derivative	$ 14.2	$ 6.2	$ 1.5

Note 11 - Business Segments a81

Note 11 - Business Segments and Significant Customers - Percentage of Sales by Segments (Details) - Sales Revenue, Net [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Percentage of sales	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Greens Creek [Member]
Percentage of sales	40.30%	51.40%	49.00%
Lucky Friday [Member]
Percentage of sales	14.70%	14.90%	17.90%
Casa Berardi [Member]
Percentage of sales	27.40%	33.70%	33.10%
San Sebastian [Member]
Percentage of sales	17.60%

Note 11 - Business Segments a82

Note 11 - Business Segments and Significant Customers - Information about Reportable Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	$ 645,957	$ 443,567	$ 500,781
Income (loss) from operations	116,944	(35,611)	21,628
Capital additions (including non-cash additions)	181,799	160,716	151,085
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	115,468	111,489	111,134
Other significant non-cash items	15,850	71,204	4,232
Identifiable assets	2,371,677	2,221,925	2,262,064
Greens Creek [Member]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	260,446	227,833	245,175
Income (loss) from operations	65,125	26,536	39,758
Capital additions (including non-cash additions)	42,013	45,962	31,476
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	52,564	56,553	63,505
Other significant non-cash items	2,736	2,886	2,807
Identifiable assets	681,303	698,265	704,121
Lucky Friday [Member]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	94,479	66,302	89,757
Income (loss) from operations	18,175	868	21,501
Capital additions (including non-cash additions)	44,839	60,020	52,193
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	11,810	11,262	9,431
Other significant non-cash items	720	72	72
Identifiable assets	442,829	393,338	356,482
Casa Berardi [Member]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	177,143	149,432	165,849
Income (loss) from operations	16,336	(1,557)	11,828
Capital additions (including non-cash additions)	67,577	35,302	48,615
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	47,312	43,674	38,198
Other significant non-cash items	1,259	2,229	847
Identifiable assets	806,044	779,423	800,961
San Sebastian [Member]
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	113,889
Income (loss) from operations	77,221	(9,269)	(5,780)
Capital additions (including non-cash additions)	6,026	4,623
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	3,782
Other significant non-cash items		13
Identifiable assets	33,608	22,238	1,529
Other Segments [Member]
Income (loss) from operations	(59,913)	(52,189)	(45,679)
Capital additions (including non-cash additions)	21,344	14,809	18,801
Other significant non-cash items	11,135	66,004	506
Identifiable assets	$ 407,893	$ 328,661	$ 398,971

Note 11 - Business Segments a83

Note 11 - Business Segments and Significant Customers - Sales by Geographic Area (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Sales by geographical area	$ 660,193	$ 437,372	$ 499,308
UNITED STATES
Sales by geographical area	22,499	17,862	22,200
CANADA
Sales by geographical area	437,621	275,771	295,027
JAPAN
Sales by geographical area	44,158	38,835	58,466
KOREA, REPUBLIC OF
Sales by geographical area	116,687	66,293	70,548
CHINA
Sales by geographical area	35,220	38,611	53,067
Other Geographic Areas [Member]
Sales by geographical area	$ 4,008

Note 11 - Business Segments a84

Note 11 - Business Segments and Significant Customers - Long-lived Assets by Geographic Area (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Long-lived assets	$ 2,032,685	$ 1,896,811
UNITED STATES
Long-lived assets	1,261,488	1,150,521
CANADA
Long-lived assets	764,489	741,612
MEXICO
Long-lived assets	$ 6,708	$ 4,678

Note 11 - Business Segments a85

Note 11 - Business Segments and Significant Customers - Sales from Continuing Operations to Significant Metals Customers As a Percentage of Total Sales (Details) - Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member] - Customer Concentration Risk [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Teck Metals Ltd [Member]
Significant metal customers	21.20%	22.50%	25.80%
Korea Zinc [Member]
Significant metal customers	16.90%	16.00%	14.10%
Scotia [Member]
Significant metal customers	24.50%	5.60%
CIBC [Member]
Significant metal customers	19.00%	17.60%	17.00%
Mitsui [Member]
Significant metal customers	4.40%	10.20%	15.80%

Note 12 - Fair Value Measurem86

Note 12 - Fair Value Measurement (Details Textual) - Senior Notes [Member] $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Notes Payable	$ 501
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 521.4

Note 12 - Fair Value Measurem87

Note 12 - Fair Value Measurement - Assets and Liabilities Accounted for at Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Receivables from provisional concentrate sales	$ 9,780	$ 16,401
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Total assets	231,608	171,213
Total liabilities	5,480
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Money market funds and other bank deposits	169,777	155,209
Equity securities – mining industry	5,002	1,515
Certificates of deposit and other bank deposits	2,200	999
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Debt securities – municipal and corporate bonds	29,117
Receivables from provisional concentrate sales	20,082	13,490
Metal forward contracts	5,403
Foreign exchange contracts	27
Metal forward contracts	192
Foreign exchange contracts	$ 5,288

Note 13 - Income (Loss) Per C88

Note 13 - Income (Loss) Per Common Share (Details Textual) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	500,000,000		500,000,000
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.25		$ 0.25
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	395,286,875		378,112,840
Treasury Stock, Shares	3,941,210		2,764,973
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	395,286,875		378,112,840
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	157,816	157,816	157,816
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	0		0
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements	4,309,440	4,670,170
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount		259,342
Gross of Treasury Stock [Member]
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	399,228,085

Note 13 - Income (Loss) Per C89

Note 13 - Income (Loss) Per Common Share - Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Net income	$ 69,547	$ (86,968)	$ 17,824
Series B Preferred Stock dividends declared	(552)	(552)	(552)
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares	$ 68,995	$ (87,520)	$ 17,272
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic (in shares)	386,416	373,954	353,442
Dilutive stock options, restricted stock units, and warrants (in shares)	2,906		3,993
Diluted weighted average common shares (in shares)	389,322	373,954	357,435
Basic income (loss) per common share after preferred dividends (in dollars per share)	$ 0.18	$ (0.23)	$ 0.05
Diluted income (loss) per common share after preferred dividends (in dollars per share)	$ 0.18	$ (0.23)	$ 0.05

Note 14 - Accumulated Other C90

Note 14 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments	$ (177)	$ (3,333)	$ (3,224)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Write-down of Securities, before Tax	1,000	3,000	2,400
Equity Securities [Member]
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments	$ 2,600	$ 300	$ 1,100

Note 14 - Accumulated Other C91

Note 14 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Balance	$ 1,338,926	$ 1,396,974	$ 1,326,419
Change, net of tax	(1,971)	(600)	(5,732)
Balance	1,479,844	1,338,926	1,396,974
Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member]
Balance	(1,159)	(1,409)	(2,552)
Change, net of tax	2,613	250	1,143
Balance	1,454	(1,159)	(1,409)
Balance, tax	631	625	619
Change, tax	(4)	6	6
Balance, tax	627	631	625
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member]
Balance
Change, net of tax	(5,260)
Balance	(5,260)
Balance, tax
Change, tax
Balance, tax
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Transition Attributable to Parent [Member]
Balance	(31,472)	(30,622)	(23,747)
Change, net of tax	676	(850)	(6,875)
Balance	(30,796)	(31,472)	(30,622)
Balance, tax	10,630	10,417	5,764
Change, tax	(510)	213	4,653
Balance, tax	10,120	10,630	10,417
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Balance	(32,631)	(32,031)	(26,299)
Change, net of tax	(1,971)	(600)	(5,732)
Balance	(34,602)	(32,631)	(32,031)
Balance, tax	11,261	11,042	6,383
Change, tax	(514)	219	4,659
Balance, tax	$ 10,747	$ 11,261	$ 11,042

Note 15 - Acquisitions (Details

Note 15 - Acquisitions (Details Textual) CAD / shares in Units, $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands, CAD in Millions	Sep. 13, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Jun. 27, 2016CADCAD / sharesshares	Jun. 15, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)shares	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs						$ 2,695	$ 2,162
Dolly Varden Historic Silver Property [Member] | Dolly Varden [Member]
Ownership Percentage		100.00%
Mines Management [Member]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred	$ 52,134
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross	4,025
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable	$ 48,109
Business Acquistion, Number of Common Stock Shares Exchanged for Each Share of Acquiree Common Stock | shares	0.2218
Business Acquisition, Common Shares Outstanding of Acquiree | shares	36,498,625
Business Acquisition, Outstanding Options to Purchase Common Shares of Acquiree | shares	963,079
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares | shares	8,309,006
Business Acquisition, Share Price | $ / shares	$ 5.79
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment	$ 68,038
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs, Shares Issued | shares				181,048
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs						4,700
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual						$ 32
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Reclamation Liability	1,124
Mines Management [Member] | Acquisition Costs [Member]
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs				$ 1,000
Mines Management [Member] | Plant and Equipment [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment	800
Mines Management [Member] | Land [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment	100
Mines Management [Member] | Mineral Interests [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment	$ 67,100
Mines Management [Member] | Montanore Project [Member]
Ownership Percentage				100.00%	100.00%
Dolly Varden [Member]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred | CAD		CAD 13.6
Business Acquisition, Share Price | CAD / shares		CAD 0.69
Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Shares | shares		4,478,087
Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Warrants | shares		1,351,762
Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Percentage		18.50%
Revett Mining Company, Inc. [Member]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred			$ 20,082
Ownership Percentage			100.00%
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross			$ 949
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable			$ 19,133
Business Acquistion, Number of Common Stock Shares Exchanged for Each Share of Acquiree Common Stock | shares			0.1622
Business Acquisition, Common Shares Outstanding of Acquiree | shares			38,548,989
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares | shares			6,252,646
Business Acquisition, Share Price | $ / shares			$ 3.06
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment			$ 17,609
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs							2,400
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual							$ 1,700
Number of Properties			2
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Value Assigned			$ 19,100
Business Acquisition, Shares Owned by Subsidary, Number of Shares Cancelled | shares			725,000
Business Acquisition Per Share Consideration | $ / shares			$ 3.06
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Reclamation Liability			$ 17,513						$ 17,500
Insurance Policy			16,800
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Reclamation Insurance Asset			16,800						$ 16,800
Proceeds from Insurance Settlement, Investing Activities					$ 16,000
Insured Event, Gain (Loss)					$ (700)
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use								$ 54,700
Revett Mining Company, Inc. [Member] | Plant and Equipment [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment			4,100
Revett Mining Company, Inc. [Member] | Land [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment			4,600
Revett Mining Company, Inc. [Member] | Mineral Interests [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment			$ 8,900

Note 15 - Acquisitions - Prelim

Note 15 - Acquisitions - Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 13, 2016	Jun. 15, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015
Mines Management [Member]
Cash	$ 4,025
Hecla stock issued (8,309,006 shares at $5.79 per share)	48,109
Total consideration	52,134
Cash	94
Property, plants, equipment and mineral interests	68,038
Restricted cash	1,185
Other assets	329
Total assets	69,646
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	2,357
Deferred tax liability	14,031
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Reclamation Liability	1,124
Total liabilities	17,512
Net assets	52,134
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross	4,025
Hecla stock issued (6,252,646 shares at $3.06 per share)	48,109
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment	$ 68,038
Revett Mining Company, Inc. [Member]
Cash		$ 949
Hecla stock issued (8,309,006 shares at $5.79 per share)		19,133
Total consideration		20,082
Cash		140
Property, plants, equipment and mineral interests		17,609
Other assets		280
Total assets		42,631
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		975
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Reclamation Liability		17,513	$ 17,500
Total liabilities		22,549
Net assets		20,082
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross		949
Hecla stock issued (6,252,646 shares at $3.06 per share)		19,133
Accounts receivable		137
Inventory - supplies		472
Deferred tax assets		7,193
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment		17,609
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Reclamation Insurance Asset		16,800	$ 16,800
Notes payable		$ 4,061

Note 15 - Acquisitions - Prel94

Note 15 - Acquisitions - Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation (Details) (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	Sep. 13, 2016	Jun. 15, 2015
Mines Management [Member]
Stock Issued, shares (in shares)	8,309,006
Stock Issued, per share (in dollars per share)	$ 5.79
Revett Mining Company, Inc. [Member]
Stock Issued, shares (in shares)		6,252,646
Stock Issued, per share (in dollars per share)		$ 3.06

Note 15 - Acquisitions - Unaudi

Note 15 - Acquisitions - Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Mines Management [Member]
Sales of products	$ 645,957	$ 443,567
Net income (loss)	68,778	(89,806)
Income (loss) applicable to common shareholders	$ 68,226	$ (90,357)
Basic and diluted income (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.17	$ (0.24)
Revett Mining Company, Inc. [Member]
Sales of products		$ 445,703	$ 500,787
Net income (loss)		(89,118)	(44,099)
Income (loss) applicable to common shareholders		$ (89,670)	$ (44,651)
Basic and diluted income (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)		$ (0.24)	$ (0.12)

Note 16 - Guarantor Subsidiar96

Note 16 - Guarantor Subsidiaries (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Cumulative Percentage Ownership after All Transactions	100.00%
Hecla Limited [Member]
Sale of Stock, Percentage of Ownership before Transaction		100.00%
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses		$ 240.8
Capital Requirements Limited Funding Period		5 years
Hecla Alaska LLC [Member] | Greens Creek [Member]
Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Cumulative Percentage Ownership after All Transactions	29.7331%

Note 16 - Guarantor Subsidiar97

Note 16 - Guarantor Subsidiaries - Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 169,777	$ 155,209	$ 209,665	$ 212,175
Other current assets	12,125	9,453
Long-lived assets	2,032,685	1,896,811
Intercompany receivable (payable)
Investments in subsidiaries
Other non-current assets	4,884	2,783
Total assets	2,371,677	2,221,925	2,262,064
Current liabilities	127,480	127,084
Long-term debt	500,979	500,199
Non-current portion of accrued reclamation	79,927	74,549
Non-current deferred tax liability	121,600	119,623
Other non-current liabilities	11,518	52,703
Stockholders' equity	1,479,844	1,338,926	1,396,974	1,326,419
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	2,371,677	2,221,925
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	169,777	155,209	209,665	212,175
Other current assets	12,125	9,453
Long-lived assets	2,032,685	1,896,811
Intercompany receivable (payable)
Investments in subsidiaries
Other non-current assets	4,884	2,783
Total assets	2,371,677	2,221,925	2,262,064
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities	127,480	127,084
Long-term debt	500,979	500,199
Non-current portion of accrued reclamation	79,927	74,549
Non-current deferred tax liability	121,600	119,623
Other non-current liabilities	11,518	52,703
Stockholders' equity	1,479,844	1,338,926	1,396,974	1,326,419
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	2,371,677	2,221,925
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents
Other current assets	(1,236)	7,626
Long-lived assets
Intercompany receivable (payable)	124,769	93,179
Investments in subsidiaries	(1,496,787)	(1,252,191)
Other non-current assets	(160,916)	(113,480)
Total assets	(1,533,970)	(1,264,866)
Current liabilities	(22,999)	(9,198)
Long-term debt
Non-current portion of accrued reclamation
Non-current deferred tax liability	(14,212)	(3,477)
Other non-current liabilities	28
Stockholders' equity	(1,496,787)	(1,252,191)
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	(1,533,970)	(1,264,866)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Other current assets	(1,236)	7,626
Long-lived assets
Intercompany receivable (payable)	124,769	93,179
Investments in subsidiaries	(1,496,787)	(1,252,191)
Other non-current assets	(160,916)	(113,480)
Total assets	(1,533,970)	(1,264,866)
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities	(22,999)	(9,198)
Long-term debt
Non-current portion of accrued reclamation
Non-current deferred tax liability	(14,212)	(3,477)
Other non-current liabilities	28
Stockholders' equity	(1,496,787)	(1,252,191)
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	(1,533,970)	(1,264,866)
Parent Company [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents	113,275	94,167	146,885	126,271
Other current assets	33,950	15,972
Long-lived assets	2,103	2,281
Intercompany receivable (payable)	404,121	540,665
Investments in subsidiaries	1,496,787	1,252,191
Other non-current assets	4,186	2,200
Total assets	2,054,422	1,907,476
Current liabilities	22,401	21,087
Long-term debt	500,979	499,729
Non-current portion of accrued reclamation
Non-current deferred tax liability
Other non-current liabilities	51,198	47,734
Stockholders' equity	1,479,844	1,338,926
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	2,054,422	1,907,476
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	113,275	94,167	146,885	126,271
Other current assets	33,950	15,972
Long-lived assets	2,103	2,281
Intercompany receivable (payable)	404,121	540,665
Investments in subsidiaries	1,496,787	1,252,191
Other non-current assets	4,186	2,200
Total assets	2,054,422	1,907,476
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities	22,401	21,087
Long-term debt	500,979	499,729
Non-current portion of accrued reclamation
Non-current deferred tax liability
Other non-current liabilities	51,198	47,734
Stockholders' equity	1,479,844	1,338,926
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	2,054,422	1,907,476
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents	24,388	42,692	33,824	40,009
Other current assets	65,369	58,453
Long-lived assets	1,258,890	1,147,770
Intercompany receivable (payable)	(222,072)	(301,291)
Investments in subsidiaries
Other non-current assets	186,988	165,080
Total assets	1,313,563	1,112,704
Current liabilities	86,730	84,559
Long-term debt	3,065	6,128
Non-current portion of accrued reclamation	63,025	45,494
Non-current deferred tax liability	14,212	3,264
Other non-current liabilities	5,108	5,834
Stockholders' equity	1,141,423	967,425
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	1,313,563	1,112,704
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	24,388	42,692	33,824	40,009
Other current assets	65,369	58,453
Long-lived assets	1,258,890	1,147,770
Intercompany receivable (payable)	(222,072)	(301,291)
Investments in subsidiaries
Other non-current assets	186,988	165,080
Total assets	1,313,563	1,112,704
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities	86,730	84,559
Long-term debt	3,065	6,128
Non-current portion of accrued reclamation	63,025	45,494
Non-current deferred tax liability	14,212	3,264
Other non-current liabilities	5,108	5,834
Stockholders' equity	1,141,423	967,425
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	1,313,563	1,112,704
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents	32,114	18,350	28,956	45,895
Other current assets	35,524	32,273
Long-lived assets	771,692	746,760
Intercompany receivable (payable)	(307,018)	(332,553)
Investments in subsidiaries
Other non-current assets	5,350	1,781
Total assets	537,662	466,611
Current liabilities	41,348	30,636
Long-term debt	2,773	3,183
Non-current portion of accrued reclamation	16,902	29,055
Non-current deferred tax liability	121,600	119,836
Other non-current liabilities	(325)	(865)
Stockholders' equity	355,364	284,766
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	537,662	466,611
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	32,114	18,350	$ 28,956	$ 45,895
Other current assets	35,524	32,273
Long-lived assets	771,692	746,760
Intercompany receivable (payable)	(307,018)	(332,553)
Investments in subsidiaries
Other non-current assets	5,350	1,781
Total assets	537,662	466,611
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities	41,348	30,636
Long-term debt	2,773	3,183
Non-current portion of accrued reclamation	16,902	29,055
Non-current deferred tax liability	121,600	119,836
Other non-current liabilities	(325)	(865)
Stockholders' equity	355,364	284,766
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 537,662	$ 466,611

Note 16 - Guarantor Subsidiar98

Note 16 - Guarantor Subsidiaries - Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenues	$ 645,957	$ 443,567	$ 500,781
Cost of sales	(338,983)	(293,567)	(304,446)
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization	(115,468)	(111,489)	(111,134)
General and administrative	(45,040)	(34,201)	(31,538)
Exploration and pre-development	(17,857)	(21,958)	(19,667)
Gain on derivative contracts	4,423	8,252	9,134
Acquisition costs	(2,695)	(2,162)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
Other (expense) income	(33,362)	(19,100)	(30,546)
Income (loss) before income taxes	96,975	(30,658)	12,584
Income tax (provision) benefit	(27,428)	(56,310)	5,240
Net income	69,547	(86,968)	17,824
Series B Preferred Stock dividends declared	(552)	(552)	(552)
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares	68,995	(87,520)	17,272
Change, net of tax	(1,971)	(600)	(5,732)
Comprehensive (loss) income	67,576	(87,568)	12,092
Cost of sales	(454,451)	(405,056)	(304,446)
Closed operations		(2,162)
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Revenues
Cost of sales
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization
General and administrative
Exploration and pre-development
Gain on derivative contracts
Acquisition costs
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	(94,878)	(49,565)	(72,407)
Other (expense) income	(19,344)	54,188	(16,295)
Income (loss) before income taxes	(114,222)	4,623	(88,702)
Income tax (provision) benefit	19,344	(54,188)	16,295
Net income	(94,878)	(49,565)	(72,407)
Series B Preferred Stock dividends declared
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares	(94,878)	(49,565)	(72,407)
Change, net of tax	(2,665)	208	177
Comprehensive (loss) income	(97,543)	(49,357)	(72,230)
Cost of sales
Closed operations
Parent Company [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]
Revenues	(14,237)	6,194	1,473
Cost of sales
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization
General and administrative	(23,262)	(17,920)	(17,667)
Exploration and pre-development	(304)	(627)	(252)
Gain on derivative contracts	4,423	8,252	9,134
Acquisition costs	(2,607)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	94,878	49,565	72,407
Other (expense) income	10,656	(131,915)	(47,271)
Income (loss) before income taxes	69,547	(86,968)	17,824
Income tax (provision) benefit
Net income	69,547	(86,968)	17,824
Series B Preferred Stock dividends declared	(552)	(552)	(552)
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares	68,995	(87,520)	17,272
Change, net of tax	(1,971)	(600)	(5,732)
Comprehensive (loss) income	67,576	(87,568)	12,092
Cost of sales
Closed operations		(517)
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]
Revenues	369,162	287,941	333,460
Cost of sales	(203,133)
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization	(64,374)	(67,815)	(72,937)
General and administrative	(20,425)	(14,508)	(12,694)
Exploration and pre-development	(6,640)	(7,177)	(7,088)
Gain on derivative contracts
Acquisition costs	(34)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
Other (expense) income	11,400	22,537	29,753
Income (loss) before income taxes	85,956	26,650	75,894
Income tax (provision) benefit	(25,334)	(7,251)	(10,565)
Net income	60,622	19,399	65,329
Series B Preferred Stock dividends declared
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares	60,622	19,399	65,329
Change, net of tax	8	(467)	(1,329)
Comprehensive (loss) income	60,630	18,932	64,000
Cost of sales		(192,683)	(194,600)
Closed operations		(1,645)
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]
Revenues	291,032	149,432	165,848
Cost of sales	(135,850)
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization	(51,094)	(43,674)	(38,197)
General and administrative	(1,353)	(1,773)	(1,177)
Exploration and pre-development	(10,913)	(14,154)	(12,327)
Gain on derivative contracts
Acquisition costs	(54)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
Other (expense) income	(36,074)	36,090	3,267
Income (loss) before income taxes	55,694	25,037	7,568
Income tax (provision) benefit	(21,438)	5,129	(490)
Net income	34,256	30,166	7,078
Series B Preferred Stock dividends declared
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares	34,256	30,166	7,078
Change, net of tax	2,657	259	1,152
Comprehensive (loss) income	$ 36,913	30,425	8,230
Cost of sales		(100,884)	(109,846)
Closed operations

Note 16 - Guarantor Subsidiar99

Note 16 - Guarantor Subsidiaries - Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities	$ 225,328	$ 106,445	$ 83,124
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to properties, plants, and equipment	(164,788)	(137,443)	(122,537)
Purchase of other companies, net of cash acquired	(3,931)	(809)
Other investing activities, net	(29,946)	(1,163)	4,182
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends paid to stockholders	(4,419)	(4,291)	(4,099)
Payments on debt	(11,156)	(10,851)	(9,137)
Other financing activity	3,554	(2,001)	49,740
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(74)	(5,152)	(3,783)
Changes in cash and cash equivalents	14,568	(54,456)	(2,510)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	155,209	209,665	212,175
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	169,777	155,209	209,665
Cash flows from operating activities	225,328	106,445	83,124
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities	(19,606)	(2,629)	(75,323)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to properties, plants, and equipment
Purchase of other companies, net of cash acquired
Other investing activities, net
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends paid to stockholders
Payments on debt
Other financing activity	19,606	2,629	75,323
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
Changes in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
Cash flows from operating activities	(19,606)	(2,629)	(75,323)
Parent Company [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities	85,665	(56,036)	38,270
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to properties, plants, and equipment	(348)	(1,355)	(1,336)
Purchase of other companies, net of cash acquired	(3,931)
Other investing activities, net	(29,383)	(748)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends paid to stockholders	(4,419)	(4,291)	(4,099)
Payments on debt
Other financing activity	(28,476)	9,712	(12,221)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
Changes in cash and cash equivalents	19,108	(52,718)	20,614
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	94,167	146,885	126,271
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	113,275	94,167	146,885
Cash flows from operating activities	85,665	(56,036)	38,270
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities	82,778	101,254	61,900
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to properties, plants, and equipment	(93,541)	(97,684)	(68,859)
Purchase of other companies, net of cash acquired
Other investing activities, net	(896)	637	417
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends paid to stockholders
Payments on debt	(10,174)	(12,405)	(9,137)
Other financing activity	3,529	17,066	9,494
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
Changes in cash and cash equivalents	(18,304)	8,868	(6,185)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	42,692	33,824	40,009
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	24,388	42,692	33,824
Cash flows from operating activities	82,778	101,254	61,900
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities	76,491	63,856	58,277
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to properties, plants, and equipment	(70,899)	(38,404)	(52,342)
Purchase of other companies, net of cash acquired
Other investing activities, net	333	(1,052)	3,765
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends paid to stockholders
Payments on debt	(982)	1,554
Other financing activity	8,895	(31,408)	(22,856)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(74)	(5,152)	(3,783)
Changes in cash and cash equivalents	13,764	(10,606)	(16,939)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	18,350	28,956	45,895
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	32,114	18,350	28,956
Cash flows from operating activities	$ 76,491	$ 63,856	$ 58,277