Hecla Mining (HL) 10-Q 10 May 19 2019 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	May 07, 2019
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	HECLA MINING CO/DE/
Entity Central Index Key	0000719413
Trading Symbol	hl
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)		486,232,104
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2019
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 11,797	$ 27,389
Accounts receivable:
Trade	9,586	4,184
Taxes	16,831	14,191
Other, net	5,162	7,443
Inventories:
Concentrates, doré, and stockpiled ore	44,610	53,172
Materials and supplies	34,064	34,361
Prepaid taxes	13,818	12,231
Other current assets	8,239	11,179
Total current assets	144,107	164,150
Non-current investments	6,768	6,583
Non-current restricted cash and investments	1,025	1,025
Properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests, net	2,508,981	2,520,004
Operating lease right-of-use assets	20,647
Non-current deferred income taxes	3,058	1,987
Other non-current assets	10,019	10,195
Total assets	2,694,605	2,703,944
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	61,680	77,861
Accrued payroll and related benefits	36,435	30,034
Accrued taxes	9,109	7,727
Current portion of finance leases	5,858	5,264
Current portion of operating leases	6,701
Current portion of accrued reclamation and closure costs	5,325	3,410
Accrued interest	15,017	5,961
Other current liabilities	6,696	5,937
Total current liabilities	146,821	136,194
Non-current finance leases	9,302	7,871
Non-current operating leases	13,964
Accrued reclamation and closure costs	104,186	104,979
Long-term debt	533,723	532,799
Non-current deferred tax liability	159,425	173,537
Non-current pension liability	49,821	47,711
Other non-current liabilities	6,793	9,890
Total liabilities	1,024,035	1,012,981
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 2, 4, 7, 9, and 11)
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, 750,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding March 31, 2019 — 482,987,752 shares and December 31, 2018 — 482,603,937 shares	122,052	121,956
Capital surplus	1,882,613	1,880,481
Accumulated deficit	(275,188)	(248,308)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(38,210)	(42,469)
Less treasury stock, at cost; March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 - 5,226,791 shares issued and held in treasury	(20,736)	(20,736)
Total stockholders’ equity	1,670,570	1,690,963
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 2,694,605	$ 2,703,944

Condensed Consolidated Balanc_2

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
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)	750,000,000	750,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	482,987,752	482,603,937
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	482,987,752	482,603,937
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	5,226,791	5,226,791

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Sales of products	$ 152,617	$ 139,709
Cost of sales and other direct production costs	110,386	72,869
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	38,787	28,054
Total cost of sales	149,173	100,923
Gross profit	3,444	38,786
Other operating expenses:
General and administrative	9,959	7,735
Exploration	4,402	7,360
Pre-development	856	1,005
Research and development	403	1,436
Other operating expense	587	515
Suspension-related costs	2,778	5,017
Acquisition costs	13	2,507
Provision for closed operations and environmental matters	570	1,262
Total other operating expense	19,568	26,837
(Loss) income from operations	(16,124)	11,949
Other income (expense):
Unrealized gain on investments	96	310
(Loss) gain on derivative contracts	(1,799)	4,007
Net foreign exchange (loss) gain	(3,133)	2,592
Other expense	(1,124)	(56)
Interest expense	(10,665)	(9,794)
Total other expense	(16,625)	(2,941)
(Loss) income before income taxes	(32,749)	9,008
Income tax benefit (provision)	7,216	(768)
Net income (loss)	(25,533)	8,240
Preferred stock dividends	(138)	(138)
(Loss) income applicable to common stockholders	(25,671)	8,102
Comprehensive (loss) income:
Net (loss) income	(25,533)	8,240
Unrealized holding losses on investments		(31)
Change in fair value of derivative contracts designated as hedge transactions	4,259	(2,073)
Comprehensive (loss) income	$ (21,274)	$ 6,136
Basic (loss) income per common share after preferred dividends (in dollars per share)	$ (0.05)	$ 0.02
Diluted (loss) income per common share after preferred dividends (in dollars per share)	$ (0.05)	$ 0.02
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	482,829	399,322
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	482,829	401,923

Condensed Consolidated Statem_2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Operating activities:
Net (loss) income	$ (25,533)	$ 8,240
Non-cash elements included in net (loss) income:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	40,267	29,490
Unrealized gain on investments	(96)	(310)
Adjustment of inventory to market value	1,399
Gain on disposition of properties, plants, equipment, and mineral interests		(129)
Provision for reclamation and closure costs	1,594	1,323
Stock compensation	1,580	1,089
Deferred income taxes	(8,293)	(438)
Amortization of loan origination fees	625	449
Loss (gain) on derivative contracts	3,686	(9,094)
Foreign exchange loss (gain)	5,550	(3,399)
Other non-cash items, net	2	2
Change in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(5,063)	(7,266)
Inventories	3,171	(6,762)
Other current and non-current assets	1,124	(3,171)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(9,496)	13,956
Accrued payroll and related benefits	7,212	(3,927)
Accrued taxes	1,237	218
Accrued reclamation and closure costs and other non-current liabilities	1,064	(3,888)
Cash provided by operating activities	20,030	16,383
Investing activities:
Additions to properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests	(33,071)	(17,635)
Proceeds from disposition of properties, plants and equipment	1	151
Purchases of investments		(31,182)
Maturities of investments		30,501
Net cash used in investing activities	(33,070)	(18,165)
Financing activities:
Acquisition of treasury shares		(1,225)
Dividends paid to common stockholders	(1,209)	(998)
Dividends paid to preferred stockholders	(138)	(138)
Credit facility fees paid	(39)
Borrowings on debt	58,000	31,024
Repayments of debt	(58,000)
Repayments of finance leases	(1,261)	(1,322)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(2,647)	27,341
Effect of exchange rates on cash	95	876
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents	(15,592)	26,435
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	28,414	187,139
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period	12,822	213,574
Significant non-cash investing and financing activities:
Addition of finance lease obligations and right-of-use assets	3,498	2,446
Recognition of operating lease liabilities and right-of-use assets	22,365
Payment of accrued compensation in stock		$ 4,863

Condensed Consolidated Statem_3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	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, 2017	$ 39	$ 100,926	$ 1,619,816	$ (218,089)	$ (23,373)	$ (18,042)	$ 1,461,277
Net (loss) income				8,240			8,240
Restricted stock units granted			1,089				1,089
Common stock dividends declared ($0.0025 per common share)				(998)			(998)
Series B Preferred Stock dividends declared ($0.875 per share)				(138)			(138)
Common stock issued for 401(k) match		55	839				894
Other comprehensive income (loss)					(2,105)		(2,105)
Change in accounting for marketable equity securities				1,289	(1,289)
Common stock issued for employee incentive compensation 1,237,369 shares)		309	4,554			(1,225)	3,638
Balance at Mar. 31, 2018	39	101,290	1,626,298	(209,696)	(26,767)	(19,267)	1,471,897
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	39	121,956	1,880,481	(248,308)	(42,469)	(20,736)	1,690,963
Net (loss) income				(25,533)			(25,533)
Restricted stock units granted			1,579				1,579
Common stock dividends declared ($0.0025 per common share)				(1,209)			(1,209)
Series B Preferred Stock dividends declared ($0.875 per share)				(138)			(138)
Adjustment to fair value of warrants issued for purchase of another company			(325)				(325)
Common stock issued for 401(k) match		96	878				974
Other comprehensive income (loss)					4,259		4,259
Balance at Mar. 31, 2019	$ 39	$ 122,052	$ 1,882,613	$ (275,188)	$ (38,210)	$ (20,736)	$ 1,670,570

Condensed Consolidated Statem_4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Retained Earnings [Member]
Common stock dividends declared, per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.0025	$ 0.0025
Preferred stock dividends declared, per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.875	$ 0.875
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Common stock issued for 401(k) match, shares (in shares)	384,000	221,018
Common stock issued for employee incentive compensation, shares (in shares)		1,237,369

Note 1 - Basis of Preparation o

Note 1 - Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	1. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and notes to the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring items and items which are nonrecurring, necessary to present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Hecla Mining Company and its consolidated subsidiaries (in this report, "Hecla" or "the Company" or “we” or “our” or “us” refers to Hecla Mining Company and our subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise). These unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and related footnotes as set forth in our annual report filed on Form 10 December 31, 2018, may The results of operations for the periods presented may not may not The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period, and the disclosures of contingent liabilities. Accordingly, ultimate results could differ materially from those estimates.

Note 2 - Investments

Note 2 - Investments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Investment [Text Block]	Note 2. At March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018, $6.8 $6.6 $7.8 $7.7 March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018, March 31, 2019, $0.1 March 31, 2018, $0.3

Note 3 - Income Taxes

Note 3 - Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 3. Major components of our income tax benefit (provision) for the three March 31, 2019 2018 Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 2018 Current: Domestic $ — $ — Foreign (1,077 ) (1,206 ) Total current income tax benefit (provision) (1,077 ) (1,206 ) Deferred: Domestic 2,477 — Foreign 5,816 438 Total deferred income tax benefit (provision) 8,293 438 Total income tax benefit (provision) $ 7,216 $ (768 ) The current income tax benefit (provision) for the three March 31, 2019 2018 As of March 31, 2019, $51.6 $107.8 $3.1 $156.3 With the acquisition of Klondex Mines Ltd. ("Klondex") on July 20, 2018 ( Note 13 not $60.2 three March 31, 2019, $2.5 382. not For Hecla U.S., we recorded a full valuation allowance in the U.S. in December 2017 March 31, 2019

Note 4 - Commitments, Contingen

Note 4 - Commitments, Contingencies and Obligations	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 4. General We follow GAAP 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 Lucky Friday Water Permit Matters In December 2013, 308 no. 3 December 2015. may Johnny M Mine Area near San Mateo, McKinley County and San Mateo Creek Basin, New Mexico In May 2011, may August 2012, $1.1 not $1.1 December 2014 three 1 no 2 3 $0 $221 $5.6 June 2015, not fourth 2014, $5.6 no not $5.6 not The Johnny M Mine is in an area known as the San Mateo Creek Basin (“SMCB”), which is an approximately 321 not may $5.6 In July 2018, may $9.6 Carpenter Snow Creek and Barker-Hughesville Sites in Montana In July 2010, 1980s 6 1988. In June 2011, may $4.5 may $100 In February 2017, April 2017. June December 1983, In August 2018, may not Potential Claim for Indemnification Against CoCa Mines, Inc. In 1991, 2014, January 2019, third 1989 may no January 2019, may Montanore Project In October 2018, not 2008, $3,325,000. no May 6, 2019, one 30 March 31, 2019, $1.1 Litigation Related to Klondex Acquisition Following the announcement of our proposed acquisition of Klondex, Klondex and members of the Klondex board of directors were named as defendants in several putative stockholder class actions brought by purported stockholders of Klondex challenging the proposed merger. The lawsuits were all filed in the United States District Court for the District of Nevada. On December 18, 2018, three No. 3:18 00284 June 15, 2018). The plaintiffs generally claim that Klondex issued a proxy statement that included misstatements or omissions, in violation of sections 14 20 1934, Although it is not In addition, on September 11, 2018, not July 2018, 13%. July 2018 $3.7 $8.9 Debt As discussed in Note 9 April 12, 2013, $500 2014, $6.5 one 2014. May 1 November 1 November 1, 2013. On March 5, 2018, CAD$40 USD$30.8 2018 May 1, 2021 ( 0.58%, 4.68% May 1 November 1 May 1, 2018. See Note 9 Other Commitments Our contractual obligations as of March 31, 2019 $4.3 March 31, 2019 $1.5 $0.4 $3.9 $2.9 $16.2 $22.9 Note 9 March 31, 2019, $185.3 Other Contingencies 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 have no may may no not

Note 5 - (Loss) Earnings Per Co

Note 5 - (Loss) Earnings Per Common Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	Note 5. We are authorized to issue 750,000,000 $0.25 March 31, 2019, 488,214,543 5,226,791 482,987,752 0.05 $0.02 three March 31, 2019 2018, Diluted (loss) earnings per share for the three March 31, 2019 2018 no For the three March 31, 2019, no three March 31, 2018, 1,092,307 1,509,159 539,204 212,602 not

Note 6 - Business Segments and

Note 6 - Business Segments and Sales of Products	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 6. We discover, acquire, develop, produce, and market concentrates and doré containing silver, gold, lead and zinc. We are currently organized and managed in five July 2018 ( Note 13 General corporate activities not not The following tables present information about reportable segments for the three March 31, 2019 2018 Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 2018 Net sales to unaffiliated customers: Greens Creek $ 80,129 $ 65,850 Lucky Friday 2,182 4,977 Casa Berardi 40,062 55,548 San Sebastian 12,600 13,334 Nevada Operations 17,644 — $ 152,617 $ 139,709 Income (loss) from operations: Greens Creek $ 25,433 $ 23,152 Lucky Friday (2,781 ) (4,146 ) Casa Berardi (10,519 ) 3,250 San Sebastian (1,512 ) 5,017 Nevada Operations (13,991 ) — Other (12,754 ) (15,324 ) $ (16,124 ) $ 11,949 The following table presents identifiable assets by reportable segment as of March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Identifiable assets: Greens Creek $ 640,241 $ 637,386 Lucky Friday 440,433 437,499 Casa Berardi 739,978 754,248 San Sebastian 54,152 44,152 Nevada Operations 575,197 581,194 Other 244,604 249,465 $ 2,694,605 $ 2,703,944 Our products consist of both metal concentrates, which we sell to custom smelters and brokers, and unrefined bullion bars (doré), which may For sales of metals from refined doré, which we currently have at our Casa Berardi, San Sebastian and Nevada Operations units, the performance obligation is met, the transaction price is known, and revenue is recognized at the time of transfer of control of the agreed-upon metal quantities to the customer by the refiner. For sales of doré, the performance obligation is met, the transaction price is known, and revenue is recognized at the time of transfer of title and control of the doré containing the agreed-upon metal quantities to the customer. Refining, selling and shipping costs related to sales of doré and metals from doré are recorded to cost of sales as incurred. For concentrate sales, which we currently have at our Greens Creek and Lucky Friday units, the performance obligation is met, the transaction price can be reasonably estimated, and revenue is recognized generally at the time of shipment. Concentrates sold at our Lucky Friday unit typically leave the mine and are received by the customer within the same day. However, there is a period of time between shipment of concentrates from our Greens Creek unit and their physical receipt by the customer, and judgment is required in determining when control has been transferred to the customer for those shipments. We have determined the performance obligation is met and title is transferred to the customer upon shipment of concentrate parcels from Greens Creek because, at that time, 1 2 3 4 5 Judgment is also required in identifying the performance obligations for our concentrate sales. Most of our concentrate sales involve “frame contracts” with smelters that can cover multiple years and specify certain terms, under which individual parcels of concentrates are sold. However, some terms are not The consideration we receive for our concentrate sales fluctuates due to changes in metals prices between the time of shipment and final settlement with the customer. 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 previously recorded sales and accounts receivable are adjusted to estimated settlement metals prices until final settlement with the customer. Also, it is unlikely a significant reversal of revenue for any one March 31, 2019, 0.9 4,096 11,108 1,814 Note 11 Sales and accounts receivable for concentrate shipments are recorded net of charges for treatment, refining, smelting losses, and other charges negotiated by us with the customers, which represent components of the transaction price. Charges are estimated by us upon shipment of concentrates based on contractual terms, and actual charges typically do not may 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: Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 2018 Greens Creek 53 % 46 % Lucky Friday 1 % 4 % Casa Berardi 26 % 40 % San Sebastian 8 % 10 % Nevada Operations 12 % — % 100 % 100 % Sales of products by metal for the thee-month periods ended March 31, 2019 2018 Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 2018 Silver $ 45,506 $ 35,222 Gold 79,679 73,044 Lead 9,025 9,227 Zinc 24,755 30,109 Less: Smelter and refining charges (6,348 ) (7,893 ) Sales of products $ 152,617 $ 139,709 The following is sales information by geographic area based on the location of smelters and brokers (for concentrate shipments) and location of parent companies (for doré sales to metals traders) for the three March 31, 2019 2018 Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 2018 Canada $ 92,872 $ 88,668 Korea 49,300 32,703 Japan 8,350 13,773 United States 4,571 4,081 Other — (131 ) Total, excluding gains/losses on forward contracts $ 155,093 $ 139,094 Sales by significant product type for the three March 31, 2019 2018 Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 2018 Doré and metals from doré $ 75,901 $ 73,492 Lead concentrate 49,300 34,334 Zinc concentrate 23,792 25,652 Bulk concentrate 6,100 5,616 Total, excluding gains/losses on forward contracts $ 155,093 $ 139,094 Sales of products for the first three 2019 2018 $2.5 $0.6 Note 11 Sales of products to significant customers as a percentage of total sales were as follows for the three March 31, 2019 2018: Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 2018 CIBC 16 % 47 % Scotia 29 % 2 % Korea Zinc 20 % 23 % Teck Metals Ltd. 15 % 4 % Trafigura 12 % — % Ocean Partners — % 10 % Our trade accounts receivable balance related to contracts with customers was $9.6 March 31, 2019 $4.2 December 31, 2018, no We have determined our contracts do not We do not not not March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018. 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, March 13, 2017 July 2017, first 2019 2018, not $1.9 $4.1 $0.9 may March 31, 2019 $435.9 17

Note 7 - Employee Benefit Plans

Note 7 - Employee Benefit Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 7. Employee Benefit Plans We sponsor defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all U.S. employees. Net periodic pension cost for the plans consisted of the following for the three March 31, 2019 2018 Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 2018 Service cost $ 1,100 $ 1,252 Interest cost 1,620 1,377 Expected return on plan assets (1,496 ) (1,634 ) Amortization of prior service cost 15 15 Amortization of net loss 1,097 931 Net periodic pension cost $ 2,336 $ 1,941 The service cost component of net periodic benefit cost is included in the same line items of our condensed consolidated financial statements as other employee compensation costs, and the net expense for the three March 31, 2019 2018 $1.2 $0.7 We expect to contribute $2.2 2019. $0.6 2019.

Note 8 - Stockholders' Equity

Note 8 - Stockholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 8. Stock-based Compensation Plans We periodically grant restricted stock unit awards, performance-based shares and shares of common stock to our employees and directors. We measure compensation cost for restricted stock units and stock grants at the closing price of our stock at the time of grant. We measure compensation cost for performance-based grants using a Monte Carlo simulation to estimate their value at grant date. Restricted stock unit and performance-based share grants vest after a specified period with compensation cost amortized over that period. Although we have no may Stock-based compensation expense for restricted stock unit and performance-based grants to employees and shares issued to nonemployee directors totaled $1.6 first three 2019 $1.1 first three 2018. 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 minimum tax withholding obligations through net share settlement, pursuant to which the Company withholds the number of shares necessary to satisfy such withholding obligations and pays the obligations in cash. As a result, in the first three 2018 335,349 $1.2 $3.65 no first three 2019. Common Stock Dividends In September 2011 February 2012, two 1 2 $0.01 first Quarterly average realized silver price per ounce Quarterly dividend per share Annualized 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 On May 7, 2019, $0.0025 $1.2 June 2019. first 2019 $15.70 $30 no At-The-Market Equity Distribution Agreement Pursuant to an equity distribution agreement dated February 23, 2016, may $75 not may 1933, 3. March 31, 2019, 7,173,614 $24.5 $0.6 No first 2019. Common Stock Repurchase Program On May 8, 2012, 20 may not may not may March 31, 2019, 934,100 $3.99 19.1 may May 7, 2019, $2.10 No first 2019. Warrants As discussed in Note 13 4,136,000 one March 31, 2019. 2,068,000 $8.02 April 2032. 2,068,000 $1.57 February 2029.

Note 9 - Debt, Credit Facilitie

Note 9 - Debt, Credit Facilities and Leases	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 9. 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 $2.7 March 31, 2019. 6.875% May 1 November 1 November 1, 2013. three March 31, 2019 2018, $9.1 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 The Senior Notes became redeemable in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time after May 1, 2016, May 1, 2019, 100% 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% Ressources Québec Notes On March 5, 2018, CAD$40 USD$30.8 2018 May 1, 2021 ( 0.58%, CAD$0.2 4.68% May 1 November 1 May 1, 2018. three March 31, 2019 2018, $0.4 As of March 31, 2019, Twelve-month period ending March 31, Senior Notes RQ Notes Total 2020 (interest only) $ 34,822 $ 1,401 $ 36,223 2021 (principal and interest) 544,224 31,449 $ 575,673 Total 579,046 32,850 611,896 Less: interest (72,546 ) (2,919 ) $ (75,465 ) Principal 506,500 29,931 536,431 Less: unamortized discount (2,708 ) — $ (2,708 ) Long-term debt $ 503,792 $ 29,931 $ 533,723 Credit Facilities In July 2018, $250 $100 June 14, 2022, not November 1, 2020, November 1, 2020. March 31, 2019: 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) (1) not more than 4.50:1 Interest coverage ratio (EBITDA/interest expense) not less than 3.00:1 ( 1 5.00:1 April 1, 2019, 4.50:1 October 1, 2019, 4.00:1 January 1, 2020. 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% $3.0 March 31, 2019. We believe we were in compliance with all covenants under the credit agreement as of March 31, 2019, no $58.0 first 2019 $85.0 Finance Leases We have entered into various lease agreements, primarily for equipment at our Greens Creek, Lucky Friday, Casa Berardi and Nevada Operations units, which we have determined to be finance leases. At March 31, 2019, $15.2 $5.9 $9.3 December 31, 2018, $13.1 $5.3 $7.9 $21.9 March 31, 2019 $20.0 December 31, 2018, first 2019 $1.6 $0.2 $16.2 March 31, 2019, $1.0 At March 31, 2019, Twelve-month period ending March 31, 2020 $ 5,903 2021 5,409 2022 3,754 2023 1,119 Total 16,185 Less: imputed interest (1,025 ) Finance lease liability $ 15,160 Operating Leases We have entered into various lease agreements, primarily for equipment, buildings and other facilities, and land at our operating units and corporate offices, which we have determined to be operating leases. Some of the operating leases allow for extension of the lease beyond the current term at our option. We have considered the likelihood and estimated duration of the extension options in determining the lease term for measurement of the liability and right-of-use asset. For our operating leases as of March 31, 2019, 5% 6.5%. March 31, 2019, $20.7 $6.7 $14.0 $20.6 March 31, 2019. first 2019 $2.1 $22.9 March 31, 2019. At March 31, 2019, Twelve-month period ending March 31, 2020 $ 9,213 2021 4,960 2022 3,373 2023 2,331 2024 1,670 More than 5 years 1,352 Total 22,899 Effect of discounting (2,234 ) Operating lease liability $ 20,665

Note 10 - Developments in Accou

Note 10 - Developments in Accounting Pronouncements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block]	Note 10. Accounting Standards Updates Adopted In February 2016, No. 2016 02 842 December 15, 2018, January 1, 2019, $22.4 No. 2016 02, not twelve not not Note 9 In August 2017, No. 2017 12 815 December 15, 2018, January 1, 2019 not In February 2018, No. 2018 02 220 December 2017. December 15, 2018. not January 1, 2019 not In June 2018, No. 2018 07 718 718 December 15, 2018, January 1, 2019 not Accounting Standards Updates to Become Effective in Future Periods In August 2018, No. 2018 13 820 December 15, 2019, In August 2018, No. 2018 14 715 20 two December 15, 2020,

Note 11 - Derivative Instrument

Note 11 - Derivative Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 11. Foreign Currency Our wholly-owned subsidiaries owning the Casa Berardi and San Sebastian mines are U.S. dollar ("USD")-functional entities which routinely incur expenses denominated in Canadian dollar ("CAD") and Mexican peso ("MXN"), respectively, and such expenses expose us to exchange rate fluctuations between the USD and CAD and MXN. In April 2016, October 2016, March 31, 2019, 130 CAD$284.1 USD$219.6 19 MXN$99.5 USD$4.9 2019 2022 1.2702 1.3306. 2019 2020 19.9400 20.8550. 75% five may As of March 31, 2019, • a current asset of $0.2 • a current liability of $2.0 • a non-current liability of $2.7 Net unrealized losses of approximately $4.5 March 31, 2019. $1.7 March 31, 2019 twelve $0.5 three March 31, 2019. Metals Prices 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 not As of March 31, 2019, • a current asset of $0.2 $0.1 • a non-current asset of $45 • a current liability of $4.0 $0.1 • a non-current liability of $13 We recognized a $2.5 first 2019 We recognized a $1.8 first 2019 first 2019 The following tables summarize the quantities of metals committed under forward sales contracts at March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018: March 31, 2019 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 2019 settlements 710 3 19,952 2,646 $ 15.46 $ 1,316 $ 1.22 $ 0.92 Contracts on forecasted sales 2019 settlements — — 26,180 1,653 N/A N/A $ 1.25 $ 0.96 2020 settlements — — 276 551 N/A N/A $ 1.26 $ 0.96 December 31, 2018 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 2019 settlements 842 4 18,450 2,700 $ 14.69 $ 1,260 $ 1.15 $ 0.89 Credit-risk-related Contingent Features Certain of our derivative contracts contain cross default provisions which provide that a default under our revolving credit agreement would cause a default under the derivative contract. As of March 31, 2019, not $9.0 March 31, 2019, March 31, 2019, $9.0

Note 12 - Fair Value Measuremen

Note 12 - Fair Value Measurement	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	Note 12. Accounting guidance has established a hierarchy for inputs used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis. The three Level 1: Level 2: Level 3: The table below sets forth our assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis and the fair value calculation input hierarchy level that we have determined applies to each asset and liability category (in thousands). Description Balance at March 31, 2019 Balance at December 31, 2018 Input Hierarchy Level Assets: Cash and cash equivalents: Money market funds and other bank deposits $ 11,797 $ 27,389 Level 1 Available for sale securities: Equity securities – mining industry 6,768 6,583 Level 1 Trade accounts receivable: Receivables from provisional concentrate sales 9,586 4,184 Level 2 Restricted cash balances: Certificates of deposit and other bank deposits 1,025 1,025 Level 1 Derivative contracts: Metal forward contracts 207 209 Level 2 Foreign exchange contracts 153 23 Level 2 Total assets $ 29,536 $ 39,413 Liabilities: Derivative contracts: Metal forward contracts $ 4,057 $ 373 Level 2 Foreign exchange contracts 4,649 8,595 Level 2 Total Liabilities $ 8,706 $ 8,968 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 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 metals from doré sold to customers. Revenues and the corresponding accounts receivable for sales of metals products are recorded when title and risk of loss transfer to the customer (generally at the time of ship loading, or at the time of customer arrival for trucked products). Sales of concentrates are recorded using estimated forward prices for the anticipated month of settlement applied to our estimate of payable metal quantities contained in each shipment. Sales are recorded net of estimated treatment and refining charges, which are also impacted by changes in metals prices and quantities of contained metals. We estimate the prices at which sales of our concentrates will be settled due to the time elapsed between shipment and final settlement with the customer. Receivables for previously recorded concentrate sales are adjusted to reflect estimated forward metals prices at the end of each period until final settlement by the customer. We obtain the forward metals prices used each period from a pricing service. Changes in metals prices between shipment and final settlement result in changes to revenues previously recorded upon shipment. The embedded derivative contained in our concentrate sales is 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 USD and CAD and MXN, and the impact on CAD- and MXN-denominated operating costs incurred at our Casa Berardi and San Sebastian units (see Note 11 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 Note 11 not Our Senior Notes, which were recorded at their carrying value of $503.8 March 31, 2019, $508.0 March 31, 2019. 1 Note 9

Note 13 - Acquisition of Klonde

Note 13 - Acquisition of Klondex	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 13. On July 20, 2018, $2.27 100% three 110 $2.47 0.6272 US$0.8411 0.4136 $153.2 75,276,176. 180,499,319 1,549,626 182,048,945 4,136,000 one 2,068,000 $8.02 April 2032, 2,068,000 $1.57 February 2029. $2.0 $161.7 75,276,176 $242.4 $9.8 $413.9 $7.0 $1.5 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 payments $ 161,704 Hecla stock issued (75,276,176 shares at $3.22 per share) 242,389 Hecla warrants issued 9,830 Total consideration $ 413,923 Fair value of net assets acquired: Assets: Cash $ 12,874 Accounts receivable 3,453 Inventory - supplies 6,564 Inventory - finished goods, in-process material and stockpiled ore 10,088 Other current assets 2,583 Properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests 512,807 Non-current investments 1,596 Non-current restricted cash and investments 9,504 Total assets 559,469 Liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 17,799 Accrued payroll and related benefits 10,352 Accrued taxes 421 Lease liability 2,080 Debt 35,086 Asset retirement obligation 19,571 Deferred tax liability 60,237 Total liabilities 145,546 Net assets $ 413,923 The allocation of purchase price above is preliminary, as the valuation of certain components of properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests, along with the related deferred tax balances, are under review and subject to change. In the first 2019, $0.2 $8.7 $9.1 $0.5 may 9,10 11; second 2019 may $220 $46 may

Note 14 - Guarantor Subsidiarie

Note 14 - Guarantor Subsidiaries	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Text Block]	Note 14. Presented below are Hecla’s unaudited interim condensed consolidating financial statements as required by Rule 3 10 X 1934, Note 9 100% April 12, 2013, January 3, 2014. March 5, 2018. The unaudited interim condensed consolidating financial statements below have been prepared from our financial information on the same basis of accounting as the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements 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 third • Investments in subsidiaries • Capital contributions not not • Debt. • Dividends. • Deferred taxes may not Separate financial statements of the Guarantors are not 1 2 3 4 5 Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets As of March 31, 2019 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (in thousands) Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,401 $ 3,269 $ 5,127 $ — $ 11,797 Other current assets 6,359 61,293 64,732 (74 ) 132,310 Properties, plants, and equipment - net 1,913 1,792,578 714,490 — 2,508,981 Intercompany receivable (payable) 162,575 (342,867 ) (182,748 ) 363,040 — Investments in subsidiaries 1,554,448 — — (1,554,448 ) — Other non-current assets 278,379 23,540 (115,696 ) (144,706 ) 41,517 Total assets $ 2,007,075 $ 1,537,813 $ 485,905 $ (1,336,188 ) $ 2,694,605 Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Current liabilities $ (247,045 ) $ 118,535 $ 49,545 $ 225,786 $ 146,821 Long-term debt 533,723 19,682 3,584 — 556,989 Non-current portion of accrued reclamation — 90,083 14,103 — 104,186 Non-current deferred tax liability — 71,173 95,778 (7,526 ) 159,425 Other non-current liabilities 49,827 5,871 916 — 56,614 Stockholders' equity 1,670,570 1,232,469 321,979 (1,554,448 ) 1,670,570 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 2,007,075 $ 1,537,813 $ 485,905 $ (1,336,188 ) $ 2,694,605 As of December 31, 2018 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (in thousands) Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 6,265 $ 8,661 $ 12,463 $ — $ 27,389 Other current assets 6,388 69,574 60,868 (69 ) 136,761 Properties, plants, and equipment - net 1,913 1,795,994 722,097 — 2,520,004 Intercompany receivable (payable) 171,905 (222,815 ) (171,834 ) 222,744 — Investments in subsidiaries 1,577,564 — — (1,577,564 ) — Other non-current assets 276,641 9,030 (122,969 ) (142,912 ) 19,790 Total assets $ 2,040,676 $ 1,660,444 $ 500,625 $ (1,497,801 ) $ 2,703,944 Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Current liabilities $ (234,133 ) $ 118,863 $ 45,922 $ 205,542 $ 136,194 Long-term debt 532,799 141,870 1,989 (135,988 ) 540,670 Non-current portion of accrued reclamation — 94,602 10,377 — 104,979 Non-current deferred tax liability — 64,639 98,689 10,209 173,537 Other non-current liabilities 51,047 5,659 895 — 57,601 Stockholders' equity 1,690,963 1,234,811 342,753 (1,577,564 ) 1,690,963 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 2,040,676 $ 1,660,444 $ 500,625 $ (1,497,801 ) $ 2,703,944 Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (in thousands) Revenues $ (2,477 ) $ 102,432 $ 52,662 $ — $ 152,617 Cost of sales (461 ) (66,869 ) (43,056 ) — (110,386 ) Depreciation, depletion, amortization — (20,872 ) (17,915 ) — (38,787 ) General and administrative (4,393 ) (5,111 ) (455 ) — (9,959 ) Exploration and pre-development (16 ) (1,544 ) (3,698 ) — (5,258 ) Research and development — (353 ) (50 ) — (403 ) Loss on derivative contracts (1,799 ) — — — (1,799 ) Acquisition costs 42 (55 ) — — (13 ) Equity in earnings of subsidiaries (22,433 ) — — 22,433 — Other (expense) income 6,004 (5,730 ) (12,642 ) (6,393 ) (18,761 ) (Loss) income before income taxes (25,533 ) 1,898 (25,154 ) 16,040 (32,749 ) (Provision) benefit from income taxes — (3,916 ) 4,739 6,393 7,216 Net (loss) income (25,533 ) (2,018 ) (20,415 ) 22,433 (25,533 ) Preferred stock dividends (138 ) — — — (138 ) (Loss) income applicable to common stockholders (25,671 ) (2,018 ) (20,415 ) 22,433 (25,671 ) Net (loss) income (25,533 ) (2,018 ) (20,415 ) 22,433 (25,533 ) Changes in comprehensive (loss) income 4,259 — — — 4,259 Comprehensive (loss) income $ (21,274 ) $ (2,018 ) $ (20,415 ) $ 22,433 $ (21,274 ) Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (in thousands) Revenues $ 615 $ 70,211 $ 68,883 $ — $ 139,709 Cost of sales 475 (34,701 ) (38,643 ) — (72,869 ) Depreciation, depletion, amortization — (11,260 ) (16,794 ) — (28,054 ) General and administrative (3,833 ) (3,448 ) (454 ) — (7,735 ) Exploration and pre-development (55 ) (1,939 ) (6,371 ) — (8,365 ) Research and development — (482 ) (954 ) — (1,436 ) Gain on derivative contracts 4,007 — — — 4,007 Acquisition costs (2,360 ) — (147 ) — (2,507 ) Equity in earnings of subsidiaries 17,768 — — (17,768 ) — Other (expense) income (8,377 ) (6,794 ) 6,917 (5,488 ) (13,742 ) Income (loss) before income taxes 8,240 11,587 12,437 (23,256 ) 9,008 (Provision) benefit from income taxes — (5,488 ) (768 ) 5,488 (768 ) Net income (loss) 8,240 6,099 11,669 (17,768 ) 8,240 Preferred stock dividends (138 ) — — — (138 ) Income (loss) applicable to common stockholders 8,102 6,099 11,669 (17,768 ) 8,102 Net income (loss) 8,240 6,099 11,669 (17,768 ) 8,240 Changes in comprehensive income (loss) (2,104 ) — 38 (38 ) (2,104 ) Comprehensive income (loss) $ 6,136 $ 6,099 $ 11,707 $ (17,806 ) $ 6,136 Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (in thousands) Cash flows from operating activities $ (38,879 ) $ 36,481 $ (17,553 ) $ 39,981 $ 20,030 Cash flows from investing activities: Additions to properties, plants, and equipment — (25,401 ) (7,670 ) — (33,071 ) Other investing activities, net 23,116 (1 ) 2 (23,116 ) 1 Cash flows from financing activities: Dividends paid to stockholders (1,348 ) — — — (1,348 ) Borrowings on debt 58,000 — — — 58,000 Payments on debt (58,000 ) (746 ) (515 ) — (59,261 ) Other financing activity 14,247 (15,725 ) 18,305 (16,865 ) (38 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — 95 — 95 Changes in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents (2,864 ) (5,392 ) (7,336 ) — (15,592 ) Beginning cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents 6,265 9,686 12,463 — 28,414 Ending cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents $ 3,401 $ 4,294 $ 5,127 $ — $ 12,822 Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (in thousands) Cash flows from operating activities $ 21,183 $ 18,747 $ 13,396 $ (36,943 ) $ 16,383 Cash flows from investing activities: Additions to properties, plants, and equipment — (8,082 ) (9,553 ) — (17,635 ) Other investing activities, net (16,260 ) 151 — 15,579 (530 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Dividends paid to stockholders (1,136 ) — — — (1,136 ) Payments on debt — (644 ) (678 ) — (1,322 ) Other financing activity (1,186 ) (20,118 ) (1,285 ) 21,364 (1,225 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — 876 — 876 Changes in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents 33,625 (9,946 ) 2,756 — 26,435 Beginning cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents 103,878 32,048 51,213 — 187,139 Ending cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents $ 137,503 $ 22,102 $ 53,969 $ — $ 213,574

Note 3 - Income Taxes (Tables)

Note 3 - Income Taxes (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Notes Tables
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 2018 Current: Domestic $ — $ — Foreign (1,077 ) (1,206 ) Total current income tax benefit (provision) (1,077 ) (1,206 ) Deferred: Domestic 2,477 — Foreign 5,816 438 Total deferred income tax benefit (provision) 8,293 438 Total income tax benefit (provision) $ 7,216 $ (768 )

Note 6 - Business Segments an_2

Note 6 - Business Segments and Sales of Products (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Notes Tables
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 2018 Net sales to unaffiliated customers: Greens Creek $ 80,129 $ 65,850 Lucky Friday 2,182 4,977 Casa Berardi 40,062 55,548 San Sebastian 12,600 13,334 Nevada Operations 17,644 — $ 152,617 $ 139,709 Income (loss) from operations: Greens Creek $ 25,433 $ 23,152 Lucky Friday (2,781 ) (4,146 ) Casa Berardi (10,519 ) 3,250 San Sebastian (1,512 ) 5,017 Nevada Operations (13,991 ) — Other (12,754 ) (15,324 ) $ (16,124 ) $ 11,949 March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Identifiable assets: Greens Creek $ 640,241 $ 637,386 Lucky Friday 440,433 437,499 Casa Berardi 739,978 754,248 San Sebastian 54,152 44,152 Nevada Operations 575,197 581,194 Other 244,604 249,465 $ 2,694,605 $ 2,703,944
Schedules of Concentration of Risk, by Risk Factor [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 2018 Greens Creek 53 % 46 % Lucky Friday 1 % 4 % Casa Berardi 26 % 40 % San Sebastian 8 % 10 % Nevada Operations 12 % — % 100 % 100 %
Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 2018 Silver $ 45,506 $ 35,222 Gold 79,679 73,044 Lead 9,025 9,227 Zinc 24,755 30,109 Less: Smelter and refining charges (6,348 ) (7,893 ) Sales of products $ 152,617 $ 139,709
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 2018 Canada $ 92,872 $ 88,668 Korea 49,300 32,703 Japan 8,350 13,773 United States 4,571 4,081 Other — (131 ) Total, excluding gains/losses on forward contracts $ 155,093 $ 139,094 Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 2018 Doré and metals from doré $ 75,901 $ 73,492 Lead concentrate 49,300 34,334 Zinc concentrate 23,792 25,652 Bulk concentrate 6,100 5,616 Total, excluding gains/losses on forward contracts $ 155,093 $ 139,094
Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 2018 CIBC 16 % 47 % Scotia 29 % 2 % Korea Zinc 20 % 23 % Teck Metals Ltd. 15 % 4 % Trafigura 12 % — % Ocean Partners — % 10 %

Note 7 - Employee Benefit Pla_2

Note 7 - Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Notes Tables
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 2018 Service cost $ 1,100 $ 1,252 Interest cost 1,620 1,377 Expected return on plan assets (1,496 ) (1,634 ) Amortization of prior service cost 15 15 Amortization of net loss 1,097 931 Net periodic pension cost $ 2,336 $ 1,941

Note 8 - Stockholders' Equity (

Note 8 - Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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 Annualized 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

Note 9 - Debt, Credit Facilit_2

Note 9 - Debt, Credit Facilities and Leases (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Notes Tables
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	Twelve-month period ending March 31, Senior Notes RQ Notes Total 2020 (interest only) $ 34,822 $ 1,401 $ 36,223 2021 (principal and interest) 544,224 31,449 $ 575,673 Total 579,046 32,850 611,896 Less: interest (72,546 ) (2,919 ) $ (75,465 ) Principal 506,500 29,931 536,431 Less: unamortized discount (2,708 ) — $ (2,708 ) Long-term debt $ 503,792 $ 29,931 $ 533,723
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) (1) not more than 4.50:1 Interest coverage ratio (EBITDA/interest expense) not less than 3.00:1
Finance Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block]	Twelve-month period ending March 31, 2020 $ 5,903 2021 5,409 2022 3,754 2023 1,119 Total 16,185 Less: imputed interest (1,025 ) Finance lease liability $ 15,160
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block]	Twelve-month period ending March 31, 2020 $ 9,213 2021 4,960 2022 3,373 2023 2,331 2024 1,670 More than 5 years 1,352 Total 22,899 Effect of discounting (2,234 ) Operating lease liability $ 20,665

Note 11 - Derivative Instrume_2

Note 11 - Derivative Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Notes Tables
Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block]	March 31, 2019 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 2019 settlements 710 3 19,952 2,646 $ 15.46 $ 1,316 $ 1.22 $ 0.92 Contracts on forecasted sales 2019 settlements — — 26,180 1,653 N/A N/A $ 1.25 $ 0.96 2020 settlements — — 276 551 N/A N/A $ 1.26 $ 0.96 December 31, 2018 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 2019 settlements 842 4 18,450 2,700 $ 14.69 $ 1,260 $ 1.15 $ 0.89

Note 12 - Fair Value Measurem_2

Note 12 - Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Notes Tables
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	Description Balance at March 31, 2019 Balance at December 31, 2018 Input Hierarchy Level Assets: Cash and cash equivalents: Money market funds and other bank deposits $ 11,797 $ 27,389 Level 1 Available for sale securities: Equity securities – mining industry 6,768 6,583 Level 1 Trade accounts receivable: Receivables from provisional concentrate sales 9,586 4,184 Level 2 Restricted cash balances: Certificates of deposit and other bank deposits 1,025 1,025 Level 1 Derivative contracts: Metal forward contracts 207 209 Level 2 Foreign exchange contracts 153 23 Level 2 Total assets $ 29,536 $ 39,413 Liabilities: Derivative contracts: Metal forward contracts $ 4,057 $ 373 Level 2 Foreign exchange contracts 4,649 8,595 Level 2 Total Liabilities $ 8,706 $ 8,968

Note 13 - Acquisition of Klon_2

Note 13 - Acquisition of Klondex (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Notes Tables
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	Consideration: Cash payments $ 161,704 Hecla stock issued (75,276,176 shares at $3.22 per share) 242,389 Hecla warrants issued 9,830 Total consideration $ 413,923 Fair value of net assets acquired: Assets: Cash $ 12,874 Accounts receivable 3,453 Inventory - supplies 6,564 Inventory - finished goods, in-process material and stockpiled ore 10,088 Other current assets 2,583 Properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests 512,807 Non-current investments 1,596 Non-current restricted cash and investments 9,504 Total assets 559,469 Liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 17,799 Accrued payroll and related benefits 10,352 Accrued taxes 421 Lease liability 2,080 Debt 35,086 Asset retirement obligation 19,571 Deferred tax liability 60,237 Total liabilities 145,546 Net assets $ 413,923

Note 14 - Guarantor Subsidiar_2

Note 14 - Guarantor Subsidiaries (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Notes Tables
Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]	As of March 31, 2019 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (in thousands) Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,401 $ 3,269 $ 5,127 $ — $ 11,797 Other current assets 6,359 61,293 64,732 (74 ) 132,310 Properties, plants, and equipment - net 1,913 1,792,578 714,490 — 2,508,981 Intercompany receivable (payable) 162,575 (342,867 ) (182,748 ) 363,040 — Investments in subsidiaries 1,554,448 — — (1,554,448 ) — Other non-current assets 278,379 23,540 (115,696 ) (144,706 ) 41,517 Total assets $ 2,007,075 $ 1,537,813 $ 485,905 $ (1,336,188 ) $ 2,694,605 Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Current liabilities $ (247,045 ) $ 118,535 $ 49,545 $ 225,786 $ 146,821 Long-term debt 533,723 19,682 3,584 — 556,989 Non-current portion of accrued reclamation — 90,083 14,103 — 104,186 Non-current deferred tax liability — 71,173 95,778 (7,526 ) 159,425 Other non-current liabilities 49,827 5,871 916 — 56,614 Stockholders' equity 1,670,570 1,232,469 321,979 (1,554,448 ) 1,670,570 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 2,007,075 $ 1,537,813 $ 485,905 $ (1,336,188 ) $ 2,694,605 As of December 31, 2018 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (in thousands) Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 6,265 $ 8,661 $ 12,463 $ — $ 27,389 Other current assets 6,388 69,574 60,868 (69 ) 136,761 Properties, plants, and equipment - net 1,913 1,795,994 722,097 — 2,520,004 Intercompany receivable (payable) 171,905 (222,815 ) (171,834 ) 222,744 — Investments in subsidiaries 1,577,564 — — (1,577,564 ) — Other non-current assets 276,641 9,030 (122,969 ) (142,912 ) 19,790 Total assets $ 2,040,676 $ 1,660,444 $ 500,625 $ (1,497,801 ) $ 2,703,944 Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Current liabilities $ (234,133 ) $ 118,863 $ 45,922 $ 205,542 $ 136,194 Long-term debt 532,799 141,870 1,989 (135,988 ) 540,670 Non-current portion of accrued reclamation — 94,602 10,377 — 104,979 Non-current deferred tax liability — 64,639 98,689 10,209 173,537 Other non-current liabilities 51,047 5,659 895 — 57,601 Stockholders' equity 1,690,963 1,234,811 342,753 (1,577,564 ) 1,690,963 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 2,040,676 $ 1,660,444 $ 500,625 $ (1,497,801 ) $ 2,703,944
Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (in thousands) Revenues $ (2,477 ) $ 102,432 $ 52,662 $ — $ 152,617 Cost of sales (461 ) (66,869 ) (43,056 ) — (110,386 ) Depreciation, depletion, amortization — (20,872 ) (17,915 ) — (38,787 ) General and administrative (4,393 ) (5,111 ) (455 ) — (9,959 ) Exploration and pre-development (16 ) (1,544 ) (3,698 ) — (5,258 ) Research and development — (353 ) (50 ) — (403 ) Loss on derivative contracts (1,799 ) — — — (1,799 ) Acquisition costs 42 (55 ) — — (13 ) Equity in earnings of subsidiaries (22,433 ) — — 22,433 — Other (expense) income 6,004 (5,730 ) (12,642 ) (6,393 ) (18,761 ) (Loss) income before income taxes (25,533 ) 1,898 (25,154 ) 16,040 (32,749 ) (Provision) benefit from income taxes — (3,916 ) 4,739 6,393 7,216 Net (loss) income (25,533 ) (2,018 ) (20,415 ) 22,433 (25,533 ) Preferred stock dividends (138 ) — — — (138 ) (Loss) income applicable to common stockholders (25,671 ) (2,018 ) (20,415 ) 22,433 (25,671 ) Net (loss) income (25,533 ) (2,018 ) (20,415 ) 22,433 (25,533 ) Changes in comprehensive (loss) income 4,259 — — — 4,259 Comprehensive (loss) income $ (21,274 ) $ (2,018 ) $ (20,415 ) $ 22,433 $ (21,274 ) Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (in thousands) Revenues $ 615 $ 70,211 $ 68,883 $ — $ 139,709 Cost of sales 475 (34,701 ) (38,643 ) — (72,869 ) Depreciation, depletion, amortization — (11,260 ) (16,794 ) — (28,054 ) General and administrative (3,833 ) (3,448 ) (454 ) — (7,735 ) Exploration and pre-development (55 ) (1,939 ) (6,371 ) — (8,365 ) Research and development — (482 ) (954 ) — (1,436 ) Gain on derivative contracts 4,007 — — — 4,007 Acquisition costs (2,360 ) — (147 ) — (2,507 ) Equity in earnings of subsidiaries 17,768 — — (17,768 ) — Other (expense) income (8,377 ) (6,794 ) 6,917 (5,488 ) (13,742 ) Income (loss) before income taxes 8,240 11,587 12,437 (23,256 ) 9,008 (Provision) benefit from income taxes — (5,488 ) (768 ) 5,488 (768 ) Net income (loss) 8,240 6,099 11,669 (17,768 ) 8,240 Preferred stock dividends (138 ) — — — (138 ) Income (loss) applicable to common stockholders 8,102 6,099 11,669 (17,768 ) 8,102 Net income (loss) 8,240 6,099 11,669 (17,768 ) 8,240 Changes in comprehensive income (loss) (2,104 ) — 38 (38 ) (2,104 ) Comprehensive income (loss) $ 6,136 $ 6,099 $ 11,707 $ (17,806 ) $ 6,136
Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (in thousands) Cash flows from operating activities $ (38,879 ) $ 36,481 $ (17,553 ) $ 39,981 $ 20,030 Cash flows from investing activities: Additions to properties, plants, and equipment — (25,401 ) (7,670 ) — (33,071 ) Other investing activities, net 23,116 (1 ) 2 (23,116 ) 1 Cash flows from financing activities: Dividends paid to stockholders (1,348 ) — — — (1,348 ) Borrowings on debt 58,000 — — — 58,000 Payments on debt (58,000 ) (746 ) (515 ) — (59,261 ) Other financing activity 14,247 (15,725 ) 18,305 (16,865 ) (38 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — 95 — 95 Changes in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents (2,864 ) (5,392 ) (7,336 ) — (15,592 ) Beginning cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents 6,265 9,686 12,463 — 28,414 Ending cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents $ 3,401 $ 4,294 $ 5,127 $ — $ 12,822 Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated (in thousands) Cash flows from operating activities $ 21,183 $ 18,747 $ 13,396 $ (36,943 ) $ 16,383 Cash flows from investing activities: Additions to properties, plants, and equipment — (8,082 ) (9,553 ) — (17,635 ) Other investing activities, net (16,260 ) 151 — 15,579 (530 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Dividends paid to stockholders (1,136 ) — — — (1,136 ) Payments on debt — (644 ) (678 ) — (1,322 ) Other financing activity (1,186 ) (20,118 ) (1,285 ) 21,364 (1,225 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — 876 — 876 Changes in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents 33,625 (9,946 ) 2,756 — 26,435 Beginning cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents 103,878 32,048 51,213 — 187,139 Ending cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents $ 137,503 $ 22,102 $ 53,969 $ — $ 213,574

Note 2 - Investments (Details T

Note 2 - Investments (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Equity Securities, FV-NI	$ 6.8		$ 6.6
Equity Securities, FV-NI, Cost	7.8		$ 7.7
Equity Securities, FV-NI, Unrealized Gain (Loss), Total	$ 0.1	$ 0.3

Note 3 - Income Taxes (Details

Note 3 - Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Jul. 20, 2018
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Total	$ 156,300
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total	(7,216)	$ 768
Klondex Mines Ltd [Member]
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Total			$ 60,200
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total	(2,500)
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Total	51,600
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Canada Revenue Agency [Member]
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Total	107,800
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Mexican Tax Authority [Member]
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Total	$ 3,100

Note 3 - Income Taxes - Major C

Note 3 - Income Taxes - Major Components of Income Tax Provision (Benefit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Domestic
Foreign	(1,077)	(1,206)
Total current income tax benefit (provision)	(1,077)	(1,206)
Domestic	2,477
Foreign	5,816	438
Total deferred income tax benefit (provision)	8,293	438
Total income tax benefit (provision)	$ 7,216	$ (768)

Note 4 - Commitments, Conting_2

Note 4 - Commitments, Contingencies and Obligations (Details Textual) $ in Millions

Apr. 12, 2013USD ($)

Oct. 31, 2018USD ($)

Jul. 31, 2018USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)

Aug. 31, 2012USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2011USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)

Mar. 05, 2018USD ($)

Mar. 05, 2018CAD ($)

Environmental Remediation Expense

$ 570,000

$ 1,262,000

Contractual Obligation, Total

4,300,000

Finance Lease, Liability, Payment, Due, Total

16,185,000

Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due, Total

22,899,000

Performance Obligation Commitments [Member]

Surety Bonds

185,300,000

Lucky Friday [Member]

Open Purchase Orders

1,500,000

Casa Berardi [Member]

Open Purchase Orders

400,000

Greens Creek [Member]

Open Purchase Orders

3,900,000

Nevada Operations [Member]

Open Purchase Orders

2,900,000

Senior Notes [Member]

Proceeds from Issuance of Debt

$ 500,000,000

Debt Instrument, Increase (Decrease), Net, Total

$ 6,500,000

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

$ 500,000,000

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

6.875%

Series 2018-A Senior Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

$ 30,800,000

$ 40

Debt Instrument, Issuance, Discount Rate

0.58%

0.58%

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

4.68%

4.68%

Canadian Assets of Klondex [Member]

Ownership Percentage

13.00%

Lawsuit in Lincoln County, Montana Courts for Montanore Project [Member]

Surety Bonds

$ 1,100,000

Lawsuit in Lincoln County, Montana Courts for Montanore Project [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]

Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value

$ 3,325,000

Lawsuit filed in Ontario (Canada) Superior Court of Justice [Member] | Waterton Warrants [Member]

Class of Warrant or Right, Issued During Period, Value

$ 3,700,000

Class of Warrant or Right, Warrants Entitled, Value

8,900,000

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

Payment Of Response Costs

$ 1,100,000

$ 1,100,000

Estimated Response Costs

$ 9,600,000

5,600,000

Environmental Remediation Expense

$ 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

Note 5 - (Loss) Earnings Per _2

Note 5 - (Loss) Earnings Per Common Share (Details Textual) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	750,000,000		750,000,000
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.25		$ 0.25
Common Stock, Shares, Issued, Total	482,987,752		482,603,937
Treasury Stock, Shares, Ending Balance	5,226,791		5,226,791
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Ending Balance	482,987,752		482,603,937
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, Total	$ 0.05	$ 0.02
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount		539,204
Deferred Shares [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount		212,602
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements, Total		1,092,307
Deferred Shares [Member]
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements, Total		1,509,159

Note 6 - Business Segments an_3

Note 6 - Business Segments and Sales of Products (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)ozT	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Number of Reportable Segments	5
Derivative, Loss on Derivative	$ 2,500
Derivative, Gain on Derivative		$ 600
Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current, Total	9,586		$ 4,184
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Ending Balance	0		$ 0
Employee Labor Strike Related Costs	2,778	5,017
Lucky Friday [Member]
Long-Lived Assets	$ 435,900
Estimated Mine Life	17 years
Lucky Friday [Member] | Suspension Costs [Member]
Employee Labor Strike Related Costs	$ 1,900	4,100
Lucky Friday [Member] | Non-cash Depreciation Expense [Member]
Employee Labor Strike Related Costs	$ 900	$ 900
Silver [Member]
Metals Contained in Concentrates | oz	900,000
Gold [Member]
Metals Contained in Concentrates | oz	4,096
Zinc [Member]
Metals Contained in Concentrates | T	11,108
Lead [Member]
Metals Contained in Concentrates | T	1,814

Note 6 - Business Segments an_4

Note 6 - Business Segments and Sales of Products - Information About Reportable Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Net sales		$ 152,617	$ 139,709
Income (loss) from operations		(16,124)	11,949
Identifiable assets		2,694,605		$ 2,703,944
Greens Creek [Member]
Net sales		80,129	65,850
Income (loss) from operations		25,433	23,152
Identifiable assets		640,241		637,386
Lucky Friday [Member]
Net sales		2,182	4,977
Income (loss) from operations		(2,781)	(4,146)
Identifiable assets		440,433		437,499
Casa Berardi [Member]
Net sales		40,062	55,548
Income (loss) from operations	[1]	(10,519)	3,250
Identifiable assets		739,978		754,248
San Sebastian [Member]
Net sales		12,600	13,334
Income (loss) from operations		(1,512)	5,017
Identifiable assets		54,152		44,152
Nevada Operations [Member]
Net sales		17,644
Income (loss) from operations		(13,991)
Identifiable assets		575,197		581,194
Other Segments [Member]
Income (loss) from operations		(12,754)	$ (15,324)
Identifiable assets		$ 244,604		$ 249,465
[1]	Amounts reported as of and for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 have been revised. See Note 2 for more information.

Note 6 - Business Segments an_5

Note 6 - Business Segments and Sales of Products - Percentage of Sales by Segments (Details) - Revenue Benchmark [Member]	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Percentage of sales	100.00%	100.00%
Greens Creek [Member]
Percentage of sales	53.00%	46.00%
Lucky Friday [Member]
Percentage of sales	1.00%	4.00%
Casa Berardi [Member]
Percentage of sales	26.00%	40.00%
San Sebastian [Member]
Percentage of sales	8.00%	10.00%
Nevada Operations [Member]
Percentage of sales	12.00%

Note 6 - Business Segments an_6

Note 6 - Business Segments and Sales of Products - Sales of Products (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Sales of products	$ 152,617	$ 139,709
Less: Smelter and refining charges	(6,348)	(7,893)
Silver [Member]
Sales of products	45,506	35,222
Gold [Member]
Sales of products	79,679	73,044
Lead [Member]
Sales of products	9,025	9,227
Zinc [Member]
Sales of products	$ 24,755	$ 30,109

Note 6 - Business Segments an_7

Note 6 - Business Segments and Sales of Products - Sales by Geographic Area (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Sales by geographical area	$ 155,093	$ 139,094
Sales by significant product type	155,093	139,094
Doré and Metals from Doré [Member]
Sales by geographical area	75,901	73,492
Sales by significant product type	75,901	73,492
Lead Concentrate [Member]
Sales by geographical area	49,300	34,334
Sales by significant product type	49,300	34,334
Zinc Concentrate [Member]
Sales by geographical area	23,792	25,652
Sales by significant product type	23,792	25,652
Bulk Concentrate [Member]
Sales by geographical area	6,100	5,616
Sales by significant product type	6,100	5,616
CANADA
Sales by geographical area	92,872	88,668
Sales by significant product type	92,872	88,668
KOREA, REPUBLIC OF
Sales by geographical area	49,300	32,703
Sales by significant product type	49,300	32,703
JAPAN
Sales by geographical area	8,350	13,773
Sales by significant product type	8,350	13,773
UNITED STATES
Sales by geographical area	4,571	4,081
Sales by significant product type	4,571	4,081
Other Geographic Areas [Member]
Sales by geographical area		(131)
Sales by significant product type		$ (131)

Note 6 - Business Segments an_8

Note 6 - Business Segments and Sales of Products - Sales from Continuing Operations to Significant Metals Customers As a Percentage of Total Sales (Details) - Customer Concentration Risk [Member] - Revenue from Contract with Customer Benchmark [Member]	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
CIBC [Member]
Significant metal customers	16.00%	47.00%
Scotia [Member]
Significant metal customers	29.00%	2.00%
Korea Zinc [Member]
Significant metal customers	20.00%	23.00%
Teck Metals Ltd [Member]
Significant metal customers	15.00%	4.00%
Trafigura AG [Member]
Significant metal customers	12.00%
Ocean Partners [Member]
Significant metal customers		10.00%

Note 7 - Employee Benefit Pla_3

Note 7 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Next Fiscal Year	$ 2.2
Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Next Fiscal Year	0.6
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member]
Net Periodic Defined Benefits Expense (Reversal of Expense), Excluding Service Cost Component	$ 1.2	$ 0.7

Note 7 - Employee Benefit Pla_4

Note 7 - Employee Benefit Plans - Net Periodic Pension Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Service cost	$ 1,100	$ 1,252
Interest cost	1,620	1,377
Expected return on plan assets	(1,496)	(1,634)
Amortization of prior service cost	15	15
Amortization of net loss	1,097	931
Net periodic pension cost	$ 2,336	$ 1,941

Note 8 - Stockholders' Equity_2

Note 8 - Stockholders' Equity (Details Textual) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	May 07, 2019USD ($)$ / shares	Jul. 20, 2018$ / sharesshares	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)$ / shares$ / ozshares	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)$ / ozshares	Feb. 23, 2016USD ($)	May 08, 2012shares
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Shares Withheld for Tax Withholding Obligation			0	335,349
Payment, Tax Withholding, Share-based Payment Arrangement | $				$ 1,200
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share | $ / shares				$ 3.65
Dividends, Common Stock, Total | $			$ 1,209	$ 998
Average Realized Silver Price | $ / oz			15.7
Average Realized Silver Price, Minimum Dividend, Threshold | $ / oz			30		30
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues			0		7,173,614
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues | $					$ 24,500
Payments for Brokerage Fees | $					$ 600
Klondex Mines Ltd [Member]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues		75,276,176
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights | $ / shares		$ 8.02
Warrants in Connection with Klondex Mines Acquisition [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right, Issued During Period		4,136,000
Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right		1
Warrants in Connection with Klondex Mines Acquisition Expiring April 2032 [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding		2,068,000
Warrants in Connection with Klondex Mines Acquisition Expiring February 2029 [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding		2,068,000
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights | $ / shares		$ 1.57
Common Stock Repurchase Program [Member]
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share | $ / shares			$ 3.99
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased							20,000,000
Cumulative Stock Repurchased			934,100		934,100
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased			19,100,000		19,100,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares			0
Subsequent Event [Member]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared | $ / shares	$ 0.0025
Dividends, Common Stock, Total | $	$ 1,200
Subsequent Event [Member] | Common Stock Repurchase Program [Member]
Share Price | $ / shares	$ 2.10
Minimum [Member]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared | $ / shares			$ 0.01
Maximum [Member]
Common Stock, Aggregate Offering Price | $						$ 75,000
Restricted Stock Units and Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense | $			$ 1,600	$ 1,100

Note 8 - Stockholders' Equity -

Note 8 - Stockholders' Equity - Common Stock Dividend Policy (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019$ / shares$ / oz
Quarterly Average Realized Price, Level 1 [Member]
Quarterly average realized silver price per ounce (in USD per Ounce) | $ / oz	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 Ounce) | $ / oz	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 Ounce) | $ / oz	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 Ounce) | $ / oz	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 Ounce) | $ / oz	50
Quarterly dividend per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.05
Annual dividend per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.20

Note 9 - Debt, Credit Facilit_3

Note 9 - Debt, Credit Facilities and Leases (Details Textual) $ in Millions		May 01, 2019	Apr. 12, 2013USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2020	Oct. 01, 2019	Apr. 01, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 05, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 05, 2018CAD ($)	May 31, 2016USD ($)
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount				$ 3,000,000
Finance Lease, Liability, Total				15,160,000							$ 13,100,000
Finance Lease, Liability, Current				5,858,000							5,264,000
Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent				9,302,000							7,871,000
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset				21,900,000							20,000,000
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Amortization				1,600,000
Finance Lease, Interest Expense				200,000
Finance Lease, Liability, Payment, Due, Total				16,185,000
Finance Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount				1,025,000
Operating Lease, Liability, Total				20,665,000						$ 22,400,000
Operating Lease, Liability, Current				6,701,000
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent				13,964,000
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset				20,647,000						$ 22,400,000
Operating Lease, Expense				2,100,000
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due, Total				$ 22,899,000
Minimum [Member]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Discount Rate				5.00%
Maximum [Member]
Leverage Ratio	[1]			4.5
Lessee, Operating Lease, Discount Rate				6.50%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity												$ 250,000,000			$ 100,000,000
Long-term Line of Credit, Total				$ 0
Repayments of Lines of Credit				58,000,000
Proceeds from Lines of Credit, Total				85,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Forecast [Member]
Leverage Ratio							4	4.5
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%
Subsequent Event [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Leverage Ratio									5
Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			$ 500,000,000
Payment for Pension Benefits						$ 6,500,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-term Debt			$ 490,000,000
Underwriting Discount on Senior Notes			2.00%
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount, Total			$ 10,000,000	2,700,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			6.875%
Interest Expense, Debt, Total				9,100,000	$ 9,100,000
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage			101.00%
Senior Notes [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage		100.00%
Series 2018-A Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount													$ 30,800,000	$ 40
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount, Total														$ 0.2
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage													4.68%	4.68%
Interest Expense, Debt, Total				$ 400,000	$ 400,000
Debt Instrument, Issuance, Discount Rate													0.58%	0.58%
[1]	The leverage ratio changed to 5.00:1 effective April 1, 2019, will return to 4.50:1 effective October 1, 2019, and then change to 4.00:1 effective January 1, 2020.

Note 9 - Debt, Credit Facilit_4

Note 9 - Debt, Credit Facilities and Leases - Annual Future Obligations Related to the Senior Notes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
2020 (interest only)	$ 36,223
2021 (principal and interest)	575,673
Total	611,896
Less: interest	(75,465)
Principal	536,431
Less: unamortized discount	(2,708)
Long-term debt	533,723	$ 532,799
Senior Notes [Member]
2020 (interest only)	34,822
2021 (principal and interest)	544,224
Total	579,046
Less: interest	(72,546)
Principal	506,500
Less: unamortized discount	(2,708)
Long-term debt	503,792
Series 2018-A Senior Notes [Member]
2020 (interest only)	1,401
2021 (principal and interest)	31,449
Total	32,850
Less: interest	(2,919)
Principal	29,931
Less: unamortized discount
Long-term debt	$ 29,931

Note 9 - Debt, Credit Facilit_5

Note 9 - Debt, Credit Facilities and Leases - Credit Facility (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Maximum [Member]
Senior leverage ratio (debt secured by liens/EBITDA)	2.5
Leverage ratio (total debt less unencumbered cash/EBITDA)	4.5	[1]
Interest coverage ratio (EBITDA/interest expense)	3
New Facility [Member]
Standby fee per annum on undrawn amounts	0.50%
New Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Variable rate	2.25%
New Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Variable rate	1.25%
New Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Variable rate	3.25%
New Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Variable rate	2.25%
[1]	The leverage ratio changed to 5.00:1 effective April 1, 2019, will return to 4.50:1 effective October 1, 2019, and then change to 4.00:1 effective January 1, 2020.

Note 9 - Debt, Credit Facilit_6

Note 9 - Debt, Credit Facilities and Leases - Maturities of Finance Lease (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
2020	$ 5,903
2021	5,409
2022	3,754
2023	1,119
Total	16,185
Less: imputed interest	(1,025)
Finance lease liability	$ 15,160	$ 13,100

Note 9 - Debt, Credit Facilit_7

Note 9 - Debt, Credit Facilities and Leases - Maturities of Operating Lease (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019
2020	$ 9,213
2021	4,960
2022	3,373
2023	2,331
2024	1,670
More than 5 years	1,352
Total	22,899
Effect of discounting	(2,234)
Operating lease liability	$ 20,665	$ 22,400

Note 10 - Developments in Acc_2

Note 10 - Developments in Accounting Pronouncements (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Operating Lease, Liability, Total	$ 20,665	$ 22,400
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset	$ 20,647	$ 22,400

Note 11 - Derivative Instrume_3

Note 11 - Derivative Instruments (Details Textual) $ in Thousands, $ in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019CAD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019MXN ($)
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, Ending Balance	$ 4,500
Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months	1,700
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Derivatives	(1,799)	$ 4,007
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net, Total	(3,686)	$ 9,094
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral, Total	9,000
Derivative, Fair Value, Obligations Under the Agreements	9,000
Cost of sales and Other Direct Production Costs [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Derivatives	(500)
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivative Asset, Current	200
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivative Liability, Current	2,000
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Derivative Liability, Noncurrent	$ 2,700
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Casa Berardi [Member] | Minimum [Member] | United States of America, Dollars
Derivative, Forward Exchange Rate	1.2702		1.2702	1.2702
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Casa Berardi [Member] | Maximum [Member] | United States of America, Dollars
Derivative, Forward Exchange Rate	1.3306		1.3306	1.3306
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | San Sebastian [Member] | Minimum [Member] | United States of America, Dollars
Derivative, Forward Exchange Rate	19.94		19.94	19.94
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | San Sebastian [Member] | Maximum [Member] | United States of America, Dollars
Derivative, Forward Exchange Rate	20.855		20.855	20.855
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Casa Berardi [Member]
Derivative, Number of Instruments Held, Total	130		130	130
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 219,600		$ 284.1
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | San Sebastian [Member]
Derivative, Number of Instruments Held, Total	19		19	19
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 4,900			$ 99.5
Commodity Contract [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivative Asset, Current	200
Derivative Liability, Current	100
Commodity Contract [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivative Asset, Current	100
Derivative Liability, Current	4,000
Commodity Contract [Member] | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Derivative Liability, Noncurrent	13
Commodity Contract [Member] | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Derivative Assets, Noncurrent, Total	45
Unsettled Concentrate Sales Contracts [Member]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net, Total	(2,500)
Forecasted Future Concentrate Contracts [Member]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net, Total	$ (1,800)

Note 11 - Derivative Instrume_4

Note 11 - Derivative Instruments - Summary of Forward Sales Contracts (Details) oz in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019oz$ / oz	Dec. 31, 2018oz$ / oz
Silver 2019 Settlements for Provisional Sales [Member]
Ounces/pounds under contract (Ounce) | oz	710	842
Average price per ounce/pound (in USD per Ounce) | $ / oz	15.46	14.69
Gold 2019 Settlements for Provisional Sales [Member]
Ounces/pounds under contract (Ounce) | oz	3	4
Average price per ounce/pound (in USD per Ounce) | $ / oz	1,316	1,260
Zinc 2019 Settlements for Provisional Sales [Member]
Ounces/pounds under contract (Ounce) | oz	19,952
Average price per ounce/pound (in USD per Ounce) | $ / oz	1.22
Zinc 2018 Settlements for Provisional Sales [Member]
Ounces/pounds under contract (Ounce) | oz		18,450
Average price per ounce/pound (in USD per Ounce) | $ / oz		1.15
Lead 2019 Settlements for Provisional Sales [Member]
Ounces/pounds under contract (Ounce) | oz	2,646	2,700
Average price per ounce/pound (in USD per Ounce) | $ / oz	0.92	0.89
Zinc 2019 Settlements for Forecasted Sales [Member]
Ounces/pounds under contract (Ounce) | oz	26,180
Average price per ounce/pound (in USD per Ounce) | $ / oz	1.25
Lead 2019 Settlements for Forecasted Sales [Member]
Ounces/pounds under contract (Ounce) | oz	1,653
Average price per ounce/pound (in USD per Ounce) | $ / oz	0.96
Zinc 2020 Settlements for Forecasted Sales [Member]
Ounces/pounds under contract (Ounce) | oz	276
Average price per ounce/pound (in USD per Ounce) | $ / oz	1.26
Lead 2020 Settlements for Forecasted Sales [Member]
Ounces/pounds under contract (Ounce) | oz	551
Average price per ounce/pound (in USD per Ounce) | $ / oz	0.96

Note 12 - Fair Value Measurem_3

Note 12 - Fair Value Measurement (Details Textual) - Senior Notes [Member] $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)
Notes Payable, Total	$ 503.8
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 508

Note 12 - Fair Value Measurem_4

Note 12 - Fair Value Measurement - Assets and Liabilities Accounted for at Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Receivables from provisional concentrate sales	$ 5,162	$ 7,443
Fair Value, Recurring [Member]
Total assets	29,536	39,413
Total liabilities	8,706	8,968
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member]
Money market funds and other bank deposits	11,797	27,389
Equity securities – mining industry	6,768	6,583
Certificates of deposit and other bank deposits	1,025	1,025
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member]
Receivables from provisional concentrate sales	9,586	4,184
Metal forward contracts	207	209
Foreign exchange contracts	153	23
Metal forward contracts	4,057	373
Foreign exchange contracts	$ 4,649	$ 8,595

Note 13 - Acquisition of Klon_3

Note 13 - Acquisition of Klondex (Details Textual) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Jul. 20, 2018USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Jul. 19, 2018shares	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)shares	Mar. 31, 2019shares	Dec. 31, 2018shares
Common Stock, Shares, Issued, Total | shares			482,987,752	482,987,752	482,603,937
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues | shares			0	7,173,614
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Ending Balance | shares			482,987,752	482,987,752	482,603,937
Warrants in Connection with Klondex Mines Acquisition [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right, Issued During Period | shares	4,136,000
Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right | shares	1
Warrants in Connection with Klondex Mines Acquisition Expiring April 2032 [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding | shares	2,068,000
Warrants in Connection with Klondex Mines Acquisition Expiring February 2029 [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding | shares	2,068,000
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights | $ / shares	$ 1.57
Klondex Mines Ltd [Member]
Common Stock, Shares, Issued, Total | shares	182,048,945	180,499,319
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues | shares		1,549,626
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Ending Balance | shares	182,048,945	180,499,319
Klondex Mines Ltd [Member]
Business Acquisition, Share Price | $ / shares	$ 2.27
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired	100.00%
Business Combination, Consideration, Cash Alternative, Price Per Share | $ / shares	$ 2.47
Business Combination, Consideration, Share Alternative, Share Exchange Rate	0.6272
Business Combination Consideration, Combined Alternative, Price Per Share | $ / shares	$ 0.8411
Business Combination Consideration, Combined Alternative, Share Exchange Rate	0.4136
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross	$ 161,704
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares | shares	75,276,176
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues | shares	75,276,176
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights | $ / shares	$ 8.02
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Cash Used to Settle Award	$ 2,000
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable	242,389
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Total	413,923
Business Combination, Subscrition of New Formed Company, Value	7,000
Business Combination, Settlement of Certain Equity Compensation Value	1,500
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Inventory			$ 200
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Property, Plant, and Equipment			8,700
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Noncurrent Deferred Tax Liability			9,100
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities			$ 500
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Mineral Interest	220,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Depletable Mineral Interest	46,000
Klondex Mines Ltd [Member] | Hecla Warrants [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right, Issued During Period, Value	9,800
Klondex Mines Ltd [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross	$ 153,200
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares | shares	75,276,176

Note 13 - Acquisition of Klon_4

Note 13 - Acquisition of Klondex - Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation (Details) - Klondex Mines Ltd [Member] $ in Thousands	Jul. 20, 2018USD ($)
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross	$ 161,704
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable	242,389
Hecla warrants issued	9,830
Total consideration	413,923
Cash	12,874
Accounts receivable	3,453
Inventory - supplies	6,564
Inventory - finished goods, in-process material and stockpiled ore	10,088
Other current assets	2,583
Properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests	512,807
Non-current investments	1,596
Non-current restricted cash and investments	9,504
Total assets	559,469
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	17,799
Accrued payroll and related benefits	10,352
Accrued taxes	421
Lease liability	2,080
Debt	35,086
Asset retirement obligation	19,571
Deferred tax liability	60,237
Total liabilities	145,546
Net assets	$ 413,923

Note 13 - Acquisition of Klon_5

Note 13 - Acquisition of Klondex - Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation (Details) (Parentheticals) - Klondex Mines Ltd [Member]	Jul. 20, 2018$ / sharesshares
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares | shares	75,276,176
Stock Issued, per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 3.22

Note 14 - Guarantor Subsidiar_3

Note 14 - Guarantor Subsidiaries (Details Textual)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Cumulative Percentage Ownership after All Transactions	100.00%

Note 14 - Guarantor Subsidiar_4

Note 14 - Guarantor Subsidiaries - Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 11,797	$ 27,389
Other current assets	132,310	136,761
Properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests, net	2,508,981	2,520,004
Intercompany receivable (payable)
Investments in subsidiaries
Other non-current assets	41,517	19,790
Total assets	2,694,605	2,703,944
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities	146,821	136,194
Long-term debt	556,989	540,670
Accrued reclamation and closure costs	104,186	104,979
Non-current deferred tax liability	159,425	173,537
Other non-current liabilities	56,614	57,601
Stockholders' equity	1,670,570	1,690,963	$ 1,471,897	$ 1,461,277
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	2,694,605	2,703,944
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	3,401	6,265
Other current assets	6,359	6,388
Properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests, net	1,913	1,913
Intercompany receivable (payable)	162,575	171,905
Investments in subsidiaries	1,554,448	1,577,564
Other non-current assets	278,379	276,641
Total assets	2,007,075	2,040,676
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities	(247,045)	(234,133)
Long-term debt	533,723	532,799
Accrued reclamation and closure costs
Non-current deferred tax liability
Other non-current liabilities	49,827	51,047
Stockholders' equity	1,670,570	1,690,963
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	2,007,075	2,040,676
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	3,269	8,661
Other current assets	61,293	69,574
Properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests, net	1,792,578	1,795,994
Intercompany receivable (payable)	(342,867)	(222,815)
Investments in subsidiaries
Other non-current assets	23,540	9,030
Total assets	1,537,813	1,660,444
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities	118,535	118,863
Long-term debt	19,682	141,870
Accrued reclamation and closure costs	90,083	94,602
Non-current deferred tax liability	71,173	64,639
Other non-current liabilities	5,871	5,659
Stockholders' equity	1,232,469	1,234,811
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	1,537,813	1,660,444
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	5,127	12,463
Other current assets	64,732	60,868
Properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests, net	714,490	722,097
Intercompany receivable (payable)	(182,748)	(171,834)
Investments in subsidiaries
Other non-current assets	(115,696)	(122,969)
Total assets	485,905	500,625
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities	49,545	45,922
Long-term debt	3,584	1,989
Accrued reclamation and closure costs	14,103	10,377
Non-current deferred tax liability	95,778	98,689
Other non-current liabilities	916	895
Stockholders' equity	321,979	342,753
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	485,905	500,625
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Other current assets	(74)	(69)
Properties, plants, equipment and mineral interests, net
Intercompany receivable (payable)	363,040	222,744
Investments in subsidiaries	(1,554,448)	(1,577,564)
Other non-current assets	(144,706)	(142,912)
Total assets	(1,336,188)	(1,497,801)
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities	225,786	205,542
Long-term debt		(135,988)
Accrued reclamation and closure costs
Non-current deferred tax liability	(7,526)	10,209
Other non-current liabilities
Stockholders' equity	(1,554,448)	(1,577,564)
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ (1,336,188)	$ (1,497,801)

Note 14 - Guarantor Subsidiar_5

Note 14 - Guarantor Subsidiaries - Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Revenues	$ 152,617	$ 139,709
Cost of sales	(110,386)	(72,869)
Depreciation, depletion, amortization	(38,787)	(28,054)
General and administrative	(9,959)	(7,735)
Exploration and pre-development	(5,258)	(8,365)
Research and development	(403)	(1,436)
(Loss) gain on derivative contracts	(1,799)	4,007
Acquisition costs	(13)	(2,507)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
Other (expense) income	(18,761)	(13,742)
Income (loss) before income taxes	(32,749)	9,008
(Provision) benefit from income taxes	7,216	(768)
Net (loss) income	(25,533)	8,240
Series B Preferred Stock dividends declared ($0.875 per share)	(138)	(138)
(Loss) income applicable to common stockholders	(25,671)	8,102
Changes in comprehensive (loss) income	4,259	(2,105)
Comprehensive (loss) income	(21,274)	6,136
Revenues	152,617	139,709
Gain on derivative contracts	(1,799)	4,007
Other (expense) income	(18,761)	(13,742)
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Revenues	(2,477)	615
Cost of sales	(461)	475
Depreciation, depletion, amortization
General and administrative	(4,393)	(3,833)
Exploration and pre-development	(16)	(55)
Research and development
(Loss) gain on derivative contracts	(1,799)	4,007
Acquisition costs	42	(2,360)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	(22,433)	17,768
Other (expense) income	6,004	(8,377)
Income (loss) before income taxes	(25,533)	8,240
(Provision) benefit from income taxes
Net (loss) income	(25,533)	8,240
Series B Preferred Stock dividends declared ($0.875 per share)	(138)	(138)
(Loss) income applicable to common stockholders	(25,671)	8,102
Changes in comprehensive (loss) income	4,259	(2,104)
Comprehensive (loss) income	(21,274)	6,136
Revenues	(2,477)	615
Gain on derivative contracts	(1,799)	4,007
Other (expense) income	6,004	(8,377)
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Revenues	102,432	70,211
Cost of sales	(66,869)	(34,701)
Depreciation, depletion, amortization	(20,872)	(11,260)
General and administrative	(5,111)	(3,448)
Exploration and pre-development	(1,544)	(1,939)
Research and development	(353)	(482)
(Loss) gain on derivative contracts
Acquisition costs	(55)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
Other (expense) income	(5,730)	(6,794)
Income (loss) before income taxes	1,898	11,587
(Provision) benefit from income taxes	(3,916)	(5,488)
Net (loss) income	(2,018)	6,099
Series B Preferred Stock dividends declared ($0.875 per share)
(Loss) income applicable to common stockholders	(2,018)	6,099
Changes in comprehensive (loss) income
Comprehensive (loss) income	(2,018)	6,099
Revenues	102,432	70,211
Gain on derivative contracts
Other (expense) income	(5,730)	(6,794)
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Revenues	52,662	68,883
Cost of sales	(43,056)	(38,643)
Depreciation, depletion, amortization	(17,915)	(16,794)
General and administrative	(455)	(454)
Exploration and pre-development	(3,698)	(6,371)
Research and development	(50)	(954)
(Loss) gain on derivative contracts
Acquisition costs		(147)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
Other (expense) income	(12,642)	6,917
Income (loss) before income taxes	(25,154)	12,437
(Provision) benefit from income taxes	4,739	(768)
Net (loss) income	(20,415)	11,669
Series B Preferred Stock dividends declared ($0.875 per share)
(Loss) income applicable to common stockholders	(20,415)	11,669
Changes in comprehensive (loss) income		38
Comprehensive (loss) income	(20,415)	11,707
Revenues	52,662	68,883
Gain on derivative contracts
Other (expense) income	(12,642)	6,917
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Revenues
Cost of sales
Depreciation, depletion, amortization
General and administrative
Exploration and pre-development
Research and development
(Loss) gain on derivative contracts
Acquisition costs
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	22,433	(17,768)
Other (expense) income	(6,393)	(5,488)
Income (loss) before income taxes	16,040	(23,256)
(Provision) benefit from income taxes	6,393	5,488
Net (loss) income	22,433	(17,768)
Series B Preferred Stock dividends declared ($0.875 per share)
(Loss) income applicable to common stockholders	22,433	(17,768)
Changes in comprehensive (loss) income		(38)
Comprehensive (loss) income	22,433	(17,806)
Revenues
Gain on derivative contracts
Other (expense) income	$ (6,393)	$ (5,488)

Note 14 - Guarantor Subsidiar_6

Note 14 - Guarantor Subsidiaries - Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Cash flows from operating activities	$ 20,030	$ 16,383
Additions to properties, plants, and equipment	(33,071)	(17,635)
Other investing activities, net	1	(530)
Dividends paid to stockholders	(1,348)	(1,136)
Borrowings on debt	58,000	31,024
Payments on debt	(59,261)	(1,322)
Other financing activity	(38)	(1,225)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	95	876
Changes in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents	(15,592)	26,435
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	28,414	187,139
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period	12,822	213,574
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities	(38,879)	21,183
Additions to properties, plants, and equipment
Other investing activities, net	23,116	(16,260)
Dividends paid to stockholders	(1,348)	(1,136)
Borrowings on debt	58,000
Payments on debt	(58,000)
Other financing activity	14,247	(1,186)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
Changes in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents	(2,864)	33,625
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	6,265	103,878
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period	3,401	137,503
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities	36,481	18,747
Additions to properties, plants, and equipment	(25,401)	(8,082)
Other investing activities, net	(1)	151
Dividends paid to stockholders
Borrowings on debt
Payments on debt	(746)	(644)
Other financing activity	(15,725)	(20,118)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
Changes in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents	(5,392)	(9,946)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	9,686	32,048
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period	4,294	22,102
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities	(17,553)	13,396
Additions to properties, plants, and equipment	(7,670)	(9,553)
Other investing activities, net	2
Dividends paid to stockholders
Borrowings on debt
Payments on debt	(515)	(678)
Other financing activity	18,305	(1,285)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	95	876
Changes in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents	(7,336)	2,756
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	12,463	51,213
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period	5,127	53,969
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities	39,981	(36,943)
Additions to properties, plants, and equipment
Other investing activities, net	(23,116)	15,579
Dividends paid to stockholders
Borrowings on debt
Payments on debt
Other financing activity	(16,865)	21,364
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
Changes in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period