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Note 11. Business Segments and Significant Customers (Detail) - Sales Information By Geographic Area (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010 | Dec. 31, 2009
Sales by geographic area | $ 470,495 | $ 421,846 | $ 312,548
United States [Member] |  |  |
Sales by geographic area | 24,409 | 24,708 | 19,127
Canada [Member] |  |  |
Sales by geographic area | 240,569 | 124,862 | 136,248
Mexico [Member] |  |  |
Sales by geographic area |  | 16,258 | 20,413
Japan [Member] |  |  |
Sales by geographic area | 60,963 | 62,740 | 43,356
Korea [Member] |  |  |
Sales by geographic area | 92,919 | 94,114 | 77,492
China [Member] |  |  |
Sales by geographic area | 51,635 | 73,257 | 15,912
Belgium [Member] |  |  |
Sales by geographic area |  | $ 25,907 |

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- Definition Sales Revenue Goods Excluding Gain Loss On Forward Contracts + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | hl_SalesRevenueGoodsExcludingGainLossOnForwardContracts
Namespace Prefix: | hl_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration