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Note 11. Business Segments and Significant Customers (Detail) - Percentage Of Sales To Major Customers | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010 | Dec. 31, 2009
Teck Metals Ltd. [Member] |  |  |
Major Customer | 51.10% | 29.60% | 43.60%
Korea Zinc [Member] |  |  |
Major Customer | 18.40% | 20.70% | 23.40%
Trafigura AG [Member] |  |  |
Major Customer | 12.40% | 17.40% |

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- Definition No authoritative reference available. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | hl_PercentOFSalesMajorCustomers
Namespace Prefix: | hl_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration