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Note 15. Related Party Transactions (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended | 8 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010 | Aug. 31, 2008 Hecla Charitable Foundation [Member]
Shares Contributed To Charitable Organization (in Shares) |  |  | 550,000
Shares Contributed To Charitable Organization, Value |  |  | $ 5.1
Charitable Cash Contributions | $ 2.0 | $ 1.5 |

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Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
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- Definition No authoritative reference available. + References No definition available. + Details
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Period Type: | duration

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- Definition No authoritative reference available. + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | hl_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
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