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Note 4. Environmental and Reclamation Activities (Detail) - Liabilities Accrued for Reclamation and Closure Costs (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010 | Dec. 31, 2009
--- | --- | --- | ---
Operating properties: |  |  |
Accrued reclemation and closure costs | $ 153,811 | $ 318,797 | $ 131,201
Reclamation and closure costs, current | (42,248) | (175,484) |
Reclamation and closure costs, long-term | 111,563 | 143,313 |
Greens Creek [Member] |  |  |
Operating properties: |  |  |
Accrued reclemation and closure costs | 36,123 | 35,267 |
Lucky Friday [Member] |  |  |
Operating properties: |  |  |
Accrued reclemation and closure costs | 1,520 | 1,130 |
San Sebastian [Member] |  |  |
Operating properties: |  |  |
Accrued reclemation and closure costs | 218 | 218 |
Grouse Creek [Member] |  |  |
Operating properties: |  |  |
Accrued reclemation and closure costs | 13,262 | 13,651 |
Coeur d'Alene Basin [Member] |  |  |
Operating properties: |  |  |
Accrued reclemation and closure costs | 95,081 | 262,153 |
Republic [Member] |  |  |
Operating properties: |  |  |
Accrued reclemation and closure costs | 3,538 | 3,800 |
All Other Sites [Member] |  |  |
Operating properties: |  |  |
Accrued reclemation and closure costs | $ 4,069 | $ 2,578 |

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