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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, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010 | Dec. 31, 2009
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Operating properties: |  |  |  |
Accrued reclemation and closure costs | $ 113,215 | $ 153,811 | $ 318,797 | $ 131,201
Reclamation and closure costs, current | (19,845) | (42,248) |  |
Reclamation and closure costs, long-term | 93,370 | 111,563 |  |
Greens Creek [Member] |  |  |  |
Operating properties: |  |  |  |
Accrued reclemation and closure costs | 32,856 | 36,123 |  |
Lucky Friday [Member] |  |  |  |
Operating properties: |  |  |  |
Accrued reclemation and closure costs | 1,469 | 1,520 |  |
San Sebastian [Member] |  |  |  |
Operating properties: |  |  |  |
Accrued reclemation and closure costs | 200 | 218 |  |
Grouse Creek [Member] |  |  |  |
Operating properties: |  |  |  |
Accrued reclemation and closure costs | 2,484 | 13,262 |  |
Coeur d'Alene Basin [Member] |  |  |  |
Operating properties: |  |  |  |
Accrued reclemation and closure costs | 70,786 | 95,081 |  |
Republic [Member] |  |  |  |
Operating properties: |  |  |  |
Accrued reclemation and closure costs | 3,538 | 3,538 |  |
All Other Sites [Member] |  |  |  |
Operating properties: |  |  |  |
Accrued reclemation and closure costs | $ 1,882 | $ 4,069 |  |

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