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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
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Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010
Sales by geographic area | $ 322,489 | $ 470,495 | $ 421,846
United States [Member] |  |  |
Sales by geographic area | 25,438 | 24,409 | 24,708
Canada [Member] |  |  |
Sales by geographic area | 34,441 | 240,569 | 124,862
Mexico [Member] |  |  |
Sales by geographic area |  |  | 16,258
Japan [Member] |  |  |
Sales by geographic area | 70,371 | 60,963 | 62,740
Korea [Member] |  |  |
Sales by geographic area | 120,106 | 92,919 | 94,114
China [Member] |  |  |
Sales by geographic area | 72,133 | 51,635 | 73,257
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