XML 107 R88.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.0.6

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 |

X
- Definition No authoritative reference available. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | hl_CharitableCashContributions
Namespace Prefix: | hl_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition No authoritative reference available. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | hl_SharesContributedToCharitableOrganization
Namespace Prefix: | hl_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition No authoritative reference available. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | hl_SharesContributedToCharitableOrganizationValue
Namespace Prefix: | hl_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration