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Note 15 - Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified | 8 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Aug. 31, 2008 | Dec. 31, 2011
Related Party Transactions [Abstract] |  |
Shares Contributed to Charitable Organization (in Shares) | 550,000 |
Shares Contributed to Charitable Organization Value | $ 5.1 |
CharitableC ash Contributions |  | $ 2.0

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

X
- Definition Shares contributed to charitable organization. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | hl_SharesContributedToCharitableOrganization
Namespace Prefix: | hl_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Shares contributed to charitable organization value. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | hl_SharesContributedToCharitableOrganizationValue
Namespace Prefix: | hl_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration