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Note 4 - Environmental and Reclamation Activities (Details) - Liabilities Accrued for Reclamation and Closure Costs - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Operating properties: |  |  |  |
Accrued reclamation and closure costs | $ 95,538 | $ 57,250 | $ 105,191 | $ 113,215
Reclamation and closure costs, current | (20,989) | (1,631) |  |
Reclamation and closure costs, long-term | 74,549 | 55,619 |  |
Operating Properties [Member] | Greens Creek [Member] |  |  |  |
Operating properties: |  |  |  |
Accrued reclamation and closure costs | 41,338 | 39,237 |  |
Operating Properties [Member] | Lucky Friday [Member] |  |  |  |
Operating properties: |  |  |  |
Accrued reclamation and closure costs | 5,212 | 1,069 |  |
Operating Properties [Member] | Casa Berardi [Member] |  |  |  |
Operating properties: |  |  |  |
Accrued reclamation and closure costs | 5,494 | 6,233 |  |
Operating Properties [Member] | San Sebastian Unit [Member] |  |  |  |
Operating properties: |  |  |  |
Accrued reclamation and closure costs | 1,189 |  |  |
Non-operating Properties [Member] | Troy Mine [Member] |  |  |  |
Operating properties: |  |  |  |
Accrued reclamation and closure costs | 17,295 |  |  |
Non-operating Properties [Member] | South Dakota and Colorado Superfund Sites [Member] |  |  |  |
Operating properties: |  |  |  |
Accrued reclamation and closure costs | 16,300 | 1,200 |  |
Non-operating Properties [Member] | Johnny M [Member] |  |  |  |
Operating properties: |  |  |  |
Accrued reclamation and closure costs | 5,830 | 5,830 |  |
Non-operating Properties [Member] | Republic [Member] |  |  |  |
Operating properties: |  |  |  |
Accrued reclamation and closure costs | 774 | 1,389 |  |
Non-operating Properties [Member] | All Other Sites [Member] |  |  |  |
Operating properties: |  |  |  |
Accrued reclamation and closure costs | $ 2,106 | $ 2,292 |  |

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