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Note 9 - Shareholders' Equity | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements |
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] | Note 9: Stockholders’ Equity Common Stock We are authorized to issue 500,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.25 par value per share, of which 399,228,085 shares of common stock were issued as of December 31, 2016. All of our currently outstanding shares of common stock are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “HL”. Subject to the rights of the holders of any outstanding shares of preferred stock, each share of common stock is entitled to: (i) one vote on all matters presented to the stockholders, with no cumulative voting rights; (ii) receive such dividends as may be declared by the board of directors out of funds legally available therefor; and (iii) in the event of our liquidation or dissolution, share ratably in any distribution of our assets. Dividends In September 2011 and February 2012, our board of directors adopted a common stock dividend policy that has two components: (1) a dividend that links the amount of dividends on our common stock to our average quarterly realized silver price in the preceding quarter, and (2) a minimum annual dividend of $0.01 per share of common stock, in each case, payable quarterly, when declared. For illustrative purposes only, the table below summarizes potential per share dividend amounts at different quarterly average realized price levels according to the first component of the policy:
Quarterly average realized silver price per ounce |  |  | Quarterly dividend per share |  |  | Annual dividend per share |
$ | 30 |  |  | $ | 0.01 |  |  | $ | 0.04 |
$ | 35 |  |  | $ | 0.02 |  |  | $ | 0.08 |
$ | 40 |  |  | $ | 0.03 |  |  | $ | 0.12 |
$ | 45 |  |  | $ | 0.04 |  |  | $ | 0.16 |
$ | 50 |  |  | $ | 0.05 |  |  | $ | 0.20 |
$ | 55 |  |  | $ | 0.06 |  |  | $ | 0.24 |
$ | 60 |  |  | $ | 0.07 |  |  | $ | 0.28 |
The following table summarizes the quarterly common stock dividends declared by our board of directors for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016:
|  | (A) |  |  | (B) |  |  | (C) |  |  | (A+B+C) |  |  |  |  |  |
Declaration date |  | Silver-price-linked component per share |  |  | Minimum annual component per share |  |  | Special dividend per share |  |  | Total dividend per share |  |  | Total dividend amount (in millions) |  | Month of payment
May 5, 2014 |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 0.0025 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 0.0025 |  |  | $ | 0.9 |  | June 2014
July 31, 2014 |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 0.0025 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 0.0025 |  |  | $ | 0.9 |  | September 2014
November 5, 2014 |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 0.0025 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 0.0025 |  |  | $ | 0.9 |  | December 2014
February 17, 2015 |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 0.0025 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 0.0025 |  |  | $ | 0.9 |  | March 2015
May 6, 2015 |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 0.0025 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 0.0025 |  |  | $ | 0.9 |  | June 2015
August 6, 2015 |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 0.0025 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 0.0025 |  |  | $ | 0.9 |  | September 2015
November 3, 2015 |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 0.0025 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 0.0025 |  |  | $ | 0.9 |  | December 2015
February 20, 2016 |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 0.0025 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 0.0025 |  |  | $ | 0.9 |  | March 2016
May 4, 2016 |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 0.0025 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 0.0025 |  |  | $ | 1.0 |  | June 2016
August 3, 2016 |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 0.0025 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 0.0025 |  |  | $ | 1.0 |  | September 2016
November 4, 2016 |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 0.0025 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 0.0025 |  |  | $ | 1.0 |  | December 2016
February 21, 2017 |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 0.0025 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 0.0025 |  |  | $ | 1.0 |  | March 2017
Because the average realized silver prices for all periods in 2014, 2015 and 2016 were below the minimum threshold of $30 , according to the policy no silver-price-linked component was declared or paid. Prior to 2011, no dividends had been declared on our common stock since 1990. The declaration and payment of common stock dividends is at the sole discretion of our board of directors. At-The-Market Equity Distribution Agreement Pursuant to an equity distribution agreement dated February 23, 2016, we may issue and sell from time to time through ordinary broker transactions shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $75 million, with the net proceeds available for general corporate purposes. The terms of sales transactions under the agreement, including trading day(s), number of shares sold in the aggregate, number of shares sold per trading day, and the floor selling price per share, are proposed by us to the sales agent. Whether or not we engage in sales from time to time may depend on a variety of factors, including share price, our cash resources, customary black-out restrictions, and whether we have any material inside information. The agreement can be terminated by us at any time. The shares issued under the equity distribution agreement are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to our shelf registration statement on Form S- 3, which was filed with the SEC on February 23, 2016. As of December 31, 2016, we had sold 2,780,087 shares under the agreement for proceeds of approximately $8.1 million, net of commissions and fees of approximately $166 thousand. Common Stock Repurchase Program On May 8, 2012, we announced that our board of directors approved a stock repurchase program. Under the program, we are authorized to repurchase up to 20 million shares of our outstanding common stock from time to time in open market or privately negotiated transactions, depending on prevailing market conditions and other factors. The repurchase program may be modified, suspended or discontinued by us at any time. As of December 31, 2016, 934,100 shares have been repurchased under the program, at an average price of $3.99 per share, leaving 19.1 million shares that may yet be purchased under the program. The closing price of our common stock at February 20, 2017, was $6.58 per share. Status of Warrants As of December 31, 2015, we had 2,249,550 warrants outstanding, with each warrant exercisable for 0.1622 of a share of our common stock at an exercise price of $6.17 per share. The warrants expired in March 2016, and there were no warrants outstanding as of December 31, 2016. Preferred Stock Our certificate of incorporation authorizes us to issue 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.25 per share. The preferred stock is issuable in series with such voting rights, if any, designations, powers, preferences and other rights and such qualifications, limitations and restrictions as may be determined by our board of directors. The board may fix the number of shares constituting each series and increase or decrease the number of shares of any series. As of December 31, 2016, 157,816 shares of Series B preferred stock were outstanding. Our Series B preferred stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “HL PB.” Ranking The Series B preferred stock ranks senior to our common stock and any shares of Series A junior participating preferred stock (none of which have ever been issued) with respect to payment of dividends, and amounts due upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up. While any shares of Series B preferred stock are outstanding, we may not authorize the creation or issuance of any class or series of stock that ranks senior to the Series B preferred stock as to dividends or amounts due upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up without the consent of the holders of 66 2/3% of the outstanding shares of Series B preferred stock and any other series of preferred stock ranking on a parity with the Series B preferred stock as to dividends and amounts due upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, voting as a single class without regard to series. Dividends Series B preferred stockholders are entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the board of directors out of our assets legally available therefor, cumulative cash dividends at the rate per annum of $3.50 per share of Series B preferred stock. Dividends on the Series B preferred stock are payable quarterly in arrears on October 1, January 1, April 1 and July 1 of each year (and, in the case of any undeclared and unpaid dividends, at such additional times and for such interim periods, if any, as determined by the board of directors), at such annual rate. Dividends are cumulative from the date of the original issuance of the Series B preferred stock, whether or not in any dividend period or periods we have assets legally available for the payment of such dividends. Accumulations of dividends on shares of Series B preferred stock do not bear interest. All quarterly dividends on our Series B preferred stock for 2014, 2015 and 2016 were declared and paid in cash. Redemption The Series B preferred stock is redeemable at our option, in whole or in part, at $50 per share, plus all dividends undeclared and unpaid on the Series B preferred stock up to the date fixed for redemption. Liquidation Preference The Series B preferred stockholders are entitled to receive, in the event that we are liquidated, dissolved or wound up, whether voluntary or involuntary, $50 per share of Series B preferred stock plus an amount per share equal to all dividends undeclared and unpaid thereon to the date of final distribution to such holders (the “Liquidation Preference”), and no more. Until the Series B preferred stockholders have been paid the Liquidation Preference in full, no payment will be made to any holder of Junior Stock upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up. The term “junior stock” means our common stock and any other class of our capital stock issued and outstanding that ranks junior as to the payment of dividends or amounts payable upon liquidation, dissolution and winding up to the Series B preferred stock. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, our Series B preferred stock had a Liquidation Preference of $7.9 million. Voting Rights Except in certain circumstances and as otherwise from time to time required by applicable law, the Series B preferred stockholders have no voting rights and their consent is not required for taking any corporate action. When and if the Series B preferred stockholders are entitled to vote, each holder will be entitled to one vote per share. Conversion Each share of Series B preferred stock is convertible, in whole or in part at the option of the holders thereof, into shares of common stock at a conversion price of $15.55 per share of common stock (equivalent to a conversion rate of 3.2154 shares of common stock for each share of Series B preferred stock). The right to convert shares of Series B preferred stock called for redemption will terminate at the close of business on the day preceding a redemption date (unless we default in payment of the redemption price). Stock Award Plans We use stock-based compensation plans to aid us in attracting, retaining and motivating our employees, as well as to provide us with the ability to provide incentives more directly linked to increases in stockholder value. These plans provide for the grant of options to purchase shares of our common stock, the issuance of restricted stock units, and other equity-based awards. Stock-based compensation expense amounts recognized for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were approximately $6.2 million, $5.4 million, and $5.0 million, respectively. Over the next twelve months, we expect to recognize approximately $3.2 million in additional compensation expense as outstanding restricted stock units vest. Stock Incentive Plan During the second quarter of 2010, our stockholders voted to approve the adoption of our 2010 Stock Incentive Plan and to reserve up to 20,000,000 shares of common stock for issuance under the plan. The board of directors has broad authority under the 2010 plan to fix the terms and conditions of individual agreements with participants, including the duration of the award and any vesting requirements. As of December 31, 2016, there were 8,302,326 shares available for future grant under the 2010 plan. Directors’ Stock Plan In 1995, we adopted the Hecla Mining Company Stock Plan for non-employee directors (the “Directors’ Stock Plan”), which may be terminated by our board of directors at any time. Each non-employee director is credited on May 30 of each year with that number of shares determined by dividing $24,000 by the average closing price for our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange for the prior calendar year. All credited shares are held in trust for the benefit of each director until delivered to the director. Delivery of the shares from the trust occurs upon the earliest of: (1) death or disability; (2) retirement; (3) a cessation of the director’s service for any other reason; or (4) a change in control. The shares of our common stock credited to non-employee directors pursuant to the Directors’ Stock Plan may not be sold until at least six months following the date they are delivered. A maximum of one million shares of common stock may be granted pursuant to the Directors’ Stock Plan. During 2016, 2015, and 2014, 68,462, 48,244, and 39,468 shares, respectively, were credited to the non-employee directors. During 2016, 2015 and 2014, $271,000, $150,000, and $109,000, respectively, was charged to general and administrative expense associated with the Directors’ Stock Plan. At December 31, 2016, there were 438,459 shares available for grant in the future under the plan. In addition to the foregoing, in May of each year, each non-employee director is also granted additional common stock under our 2010 Stock Incentive Plan. For 2016, 2015, and 2014, 120,911, 186,888, and 110,910 shares, respectively, were credited to the non-employee directors, and $532,000, $456,000, and $366,000 respectively, was charged to operations associated with the 2010 Stock Incentive Plan. Restricted Stock Units Unvested restricted stock units granted by the board of directors to employees are summarized as follows:
|  | Shares |  |  | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share |
Unvested, January 1, 2016 |  |  | 3,375,798 |  |  | $ | 2.73 |
Granted (unvested) |  |  | 1,138,669 |  |  | $ | 4.40 |
Canceled |  |  | (205,032 | ) |  | $ | 2.70 |
Distributed (vested) |  |  | (1,573,871 | ) |  | $ | 2.82 |
Unvested, December 31, 2016 |  |  | 2,735,564 |  |  | $ | 3.41 |
The 2,735,564 unvested units at December 31, 2016 are scheduled to vest as follows:
| 790,253 |  | in June 2017 |
| 650,137 |  | in July 2017 |
| 379,743 |  | in June 2018 |
| 579,437 |  | in July 2018 |
| 335,994 |  | in June 2019 |
Unvested units may be forfeited by participants through termination of employment in advance of vesting. Since the earliest grant date of unvested units (which was 2014), we have recognized approximately $4.8 million in compensation expense, including approximately $3.6 million recognized in 2016, and expect to record an additional $4.5 million in compensation expense over the remaining vesting period related to these units. The latest vesting date for unvested units as of December 31, 2016 is June 2019. In connection with the vesting of restricted stock units and other stock grants, employees have in the past, at their election and when permitted by us, chosen to satisfy their tax withholding obligations through net share settlement, pursuant to which we withhold the number of shares necessary to satisfy such withholding obligations. Pursuant to such net settlements, in 2016 we repurchased 1,010,509 shares valued at approximately $3.5 million, or approximately $3.44 per share. In 2015, we withheld 613,698 shares valued at approximately $1.9 million, or approximately $3.05 per share. These shares become treasury shares unless we cancel them.

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- Definition The entire disclosure for shareholders' equity comprised of portions attributable to the parent entity and noncontrolling interest, including other comprehensive income. Includes, but is not limited to, balances of common stock, preferred stock, additional paid-in capital, other capital and retained earnings, accumulated balance for each classification of other comprehensive income and amount of comprehensive income. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 310 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (SAB Topic 4.E) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27010918&loc=d3e74567-122707 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21484-112644 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(29)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21488-112644 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08(e)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(31)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (SAB Topic 4.C) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187143-122770 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(30)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21506-112644 Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08(d)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690 Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770 Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6405834&loc=d3e23285-112656 Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644 Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Preferred Stock -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6521494 Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21463-112644 Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 11 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21564-112644 + Details
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