Note 3 - Properties, Plants, Equipment and Mineral Interests, and Lease Commitments - Major Components of Property, Plants, Equipment and Mineral Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 2,874,778	$ 2,627,088
Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization	842,093	730,277
Net carrying value	2,032,685	1,896,811
Mining Properties Including Asset Retirement Obligations [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	403,935	372,935
Mine Development [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	347,356	291,780
Plant and Equipment [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	814,091	738,065
Land [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	26,229	21,362
Mineral Interests [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	952,382	907,791
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 330,785	$ 295,155

Amount of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization for physical assets used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services.

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Amount before accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization of physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, and furniture and fixtures.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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