Note 8 - Notes Payable - Summary of Variable Interest Entities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents	$ 101,049	$ 60,968
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	65,184	80,786
Loans, interest and fees receivable, at fair value	5,394	6,306
Loans, interest and fees receivable, gross	562,472	541,344
Allowances for uncollectible loans, interest and fees receivable	(85,319)	(79,211)
Deferred revenue	(47,251)	(43,897)
Total Assets held by VIEs	636,234	582,608	$ 432,912
Notes Payable, at face value held by VIEs	408,242	390,927
Notes Payable, at fair value held by VIEs	4,776	5,651
Maximum exposure to loss due to involvement with VIEs	454,500	438,500
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents	41,100	16,800
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	45,700	61,000
Loans, interest and fees receivable, at fair value	4,800	5,700
Loans, interest and fees receivable, gross	453,100	403,400
Allowances for uncollectible loans, interest and fees receivable	(76,500)	(57,400)
Deferred revenue	(16,900)	(13,200)
Total Assets held by VIEs	451,300	416,300
Notes Payable, at face value held by VIEs	382,400	366,700
Notes Payable, at fair value held by VIEs	$ 4,800	$ 5,700