Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]

11. Commitments and Contingencies

Lease Arrangements

As of December 31, 2014, the Company had entered into non-cancelable leases expiring through November 30, 2054, including renewal options.  The leases are accounted for as operating leases.  The minimum annual rental payments required under these leases are as follows (dollars in thousands):

Year Ended	Amount
2015	$	2,819
2016		2,698
2017		2,709
2018		2,765
2019		2,829
Thereafter		41,952
Total	$	55,772

The Company incurred rent expense of $2.7 million, $2.3 million, and $2.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Other

The Company and Republic are from time to time a party (plaintiff or defendant) to lawsuits that are in the normal course of business.  While any litigation involves an element of uncertainty, management is of the opinion that the liability of the Company and Republic, if any, resulting from such actions will not have a material effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company and Republic.