Note 7 - Investments Available For Sale Securities, Proceeds and Gains (Losses) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Proceeds received from redemptions	$ 32,214	$ 50,846	$ 199,551
Proceeds from sales of fixed-maturity investments available for sale	136,217	1,218,460	2,463,626
Proceeds received from sales	52,014	15,033	33,807
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Proceeds received from redemptions	32,214	50,846	199,551
Proceeds from sales of fixed-maturity investments available for sale	136,217	1,218,460	2,463,626
Gross investment gains from sales and redemptions	1,577	23,363	94,974
Gross investment losses from sales and redemptions	(54,050)	(31,024)	(3,397)
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Proceeds received from sales	52,014	15,033	33,807
Gross investment gains from sales and redemptions	6,238	2,006	1,077
Gross investment losses from sales and redemptions	$ (10)	$ (5)	$ (313)

The cash inflow associated with maturities (principal being due), prepayments and calls (requests of early payments) on securities not classified as either held-to-maturity securities or trading securities which are classified as available-for-sale securities.

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+ Details

- Definition

The cash inflow associated with the sale or maturity (principal being due) of securities not classified as either held-to-maturity securities or trading securities which are classified as available-for-sale securities.

+ References

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+ Details

- Definition

The cash inflow associated with the sale of equity securities classified as available-for-sale securities.

+ References

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