Note 7 - Investments Investment Income (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Investment Income, Gross	$ 122,160	$ 171,370	$ 186,159
Investment Income, Investment Expense	(7,823)	(7,850)	(7,399)
Investment Income, Net	114,337	163,520	178,760
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Investment Income, Gross	106,418	155,183	174,204
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Investment Income, Gross	10,136	11,559	7,623
Short-term Investments [Member]
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Investment Income, Gross	345	611	1,576
Other Aggregated Investments [Member]
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Investment Income, Gross	$ 5,261	$ 4,017	$ 2,756