Note 7 - Investments Available For Sale Securities, Proceeds and Gains (Losses) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Proceeds received from redemptions	$ 5,909	$ 32,214	$ 50,846
Proceeds from sales of fixed-maturity investments available for sale	79,534	136,217	1,218,460
Proceeds received from sales	31,235	52,014	15,033
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Proceeds received from redemptions	5,909	32,214	50,846
Proceeds from sales of fixed-maturity investments available for sale	79,535	136,217	1,218,460
Gross investment gains from sales and redemptions	4,081	1,577	23,363
Gross investment losses from sales and redemptions	(525)	(54,050)	(31,024)
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Proceeds received from sales	31,234	52,014	15,033
Gross investment gains from sales and redemptions	5,070	6,238	2,006
Gross investment losses from sales and redemptions	$ 0	$ (10)	$ (5)

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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-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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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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+ Details