Note 7 - Investments Available For Sale Securities, Proceeds and Gains (Losses) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Proceeds received from redemptions	$ 9,269	$ 5,909	$ 32,214
Proceeds from sales of fixed-maturity investments available for sale	22,248	79,534	136,217
Proceeds received from sales	0	31,235	52,014
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Proceeds received from redemptions	9,269	5,909	32,214
Proceeds from sales of fixed-maturity investments available for sale	22,248	79,535	136,217
Gross investment gains from sales and redemptions	1,455	4,081	1,577
Gross investment losses from sales and redemptions	(141)	(525)	(54,050)
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Proceeds received from sales	10,503	31,234	52,014
Gross investment gains from sales and redemptions	349	5,070	6,238
Gross investment losses from sales and redemptions	$ 0	$ 0	$ (10)