Note 14 - Selected Financial Information of Registrant Selected Financial Information of Registrant (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 6,813,855	[1]	$ 6,859,963	$ 5,528,985	[1]
Long-term debt	1,218,972		1,209,926
Total liabilities	4,537,961		4,688,213
Equity component of currently redeemable convertible senior notes	68,982		74,690
Total stockholders' equity	2,206,912		2,097,060
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	6,813,855		6,859,963
Parent Company
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Investments in subsidiaries, at equity in net assets	2,960,604		2,746,915
Total assets	3,870,760		3,759,275
Long-term debt	1,218,972		1,209,926
Total liabilities	1,594,866		1,587,525
Equity component of currently redeemable convertible senior notes	68,982		74,690
Total stockholders' equity	2,206,912		2,097,060
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 3,870,760		$ 3,759,275

[1] Assets held for sale are not part of the Mortgage Insurance or Services segments.