Note 6 - Investments Investment Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment Income, Gross	$ 87,011	$ 70,733	$ 74,948
Investment Income, Investment Expense	(5,474)	(5,078)	(6,827)
Investment Income, Net	81,537	65,655	68,121
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment Income, Gross	81,127	62,352	66,131
Equity securities
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment Income, Gross	4,539	6,287	6,592
Short-term Investments [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment Income, Gross	745	246	255
Other Security Investments [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment Income, Gross	$ 600	$ 1,848	$ 1,970