Note 8 - Reinsurance Reinsurance Premiums (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Prepaid Reinsurance Premiums	$ 40,491				$ 57,291				$ 40,491	$ 57,291
Premiums Earned, Net [Abstract]
Direct Premiums Earned									973,645	905,502	$ 848,655
Assumed Premiums Earned									43	43	56
Ceded Premiums Earned									(57,780)	(61,017)	(67,291)
Net premiums earned—insurance	226,443	$ 227,433	$ 237,437	$ 224,595	224,293	$ 217,827	$ 203,646	$ 198,762	915,908	844,528	781,420
Mortgage Insurance and Financial Guarantee Contracts [Member]
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Prepaid Reinsurance Premiums	$ 40,500				$ 57,300				40,500	57,300
Mortgage Insurance Segment
Premiums Written, Net [Abstract]
Direct Premiums Written									1,009,409	982,976	1,033,323
Assumed Premiums Written									104	(882)	(904)
Ceded Premiums Written									(41,008)	(56,913)	(81,421)
Net premiums written—insurance									968,505	925,181	950,998
Premiums Earned, Net [Abstract]
Direct Premiums Earned									973,645	905,502	848,655
Assumed Premiums Earned									43	43	56
Ceded Premiums Earned									(57,780)	(61,017)	(67,291)
Net premiums earned—insurance									$ 915,908	$ 844,528	$ 781,420