Note 7 - Reinsurance Reinsurance Premiums Written and Earned (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Premiums Earned, Net [Abstract]
Net premiums earned-insurance		$ 229,085	$ 237,437	$ 450,035	$ 462,032
Mortgage Insurance Segment
Premiums Written, Net [Abstract]
Direct Premiums Written		252,728	258,198	486,654	513,446
Assumed Premiums Written		0	8	0	55
Ceded Premiums Written	[1]	(20,375)	(7,124)	(227,991)	(20,511)
Net premiums written	[2]	232,353	251,082	258,663	492,990
Premiums Earned, Net [Abstract]
Direct Premiums Earned		248,938	249,797	489,268	491,961
Assumed Premiums Earned		9	10	18	23
Ceded Premiums Earned	[1]	(19,862)	(12,370)	(39,251)	(29,952)
Net premiums earned-insurance		$ 229,085	$ 237,437	$ 450,035	$ 462,032

[1] Net of profit commission.

[2] Net of ceded premiums written under the QSR Transactions and the Single Premium QSR Transaction. See Note 7 for additional information.