Note 7 - Reinsurance Reinsurance Premiums Written and Earned (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Premiums Earned, Net [Abstract]
Net premiums earned-insurance		$ 238,149	$ 227,433	$ 688,184	$ 689,465
Mortgage Insurance Segment
Premiums Written, Net [Abstract]
Direct Premiums Written		261,456	253,262	748,110	766,708
Assumed Premiums Written		0	7	0	62
Ceded Premiums Written	[1]	(20,457)	(11,101)	(248,448)	(31,612)
Net premiums written	[2]	240,999	242,168	499,662	735,158
Premiums Earned, Net [Abstract]
Direct Premiums Earned		258,074	242,260	747,342	734,221
Assumed Premiums Earned		9	10	27	33
Ceded Premiums Earned	[1]	(19,934)	(14,837)	(59,185)	(44,789)
Net premiums earned-insurance		$ 238,149	$ 227,433	$ 688,184	$ 689,465

[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.