Note 10 - Income Taxes Schedule of Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Components of Deferred Tax Assets [Abstract]
Accrued expenses	$ 41,219	$ 38,456
Unearned premiums	67,538	87,609
NOL	179,128	342,002
Differences in fair value of derivative and other financial instruments	0	7,767
Deferred Tax Assets, Unrealized Losses on Trading Securities	6,285	9,801
State and Local NOL Carryforwards	51,875	46,914
Partnership Investments	73,918	74,309
Loss reserves	3,801	4,720
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Alternative Minimum Tax	7,367	5,923
Other	49,511	34,241
Total deferred tax assets	480,642	651,742
Components of Deferred Tax Liabilities [Abstract]
Convertible and other long-term debt	2,212	16,654
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Differences in FV of Derivative and Other Financial Instruments	1,758	0
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment	10,626	6,397
Other	7,356	14,516
Total deferred tax liabilities	21,952	37,567
Valuation Allowance, Amount	46,892	36,230
Deferred Tax Assets, Net	$ 411,798	$ 577,945