Note 3 - Segment Reporting Reconciliation of Segment to Consolidated Results Pretax (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Net gains (losses) on investments and other financial instruments		$ (2,851)	$ 31,286
Loss on induced conversion and debt extinguishment		(4,456)	(55,570)
Acquisition-related (expenses) benefits	[1]	(8)	(205)
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets		(3,296)	(3,328)
Consolidated pretax income from continuing operations		114,670	102,402
Mortgage Insurance Segment
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Adjusted pretax operating income (loss)	[2]	134,633	140,166	[3]
Mortgage and Real Estate Services Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Adjusted pretax operating income (loss)	[2]	(9,352)	(9,947)	[4]
Mortgage Insurance and Mortgage and Real Estate Services Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Adjusted pretax operating income (loss)		$ 125,281	$ 130,219

[1] Acquisition-related expenses represent expenses incurred to effect the acquisition of a business, net of adjustments to accruals previously recorded for acquisition expenses.

[2] Includes inter-segment expenses and revenues as listed in the notes to the preceding tables.

[3] Reflects changes to align our segment reporting structure with recent changes in personnel reporting lines and management oversight related to contract underwriting performed on behalf of third parties. Revenue and expenses for this business are now reflected in the Services segment. As a result, Services revenue, cost of services and other operating expenses have increased, with offsetting reductions in Mortgage Insurance other income and other operating expenses.

[4] Reflects changes to align our segment reporting structure with recent changes in personnel reporting lines and management oversight related to contract underwriting performed on behalf of third parties. Revenue and expenses for this business are now reflected in the Services segment. As a result, Services revenue, cost of services and other operating expenses have increased, with offsetting reductions in Mortgage Insurance other income and other operating expenses.