Note 7 - Reinsurance Reinsurance Premiums Written and Earned (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016		Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Premiums Earned, Net [Abstract]
Net premiums earned-insurance		$ 229,096	$ 229,085		$ 450,896	$ 450,035
Mortgage Insurance Segment
Premiums Written, Net [Abstract]
Direct Premiums Written		260,647	252,728		500,292	486,654
Ceded Premiums Written	[1]	(19,340)	(20,375)		(34,320)	(227,991)
Net premiums written	[2]	241,307	232,353	[3]	465,972	258,663	[3]
Premiums Earned, Net [Abstract]
Direct Premiums Earned		243,229	248,938		479,291	489,268
Assumed Premiums Earned		7	9		14	18
Ceded Premiums Earned	[1]	(14,140)	(19,862)		(28,409)	(39,251)
Net premiums earned-insurance		$ 229,096	$ 229,085	[3]	$ 450,896	$ 450,035	[3]

[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.

[3] Reflects changes made during the fourth quarter of 2016 to align our segment reporting structure concurrent with 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.