Note 3 - Segment Reporting Reconciliation of Segment to Consolidated Results Pretax (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016		Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016		Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Adjusted pretax operating income (loss)		$ 155,619		$ 139,929		$ 444,636	$ 401,533
Net gains (losses) on investments and other financial instruments		2,480		7,711		4,960	69,524
Loss on induced conversion and debt extinguishment		(45,766)		(17,397)		(51,469)	(75,075)
Acquisition-related (expenses) benefits	[1]	(54)		(10)		(126)	(161)
Goodwill, Impairment Loss		0		0		(184,374)	0
Increase (Decrease) in Goodwill and Intangible Assets		(2,890)		(3,292)		(25,042)	(9,931)
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	[2]	(6,575)		0		(6,575)	0
Pretax income		102,814		126,941		182,010	385,890
Mortgage Insurance Segment
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Adjusted pretax operating income (loss)	[3]	168,508		141,814	[4]	473,502	419,116	[4]
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)	[3]	$ (12,889)		$ (1,885)	[5]	(28,866)	$ (17,583)	[5]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss			$ (184,400)			$ (184,374)			$ 0

[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] Included within restructuring and other exit costs. See Note 1.

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

[4] 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.

[5] 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.