Note 7 - Reinsurance Reinsurance Premiums Written and Earned (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Premiums Earned, Net [Abstract]
Net premiums earned-insurance		$ 242,550	$ 221,800
Mortgage Insurance Segment
Premiums Written, Net [Abstract]
Direct Premiums Written		257,911	239,645
Ceded Premiums Written	[1]	(19,931)	(14,980)
Net premiums written	[2]	237,980	224,665
Premiums Earned, Net [Abstract]
Direct Premiums Earned		258,743	236,062
Assumed Premiums Earned		6	7
Ceded Premiums Earned	[1]	(16,199)	(14,269)
Net premiums earned-insurance		$ 242,550	$ 221,800

[1] Net of profit commission.

[2] Net of ceded premiums written under the QSR Transactions and the Single Premium QSR Transactions. See Note 7 for additional information.