Note 10 - Income Taxes Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Components of Deferred Tax Assets [Abstract]
Accrued expenses	$ 17,487	$ 30,267
Unearned premiums	34,686	35,035
Differences in fair value of financial instruments	1,115	0
Net unrealized loss on investments	16,297	0
State income taxes	67,069	68,577
Partnership Investments	0	47,991
Loss reserves	1,044	1,397
Alternative minimum tax credit carryforward	0	57,086
Goodwill and intangibles	35,068	36,947
Deferred Tax Assets, Deferred Policy Acquisition and Ceding Commission Costs	15,288	14,888
Deferred Tax Assets, Share-Based Compensation	10,776	10,190
Other	13,091	16,421
Total deferred tax assets	211,921	318,799
Components of Deferred Tax Liabilities [Abstract]
Partnership investments	639	0
Differences in fair value of financial instruments	0	3,833
Net unrealized gain on investments	0	6,792
Depreciation	12,201	11,138
Other	2,942	2,446
Total deferred tax liabilities	15,782	24,209
Less: Valuation allowance	64,496	65,023
Net deferred tax asset	$ 131,643	$ 229,567