Note 3 - Segment Reporting Reconciliation of Segment to Consolidated Results Pretax (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Adjusted pretax operating income (loss)		$ 202,070	$ 164,103
Net gains (losses) on investments and other financial instruments		21,913	(18,887)
Acquisition-related (expenses) benefits	[1]	(233)	0
Amortization and impairment of other acquired intangible assets		(2,187)	(2,748)
Impairment of other long-lived assets and loss from the sale of a business line	[2]	(5,427)	(26)
Consolidated pretax income (loss)		216,136	142,442
Mortgage Insurance Segment
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Adjusted pretax operating income (loss)	[3]	208,170	171,711
Mortgage and Real Estate Services Segment
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Adjusted pretax operating income (loss)	[3]	$ (6,100)	$ (7,608)

[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] The amount for the three months ended March 31, 2019 is included in other operating expenses on the condensed consolidated statement of operations and primarily relates to impairments of other long-lived assets. The amount for the three months ended March 31, 2018 is included within restructuring and other exit costs on the condensed consolidated statement of operations.

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