Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, held-to-maturity securities, fair value	$ 196	$ 199
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	2,914,524	2,887,505
Fixed maturities, trading securities, amortized cost	13,264	13,054
Equity securities, available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	67,977	68,504
Equity securities, trading securities, amortized cost	5,861	5,434
Allowance for doubtful accounts	1,056	1,255
Property and equipment accumulated depreciation	$ 50,222	$ 50,925
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	75,000,000	75,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	25,341,552	25,429,769
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	25,341,552	25,429,769