Note 6 - VIEs NIMS VIEs (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures
Derivative Assets	$ 16,642		$ 13,609
VIE debt - at fair value	94,645		108,858		228,240
Statement of Operations
Premiums earned	830,894		738,982		756,025
Net investment income	108,088		114,337		163,520
Change in fair value of derivative instruments, gain (loss)	(31,771)		(144,025)		628,395
Net (losses) gains on other financial instruments	(4,736)		(82,269)		193,329
NIMS VIEs [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Number of NIMS Bonds That Matured During Period	1
NIMS VIEs Additional Disclosures
Number of Remaining NIMS Transactions	1
NIMS VIEs [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures
Derivative Assets	0		1,585
VIE debt - at fair value	2,845		9,875
Maximum exposure (1)	5,000	[1]	14,061	[1]
Statement of Operations
Net investment income	242		528		528
Change in fair value of derivative instruments, gain (loss)	636		(279)		(1,624)
Net (losses) gains on other financial instruments	(1,544)		(4,938)		4,420
NIMS VIEs Additional Disclosures
Net cash inflow (outflow) for VIEs	$ (6,111)		$ (4,250)		$ (119,137)

[1] The difference between the carrying amounts of the net asset/liability position and maximum exposure related to VIEs is primarily due to the difference between the face amount of the obligation and the recorded fair values, which include an adjustment for our non-performance risk, as applicable.