Note 13 - Income Taxes Schedule of Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Components of Deferred Tax Assets [Abstract]
Accrued expenses	$ 60,858	$ 74,968
Unearned premiums	82,800	50,779
Premium deficiency reserves	780	625
NOL	475,095	628,573
Differences in fair value of derivative and other financial instruments	0	31,812
Rescission premium	3,151	5,964
State and Local NOL Carryforwards	34,851	33,095
Foreign tax credit carryforward	6,015	6,015
Depreciation	70	6,783
Partnership Investments	74,179	74,569
Loss reserves	6,362	13,586
Outside basis difference of investment in subsidiary	14,084	0
Foreign currency	97	0
Alternative minimum tax credit carryforward	2,286	0
Other	37,878	31,547
Total deferred tax assets	798,506	958,316
Components of Deferred Tax Liabilities [Abstract]
Deferred policy acquisition cost	4,203	10,410
Convertible and other long-term debt	38,750	47,579
Differences in fair value of derivative and other financial instruments	352	0
Net unrealized gain on investments	26,145	18,163
Foreign currency	0	18
Other	10,981	5,609
Total deferred tax liabilities	80,431	81,779
Valuation Allowance, Amount	17,874	858,635
Deferred Tax Assets, Net	$ 700,201	$ 17,902