Note 9 - Other Assets Schedule of Other Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Deposit with the IRS (Note 14)		$ 88,557	$ 88,557
Life Insurance, Corporate or Bank Owned, Amount		83,248	82,543
Property and Equipment, Owned, Net	[1],[2]	70,665	46,802
Accrued investment income		29,255	25,620
Deferred policy acquisition costs		14,127	14,267
Reinsurance recoverables		7,368	11,044
Other Assets, Miscellaneous		50,615	45,096
Other assets		343,835	313,929
Property and Equipment, Owned, Accumulated Depreciation		118,500	106,900
Depreciation		11,700	6,700	$ 4,200
Technology Upgrade Related Costs [Member]
Property and Equipment, Owned, Net		$ 49,700	$ 35,900

[1] Includes $49.7 million and $35.9 million in 2016 and 2015, respectively, related to our technology upgrade project.

[2] Property and equipment at cost, less accumulated depreciation of $118.5 million and $106.9 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Depreciation expense was $11.7 million, $6.7 million and $4.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 respectively.