Note 3 - Derivative Instruments Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location by Derivative Contract Type (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	$ 27,266,000	$ 26,212,000
Derivative liabilities	313,708,000	723,579,000
Derivative, Fair Value, Net	(286,400,000)	(697,400,000)
Financial Guaranty Credit Derivatives [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	22,210,000	14,480,000
Derivative liabilities	294,877,000	704,353,000
Financial Guaranty VIE Derivative Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	18,831,000	19,226,000
Net Interest Margin Securities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	4,653,000	10,815,000
Other Contract [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	$ 403,000	$ 917,000