Note 3 - Derivative Instruments Change in Fair Value of Derivative Instruments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	$ 188,726	$ (524,606)	$ 432,618	$ (602,560)
Net Premiums Earned On Derivatives [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	10,473	11,953	21,356	24,116
Financial Guaranty Credit Derivatives [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	181,938	(524,249)	416,512	(608,300)
Financial Guaranty VIE Derivative Liabilities [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	(3,978)	(7,469)	(4,890)	(10,683)
NIMS [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	377	(271)	(1,502)	(485)
Mortgage Insurance Domestic And International CDS[Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	0	(358)	0	(358)
Put Options On CPS[Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	0	(4,212)	0	(6,329)
Other Contract [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	$ (84)	$ 0	$ 1,142	$ (521)