Note 6 - VIEs NIMS VIEs (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures
Derivative Assets	$ 13,609		$ 17,212
VIE debt - at fair value	108,858		228,240		520,114
Statement of Operations
Premiums earned	738,982		756,025		825,733
Net investment income	114,337		163,520		178,760
(Loss) Gain on Investments	184,888		202,177		139,944
Change in fair value of derivative instruments, gain (loss)	(144,025)		628,395		(558,712)
Net gains (losses) on other financial instruments	(82,269)		193,329		(211,681)
NIMS VIEs
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures
Derivative Assets	1,585		1,602
VIE debt - at fair value	9,875		9,450
Maximum exposure (1)	14,061	[1]	18,515	[1]
Statement of Operations
Net investment income	528		528		364
Change in fair value of derivative instruments, gain (loss)	(279)		(1,624)		(861)
Net gains (losses) on other financial instruments	(4,938)		4,420		(39,583)
NIMS VIEs Additional Disclosures
Net cash inflow (outflow) for VIEs	$ (4,250)		$ (119,137)		$ (187,089)
Number of Remaining NIMS Transactions	2

[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. The maximum exposure is based on the net par amount of our insured obligation as of the reporting date.