Note 11 - Reserve for Premium Deficiency First Lien Portfolio (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
First Lien Expected Losses Assumptions [Abstract]
Premium deficiency reserve	3,685	3,644
Financial Guaranty Segment
First Lien Expected Losses Assumptions [Abstract]
Premium deficiency reserve	0	0
Total First Lien Loans [Member] | Mortgage Insurance Segment
First Lien Expected Losses Assumptions [Abstract]
First Lien PDR Discount Rate (Pre-Tax Investment Yield)	1.98%	2.62%
Expected Paid Claim Rate In Our First Lien PDR	11.70%
Paid Claim Rate Percentage Which Would Require Us To Establish A First-Lien PDR	14.50%
Performing Loans [Member] | Mortgage Insurance Segment
First Lien Expected Losses Assumptions [Abstract]
Expected Paid Claim Rate In Our First Lien PDR	6.60%
Nonperforming Loans [Member] | Mortgage Insurance Segment
First Lien Expected Losses Assumptions [Abstract]
Expected Paid Claim Rate In Our First Lien PDR	46.80%