Note 5 - VIEs NIMS VIEs (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013		Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures
Derivative assets	$ 6,429			$ 13,609
VIE debt—at fair value	107,401			108,858
Statement of Operations
Net investment income	26,873		34,713
Change in fair value of derivative instruments	(167,670)		(72,757)
Net losses on other financial instruments	(5,675)		(17,852)
NIMS VIEs
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures
Derivative assets	1,578			1,585
VIE debt—at fair value	11,062			9,875
Maximum exposure (1)	14,061	[1]		14,061	[1]
Statement of Operations
Net investment income	55		138
Change in fair value of derivative instruments	0		(5)
Net losses on other financial instruments	(1,199)		(2,524)
NIMS VIEs Additional Disclosures
Number Of Remaining NIMS Bonds	2
Net cash inflow	$ 49		$ 3,281

[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.