Note 5 - VIEs NIMS VIEs (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures
Derivative assets	$ 9,379			$ 9,379			$ 13,609
VIE debt—at fair value	106,767			106,767			108,858
Statement of Operations
Net investment income	27,615		30,877	54,488		65,590
Change in fair value of derivative instruments	86,535		(33,124)	(81,135)		(105,881)
Net gains (losses) on other financial instruments	1,188		(61,862)	(4,487)		(79,714)
NIMS VIEs
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures
Derivative assets	1,575			1,575			1,585
VIE debt—at fair value	10,963			10,963			9,875
Maximum exposure (1)	14,061	[1]		14,061	[1]		14,061	[1]
Statement of Operations
Net investment income				114		282
Change in fair value of derivative instruments				0		7
Net gains (losses) on other financial instruments				(1,112)		(2,534)
NIMS VIEs Additional Disclosures
Number Of Remaining NIMS Bonds	2			2
Net cash inflow				$ 100		$ (4,351)

[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, as applicable. For those VIEs that have recourse to our general credit, the maximum exposure is based on the net par amount of our insured obligation. For any VIEs that do not have recourse to our general credit, the maximum exposure is generally based on the recorded net assets of the VIE, as of the reporting date.