Note 7 - Reinsurance Quota Share Reinsurance Transactions (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
Reinsurance Transaction Details [Line Items]
Ceded Premiums Written	$ 18,392	$ 31,389	$ 46,277	$ 69,976
Ceded Premiums Earned	17,880	10,937	35,443	24,903
Initial Quota Share Reinsurance Transaction [Member] | Radian Guaranty [Member]
Reinsurance Transaction Details [Line Items]
Ceded Premiums Written	5,900	25,477	12,022	25,477
Ceded Premiums Earned	7,662	3,098	15,495	3,098
Fees and Commissions	1,475	6,369	3,005	6,369
Second Quota Share Reinsurance Transaction [Member] | Radian Guaranty [Member]
Reinsurance Transaction Details [Line Items]
Ceded Premiums Written	7,580		24,020
Ceded Premiums Earned	4,283		7,121
Fees and Commissions	$ 2,653		$ 8,407