Note 4 - Derivative Instruments Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location by Derivative Contract Type (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	$ 16,642		$ 13,609
Derivative liabilities	307,185		266,873	126,006
Financial Guaranty Credit Derivatives [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	6,323		12,024
Derivative liabilities	238,728		196,406
Financial Guaranty VIE Derivative Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	68,457		70,467
Derivative liabilities, net	(68,457)	[1]
NIMS related and other [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	10,319		1,585
Derivative liabilities, net	10,319	[2]
Radian Group Consolidated [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	16,642		13,609
Derivative liabilities	307,185		266,873
Derivative liabilities, net	$ (290,543)		$ (253,264)

[1] Represents the fair value of a CDS included in a VIE that we have consolidated. See Note 6 for more information on this transaction, the underlying reference securities and our maximum exposure to loss from this consolidated financial guaranty transaction. The assets in the VIE represent the only funds available to pay the CDS Counterparty for amounts due under the contract; therefore, the notional exposure presented for the CDS is limited to the current trust assets.

[2] Represents derivative assets related to other purchased derivatives for which we do not have loss exposure that exceeds our net asset amount.