Note 3 - Derivative Instruments Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location by Derivative Contract Type (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Remaining Maturity	4 years
Derivative Assets	$ 14,466		$ 16,642
Derivative liabilities	257,717		307,185	430,898
Financial Guaranty Credit Derivatives [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	5,638		6,323
Derivative liabilities	209,948		238,728
Other Credit Derivatives [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	8,828		10,319
Derivative liabilities, net	8,828	[1]
Financial Guaranty VIE Derivative Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	47,769		68,457
Derivative liabilities, net	(47,769)	[2]
Radian Group Consolidated [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	14,466		16,642
Derivative liabilities	257,717		307,185
Derivative liabilities, net	$ (243,251)		$ (290,543)

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

[2] Represents the fair value of a CDS included in a VIE that we have consolidated.